I really don't think the rear end of the current accord is very different from that of the previous gen or the 91-94 model. The 94-97 model had different tail lights. I think the 06's back lights are similar in theme to those of the 94-97.
There's unpopular and there's rare. NAV cars are rare (compared to non-NAV cars). You are unlikely to have many NAV leftovers, if any. Add L to the mix add I doubt you will get a much better deal than what is available now. Like I said, I can see the FTD going up, especially in Sept. (when you might have weird things like FTD of $3K for LXV6 but only $1500 on others), but chances of an EX-L NAV being a leftover and getting any more of a discount that already available are fairly low.
If you're feeling lucky and think you might get a great deal on a leftover wait till Sept. If you want to make sure you get a good deal and plenty of choice, get it at the end of August.
There is no one pickier then me when it comes to ANYTHING of meaning and cost. That being said, you will not find a better deal then the one I got: 2005 Accord Coupe 4 cyl 5MT w/ 69 miles on it last month for 19,385 ALL-IN b4 taxes and reg fees, That was crazy, but stay away from navigation, it is not worth the money ....
You wrote "stay away from navigation, it is not worth the money". Sorry, but I totally disagree.
The navigation system in my vehicle, aside from the amazing things that it does for navigation in unfamiliar areas (planning & recalculating routes, turn-by-turn directions, bi-directional voice control and commands) it provides uncannily accurate voice control of the the climate control and audio systems. You speak the command and the system responds verbally and makes the correct adjustment as directed (CD, AM/FM/XM stations and volume, temperature, fan speed, output modes, etc). Your eyes never leave the road and your hands never leave the steering wheel. Very important safety features due to lack of distraction.
The modest additional navigation system cost will be recouped when you sell or trade your Accord.
The modest additional navigation system cost will be recouped when you sell or trade your Accord. Don't tell that to anyone selling a 3-4 year old car with NAV - the 2K extra they paid 3 years ago gets them virtually nothing extra over a similar non NAV car.
Electronics, whose lifetime is 3-4 years just does not blend well (in terms of ROI) with cars whose lifetime is at least 10-15 years.
Buy the NAV for your needs (or any other short lifetime gadget, like BT, DVD audio), but don't expect any of the money back upon resale.
Not sure how you came up with 3 to 4 year lifetimes on the electronics bit, but okie doke. Had a 97 540i with nav. Sold it to a friend of mine 2 years ago with nav as one of the main selling points as he was in regional sales for injection molders. Still working great and he is racking up the miles on it. Just buy the map update CDs once a year.
I have since switched to a modular gps (Garmin 2610, 1gb cf card) after selling the bimmer, and run the daylights out of it in 3 cars. gps is quite possibly one of the best investments you could make for a car for yourself, however I would recommend getting a system you can take with you instead of losing with the car when you get rid of it. I have automotive electronics (stereos, amps, xovers, tvs, vcrs, dvds) that are well over 5 years old and approaching 10 and they are still going strong.
Don't buy cheap stuff, take care of your gear and don't abuse it and it should last you as long as the car. If you live in the blazing sun, take 5 seconds to cover gear you might think is too sensitive with a white cloth or something... get the sun visors for when you park.
I didn't say the gadget wouldn't last, it's just that new technology will make them obsolete and you get virtually none of your money back. Yes, a used car with NAV might sell faster/easier than one without, but the depreciation of the NAV option will be even higher than for the car itself. And in the really long term a touch screen NAV is in for $$$ repairs. The screen has a more limited lifetime than the usual screen you get with today's iDrive controlled screens. Virtually everyone other than Lexus and Honda/Acura (except RL) are switching to non touch NAV screens.
I had a Garmin StreetPilot III for 2+ years and while great - the 2610 runs circles around it at a cheaper price.
Todays' keyless "START" button, NAV, MP3 and BT must haves will become old news 3-4 years hence and be replaced by other must haves.
