Unfortunately, the increased size and sophistication of the Accord EX's 2.2-liter, 16-valve power plant didn't turn the car into a performance machine. The 145 hp it generated, however, did perform satisfactorily in all speed ranges and represents a significant step up from earlier Accords. From a standing start, our test vehicle accelerated briskly to 50 mph. Our test driver deemed highway passing punch to range from adequate to reassuring, even in fifth gear. We all agreed that the car responded well.Our test car's five-speed manual transmission was silky smooth. Downshifting in passing situations proved to be trigger-quick, and slipping through the gates during low speed cruising was equally precise.
Throughout the test drive, our Accord EX inflicted virtually no wind or road noise upon us until it reached the highest speed ranges - and even then, we found noise to be at a minimum.
The ride was firm but comfortable throughout the tests, which included several passes over bumpy roads. Cornering and other similar maneuvers proved to be flat, stable and surprisingly easy, thanks in part to a new power-steering system that Honda calls "torque-sensitive steering."