Let’s be frank: the Honda Accord has the recipe to be a great car.  For one, it has the looks.  Despite having a replacement due in about a year’s time, it’s still pretty sleek.  The lines are taut, purposeful and classic.  Even Honda themselves knew how they got things right the first time that the facelift was mainly limited to modernizing the rear-end: now with triangular LED lamps echoing the US Accord Coupe.  And then there’s the technology; this car has chock full of it—from the VTEC-equipped 3.0-liter V6 to the vehicle stability assist system, rain-sensing wipers and a smart 5-speed automatic among others.  It’s not the lack of space either—as the Accord remains one of the roomiest in its class.  So what gives?  Let’s dissect this car inside and out and see if there’s a genuine executive car trapped underneath a lukewarm market reception.

There are only two criticisms you can throw at the Accord, and personally, these were its make-or-break factors.  First is how it looks too similar to the 2.4 VTi-L.  With the exception of the twin tail pipes, split-alloy wheel design and optional Pearl White Mica paint (you have to pay extra for this), you can’t tell the Accord variants apart.  A trip to the aftermarket shop can, in fact, transform any run-of-the-mill four banger into a V6 wannabe.  While that’s fine if you have a flashy palette to start with, such as the Chrysler 300 or the Toyota Camry, but not when it looks too plain.  Larger alloy wheels and perhaps some modifications to the bumpers and grille should have been done to make the V6 a tad sportier.

This same problem carries on inside the Accord V6, where there’s little differentiation between the variants, be it looks or features.  Although this Accord is still the top dog when it comes to an easy-to-use interior, you have to criticize at the lack of imagination in its execution.  Granted that the materials are first rate all around, the two-tone black/beige interior and dark wood trim is a “been there, done that” affair.  A much more daring choice of interior combinations would have set the Accord V6 apart.  This certainly isn’t helped by the fact that both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder models share almost the same, short list of features.  With the exception of the power moon roof, everything the range-topper has, so does the entry-level model.  With the move of Japanese executive cars into the realm of German luxury compacts, Honda should have provided token items such as rear air conditioning vents, an MP3 capable sound system with auxiliary audio input and so forth.

The second biggest problem with the Accord is the introduction of the new Civic and CR-V.  A look at the newer car’s list of features questions the price increase for Honda’s executive car.  For example, both the top-of-the-line Civic and CR-V have HID headlamps, vehicle stability assist, large alloys (16’s on the Civic and 17’s on the CR-V), climate control and a 6-disc/MP3/aux audio system.  On the other hand, the Accord V6 only has vehicle stability assist in the aforementioned list.  Again, although the Accord certainly has more space than either of the two, both the newly designed Civic and CR-V are slowly creeping up to Accord-levels of space.

Minor changes dot the new Honda Accord. The biggest change is at the back with the triangular LED tail lamps, exposed twin exhaust tips and the revamped 16-inch (?!) alloy wheels.

The global opening/closing system has been retained. Holding the "Unlock" button opens all the doors, windows and sunroof. "Lock" does the complete opposite. Perfect to let Manila heat seep out of the cabin.