HONDA four cylinder engines have been the smoothest and most refined on the market for years and it took other car makers a long time to catch up.
The 2.4-litre in the Accord is as smooth and as powerful as BMW's six cylinder 2.5, even though it has only four cylinders.
A few other makers, including Mercedes, have still not managed to make a four this good.
As well as this petrol unit, there is also a 2.0-litre and the best of the range is probably the 2.2 diesel, which is smooth, quiet and very powerful.
There is rarely any need to push the engines hard because they pull hard from very low revs.
Handling is top-of-the-tree, with little roll, wonderful balance, vast grip and safe, sure road holding.
It matches the engine's verve perfectly and it is hugely enjoyable over short or long journeys.
It rides beautifully at speed, but does get a little jittery in town.
Interior
Equipment includes all the very best including excellent touch screen sat nav in top models, full climate control and an electric sunroof.
It has automatic lights and wipers, lovely wood veneer and traction control. The automatic gearbox is one of the best you can buy.
FAST FACTS
Honda Accord 2.2 diesel
Price: Pay £8,600 for an '03 03-reg Executive, £10,000 for the same model on and 04 54-reg, or £11,400 for an '06 06-reg Type S.
Mechanical: 140bhp, 2,184cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 10 seconds
Combined mpg: 48
Insurance group: 12
Marks: 10/10.
Main rival: Audi A4, BMW 3-series