Honda Accord EX

First Place: Honda Accord EX
The voting was close from fourth place through second. But our winner ran away in a landslide: Every one of our six test drivers ranked the Honda first in this comparo.

The Accord is one of those rare machines that leaves you marveling at its brilliance. The 24-valve, VTEC-equipped 3.0-liter six easily leads the group in horsepower (240), yet it returns the second-best fuel economy and runs on regular unleaded. Coupled to a sophisticated five-speed automatic, the V-6 propels the Accord from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds--again, a field-topping performance. The engine is a paradigm of refinement, too. "As smooth and quiet as an electric motor," writes one driver. "What's to fault here?"

The chassis is surprisingly firm for a family four-door, probably too firm if you're after whipped-cream cushiness. "The most BMW-like ride in the group," reads one logbook entry. "Tight ride, but a higher-tech damping feel than in the Mitsubishi." Walton also sings the suspension's praises. "I felt very comfortable in the slalom. The Accord's all-season tires gave up well before the chassis did." The chassis shines at parking-lot speeds as well: The Accord is exceptionally easy to maneuver, turning in the group's smallest circle.

The notebooks overflow with raves for the cabin. "Best instrument cluster in the group: clean, modern, easy to read." "Gorgeous cockpit with rich leather, smoothly integrated curves, appealing metallic accents." "Best seats in the field by far." "Love the thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel." "LATCH child-seat anchors easy to use." "Good rear-seat room; decent trunk." "Spectacular build quality--does anyone do it better?" Our only notable interior criticism: The standard navigation display integrates the radio and climate controls, often forcing you to switch screens just to change some simple settings.

The exterior styling drew a range of reviews. One of our testers denounced it as "modern jelly-bean." Others applauded its lean lines and sharply sloping nose. We were unanimous in our admiration for the way the Accord is put together. Notes one entry: "Just looking at the narrow, evenly spaced panel seams, you get the feeling the Accord will still look good 10 years from now."

The EX wears a steep base sticker ($28,890 with destination), but everything is included as standard: power driver and passenger seats, six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, DVD navigation, power glass moonroof, heated leather seats, traction control, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the group's most comprehensive array of standard airbags. Indeed, there is no options list at all.

Sporty, spacious, efficient, luxurious, and beautifully crafted, the Accord EX borders on family-sedan perfection. Drive one, and the next time you and your family pass "The Actual Auditorium Where Madonna Kissed Britney Spears!" you'll be all too happy to keep right on going.

"Sporty, spacious, efficient, luxurious, and beautifully crafted, the Accord borders on family-sedan perfection."

A feud-free zone? The Accord is one family-friendly midsize sedan that's equally satisfying to travel in whether you're behind the wheel or riding shotgun.