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New Car/Review

1999 Honda Accord LX V6 Sedan

By Matt/Bob Hagin

Honda Full Line factory footage (16:28) 28.8, 56k, or 200k

SPECIFICATIONS

     Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price              $ 21,700
     Price As Tested                                    $ 22,215
     Engine Type          SOHC 24-valve VTEC 3.0 Liter V6 w/MFI*
     Engine Size                                 183 cid/2997 cc
     Horsepower                                   200 @ 5500 RPM
     Torque (lb-ft)                               195 @ 4700 RPM
     Wheelbase/Width/Length                  106.9"/70.3"/188.8"
     Transmission                           Four-speed automatic
     Curb Weight                                     3263 pounds
     Fuel Capacity                                  17.1 gallons
     Tires  (F/R)                                     P205/65R15
     Brakes (F/R)                          Disc (ABS)/disc (ABS)
     Drive Train                  Front-engine/front-wheel-drive
     Vehicle Type                       Five-passenger/four-door
     Domestic Content                                 75 percent
     Coefficient of Drag (Cd.)                               N/A

PERFORMANCE

     EPA Economy, miles per gallon
        city/highway/average                            21/28/25         
     0-60 MPH                                          8 seconds
     1/4 Mile (E.T.)                     16.5 seconds @ 87.5 mph
     Top speed                                           125 mph

     * Multi-port fuel injection

(This week the team of Matt and Bob Hagin test the sixth generation Honda Accord sedan that was completely redesigned for last year. They agree it has more power, better handling and more space than its predecessor).

MATT - Dad, the Accord LX we had for the week came equipped with a 3.0 liter 200-horse V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission and it really has great performance. Merging into highway traffic is no problem at all. The variable valve timing and electronic control of the valve "lift" puts out enough power so there is really no need for a turbo or supercharger. In addition, the engine size was increased from last year's 2.7 liters to 3.0 liters.

BOB - A five-speed manual transmission isn't offered on the Accord V6 and that's a shame. It would make the care a pavement-burner. But this current redesign resurrects the Accord as one of the best mid-sized sedans offered on the market today. As a result, Honda is selling the new version in astonishing numbers. The Accord V6 sedan comes in two trim lines - top-line EX and LX like the one we had. They both have lots of fancy standard equipment, items like an adjustable steering column, dual power remote-control mirrors, fold-down rear seat backs and air conditioning with a micron air filtration system. Allergy sufferers will appreciate this device which filters out dust and pollen from the incoming air.

MATT - These are nice extras to have as standard equipment so buyers doesn't have to option-up their "dream cars" which pumps up the price to more astronomical heights. Along with standard a/c, the EX Accord has a power moonroof with the tilt feature, a keyless remote alarm, "auto-off" headlights and a upgraded radio with a compact disc player. The EX V6 also adds steering wheel-mounted radio controls and the HomeLink system, in which a garage-door remote and home security systems can be programmed to work from one control module. The Accord cabin is large, and this made installing two kiddie- seats very easy.

BOB - The dash on the Accord is designed so even shorter people can see over the hood with comfort. With the seat back all the way, the fit was perfect and it even fits your brother Brendan, who is six-foot-four. The ride was a bit firm for me, since I like a little more "give." The rear seat has lots of head room for three full-sized adults, but it's a bit snug at the hips. In all, the Accord sedan has over 100 cubic feet of interior space which is several cubic feet larger then the previous version. The last Accord wagon was in '97 but I'd like to see Honda offer it again sometime. It makes sense to have as much interior room as possible in a small car as long as there is enough power to do the job.

MATT - The LX suspension has sway-bars at both ends, along with double-wishbones front and rear with a multi-link setup in back. We liked the standard four wheel disc brakes and ABS (anti-lock brakes) that the V6 sedans have, and they make the Accord stop from 60 in around 140 feet. That's not bad for a car with a curb weight of 3250 pounds. The Accord comes as a coupe, too, and they have very different exterior lines but they share a lot of the same hardware and powertrain equipment.

BOB - I was surprised to read in the Honda press package that there is no seat-belt pre-tensioners, side airbags or traction-control offered on any trim levels. These are things I have taking for granted on newly redesigned cars. But the ride and handling of the new Accord are great and the thing I like the most is that after sitting for long periods of time behind the wheel, I can get out of the car and not feel like I should make a quick trip to the chiropractor.

MATT - Cars like the Honda Accord blur the conventional conception of the term "Made In the U.S.," Dad. More than 400 North-American suppliers provide parts for this new Accord line, and this brings its domestic content to a very high level. The Accord is becoming more and more American with each generational model.

BOB - And that gives new meaning to the phrase "domestic car."