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New Car Review

1998 Honda Accord EX Coupe V6

by Katina Ford and Debra Wickham

honda

SEE ALSO: Honda Buyer's Guide

The only word we could say when we feasted our eyes on the new model of the Honda Accord at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show was AWESOME! Little did we know that shortly after we had the opportunity to test drive the top of the line model.

We took a trip up to Alturas, California. To get there we had to drive some steep and windy roads. The 3.0-liter VTEC V-6 Engine with 200 hp made this baby pick-up and go. The smooth 4-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic programming to electronically manage gearshifts to make gear shifting smoother. It took the roads like a piece of cake. The car quietly glided over bumps with little notice and took corners with little or no hesitation.

We both agreed that the new look is a great improvement over the previous model. Its distinctive styling and sporty appearance turned a few heads as we whizzed by. The rear takes on the slick look of the Acura NSX.

Honda has maintained high standards of dependability, quality and value with the Accord line.

When we saw the price we thought that was a little high until we saw everything that came standard on the car. Really, there is nothing that needs to be added to this car considering everything that comes standard. The Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls and the HomeLink® Remote System were our favorite. We found the sunroof button to be in an awkward position and confusing to operate without looking. A drink was a little cumbersome to remove from the drivers rear cup holder unless the top compartment of the center console was open.

As far as safety, the 1998 Honda Accord has sturdy steel door beams and a front crush zone for full-frontal and offset-frontal impacts and a passenger compartment reinforced against side impacts. All occupants have 3-point safety belts. The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) come standard.

When it comes to comfort the Accord has it all. The EX V6 Coupe features automatic climate control with micron air filtration, a complete power package including power windows, door locks, mirrors and drivers 8-way power adjustable seat. The Accord Coupe has adequate room for four full size adults.

With a great combination of luxury comfort and appearance, styling, and sporty performance the Accord will be a tough competitor in the mid-size coupe market.

SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE:            3.0-liter VTEC V-6
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 200 hp @ 5,500 rpm/ 195 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
TRANSMISSION:      Four-Speed automatic
FUEL ECONOMY:      21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
WHEELBASE:         105.1 in.
OVERALL LENGTH:    186.8 in.
OVERALL HEIGHT:    55.1 in.
OVERALL WIDTH:     70.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY:     17.1 gal.
CARRYING CAPACITY: 13.6 cu. ft. (inside)
TIRES:             P205/60 R1691V
                   
INSTRUMENTS:       Speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, 
                   water temperature, oil pressure, 
                   Trunk-/Door-Open Light, Low-Fuel Indicator Light, 
                   Maintenance Interval Indicator, Quartz Digital Clock.
EQUIPMENT:         Power Mirrors, Power Seats, Power Windows/Door Locks,
                   Cruise Control, Automatic Climate Control,
                   AM-FM High-Power Stereo w/CD Player & 6 Speakers, 
                   Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls, HomeLink® Remote System,
                   Dual Air Bags ABS. 
STICKER PRICE:     $24,545