2006 Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC 5AT AWD (152 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Just over three years after introducing the seventh generation of the Accord, Honda launched a refreshed version at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Honda showed some signs of slowing its pace in the mid-size sedan segment. Unlike some of the previous generations of the Accord, which were kept on the market for just three or four years, the car manufacturer took a different approach this time. Instead of completely changing the car, it improved it significantly in all areas. However, some of the exterior upgrades were hardly noticeable, and the same went with the car’s interior. For the engineering department, on the other hand, the automaker made a few more substantial changes, especially in the safety department.

Even though the car still looked fresh, Honda knew it could do better. As a result, the car’s front fascia was updated with new headlights that kept the same shape, although their interior was changed. In addition, the upper grille was redesigned, sporting a wider area, and it was adorned with two chromed V-shaped slats that supported the center-mounted H-badge. Due to the redesigned main grille, the automaker had to slightly alter the bumper’s shape, which still featured a trapezoidal-shaped air intake but with clear cuts. It was flanked by available oval-shaped fog lamps and a pair of scoops that brought fresh air to the front brakes.

From its profile, the most noticeable difference was the wheels’ look, which featured a nine-spoke design. In addition, the automaker added new side sills with a more profound aerodynamic shape than their predecessors. Out back, Honda placed a new set of taillights, which followed the same position and shape, albeit with two clear inner lenses for the reversing lights. Like its predecessor, the rear bumper had one or two cuts, depending on the engine.

Inside, there were other small changes that made customers feel happy with the car. The dashboard featured the same layout with a large speedometer in the middle and an LCD at its bottom, flanked by the tachometer on the left and by the fuel and coolant temperature gauges on the right. Furthermore, the center stack was slightly redesigned and had a sound system with an in-dash CD changer for six discs. The bolstered seats covered with velour were standard across the range, while the most expensive version, the Executive, could be ordered with leather upholstery. In addition, the automaker offered the option for a sunroof and a sat-nav unit.

Under the hood, there were some changes that affected the car’s behavior. The two-liter engine was fitted with a drive-by-wire (DBW) system, which helped the electronics keep the car on the road even better. In addition, Honda offered the car the award-winning LKAS (lane keep assist system), fitted with a forward radar. Furthermore, the refreshed version of the Accord was also available with dynamic cruise control. The suspension was also recalibrated so the car could be felt more like a sports sedan than a regular family vehicle.