The four-door sedan and the sporty coupe are nearly identical from an engineering standpoint, though the Accord Coupe features some performance tweaks designed to make it more fun to drive. Trim levels and pricing for Sedan and Coupe are nearly identical.

Only the sedan is available as a DX base model ($15,350), and it comes with a non-VTEC 135-horsepower four-cylinder engine, wind-up windows, and not much else. Air conditioning is optional. This model is best left to rental-car agencies and those who value a low price above everything else.

Most people opt for the LX and EX trim levels plus a new SE trim level that fits between the two.

LX ($18,890) and EX come with Honda's 2.3-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine rated at 150 horsepower and a five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic transmission adds another $800.

SE ($20,850) is essentially an LX with an automatic transmission plus a long list of popular features at a $1000 discount that includes special 15-inch alloy wheels, moonroof, keyless entry, security system, AM/FM/CD, wood trim, power height adjustment for driver's seat, floor mats.

EX ($21,500) models come standard with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; leather seating surfaces are available on the EX for about $1250 and that comes with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

There's also a 200-horsepower V6 engine available for the LX and EX trim levels. LX V-6 ($22,600) and EX V-6 come standard with a four-speed automatic transmission and ABS.

EX V-6 ($25,300) comes loaded with leather seating surfaces, woodgrain trim, automatic climate control, and a programmable HomeLink universal remote control. It comes with an 8-way power driver's seat and a 4-way power passenger seat.

All Accords are equipped with dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags that detect seatbelt use and crash severity and regulate bag deployment force accordingly. Side-impact airbags are optional, however. LX and EX come standard with anti-lock brakes. V6 Accords come with Honda's TCS traction control.