The entire Accord line-up gets an extensive face lift for 2006 as well as a host of new features and enhancements, along with the addition of a new Accord V6 Sedan with a 6-speed manual transmission designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts. Adding to the available trim levels, the 4-cylinder Accord Sedan models offer a new value oriented Value Package (VP) trim level positioned above the previously available DX and a very well equipped and attractively priced Special Edition (SE) model positioned between the LX and EX models.
"Already the most refined and luxurious Accord ever, the bar has been raised even further for 2006," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Fresh new exterior styling, more horsepower, enhanced interiors and several new high value trim levels will further cement the Accord's position as a top choice of premium mid-size car buyers."
Accord Sedan and Coupe styling takes on a dynamic new and sporting character for 2006. Freshened exterior elements on all Accord's include new front and rear styling with new bumper fascias, front grille, trunk lid design with integrated LED brake lamp and LED taillights. Sedans have restyled rear fenders to accommodate the newly styled LED taillights. Available aluminum wheels are new designs as are the exhaust finishers on select models.
For 2006 all Accords also gain a host of interior improvements including a new steering wheel, new automatic transmission shift knob (if equipped with automatic transmission) and a restyled gauge cluster with a new Maintenance Minder function (indicating oil life and similar factors). Additionally, new seat fabrics are applied in all cloth models and extensive application of new lightweight sound deadening material to improve NVH even further. All Accords have a new rear window tray (since the third brake light is relocated to the trunk lid) as well as a front passenger seat belt reminder.
In keeping with Honda's industry-leading "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Accords come equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features, including dual stage front airbags (SRS), front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS). For 2006, all Accord models gain standard daytime running lights. Also new for 2006, all V6 models come standard with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA). The Accord is among the few vehicles in its class to offer this level of standard safety features while earning a 5-star frontal impact rating from the U.S. government and a "Best Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Powertrain improvements abound across the Accord line-up. The V6 engine's horsepower is increased to 244HP (+4 hp, SAE net revised 8/04*) and the 4-cylinder engine's horsepower is increased to 166HP (+6HP, SAE net revised 8/04*). Horsepower gains were achieved with extensive improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust systems. The 4-cylinder engines are now controlled with Drive-By-Wire (DBW), rather than a throttle cable, providing for smooth operation and enhanced throttle response. (Accord V6 engines already utilized DBW prior to the 2006 model year).
Fuel efficiency remains an Accord hallmark. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission are EPA rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while 4-cylinder models equipped with the 5-speed automatic achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The 3.0-liter V6 models with the 6-speed manual transmission are EPA rated at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway while V6 models with the 5-speed automatic transmission are EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Accord Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient Accord achieving an EPA rating of (TBA) mpg in the city and (TBA) mpg highway. Additionally, the Accord Hybrid is now cleaner than ever, achieving California Air Resource Board AT-PZEV certification for 2006.
The well equipped VP Sedan is the most affordable Accord. It includes a long list of standard features including air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, 120-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, center console with armrest, tilt & telescoping steering wheel, remote trunk/fuel door release, rear window defroster, folding/lockable rear seatback and immobilizer theft deterrent system.
The Accord LX Coupe and Sedan 4-cylinder models add popular features such as dual power mirrors, a 120-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers, map lights and illuminated vanity mirrors. Accord LX 4-cylinder Coupes add standard alloy wheels and painted side sills. Accord Coupe LX V6 models receive a new 17" alloy wheel and tire package, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), heated power side mirrors, and a power moonroof with tilt feature.
The very well equipped Accord SE 4-cylinder Sedan offers an even more extensive list of premium features, including 16" alloy wheels, 6 disc in-dash changer, steering wheel audio controls, rear disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), body color painted side sills and simulated carbon fiber interior accents.
The Accord EX remains as the most premium trim level for the Accord line-up. All Accord models include a 120-watt AM/FM 6 disc changer audio system, alloy wheels, power adjustable driver's seat, power moonroof with tilt feature and new heated exterior side mirrors. Accord EX 4-cylinder models are available with leather seating surfaces with heated front seats. Leather equipped Accords also include dual climate control and XM® Satellite Radio. All Accord V6 models receive a performance oriented 17" alloy wheel and tire package as well as revised suspension bushings and damping rates for enhanced ride and handling. Additionally, all V6 Accords now include standard Vehicle Stability Assist.
For the first time ever the Accord EX V6 Sedan is available with a short throw 6-speed manual transmission (6MT). Exclusive features included with the Accord Sedan EX V6 6MT are simulated Carbon Fiber interior accents as well as the 180-watt AM/FM/XM 6 disc changer premium audio system from the Accord Coupe V6 6MT. An exclusive 17" wheel is also applied to the Accord Sedan V6 6MT and shared only with its performance oriented sibling, the Accord Coupe V6 6MT.
Now in its second year, the Accord Hybrid gains the same interior and exterior overhaul as all Accords. On top of being the most powerful Accord ever offered, it now has the added distinction of being among the cleanest Accords ever, achieving California Air Resources Board AT-PZEV certification for the 2006 MY. Additionally, several new standard features have been added, including a power moonroof, VSA and a temporary-use spare tire.
The exterior of the Accord Hybrid has several enhancements that will further distinguish it from other Accords. In the front a new chin spoiler has been applied, while in the rear a revised rear spoiler and rear diffuser are added. Additionally, heated side mirrors with built-in turn signals and an exclusive taillight design are added. Upgrades also include two exclusive exterior colors: Silver Frost Metallic and Premium White Pearl.
Complimenting the sporty new styling of the Accord is a broad range of new colors that include Alabaster Silver Metallic, Carbon Bronze Pearl and Royal Blue Pearl. Additionally, Sapphire Blue Pearl is now available on some sedan models and Cool Blue Metallic is available on select Coupe models.
*For the 2006 model year, all Honda horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into affect in January of 2005. These new calculations reflect a number of significant changes in the way horsepower and torque are measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Honda press materials will specify "SAE net (Rev 8/04") after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.
