2006 Honda Accord Reviews, Pricing & Specs

For the 2006 model year, Honda made a number of styling updates to the Accord, including a heavily revised rear-end design that more closely matches the upright design of the front headlights. Other subtle exterior changes include a new grille and new lower front valence.

The interior changes are subtle as well, including a slightly different colour for the instrument panel and a tweaked steering-wheel-cover design. The shift handle on automatic models also gets an update, so all very minor interior changes. Overall, the 2006 Accord continues to have an upscale cabin feel, though sometimes the controls and dials go for form over function.

Trims for the 2006 Accord are DX-G (sedan body style), LX-G (coupe body style), SE (Special Edition), EX, and EX-L. The DX-G incorporates some standard features for the base trim, including cruise control, air conditioning, and keyless entry with power locks, power steering, and power windows. Features found on upper trims include leather seating, climate control, heated seats for the front row, an upgraded stereo, a rear centre armrest with cup holders, alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and a GPS navigation system. For 2006, a Honda Accord Hybrid is also available with packaging based on the top EX V6 trim.

There are two engines from which to choose on the 2006 Honda Accord. There is a base 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that makes power specs of 166 horsepower (an increase of six hp) and 160 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to front-wheel drive (FWD) through either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

As the trim names suggest, the Accord SE-V6 and EX-V6 both feature the 3.0-litre VTEC V6 engine, putting out 244 hp (an increase of four hp) and 211 lb-ft of torque, routing power to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2006, Honda also added a six-speed manual transmission option to the sedan. This was previously available on only the Accord Coupe.

The Accord's acceleration feels peppy and confident. Retuned suspension components and better sound insulation ensure a composed ride and a quiet cabin, even at highway speeds.

Fuel economy estimates with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission are 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres city, 6.4 highway. With the automatic transmission, the four-cylinder engine returns 9.7 L/100 km city and 6.3 highway. The V6 with manual transmission returns fuel efficiency of 11.4 city and 7.2 highway, and with the automatic, the V6 returns 11.5 city and 7.5 highway. Your fuel economy may vary.

The Honda Accord has plenty of cabin space, with lots of head- and legroom for the driver’s seat and front passenger seat. It also has a surprising amount of backseat head- and legroom. With the front seats slid all the way back, the rear seats still offer adequate legroom for adults.

There are plenty of helpful cubbies and trays in the Accord, including in-door cubbies and a centre stack tray with a retractable cover. The Accord has 371 litres of trunk space, which is respectable for the class but is bested by the Toyota Camry, which has 473 litres of trunk space.

The standard stereo in the DX-G trim has an AM/FM radio, a CD player, and six speakers, while the Honda Accord EX-L is available with an upgraded head unit with a six-disc in-dash CD changer. This top-level stereo comes standard on the EX trim.

The available navigation system receives several updates for 2006, including restaurant information and ratings from Zagat. Behind the touchscreen, this system features increased memory and a faster processor. Satellite radio is not available.

The 2006 Accord comes standard with dual-stage front airbags, side airbags with front passenger occupant detection, an engine immobilizer theft-deterrent system, and an emergency trunk opener. The base car gets anti-lock brakes in front disc and rear drums with electronic brake-force distribution, while some upper trims get four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and stability control.

In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2006 Honda Accord earned the best overall score of Good in nearly all phases of testing. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing, the 2006 Honda Accord five out of five stars in overall front crash testing. It earned four out of five stars for side crash and rollover testing.

A well-maintained Honda Accord should run for well over 150,000 kilometres, and many may even exceed 200,000. Combine this longevity with the Accord's reasonable fuel economy and range of trim levels, and it appears to be an attractive option for a wide array of budgets. Although the Accord is not the most technologically advanced sedan on the market, it's hard to ignore its status as a safe, reliable, and value-laden choice, as both a new car and used car.

Note: Images show a US model.