The screen has a more limited lifetime than the usual screen you get with today's iDrive controlled screens. Virtually everyone other than Lexus and Honda/Acura (except RL) are switching to non touch NAV screens.
From what I can tell, most other NAV screens (BMW,Mercedes,Infiniti, etc.) were never touch-screens to begin with. Maybe I'm wrong ?
BTW, I read on another board that the MY06 Accord may already be in production or will be this week. Anyone know anything ?
In post #168 you wrote: "the depreciation of the NAV option will be even higher than for the car itself." Please point us to some FACTUAL, AUTHORITATIVE link(s) to back up your contention.
I disagree- the styling of the latest version Honda Accord sedan is a mess. I have now owned three Hondas and none of them was an extreme departure from previous family lines, yet all of them, held together in an attractive package of interior and exterior styling until this generation of Accords. The 2003- 2005 Accord's chopped-off rear end with slapped-on overly-large tail lights that have a garish "half-grin" from the rear, along with the bulky body lines and too-pronounced front light treatment make the Accord easily the worst styled of the mid-size sedans available- foreign or domestic. I will tell you what I have told every Honda salesperson, I am ready for a new Accord to replace my 2000 sedan but I will wait until I can find a Honda/Accura that I can live with. They have all heard this refrain.
The Camry is a preposterous, over-indulgent styling exercise that is similarily flawed, but on the whole, it still looks a lot better than the Accord. I do agree that the aggresive look of the Solara is probably the lousiest job of all including the whale-like Lexus sedan and sports cars, which have already rated as "worst cars" in at least one publication based on their deplorable styling excesses- rated right up there with the Pontiac Aztec and Ford Edsel.
The only thing I can go by are some trade-in and sales of 3-4 year used vehicles I saw on the Net. Usually the NAV models get about $500 extra for an option that originally was $2K. That's a 75% depreciation vs. about 30-40% for the car itself. Look at any 03 TL and you'll see at most a $1000 asking price diff between the NAV and non-NAV model. On other models (like an Accord) it's harder to tell cause there are other options that make an apples-apples comparison harder.
I own a 2000 Accord EX and I actually prefer the styling of the 2003-2005 Accord to my 2000 Accord. I only have 55K miles on my Accord so I think I'm going to hold off purchasing a new car until 2007 when the new redesign comes out. I like the styling of the current Accord.
All nav systems are cd or dvd based. There are a handful that are direct-connect update, but who wants to fork over $500+ to a dealer to do the update? I would rather load a disc in 2 minutes.
Pretty much all electronics depreciate like that. It being NAV or automotive in nature has nothing to do with that. A new 2610 will run you nearly $1200, yet you can get it used on ebay for under $400. Part of the hopped up cost is the map package. Newer, more up-to-date map packages are worth more than older, out-of-date ones, like what will be in your car when you sell it. This isn't really something notable, it is just a fact of life. You wouldn't pay $25+ for a copy of Hunt For Red October on DVD today because it came out eons ago and is only worth $7.99 at the WalMart clearance bin.
As for touch-screens... I prefer them, and Garmin has gotten it right. Everyone I know that has Garmin car nav as well as marine nav/plot made in the last 6 years have not complained. The screens aren't that expensive anymore, really - especially for that size, and anyone can replace the screen. 4 case screws, 4 panel screws and wafer-ribbon cable. 10 minute job, really... and not worth replacing an entire gps over.
My neighbor bought a Chrysler 300 Limited with nav, and the stick broke off in 3 weeks. The dealer had to replace the entire NAV unit in the dash, and it has squeeked and rattled ever sense. Using a dial-type stick like on the Magellan units is horrible for entering street names. Instead of touching the letter, you have to navigate to the letter by scrolling through all the other ones first. Takes 5x as long to enter a street name. This is probably one of NAVs *biggest* complaints and most impacting items on the depreciation, according to what I have read on some gps boards.
I agree with your comments on the Accord rear chopped off half grin look (ugh!!!!) and the obese Camry.
