New Honda Accord Sarasota, FL

Honda offers two engine choices for the Accord Coupe. Base models use a relatively efficient and powerful 2.4-liter inline-four, and higher-end models (our tester) benefit from a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 271 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 251 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Honda has never been known for producing mills that unload gobs of twist in the low end of the rev range, but we’re still relatively impressed with the output of the bent-six. Power delivery is very linear with no abrupt jolts of oomph at different rev points in each gear, but you’ll find yourself downshifting in the Honda Accord to achieve the requisite thrust for jaunts from 40 to 70 miles per hour. Fuel economy for the V6 is rated at 17/25 miles per gallon (city/highway), but we only managed about 21 during our drive. It’s certainly nothing to write home about, but it’s par for the class.

Our test car’s six-speed manual transmission made us eager to move around between the gears. Much like Honda’s 2010 honda civic interior quality, the automaker never ceases to impress with its do-it-yourself gearboxes, even in the larger Accord. Throws from one gear to the next are shorter than you’d think, and with a nicely weighted clutch pedal, gear engagement is reassuringly solid and surprisingly sporty. It’s a slick stick that’s easy to operate and engaging to use, and anyone who values driver involvement should skip the five-speed automatic when going over the options list.

Beyond the fantastic transmission, Honda has done a bit of work to dial in more suspension feedback than you’d find in the sedan. In addition to the larger 235/45 Michelin Pilot tires encompassing 18 -inch alloy wheels (17s are the largest available on the four-door), both the front and rear stabilizer bars are larger on the Honda Accord Crosstour coupe, and the end result is an Accord that’s slightly more agile through the bends. Yes, there’s still body roll that occurs during higher-speed cornering, but we attribute this to the fact that 99.9 percent of Accord Coupe buyers aren’t looking for something that’s dynamically brilliant. Still, the Accord will deliver when hustled, and the end result is greater dynamics than you’ll find in an Altima Coupe.

The Accord Coupe’s steering further strengthens its dynamic feel. Turn-in is sharp with immediate feedback from the front wheels, and the sensation of precision and agility doesn’t lighten up as you work your way through the Accord’s 2.48 turns lock-to-lock. We’ve said it before, but proper steering feel is one of the most crucial sense points in a car’s overall relationship with the driver, and the Accord Coupe certainly delivers.

But when you’re shopping for cars in the $30,000 range, there are plenty of options that are better steers than the Accord. A Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe or Nissan 370Z will deliver a whole lot more in the way of enjoyment, but Honda isn’t trying to compete with these rear-wheel-drive back-road stars. Instead, the Honda Accord automaker is more focused on creating a car that provides ample amounts of luxury without being a complete snoozer on the road. Our loaded-up tester rang in at $32,015 (including the $710 destination charge), and while it might honda accord seem like a relatively hefty price to pay for something that wears an Accord badge, it seems like a pretty fair amount to shell out for something so nicely appointed. By contrast, a similarly equipped Altima Coupe will cost just slightly more, and it isn’t nearly as good to drive or live with as the Honda.

The Accord Coupe fits into an odd segment within the marketplace. Sure, everyone knows the Accord name, but seldom know that a two-door variant exists. And with more functional, practical Honda Accord Crosstour choices available in the $30,000 range, it’s easy to see why the two-door Accord is overlooked. We’d be lying if we said that the Accord Coupe was one of our top five choices in its price range, but it isn’t because we don’t like it – it’s just that, as enthusiasts, better options are available. But for the small amount of people Florida SEO who actually go out and pick one up, they won’t be disappointed. It may be vanilla, but it’s still ice cream.

Used Car Dealer

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted February sales of 80,671, an increase of 12.7 percent when compared to February 2009 results of 71,575, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales of 148,150 Purchase Honda represent an increase of 8.2 percent based on the daily selling rate*.

Honda Division posted February sales of 71,732, an increase of 12.2 percent versus February 2009. The Accord lineup resulted in the most sales of any Honda nameplate for the month with 22,456, an increase Sarasota Honda of 40.6 percent. Additional models with year-over-year sales increases included the Civic, up 5.0 percent to 16,471; and the Odyssey, up 11.4 percent to 7,452.

“A year ago the economy and our industry were at a low point marked with great uncertainty,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “While we remain cautious, we’re happy to see customers Sarasota Used Cars actively seeking Honda products like the all-new Accord Crosstour.” Acura Division sales increased 16.7 percent to 8,939. The MDX led the division with sales of 3,266, an increase of 64.9 percent.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 24 days for February 2010 and 24 days for 2009. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 48 days for 2010, versus 50 days for 2009. All percentages reflect Service Honda’s DSR. J.D. Power and Associates has named the 2007 Honda CR-V, Fit and Ridgeline as the “most-dependable” vehicles in their respective segments in its 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study℠ (VDS).

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles (2007 model year), includes 198 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined St Petersburg Honda by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The industry average for all vehicles in the 2010 VDS survey measured 155 PP100.

The CR-V compact multi-activity vehicle received an overall score of 113 PP100. The Fit subcompact received an overall score of 137 PP100, and the Ridgeline midsize Tampa Honda pickup received an overall score of 109 PP100. The Honda Accord was also among the top three models in the midsize car segment with a score of 103 PP100.

J.D. Power and Associates also measures initial quality of new vehicles. Last year the CR-V and the Honda Ridgeline pickup ranked highest in their respective segments in the company’s Tampa Honda Dealers 2009 Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS). The Honda CR-V ranked highest for IQS in its segment for the third consecutive year, with an IQS score of 93 PP100, and the Honda Ridgeline truck ranked highest in the midsize pickup segment, with an IQS score of 81 PP100.

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research Used Cars Brandon , forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on cell phone ratings, car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.