KansasCity.com's view

The sixth generation Honda Accord would do Houdini proud.

The 106.9-inch wheelbase is the same as its predecessor. Overall length and

width vary by less than one-half inch, yet there is 3.6 more inches of rear-seat legroom, a bigger trunk and more hip and shoulder room both front and back. Passenger volume is up by seven cubic feet, which makes it larger inside than the Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus. It is now classified as a mid-size car, yet its shadow is the same size.

Honda’s sleight-of-hand is evident throughout the fifth redesign of this

popular family sedan. Nearly everything is new or improved. The standard

2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine and the optional 3.0-liter V6 put out more power than last year’s cars. Price, too, has remained essentially the same while content has been increased.

The 1998 Accord is a global car. Four different models are derived from one

common but flexible platform to suit various global markets. Styling, width,

length, wheelbase and even the interior volume would be different for each

market. The car for our market is built only in the U.S. at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio, plant. It has 97 percent domestic content.

There are five trim levels, with prices that range from $15,100 for the DX to $24,150 for the luxurious EX. In the past, the V6 was only available on the top model, but this year it can be specified on the LX and EX. I drove a V6-powered LX, which is likely to be one of the most popular models. Standard equipment includes: power windows, locks and mirrors; anti-lock, four-wheel-disc brakes; automatic transmission; tilt steering wheel; cruise control; AM/FM stereo cassette; and air conditioning with micron air filtration. With a price of $21,945, including freight, it represents a terrific value.

A two-door coupe with its own distinct body is also available.

The 200-horsepower V6, which is all new this year, sparkles with power. It

snaps to attention at the slightest nudge of the throttle and goes about its

business so seamlessly that you can hardly tell it is there. Out on the open

road the Accord whizzes along so quietly, so smoothly that I had to keep an

eagle eye on the speedometer. Even well past 70 mph it felt so tight and

composed you would swear it came from Germany and not the U.S.

A feeling of mechanical harmony is evident in the entire vehicle, from the way the transmission kicks down when you want extra power to the elegant touch of the heater controls.

The redesign has been very conservative. Its profile is fairly upright and angular, yet the edges are rounded for softness. An advisory committee of American dealers played a role in determining its design, and customers were surveyed too. Durability, reliability, value, quality and low maintenance had greatest importance, and those values are reflected in the new design, which is conservative but functional.

Inside, the new car looks mu ch like the old one, even though everything is

new. The radio and climate controls are housed in a section of the dash that

curves gently down so they can be reached easily. The heater’s knobs are a good example of the thoroughness of thought that permeates the interior: They are large enough to be used with gloves, and glide with precision. Directing airflow is done with push buttons. A large storage bin sits between the dash and console, providing a good place for the odds and ends we all carry in our cars these days.

Our test car’s seats were firm yet comfortable, and their ribbed cloth

upholstery was a nice touch. The back seat’s center armrest has drink holders

and a lockable pass-through to the trunk, which could be used for carrying

skis.

The fold-down back seat increases hauling space, but the V-shaped opening

between the trunk and seat is narrow enough to restrict you from hauling wide

objects. The small opening adds to the body str ture’s rigidity, but it would

be more useful if it was a uniform width.

The trunk is wide and flat, with built-in storage pockets.

A five-link, independent rear suspension is completely new for this model.

Along with a refined front suspension, it provides for precise handling and a

ride that is the firmest I have felt in an Accord.

This new Accord is a bold step for Honda because it illustrates the company’s willingness to let each market decide the kind of car it gets, which is a radical way of producing a global vehicle. On top of that, it has added content while holding the price.

Price

The base price for the V6 LX is $21,550. Destination is $395, which brings the sticker price to $21,945.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto

manufacturers.

Point: The 1998 Accord has more room, more power and greater technical

sophistication, yet its price is no higher than last year. It is now a true

mid-size sedan in terms of interior space, yet overall size remains the same.

Counterpoint: Some folks may find the ride too firm, and the narrow,

V-shaped hole between the trunk and back seat limits the width of items that

will fit there.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 3.0-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: automatic

WHEELBASE: 106.9 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,053 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $21,550

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $21,945

MPG RATING: 21 city, 28 hwy.