Other than the rear side of the accord, I have no other complaints. In fact, because of this the demand for the accord is slack which explains why it is being sold for $1500 under invoice in competitive markets.
I wouldnt pay $2000 more for a better butt on the car I drive, so I am ok with driving this chopped rear ended half grinned accord with some money in my pocket.
Coupe - Cool Blue Metallic and Alabaster Silver Metallic. Alabaster Silver along with the current Graphite Pearl will be available with Gray or Black interior.
Sedan - Royal Blue Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Carbon Bronze Pearl. Carbon Bronze will be available with either Black or Ivory interior.
Is this what TSX buyers were wishing for? A nice sedan (now that the butt is fixed) with more power and a 6MT? I wonder if it's going to eat into TSX sales. Think about it: 250HP, 6MT almost all of the features of the TSX for probably 3-4K less (once the initial MY hype dies down) in a more roomy package with maybe even better milage. :shades: .
Coincidentally I went to a Honda dealer two years ago and told the sales rep that I would only consider a v6 Accord sedan with a manual tranny. The sales rep told me that he lost a few customers due to a lack of such an option.
It appears Honda has been listening!
Hopefully the future diesel Accord (if it will exist here on these shores) will have a manual tranny. It would be a deal breaker for me if it arrived only in automatic!
It would be rather odd that at these times when it seems like manuals are on the decline a conservative company like Honda would offer an MT on a model it never did before. Is it desperation to bump up the volume? Who is this model going to attract other than a few enthusiasts, such as on this board? I wonder if there's even going to be a price brake on the MT vs. auto, or Honda will go the TSX route and price them the same. Or maybe the rumor of the demise of the MT in the TSX is true and this will be the substitute.
We are less than a year away from ULSD in the US - announcements about diesel engine availability can't be too far away - probably around the car show circuit in late fall.
It would be rather odd that at these times when it seems like manuals are on the decline a conservative company like Honda would offer an MT on a model it never did before. Is it desperation to bump up the volume? Who is this model going to attract other than a few enthusiasts, such as on this board? I wonder if there's even going to be a price brake on the MT vs. auto, or Honda will go the TSX route and price them the same. Or maybe the rumor of the demise of the MT in the TSX is true and this will be the substitute.
would be rather odd that at these times when it seems like manuals are on the decline a conservative company like Honda would offer an MT on a model it never did before
Regaining some of their youthful flair in the 1980s will not cause too much harm for Honda. Being "conservative" and "boring' may be one reason why Honda car sales are not sizzling this year.
There's big news with the recent engine announcement for the 2006 Civic.
Greater horsepower, increased torque and improved fuel economy are just a few of the things you can expect under the hood. But the changes don't end there. The Civic has been redesigned from bumper to bumper, adding tons of new comfort features, engineering upgrades and inspired styling. It is transformation at its best.
Visit our Web site to view the full press release.
The info was available on hondapreview.com but was taken down shortly after along with all other information on the MY06 Civic & Accord (new colors, 6MT in Accord EX V6 sedan, etc.).
New Features:
Coupe and Sedan
DX - Power Windows, 15" wheels, daytime running lights, front, front-side, and curtain airbags, ABS.
LX (adds to DX) - Body-Colored mirrors and door handles, 16" wheels, keyless entry, 160-watt audio system with MP3/WMA playback.
EX (adds to LX) - 16" Alloy Wheels, steering wheel mounted audio controls, MP3 auxiliary jack, XM ready head unit, and available satellite navigation system with voice recognition.
Hybrid - many EX features including satellite navigation option. Increased styling differentiation from the standard sedans.
So will the MY06 Accord (Honda's flagship sedan) get:
160-watt audio system with MP3/WMA playback ? PLEASE HONDA MP3 auxiliary jack ? That would be nice. :shades:
Before Honda forced Hondapreview.com to remove the MY06 Accord/Civic info, did they list new Accord features in addition to the new Civic features listed above ? Will the Accord also get the 160-watt audio system with MP3/WMA playback as well as the aux. jack ? It wouldn't make sense to leave the MP3 playback out of the flagship sedan if the lower-end Civic has it as well the new Sonata.
