Hondas are a ticklish case for automotive journalists.  Like many of the big enthusiast magazines, I’ve been accused by readers of having a Honda bias, or of being secretly on their payroll.  And the fact of the matter is, personally I don’t even like Hondas all that much, really.  It’s just that, objectively, they’re that good.

The redesigned 2003 Accord is no exception to this rule.  Revised from the ground up, it’s nearly impossible to find objective complaints in this new family sedan’s design and execution.  Both the four- and six-cylinder engines have been refined, and there are new transmissions to go with them.  Family-friendly options like side-curtain airbags are now available.  Sure, it’s kind of boring, but that’s just me.  And the new Accord is slightly less boring than the old one, so even that’s been improved.

The new look is very sleek and modern, of course.  A wide, visible break between the headlights and larger, shield-shaped grille sets the Accord apart from the crowd.  The trunk has been raised, and its boxy upper edge gives the car a more stately look.  The new Accord Coupe has drawn some criticism for its resemblance to a Mercedes, but the sedan is all Honda.  The new design helps to hide the Accord’s slightly increased size, too.  A stretched wheelbase improves interior room, and the roof is higher.

The new interior looks like it was swiped from the drawing boards over at Honda’s luxury division Acura.  It’s dominated by a center console whose shape mimics that of the grille.  And what’s this?  Wood trim?  In an Accord?  It may not be real wood, but it’s a definite indicator that times have changed.  Bright, LED-based instruments are easy to read day or night, and welcome.  The new Accord feels more substantial, and the large seats are finally comfortable enough for tall drivers to take painless road trips.  Our test car was equipped with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and heated seats, which are standard equipment on the high-line models.  We wished for a cargo net in the trunk, however.  An optional DVD-based navigation system is a new addition to the features list.

Power from the 3.0 liter V6 is acceptable, considering the Accord’s suburban mission in life.  The 240 horsepower engine is boosted 20% over last year’s version and the Accord is one of the most powerful vehicles in its class.  It’s not always obvious, though.  The five-speed automatic transmission puts the power down smoothly, but it doesn’t like to be rushed.  A long wait for downshifts is the tradeoff to the powertrain’s seamless operation.  It will frustrate gearheads and leadfoot drivers no end, but if you treat the Accord like the suburban motion-appliance Honda intends it to be, it’ll never complain.  For more fuel-efficient transport, a 160 horsepower, 2.4 liter four-cylinder is also offered.  Both engines use Honda’s slick VTEC variable valve timing system to improve throttle response and save fuel.

The tires let the suspension down when things get twisty.  It’s a race-inspired, fully independent, double-wishbone system and has been tuned for flat handling, but our test car’s all-season tires ran out of grip quickly.  Handling remained neutral, but the Accord’s limits were noticeably lower than the more aggressive family sedans out there.  The Accord’s twisty-road reflexes are dull, but then this sedan doesn’t pretend to be a sports car either.  Let it be said, however, that more aggressive-driving family men will be happier with a Mazda6 or a Volkswagen Passat.  What the Accord lacks in performance moves it makes up for in strength and safety.  The Accord’s front subframes have been hydroformed, a strong manufacturing technique usually seen on pickup truck frames.  Anti-lock brakes are standard across the board, too.

Our test vehicle was a top-of-the-line EX model, with the V6 engine.  Even with the standard leather interior, the Accord EX stickers for just $26,260 after destination fees are added.  The basic four-cylinder Accord DX starts at just $15,800, and power windows, a tilt wheel and a CD player are standard equipment on the price leader.  It may be boring, but there’s no denying the new Accord is an excellent value.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Honda Accord EX V6, which we tested.
Length:         189.5 in.
Width:            71.5 in.
Height:            57.1 in.
Wheelbase:        107.9 in.
Cargo space:        14.0 cu.ft.
Base price:        $25,800
Price as tested:        $26,260
Engine:         3.0 liter SOHC 24-valve V6
Drivetrain:         five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:         240 @ 6250
Torque:         212 @ 5000
Fuel capacity:        17.1 gal.
Est. mileage:        21/30