The seventh-generation of the Honda Accord remains one of the most popular cars in America. For 2006, the Accord receives fresh front and rear styling as well as a long list of enhancements and additional standard equipment. Accord Coupe and Sedan models provide more power, more comfort and convenience features, and a comprehensive list of standard safety features that help make the 2006 model the most exciting and well-equipped Accord in its 30-year history.

2006 Honda Accord

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Honda Accord

The entire Accord line-up gets an extensive face lift for 2006 as well as a host of new features and enhancements, along with the addition of a new Accord V6 Sedan with a 6-speed manual transmission designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts. Adding to the available trim levels, the 4-cylinder Accord Sedan models offer a new value oriented Value Package (VP) trim level positioned above the previously available DX and a very well equipped and attractively priced Special Edition (SE) model positioned between the LX and EX models.


Already the most refined and luxurious Accord ever, the bar has been raised even further for 2006," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Fresh new exterior styling, more horsepower, enhanced interiors and several new high value trim levels will further cement the Accord's position as a top choice of premium mid-size car buyers."


Accord Sedan styling takes on a dynamic new and sporting character for 2006. Freshened exterior elements on all Accord's include new front and rear styling with new bumper fascias, front grille, trunk lid design with integrated LED brake lamp and LED taillights. Sedans have restyled rear fenders to accommodate the newly styled LED taillights. Available aluminum wheels are new designs as are the exhaust finishers on select models.


For 2006 all Accords also gain a host of interior improvements including a new steering wheel, new automatic transmission shift knob (if equipped with automatic transmission) and a restyled gauge cluster with a new Maintenance Minder function (indicating oil life and similar factors). Additionally, new seat fabrics are applied in all cloth models and extensive application of new lightweight sound deadening material to improve NVH even further. All Accords have a new rear window tray (since the third brake light is relocated to the trunk lid) as well as a front passenger seat belt reminder.


In keeping with Honda's industry-leading "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Accords come equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features, including dual stage front airbags (SRS), front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS). For 2006, all Accord models gain standard daytime running lights. Also new for 2006, all V6 models come standard with Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA). The Accord is among the few vehicles in its class to offer this level of standard safety features while earning a 5-star frontal impact rating from the U.S. government and a "Best Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).


Powertrain improvements abound across the Accord line-up. The V6 engine's horsepower is increased to 244HP (+4 hp, SAE net revised 8/04*) and the 4-cylinder engine's horsepower is increased to 166HP (+6HP, SAE net revised 8/04*). Horsepower gains were achieved with extensive improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust systems. The 4-cylinder engines are now controlled with Drive-By-Wire (DBW), rather than a throttle cable, providing for smooth operation and enhanced throttle response. (Accord V6 engines already utilized DBW prior to the 2006 model year).


Fuel efficiency remains an Accord hallmark. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission are EPA rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while 4-cylinder models equipped with the 5-speed automatic achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The 3.0-liter V6 models with the 6-speed manual transmission are EPA rated at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway while V6 models with the 5-speed automatic transmission are EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Accord Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient Accord achieving an EPA rating of (TBA) mpg in the city and (TBA) mpg highway. Additionally, the Accord Hybrid is now cleaner than ever, achieving California Air Resource Board AT-PZEV certification for 2006.


The well equipped VP Sedan is the most affordable Accord. It includes a long list of standard features including air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, 120-watt AM/FM/CD audio system, center console with armrest, tilt & telescoping steering wheel, remote trunk/fuel door release, rear window defroster, folding/lockable rear seatback and immobilizer theft deterrent system.


The Accord Sedan 4-cylinder models add popular features such as dual power mirrors, a 120-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers, map lights and illuminated vanity mirrors. Accord LX 4-cylinder Coupes add standard alloy wheels and painted side sills. Accord Coupe LX V6 models receive a new 17" alloy wheel and tire package, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)), heated power side mirrors, and a power moonroof with tilt feature.


