MotorMouths

Every Accord is easy to operate, well-engineered and well-mannered. Moving four people comfortably or enjoying the long way home, any Accord is up to the task.

The Accord is probably one of the few Asian mid-sized cars that can actually approach the feel of a European sedan. It has the sharp steering, handling capability, and overall feel of a much more expensive automobile.

For dramatic change you will have to wait a couple years until the fully redesigned Accord arrives. Until then, the 2011 Honda Accord continues as a well-built, value-packed and under-braked family sedan. Some things never change.

The Honda Accord is big on efficiency, whether that means getting the most power and range from a gallon of gas, delivering the most interior space for the exterior dimensions or providing the smoothest ride and highest level of protection with the least weight.

The 2011 Accord looks dated inside and out. Nevertheless, packaging is just one part of the recipe, and with regard to driving dynamics, comfort, user-friendliness, quality, efficiency, and safety, the Accord remains near the top of its class.

We can’t forget its good qualities – comfort, spaciousness, and a drive that we find impressive and enjoyable. But the Accord V-6 lacks the competitive edge the four-cylinder has, especially in price and fuel economy.

A roomy cabin and decent gas mileage will earn the Accord a lot of buyers, but until Honda takes another shot at reimagining the Accord, its days as an automatic choice for a huge portion of family-car shoppers could be numbered.

The 2012 Honda Accord still has a lot going for it, but we think astute shoppers will find that several of its competitors are now more compelling.

The latest Accord remains a good car, for the most part, but if you envision it as the ruler of family sedans, either you’re operating on old information or you’re overly biased in favor of Honda.

Though we admire the 2011 Honda Accord’s nicely weighted and communicative steering, much of the rest of the driving experience is a minor letdown. It no longer features the sort of class-leading materials and construction that used to make its cabin a benchmark.