I wonder if Honda will release info on the 2006 Accord on July 18 when the clearance begins. :confuse:
Yeah, I know the 06s won't arrive until Sept., but I was wondering if anyone saw info on new Accord features on the Hondapreview.com website before they were forced by Honda to take the information down two days ago.
Maybe, when we get the complete list, it will include an upgraded audio system with MP3/WMA playback and aux. jack which the MY06 Civic EX will get standard. I'm glad to see VSA and heated side mirrors on the list.
"What I find quite strange is the fact that the LX gets alloy wheels."
I absolutely agree!
And so... if the LX V6 now has alloys and moonroof, basically the only difference between it and the EX V6 is leather and auto climate control? Is that correct? And doesnt the VP seem very similar to the LX now? I'm a bit confused. (I'd go for the LX as the DX/VP lack a rear stabilizer bar).
Very interesting. I guess the LX 4 and EX 4 are unchanged? Makes sense... those are the two highest volume models among the sedan lines, I believe... why mess with success. SE model with rear disc brakes is a big deal, tho EBD should really be standard across the board, IMO.
Toyota would be smart to pay close attention to these changes for its introduction of the NG Camry next Spring.....
There's no word on any major interior upgrades for the Accord, so it could be that the interior just carries over in which case it wouldn't have all of the new features of the Civic which is new from the ground up.
The list above is incomplete. For example, it doesn't mention the addition of TPMS (tire-pressure monitoring system) which we know the 06 Accord will get. It wouldn't be as difficult to add MP3 compatibility to an upgraded audio system as it was to change the rear-end. Anyway, we'll consider both the MY06 Civic EX (with navi) along with the Accord EX with navi in a couple of months.
..that since Honda wants to add all these features to the trim levels (alloy and sunroof on the LXV6) they'll have sense enough to add a power driver's seat on the LX and EX. This should have been standard back in 2003.
I agree with Alpha here, the VP model is getting too close to the LX if all of this stuff is true.
Also, alpha you are right, the new LXV6 is bascially going to be an EXV6 minus Leather, Navi option, XM, dual-zone climate control and power passenger's seat. Everything else, they share.
Somehow I figured that the LXV6 would be discountined..I guess not. I wonder if it'll sell any better.
To me, with this generation of Accord, I think the SE models should have focused more on sport (like the Camry does)
Back with the last Accord SE, you always got rims and sunroof (except on the 00 Accord SE where you got rims and ABS) but now the lines between a LX and EX are getting thinner and thinner and an SE in between them seems redundant. But with stuff like carbon fiber trim, it seems like Honda is giving this new SE more sport...
SE models should be sporty IMO. Offer and SE Accord with all the options of the EX, plus rear spoiler, bigger rims, etc. And do the same thing with the SEV6.
SE models that are in between LX and EX models don't really add much value today because the LX and EX have fewer option differences now.
Instead of having an Accord EXV6 6spd sedan, Honda should market it as an Accord SEV6 with spoiler, chrome pipes, 6spd. manual, carbon fiber trim like in the Accord Coupe EXV6, darker trimed front headlights, fog lights standard, etc. etc. bigger rims too.
That way you get more attention, and more sales out of the V6 line.
For example: The Altima is most successful in I4 line, but most of the commercials I see on TV are for the 3.5SE V6..that gets customer's into the showroom my friends...The commericals for the S are for "great deals" etc., and I have yet to see a commercial for the 3.5SL...
From the spy pics we can see, I think the EXV6 is getting some nicer more, sporty rims, but the new EX rims are kind of ugly IMO. They look more bland than the current car's Alloys. I know that this model is an EX because it has one tailpipe and a sunroof and it had XM radio.
The Name Accord EXV6 6spd Sedan doesn't grab as much attention as say "Accord SEV6 6spd" would.
