I’m looking at a new 2009 Honda Accord to use for myself in good old Texas. I’ll be turning over my old car to my wife who also needs a car. Can someone offer me some advice?

Matthew

Dallas, TX

Good day to you, Matthew! Gospel-truth, the Accord has always been on the strong side of Honda. Ever since the Accord models came out in the 1980s, it always got positive reviews from both critics and consumers alike. Honda’s tradition of marrying technology and design lives on in the 2009 Accord. What kind of Accord should you take home with you? Any one of the different trims should do well but what struck my heart as a winner is the EX-L.

How is the EX-L different? Well, since you said that you’d be driving this one for yourself, I thought that I’d recommend something that isn’t on the top of the price list but takes your comfort into mind. The EX-L comes with leather-trimmed seating, leather covered steering wheel and a leather covered shift knob (for the MT), just some things that you might appreciate. I don’t think you’d be disappointed as well with the response of its 2.4 Liter i-VTEC engine. The 190 horsepower will always be there to back you up whenever you need it. For your driving convenience, the 2009 Honda Accord EX-L comes with the Honda Satellite-linked navigation system with Voice recognition. You got the style and the power, with great directions to get you in and out of Texas.

I just saw a 2009 Ridgeline parked at my neighbor’s garage here in Texas. From the outside, it looked “WOW.” Care to share what else is in that truck?

Tony

Dallas, TX

Hey, hey, hey, Tony! Yes, the 2009 Ridgeline does look handsome on the outside. The tough-looking exterior gives you a hint that what’s under the hood is a monster hauler. Well, it is. I do suggest you try to schedule a road test or a test drive, so you can get to experience the vehicle. I bet a local Honda dealer in Texas can offer that to you.

Since you already know much about the exteriors and the styling of the Ridgeline, let’s talk about how this baby can move. Okay, first, how much load can it carry? In trunk or bed, it can carry about 1,500 lbs., which is true for all three trims (the RT, RTS & RTL). However, with proper towing equipment attached, the Ridgeline can haul up to 5,000 lbs. The Ridgeline can carry this much load with its 3.5 Liter 24-valve SOHC VTEC engine that generates almost 2,500 lb-ft of torque and 250 horsepower. It also doesn’t scrimp on space as it can comfortably seat 5 inside the cab. And for those concerned about safety, it even incorporates 3 side-curtain airbags to provide more-than-adequate protection even if the car tumbles. I guess those are the main features that I would check out if I decide to buy this vehicle.

I have been driving around Dallas, Texas in a Toyota Camry for a couple of years now. Now, I am interested in getting a similar size car but from a different manufacturer. I am curious about the Honda Accord, care to offer some information?

Danny

Dallas, TX

Hi there, Danny! I would like to offer some of my opinions and advice for your next car before you start checking out the car dealerships in Dallas, Texas.

Okay, so you have been driving around Dallas in a Camry. Although Toyota has always carried a good reputation with its vehicles, I think you should also check out the Accord from Honda. Much to Honda’s credit, this Japanese car maker has always been ahead, in my opinion, when it comes to performance and mileage in the midsize car segment. So what is good with either a 2008 or 2009 Honda Accord over a Toyota Camry? The Honda Accord was redesigned and a new engine was thrown-in for a 2008 model year. Style-wise, the Accord in its current incarnation has a classier feel over the current Camry. In my observation, the Honda Accord is roomier compared to a Camry, and that translates to passenger comfort. You can also check out the “horses” at similar trims. For a standard 2.4 Liter 5-speed manual transmission model from both manufacturers, the Accord is rated at 177 hp over the Camry’s 158. With the power advantage, the Accord still maintains a very decent combined city and highway fuel-economy of 25 miles to a gallon. And of course, before I forget, the Honda Accord has always had a good history when it comes to resale value. I hope that was enough to make you take a second and longer look at a Honda Accord.

Happy driving, Danny.