Affordable Family Sedans - Vehicle Personalites - Roadtest

The Accord EX V-6 displays the precision integration and refinement for which Honda is justly known; power and handling are inspiring for those who really like to drive. As is usually the case, you get what you pay for, and the Accord EX is a couple thousand dollars more than the other cars. The quandry is that all this great engineering is wrapped by blend-in-with-the-crowd styling, inside and out. Obviously that's not a problem with the hundreds of thousands of buyers each year who opt for the Accord. It's hard to argue with the package's success, and it represents the strongest possible second-place finish.

Why not spend a little less, but look like we spent a lot more? The Hyundai would make us feel pretty spiffy, and might even leave the neighbors talking. Hyundai's XG300 is a smooth, quiet cruiser packing the upscale features, high content, and distinctive styling of cars costing thousands more. Remove the lone XG300 badge from the trunk, and a lot of people will think you're driving a luxury marque's latest entry-level offering. It remains to be seen if its quality and reliability levels are up to the high standards set by Honda (and Toyota), but the attractive price/equipment quotient and an industry leading warranty go a long way toward addressing those issues.

For some, cars are just transportation. Though we still understand the basic need to move people and their stuff through daily life, we tend to want a bit more. In this case, we like the idea of driving something a little different from the most common cars on the road, whatever we spent. To us, the XG300 represents a great value, presents a gratifying reflection to look at as we're passing storefront glass, and is a quiet, well-equipped pleasure to drive or ride in. Will it knock the Honda Accord off the best-seller list? No. But it will earn its share of buyers who want all of the above.

Personality ProfileDodge Stratus Es* ES model is Dodge's top-of-the-line Stratus* Stratus model was introduced in '95* Completely redesigned for '01, Dodge claims a 13-percent reduction in structural twist and 33-percent reduction in bending* Coupelike profile with a sedan's easy ingress/ egress for five passengers* 2.7L V-6 lifted from Dodge Intrepid SE, but rotated for transverse Stratus installation* Built in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Personality ProfileHonda Accord Ex V-6* EX model is Honda's top-of-the-line Accord* First Accord (hatchback) introduced in '76* Accord sedan first introduced in '79-has been Honda's top seller in the U.S. ever since* Current sixth-generation Accord introduced '98; over 400,000 sold that year* Revised exterior styling for '01 includes new front fascia and hood, plus new taillight and rear decklid design* All '01 Accords sold nationwide meet or exceed California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards* Built in Marysville, Ohio