Honda Accord 2001

Overview

Even though it was already perhaps the best mid-size car around, the Honda Accord enters 2001 with a more standard equipment, and better safety and appearance.

What hasn't changed is Accord's fundamental character. The interior is comfortable, the chassis is well damped, the brakes are superb, and both of its VTEC engines-a 3.0-liter V6 and a 2.3-liter four-cylinder-are very smooth. It is a very easy car to drive and totally user friendly.

Perhaps most people buy Accords for their amazing reliability. 26 years of Honda Accords have proven a safe reliable choice, a car that a family can buy and more or less forget about.

For 2001 all Accords have dual airbags which automatically adjusts the deployment of the front passenger airbag based on the severity of the crash and whether or not seatbelts are being worn. Also there is a side airbag as standard on EX models or with the V6, and an option on four-cylinder DX and LX models. This is really an amazing piece of safety technology.

Model Lineup

The two body types are a four-door sedan and a sporty coupe. They are almost the same in terms of engineering, although the Coupe has performance tweaks making it more fun to drive

Accord LX, SE and EX come with Honda's 2.3-liter four-cylinder 150 horsepower engine, while the DX has a 135-horsepower version. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on all four-cylinder models, while an automatic transmission costs extra.

EX models come standard with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and offer leather seating. For 2001, there is also a steering-wheel-mounted audio controls option.

Walkaround

Accord was redesigned in 1998, and the 2001 sedan is also majorly updated. A new engine bonnet and fascia in front, and tail lights at the back. The effect is more chiseled than before. The Accord still has an understated, sophisticated appearance, but with an aggressive look that gives it the air of a European sedan. The nose is short, and the bonnet is low, which complement the glassy cabin to provide excellent visibility from inside.

Interior Features

Honda used airline business-class seating as a model for the Accord interior. The front seats are wide and comfortable and there's a lot of room for the back seat passengers. The current-generation post 1998 Accord is a true midsize sedan. Generous front and rear doors make it easy to get in and out. It's also easy to load because the boot is large and has plentiful capacity.

The dashboard features a two-tone finish with big gauges that are very visible. There are many features associated with luxury cars, particularly on the high-level models. Leather interiors come in light tones and are warm and inviting. A HomeLink remote control can open garage doors, turn on house lights and turn off security systems. The air conditioning, designed to quickly cool the car on a hot day, uses air filtration to prevent pollen and diesel fumes from buses and trucks getting in.

Driving Impressions

Accord is an easy car to drive. It turns corners well with a steering that's light and precise. Bumpy roads are incredibly easy; a series of big bumps in the middle of a turn barely affected the Accord's direction. The suspension dampened the bumps and kept the tyres on the road because of the Accord's strong chassis and double-wishbone front and rear suspensions.

Accord EX V-6 feels lighter than the Toyota Camry. Running up and down a rough, twisting back road, we explored the limits of handling, power and braking and the Accord provided the sharpest transient response - turning left, then right, then left again. The Accord also had the best brakes.

While crusing the 3.0-liter V6 engine is just audible. This engine delivers lots of power for merging into traffic or entertaining its driver. A single-overhead-cam V6 , it is equipped with Honda's VTEC system, and tuned to deliver the best torque over a broad rev range. For 2001, all V6 Accords come with Honda's TCS traction control.

Most people order the 2.3-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine. It's smooth, powerful and efficient, generating 150 horsepower at 5700 rpm. An Accord equipped with this engine is a great package that deserves consideration by anyone shopping for a roomy mid-size car that excels in quality, durability, reliability, smoothness, ride quality, practicality and fuel efficiency.

Summary

Honda's 2001 Accord sets the standard for mid-size sedans. It is a great family car, at or near the top of its class in every measure. It offers a smooth, quiet ride, and an attractive interior with front and rear seats that are roomy and comfortable. Its handling inspires confidence and its VTEC engines are smooth, powerful and efficient. To those ingredients are added Honda's reputation for quality, durability and reliability.

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