SEV6 6spd looks...and well sounds...sexier. LOL :P
I wish they did too. Fog lights make the visual so much better at night. I checked into having them dealer installed. The price is 523, which is steep. I am not going to spend that.
Please note: the pictures on the '06 page are the same as on the '05, and so are the crash ratings. Basically, they copied the '05 page to create the '06 page. But some new '06 features are noticeable in the "Available Features" table near the bottom of the page:
Electronic Stability Control - opt (i.e., on certain models, probably the V6 like traction control on the '05). I'm hoping for it to be available on some 4 cyls.
Daytime running lights - std (i.e., standard!) Good for those who get an insurance discount for DRLs.
Comments
If you're feeling lucky and think you might get a great deal on a leftover wait till Sept. If you want to make sure you get a good deal and plenty of choice, get it at the end of August.
- Ant
The navigation system in my vehicle, aside from the amazing things that it does for navigation in unfamiliar areas (planning & recalculating routes, turn-by-turn directions, bi-directional voice control and commands) it provides uncannily accurate voice control of the the climate control and audio systems. You speak the command and the system responds verbally and makes the correct adjustment as directed (CD, AM/FM/XM stations and volume, temperature, fan speed, output modes, etc). Your eyes never leave the road and your hands never leave the steering wheel. Very important safety features due to lack of distraction.
The modest additional navigation system cost will be recouped when you sell or trade your Accord.
Don't tell that to anyone selling a 3-4 year old car with NAV - the 2K extra they paid 3 years ago gets them virtually nothing extra over a similar non NAV car.
Electronics, whose lifetime is 3-4 years just does not blend well (in terms of ROI) with cars whose lifetime is at least 10-15 years.
Buy the NAV for your needs (or any other short lifetime gadget, like BT, DVD audio), but don't expect any of the money back upon resale.
I have since switched to a modular gps (Garmin 2610, 1gb cf card) after selling the bimmer, and run the daylights out of it in 3 cars. gps is quite possibly one of the best investments you could make for a car for yourself, however I would recommend getting a system you can take with you instead of losing with the car when you get rid of it. I have automotive electronics (stereos, amps, xovers, tvs, vcrs, dvds) that are well over 5 years old and approaching 10 and they are still going strong.
Don't buy cheap stuff, take care of your gear and don't abuse it and it should last you as long as the car. If you live in the blazing sun, take 5 seconds to cover gear you might think is too sensitive with a white cloth or something... get the sun visors for when you park.
I had a Garmin StreetPilot III for 2+ years and while great - the 2610 runs circles around it at a cheaper price.
Todays' keyless "START" button, NAV, MP3 and BT must haves will become old news 3-4 years hence and be replaced by other must haves.
From what I can tell, most other NAV screens (BMW,Mercedes,Infiniti, etc.) were never touch-screens to begin with. Maybe I'm wrong ?
BTW, I read on another board that the MY06 Accord may already be in production or will be this week. Anyone know anything ?
In post #168 you wrote: "the depreciation of the NAV option will be even higher than for the car itself." Please point us to some FACTUAL, AUTHORITATIVE link(s) to back up your contention.
The Camry is a preposterous, over-indulgent styling exercise that is similarily flawed, but on the whole, it still looks a lot better than the Accord. I do agree that the aggresive look of the Solara is probably the lousiest job of all including the whale-like Lexus sedan and sports cars, which have already rated as "worst cars" in at least one publication based on their deplorable styling excesses- rated right up there with the Pontiac Aztec and Ford Edsel.
As for touch-screens... I prefer them, and Garmin has gotten it right. Everyone I know that has Garmin car nav as well as marine nav/plot made in the last 6 years have not complained. The screens aren't that expensive anymore, really - especially for that size, and anyone can replace the screen. 4 case screws, 4 panel screws and wafer-ribbon cable. 10 minute job, really... and not worth replacing an entire gps over.