The very well equipped Accord SE 4-cylinder Sedan offers an even more extensive list of premium features, including 16" alloy wheels, 6 disc in-dash changer, steering wheel audio controls, rear disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), body color painted side sills and simulated carbon fiber interior accents.


The Accord EX remains as the most premium trim level for the Accord line-up. All Accord models include a 120-watt AM/FM 6 disc changer audio system, alloy wheels, power adjustable driver's seat, power moonroof with tilt feature and new heated exterior side mirrors. Accord EX 4-cylinder models are available with leather seating surfaces with heated front seats. Leather equipped Accords also include dual climate control and XM(R) Satellite Radio. All Accord V6 models receive a performance oriented 17" alloy wheel and tire package as well as revised suspension bushings and damping rates for enhanced ride and handling. Additionally, all V6 Accords now include standard Vehicle Stability Assist.


For the first time ever the Accord EX V6 Sedan is available with a short throw 6-speed manual transmission (6MT). Exclusive features included with the Accord Sedan EX V6 6MT are simulated Carbon Fiber interior accents as well as the 180-watt AM/FM/XM 6 disc changer premium audio system from the Accord Coupe V6 6MT. An exclusive 17" wheel is also applied to the Accord Sedan V6 6MT and shared only with its performance oriented sibling, the Accord Coupe V6 6MT.


Complimenting the sporty new styling of the Accord is a broad range of new colors that include Alabaster Silver Metallic, Carbon Bronze Pearl and Royal Blue Pearl. Additionally, Sapphire Blue Pearl is now available on some sedan models and Cool Blue Metallic is available on select Coupe models.

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Model Lineup

The Honda Accord comes in nearly three dozen combinations when all the engines, body styles, transmissions and trim levels are all tallied up. But choosing one is easier than it may sound. Your first choice is to decide whether you want a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. Next decide whether you want a V6 or four-cylinder engine, and whether you want a manual or automatic transmission. Then decide whether you want cloth or leather upholstery. Sedans are available in VP, LX, and EX trim.

The VP is new for 2006 and replaces last year's DX. It's better equipped, and comes standard with air conditioning, cruise control, daytime running lamps, power locks and keyless entry. The VP comes with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission ($17,995).

LX ($19,775) and EX ($22,200) sedans add higher levels of standard equipment. The new LX Special Edition adds 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel-disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), in-dash six-CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, body-color side sills and carbon fiber interior accents. The EX is available with leather upholstery, a DVD navigation system, and XM Satellite Radio.

LX V-6 ($23,950) and EX V-6 ($26,850) add not only a 3.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission, but 17-inch wheels and tires and more luxury equipment as well, including a power glass sunroof and heated side mirrors. All V6 models now come with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and brake assist. Leather is standard on the EX V6.

Driving impressions

The 2.4-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine is smooth and powerful, with a high-quality, mature feel. It's strongest at higher rpm, but never gets buzzy. With new drive-by-wire throttle control and revised valve timing, the 2006 version delivers 166 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. That's 6 more horsepower than 2005 models had, and about the same torque delivered 500 rpm sooner; those new power figures would be more impressive if they weren't adjusted to meet new test procedures instituted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Honda says the actual improvement is closer to 10 horsepower. Additionally, Accord's four-cylinder engine is equipped with Honda's i-VTEC valvetrain, which means the valve timing is continually adjusted according to conditions for strong torque over the entire rpm range. So it's responsive at all engine speeds. Yet it delivers excellent fuel mileage: 24/34 mpg City/Highway with the automatic. It gets even better mileage around town when equipped with the manual, earning an EPA-estimated 26/34 mpg.

The five-speed automatic transmission is incredibly smooth. The drive-by-wire throttle is programmed to cut the gas during upshifts, and its timing is perfect. It's not often that the performance of an automatic transmission is so tight that it stands out.

The gear ratios are perfect and the shifting is buttery smooth. With the manual transmission, acceleration is strong. The 3.0-liter V6 is light and powerful, now rated 244 horsepower and 211 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with VTEC, its broad torque range begins at relatively low rpm. The V6 gets excellent fuel economy: 21/30 mpg with the automatic transmission.