Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Honda Accord’s Design:
Honda took a hit when the current-generation Accord debuted for 2003, but with hundreds of thousands of the things running around on the nation’s roadways, the formerly daring styling has become familiar and commonplace. Still, the Accord’s new rear end is a huge improvement, especially when underlined by the EX-L V6’s twin exhaust outlets. Together with tweaks at the front, the 2006 Accord is more angular, crisp, clean, and tidy. Previous-generation Acura TL Type-S wheels get recycled for use on the EX-L V6 six-speed, and they look as good on this Accord as they did on the TL – but watch out for curbs. Inside, the Accord is simple, straightforward, and though there’s a whole lotta uninterrupted black inside this ride, the light gray pillar trim and headliner lighten the mood. Restrained use of chrome detailing, subtle carbon fiber trim, and a minimal use of silver plastic is appreciated, but this is clearly styled to accommodate a two-tone décor treatment that could lighten things up a bit more. Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Honda Accord’s Design:
Now that Hyundai has unofficially “borrowed” the previous generation Accord’s taillights for use on the Sonata, it’s fitting that Honda put some new lenses on the rear of its popular sedan. Triangular red taillights hardly seem original, but with the reshaped butt and our tester’s dual chrome pipes, the look is uniquely Accord (or maybe an Acura TL from a distance). Along the flanks is a subtle crease that gives the body some character, as do the lines that flow from the chrome grille up to the A-pillars. For an affordable family sedan, the Accord is hard to beat in terms of appearance, especially considering competition like the dowdy 2007 Toyota Camry. Inside, the 2006 Honda Accord offers a tasteful blend of soft shapes, generous storage, and ergonomics that are satisfying, for the most part. With cupholders featured in each of the four door storage pockets, the total beverage count climbs to eight, while other items should fit into the large glovebox, multiple front cubbies, or expandable trunk. Controls for the radio include large and illuminated buttons on the steering wheel as well as those on the instrument panel, and buttons for the power windows, mirrors, and locks are on the door panels. However, adjusting the climate control system lacked dedicated knobs for fan speed and direction, so we had to dive into the navigation screen to make adjustments. And the sunroof controls, usually located overhead, were on the lower left dash, out of reach for front seat passengers. Brian Chee’s Opinion of the 2006 Honda Accord’s Design:
Design? It’s an Accord. So it’s not the sexiest thing to look at, and for those who like style with their daily drive, move on to cars like the Mazda 6. Shoot, even the new 2007 Toyota Camry has a more exciting, modern style than the 2006 Accord – something that is likely to change when the 2008 model debuts. Judging from the new Civic, you can count on a modern, even futuristic look, as Honda seems to be in the mood for risk-taking designs, though it’s hardly risky when you’ve got the powertrain and the suspension setup dialed in to virtual perfection. If you care less about what the outside of the car looks like, but want the interior to be smartly designed and easy to use, check out the Accord. There are few interiors in this segment as intelligently designed. Controls are logical and easy to use; the steering wheel feels good in hand, and telescopes so that all can achieve the correct driving position. The instrumentation is actually exciting, with colorful graphics and bright lights, put together in a style that says driver’s car, just as the back seat speaks to comfort, if not family function. Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Honda Accord’s Design:
There aren’t many beautiful sedan designs on the road today, but the Honda Accord is one that stands out above the rest. It is handsome and exudes an air of class that would seem to be above its segment. All of the lines work well together and there are no areas that stand out or look odd. I really like the rear three-quarter view of the car. The way the designers incorporated the third brake light works well with the design even though it appears to be borrowed from Cadillac. Top that off with nice dual exhaust tips, color keyed door handles and minimal use of chrome trim and the Accord is a class leader when it comes to style. The design of the interior works as well as the exterior. Smooth, clean lines and nice stitched, heavily grained leather surrounds the occupants. A sliding center console adjusts to make resting your right arm a breeze and nicely padded and stitched door panels are as attractive as they are functional. All gauges are easily seen and controls are easily accessible. I could do without the carbon fiber trim that I feel doesn’t fit the image of the Accord and really dates the look of the interior. Wasn’t carbon fiber cool five years ago? I did find the back seat to be roomy and easy to slide in and out of, and the overall interior feels spacious. Honda knows how to use design to get the most from its cars inside and out.
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