The Accord name has adorned Honda bootlids since the 1980s in Britain. During that time it has built up a loyal following among drivers who consider reliability more important than good looks. But in March 2003 Honda buyers were given a treat: the most recent model looked rather dashing.

The rakish bonnet contrasted well with the high bootlid, giving the Accord a “tarmac kissing” stance and, with the puffed-out wheel arches, a decidedly muscular presence. And if you like the outside then you’ll probably approve of the interior — there is more head, shoulder and legroom than in previous models and the large front seats are among the most comfortable you can find in a car at this price.

Honda was also out to impress with the list of standard equipment, so you find climate control, alloys, CD player and alarm across the range. Safety is also addressed with front and side airbags and antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution.

Under the bonnet was a choice of just two engines, both petrol: a 2 litre producing 153bhp and a 2.4 litre with 188bhp. Neither is likely to let you down in a cloud of blue smoke; Honda’s reputation for reliability is no myth.

On paper the 2 litre looks the better option; it’s lighter on fuel and cheaper to insure. But drive the engines back to back and the gem reveals itself. With 35bhp more, the 2.4 litre always feels quieter and more refined than the 2 litre. Regardless of revs the acceleration is noticeably brisker and if you buy one with the optional five-speed automatic gearbox you will have a power train that can humble many German rivals.

When new a 2.4 litre was about £2,000 more than the equivalent 2 litre but on the second-hand market it costs only about £650 extra.

In February 2004 Honda added a 2.2 litre diesel engine. With 138bhp and 250 lb ft of torque it certainly goes well and has attractive fuel economy in the low fifties. But with second-hand examples still relatively scarce and values strong it can cost more than you think to join the diesel club.

The Accord drives well. As with many Japanese cars the power steering is on the light side and there is precious little feedback through the wheel, but this is something you become used to quickly.

Being a booted saloon rather than a hatchback the Accord tends to be a little quieter, only spoilt by the VTEC engines’ tendency to get thrashy when revved hard. Handling is good. All 2.4 litre cars come with a traction control system. There will be few complaints about interior space although boot capacity lags behind the best in class, the Ford Mondeo.

Hondas may boast Swiss watch reliability but no car can survive neglect. Insist on a full service history. With the earliest of the latest Accords still barely three years old there is every possibility it will still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If so, have it checked by a dealer before the warranty expires.


Safety Front and side airbags as standard

Security Perimeter alarm system and deadlocks are standard

Stereo A CD player is standard on all cars, with a six-disc multichanger on Executive models

Brakes Check rear brake pads as owners report heavier than expected wear

Traction control system Standard on 2.4 litre models

Gearbox Optional tiptronic-style automatic gearbox is superb, so if it appears to be slightly noisy it is a sign that it may have a software problem, which can be simply solved by a Honda dealer

Boot space Although large, the boot is not the best in class and being a saloon it is not as flexible as some competitors

Leather upholstery Standard on all 2.4 and Executive models

Engine Check oil level on diesel engine weekly to avoid potential damage if the level is low

Satellite navigation The touch-screen system is superb. It comes as a standard item on the Executive model and is a popular option on all others. Expect to pay around £250 more for an Accord with factory-fitted satellite navigation

Service history Due every 12,500 miles on both petrol and diesel models

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Honda Accord 2.4 Executive auto
Engine 2354cc, four cylinders
Power 188bhp
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Fuel 30.1mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9sec
Top speed 142mph

THE ONE TO BUY

A 2003 03 registration Honda Accord 2.4 Executive auto saloon with 17in alloys and 40,000 miles on the clock. Pay £12,195 from a Honda dealer or £11,000 privately

OR, FOR THE SAME MONEY...

2001 51 Jaguar X-type 2.5 V6 SE auto
2004 04 VW Passat 2.3 V5 auto
2005 54 Ford Mondeo 2.5 Ghia X auto
2005 05 Mazda6 2.0 TS2 auto


VALUES





Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer