2009 Honda Accord Sedan

The Honda Accord was completely redesigned for 2008 and has grown in space, refinement and luxury amenities.

Interior volume has increased so much that the EPA now classifies the Accord as a full-size car, compared to the previous generation's mid-size ranking.

Passenger space is 106 cubic feet, accommodating up to five people. Trunk space is 14 cubic feet, which is about average for the class.

Styling of the new Accord is sleek and modern with large wraparound headlights, sculpted body panels and angular taillights.

It can be outfitted in several ways to suit various tastes and budgets. Six trim levels and three engines are available (two four-cylinders, one V6).

The two 2.4-liter four-cylinders generate 177 and 190 horsepower and achieve identical fuel mileage, 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. Both engines come with a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic.

The V6 option is a 3.5 liter with 268 horsepower and Honda's Variable Cylinder Management, which can shut off three cylinders under light load for better fuel economy. It comes with only the five-speed automatic transmission and gets 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.

Where many V6s require premium unleaded fuel, the Accord gets by fine on regular.

Unlike the previous generation, the new Accord is not available as a hybrid.

With six trims available, customers can keep the price down on a base four-cylinder Accord with a manual transmission, steel wheels with wheel covers, and few conveniences. Or load up the options on a V6 Accord with alloy wheels, fog lights, dual chrome exhaust, a leather interior, 270-watt seven-speaker stereo with subwoofer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, power sunroof and voice-activated navigation.

Dating back to 1976, the Accord is one of the world's oldest and most recognizable nameplates.