The Honda Accord was almost the best-selling car in the USA in 1997, beaten to the punch by the Toyota Camry, a worthy competitor. Both of them left the Ford Taurus in the dust.
    For 1998, the Accord sedan has been completely redesigned. Very few parts are common between the 1997 and 1998 models; and the new Accord has 15 percent fewer parts.
    The 1998 model is larger and more refined appearing, with interior room comparable to the Chevrolet Lumina and the Ford Taurus. The 4-cylinder, 2.2-liter engine has been increased in size to 2.3 liters, and power has been increased from 130 hp to 135 hp. The power output of the 2.3-liter, 16-valve VTEC 4-cylinder engine has been upped from 145 hp to 150 hp, and the 2.7-liter, 24-valve 170 hp V-6 engine used in the 1997 models has been replaced by the 3-liter, 24-valve 200 hp VTEC V-6 engine from the Acura CL.
    "Aha," you say, "with all these increases in size and engine power, it must be more expensive." Wrong. The base prices of the 1998 models are comparable to or less than the equivalent 1997 models.
    Also new is an exciting Los Angeles-designed coupe. This Accord, with the higher-power 4-cylinder, 150 hp VTEC engine and sporty suspension, retails for $22,750, while the 6-cylinder, 200 hp VTEC engine bumps the price to $24,545. The more powerful V-6 motor really gets the job done, no matter what road it’s on. The coupe has its own racy look and feel, with a great combination of handling and power.
    The entry level Accord 4-cylinder, five-speed DX is priced at $15,100, and prices increase through the 4-cylinder LX, EX, V6 LX to the top of the line V6 EX priced at $24,150. In addition, Honda offers what it calls an Accord ULEV EX. This vehicle meets California's Ultra Low Vehicle Emission standards, and comes well equipped, with no options offered, for a retail price of $22,750.

The completely redesigned 1998 Honda Accord is larger and refined.

    Honda's products have been noted for their technical innovations, particularly smooth, quiet, clean-burning engines, ease of driving and longevity. The new Accord retains these attributes. The longevity of new models can only be measured over time, but if past models are used as a yardstick, 200,000 or more relatively trouble-free miles should be no problem for a well-maintained car. The VTEC (variable valve timing) engines, in all but the entry-level Accord DX, are a marvel of engineering. The ultra low emissions from the ULEV engine are unmatched by internal combustion engines from any other manufacturer.
    The 4-cylinder five-speed entry-level Accord DX is a lot of fun to drive, and is an excellent value for the price. However, if you want more goodies, the EX 4-cylinder with four-speed automatic, although not so much fun, is a competent vehicle. The engine is a little "thrashy" when accelerating hard, otherwise it is completely unobtrusive. The only noticeable sound inside this quiet cabin is some road noise. The V-6, available with automatic transmission only, is noticeably more powerful, but strangely enough, not much quieter than the 4-cylinder version. For the money, and to save a little fuel, the 4-cylinder-powered cars are seriously worth considering.
    The base five-speed, 4-cylinder Accord DX does not come with air conditioning. It does have two cup holders, remote powered side mirrors, and you can opt for a four-speed automatic transmission for $800. Fuel consumption is 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway. In the 4-cylinder LX, five-speed, air, power windows, power door locks, cruise, adjustable steering column, map lights, rear seat trunk pass through, and remote powered side mirrors are standard for a total retail price of $18,290. The V-6 LX has, in addition to 4-cylinder LX equipment, automatic transmission, 4-wheel anti-lock disk brakes and an 8-way power driver's seat. It retails for $21,550.
    The top of the line V-6 EX adds auto climate control with a micronic air filtration system, remote control for garage doors, leather, wood grain, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded stereo with six speakers, alloy wheels, moonroof and remote security/entry system. Fuel consumption for the V-6 is 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway.
    For anyone who needs a car for short or long journeys, shopping, commuting or other needs, it is hard to beat the value for money offered by the 1998 Honda Accord family.

    (The road tests for this article were made possible by the professional and friendly people at the new Pacific Honda dealership in Clairemont. A special thanks to Kathleen Piro for her patience and help.)

    Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.