Christian Wardlaw’s Advice about the 2006 Honda Accord:
After a couple hundred miles behind the wheel, I think the 2006 Honda Accord EX-L V6 six-speed is the ultimate modern interpretation of a “sleeper.” It’s got a powerful engine and is blessed with decent handling, but nobody gives it a second glance thanks to anonymous styling. Especially when painted silver, like our test car, this Accord just blends right in – until you rocket away from a traffic light. Sad to say, however, that I’d swap this six-speed manual for Honda’s regular automatic.

This Accord is a “sleeper” in another way, too, because it’s an upscale car hiding in family sedan clothing. With the exception of interior noise at highway speeds, the Accord looks, smells, feels, and drives like a luxury car from the driver’s seat. If you can live without the cachet of a luxury brand on the outside, the Accord EX-L V6 will treat you like royalty on the inside.

Add these attributes to the Accord’s inherent value – fully loaded at less than $30,000, and one of the best resale values in the business – and I can wholeheartedly recommend any version of the Honda Accord. I’m just not sold on this new enthusiast model with its six-speed manual. But that’s probably just because I’m getting old.

Thom Blackett’s Advice about the 2006 Honda Accord:
Here’s a shocker – make sure the 2006 Honda Accord is on your list of sedans to test drive. There’s a reason this car has been so successful for so long with such a broad range of buyers – it does everything well. That 244-horsepower engine is a treat, the design is attractive yet not ostentatious, the interior is roomy and comfortable, and with the exception of a few minor gripes, this ride is solidly built. Just make sure that you’re in the market for a family vehicle, and not a four-door sports sedan, something that the Accord is definitely not. Look elsewhere for more responsive steering and handling, and brakes that are impervious to fade. But for a daily commuter, the 2006 Honda Accord shines.

Brian Chee’s Advice about the 2006 Honda Accord:
Advice? Buy one – or at least look hard. If you’re in the market for a sedan or a coupe, and enjoy driving, the Accord should be way up high on your list. Yep, there are cars out there with more horsepower, more style and even cars that sell at a lower price. But scoring another model that offers a better combination of smart interior design, powertrain excellence, driving feel, and overall value would be quite difficult – if not impossible. And though some competitors – including the segment’s gorilla, the Toyota Camry – are selling thoroughly revised sedans, the 2006 Accord, with a boost in horsepower and a freshened look, will stay relevant until the new 2008 model debuts. The thing about the Accord is that it doesn’t matter so much which model year you buy, because Honda has consistently built its Accord as an excellent driver with great build quality and a smart interior. Sales results say it all: For years, thousands of Americans have chosen the Accord over the competition, over trendy cars of the moment and give-away sales by desperate automakers. There’s a reason, and it lies in the complete package. Whether you choose the four-cylinder or the V6, the Accord may not be very sexy to look at – but it sure is sexy to drive.

Ron Perry’s Advice about the 2006 Honda Accord:
I loved driving the Accord. For the money I think it’s hard to beat. It is, after all, a Honda, so you know you’re getting reliability and good future resale. The stiffer ride didn’t bother me, but if you are looking for a quiet cruiser, you may want to pass on the Honda Accord and maybe check out a Camry.