My neighbor bought a Chrysler 300 Limited with nav, and the stick broke off in 3 weeks. The dealer had to replace the entire NAV unit in the dash, and it has squeeked and rattled ever sense. Using a dial-type stick like on the Magellan units is horrible for entering street names. Instead of touching the letter, you have to navigate to the letter by scrolling through all the other ones first. Takes 5x as long to enter a street name. This is probably one of NAVs *biggest* complaints and most impacting items on the depreciation, according to what I have read on some gps boards.
Other than the rear side of the accord, I have no other complaints. In fact, because of this the demand for the accord is slack which explains why it is being sold for $1500 under invoice in competitive markets.
I wouldnt pay $2000 more for a better butt on the car I drive, so I am ok with driving this chopped rear ended half grinned accord with some money in my pocket.
The EX V6 sedan will come with a 6spd manual !
New colors for 2006:
Hybrid - Redondo Red Pearl and Premium White.
Coupe - Cool Blue Metallic and Alabaster Silver Metallic. Alabaster Silver along with the current Graphite Pearl will be available with Gray or Black interior.
Sedan - Royal Blue Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Carbon Bronze Pearl. Carbon Bronze will be available with either Black or Ivory interior.
What color is Carbon Bronze Pearl ?
A 2006 or 2007 Honda Accord EXV6 6spd.
That's the car I always wanted Honda to build!
Darn I wish I didn't have my Altima!!!
Think about it: 250HP, 6MT almost all of the features of the TSX for probably 3-4K less (once the initial MY hype dies down) in a more roomy package with maybe even better milage. :shades: .
It appears Honda has been listening!
Hopefully the future diesel Accord (if it will exist here on these shores) will have a manual tranny. It would be a deal breaker for me if it arrived only in automatic!
We are less than a year away from ULSD in the US - announcements about diesel engine availability can't be too far away - probably around the car show circuit in late fall.
It's for bragging rights IMHO.
It probably will get the so called "Premium" radio of the 6spd coupe and 17 inch wheels.
Regaining some of their youthful flair in the 1980s will not cause too much harm for Honda. Being "conservative" and "boring' may be one reason why Honda car sales are not sizzling this year.
6 MT Sedan 6 cylinder still a dream?
6 MT Sedan 6 cylinder still a dream?
I just checked, the information is still there about the 6MT EX V6 sedan.
Read all about it.
There's big news with the recent engine announcement for the 2006 Civic.
Greater horsepower, increased torque and improved fuel economy are just a few of the things you can expect under the hood. But the changes don't end there. The Civic has been redesigned from bumper to bumper, adding tons of new comfort features, engineering upgrades and inspired styling. It is transformation at its best.
Visit our Web site to view the full press release.
go to http://automobiles.honda.com/civics/email.aspx
New Features:
Coupe and Sedan
DX - Power Windows, 15" wheels, daytime running lights, front, front-side, and curtain airbags, ABS.
LX (adds to DX) - Body-Colored mirrors and door handles, 16" wheels, keyless entry, 160-watt audio system with MP3/WMA playback.
EX (adds to LX) - 16" Alloy Wheels, steering wheel mounted audio controls, MP3 auxiliary jack, XM ready head unit, and available satellite navigation system with voice recognition.
Hybrid - many EX features including satellite navigation option. Increased styling differentiation from the standard sedans.
So will the MY06 Accord (Honda's flagship sedan) get:
160-watt audio system with MP3/WMA playback ? PLEASE HONDA
MP3 auxiliary jack ? That would be nice. :shades:
We'll just have to wait and see.
If it's the exact same info then why on earth can't they both be right?
Alan
I wonder if Honda will release info on the 2006 Accord on July 18 when the clearance begins. :confuse:
That won't happen....
I think the car is rumored to get here in either late Aug. or Early Sept.
- 07/08/05
Some of the "New" Coupe Features for 2006
LX - Alloy wheels and painted side sills.
LX V6 - Moonroof, VSA, 17" alloy wheels, painted side sills and heated side mirrors.
EX V6 - 17" alloy wheels, VSA, and heated side mirrors.
Some of the "New" Sedan Features for 2006
VP - A/C, power locks, cruise control, and keyless entry.
SE - 16" alloy wheels, steering wheel mounted audio controls, 6-disc CD changer, painted side sills, carbon fiber trim and rear disc brakes with EBD.
LX V6 - Moonroof, VSA, 17" alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors.
EX V6 - 17" alloy wheels, VSA, and heated side mirrors.
New colors for 2006:
What I find quite strange is the fact that the LX gets alloy wheels.
I sure hope more important options like a power driver's seat are standard too.
That's more important to me than Alloy wheels.
Maybe, when we get the complete list, it will include an upgraded audio system with MP3/WMA playback and aux. jack which the MY06 Civic EX will get standard. I'm glad to see VSA and heated side mirrors on the list.
I absolutely agree!
And so... if the LX V6 now has alloys and moonroof, basically the only difference between it and the EX V6 is leather and auto climate control? Is that correct? And doesnt the VP seem very similar to the LX now? I'm a bit confused. (I'd go for the LX as the DX/VP lack a rear stabilizer bar).
Very interesting. I guess the LX 4 and EX 4 are unchanged? Makes sense... those are the two highest volume models among the sedan lines, I believe... why mess with success. SE model with rear disc brakes is a big deal, tho EBD should really be standard across the board, IMO.
Toyota would be smart to pay close attention to these changes for its introduction of the NG Camry next Spring.....
~alpha
I agree with Alpha here, the VP model is getting too close to the LX if all of this stuff is true.
Also, alpha you are right, the new LXV6 is bascially going to be an EXV6 minus Leather, Navi option, XM, dual-zone climate control and power passenger's seat. Everything else, they share.
Somehow I figured that the LXV6 would be discountined..I guess not. I wonder if it'll sell any better.
To me, with this generation of Accord, I think the SE models should have focused more on sport (like the Camry does)
Back with the last Accord SE, you always got rims and sunroof (except on the 00 Accord SE where you got rims and ABS) but now the lines between a LX and EX are getting thinner and thinner and an SE in between them seems redundant. But with stuff like carbon fiber trim, it seems like Honda is giving this new SE more sport...
SE models should be sporty IMO. Offer and SE Accord with all the options of the EX, plus rear spoiler, bigger rims, etc. And do the same thing with the SEV6.
SE models that are in between LX and EX models don't really add much value today because the LX and EX have fewer option differences now.
Instead of having an Accord EXV6 6spd sedan, Honda should market it as an Accord SEV6 with spoiler, chrome pipes, 6spd. manual, carbon fiber trim like in the Accord Coupe EXV6, darker trimed front headlights, fog lights standard, etc. etc. bigger rims too.
That way you get more attention, and more sales out of the V6 line.
For example: The Altima is most successful in I4 line, but most of the commercials I see on TV are for the 3.5SE V6..that gets customer's into the showroom my friends...The commericals for the S are for "great deals" etc., and I have yet to see a commercial for the 3.5SL...
From the spy pics we can see, I think the EXV6 is getting some nicer more, sporty rims, but the new EX rims are kind of ugly IMO. They look more bland than the current car's Alloys. I know that this model is an EX because it has one tailpipe and a sunroof and it had XM radio.
The Name Accord EXV6 6spd Sedan doesn't grab as much attention as say "Accord SEV6 6spd" would.
SEV6 6spd looks...and well sounds...sexier. LOL
~alpha
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/3655.html
for comparison, here is the 2005 4DR sedan link:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/3325.html
Please note: the pictures on the '06 page are the same as on the '05, and so are the crash ratings. Basically, they copied the '05 page to create the '06 page. But some new '06 features are noticeable in the "Available Features" table near the bottom of the page:
Electronic Stability Control - opt (i.e., on certain models, probably the V6 like traction control on the '05). I'm hoping for it to be available on some 4 cyls.
Daytime running lights - std (i.e., standard!) Good for those who get an insurance discount for DRLs.
Who gets a discount for DRLs?