At my Monday-Friday workplace, a few people own Honda Accords. So, I decided to go around and ask them why they bought

The Accord looks smart in its sharply creased new suit, and as always performs flawlessly. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

this specific sedan when so many people have them. One individual bought it because they wanted reliability, another bought it because the dealership gave them “the best deal EVER,” and the last comment, but my favourite was because they wanted a car that blended in and attracted little to no attention. Hmmm... I guess I’ve always been somewhat of a pink sheep, so blending in really isn’t what I want out of life or out of a car.
 
Honda has a brilliant talent for creating cars that “blend in” with the crowd but give them enough panache to stand alone and look good. The 2010 Honda Accord, especially in EX-L Navi trim, is one vehicle in a lineup of many that boast future-forward designs yet don’t ruffle too many feathers.
 
There isn’t

More distinctive looking from the rear too. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

much new for the 2010 model year. The EX trims do, however, add a dual-zone automatic climate control system and an exterior temperature gauge as part of their standard equipment list. The dual climate controls are always an added bonus for me, since I like the heat cranked and my husband is a fan of the cold. Cheers to that.
 
The Accord still maintains exterior styling that people rave about. While filling up at the gas station, the attendant went so far as to comment on how he would love to buy “one of these cars…” ‘These cars,’ meaning the Accord! And he even caressed the hood. While some people might feel a little weirded out by it, I think it’s flattering –

A fully appointed, luxuriously adorned interior with the fuel-saving advantages of a four-cylinder engine... sweet! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

the caressing the hood part, that is. After all, we’re talking about a mid-sized sedan here, not a supercar. I also noticed him checking out the P225/50R17 all-season tires with 17” aluminum-alloy wheels, but there was no stroking involved!
 
Under the caressed hood of the Accord EX-L lies a 2.4-litre, 16-valve, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to the standard 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control. The LX trim is the only Accord sedan that comes with an available 5-speed manual transmission. I found that the automatic transmission, despite rivals with 6-speed gearboxes, had all the get-up-and-go needed, even with the 4-cylinder engine. I wouldn’t

Leather ripples like some premium brands, and the seats are thoroughly supportive. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

go so far as to say it was peppy, but it felt as though it was a good fit for a city car. Plus, the fuel economy isn’t bad either with estimated results of 9.9L/100km in the city and 6.5L/100km on the highway.

Inside the cabin is a set of firm and supportive front seats. The rear seats also echo this trait. I like that even though the leather seating surfaces aren’t the softest or the plushest they are not uncomfortable or abrasive. And for the driver, the added lumbar support button helps maintain good driving posture. This comes in especially handy when driving for extended periods of time.
 
Whether

A premium-level centre stack filled with top-tier gadgets. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

driving for ten minutes or ten hours, the ride quality is always good thanks to the front independent double-wishbone and rear multi-link double-wishbone suspension. At highway speeds or when weaving through city streets, the Accord feels very stable and confident. It also helps that the variable gear ratio (VGR) rack-and-pinion steering is a little bit stiffer, giving the driver a better feel for the road.
 
As nice as the seats are, there are a few beefs I have with the interior. First, there are way too many buttons on the centre stack for my liking. Yes, they are easy to find and clearly marked, but does it really need that many? At night, when they’re illuminated I feel like I’m in a spaceship. Buttons. Buttons. Buttons. Ah! Second, the seat heaters don’t get very warm even when they are on their highest setting. Vancouver winters are nothing in comparison to those anywhere east of Chilliwack, so I’m not only looking out for myself here, but everyone else out there who wants toasty buns. And last but not least, the doors do not automatically unlock when the car is placed in “P” or even when the key is pulled out of the ignition. This is not a new observation on my part but still, after all these years, it bothers me.
 
Price point-wise, the EX-L Navi has an MSRP of $34,340. It comes with all the goods too, like a 270-watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/Windows Media Audio playback capability and 7 speakers including

Rear seating is comfortable and spacious. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

a subwoofer, plus 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Traction Control, and much more. But if all the bells and whistles aren’t your cup of tea, the base LX model comes in at just $26,340.
 
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the 2010 Honda Accord EX-L Navi as a car that “blends in” with the crowd. While it’s not necessarily a jaw-dropper in the looks department or a heart pounder in for performance, it’s stylish. Truly, it’s never over-the-top looks and favourable ride quality wins over the crowds. I dare you to count how many of these cars are on the road!

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint