Every model of the 2009 Honda Accord is easy to drive, regardless of engine and transmission. The base four-cylinder engine of the new Accord provides leisurely and noisy acceleration, while its 190 horsepower version is quite refined but, both offer same fuel economy. The V6 engine somewhat lacks bottom-end torque, however every Accord compares well against competitors in terms of mileage and emissions.

The Accord LX is equipped with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, that matches Nissan's 2.5-liter with a bit less raucousness. Its 177 horsepower is impressive, whether it is mated to manual or automatic transmission. The upgraded EX models come with the same 2.4-liter engine, but with 190 horsepower and same fuel economy. However, this engine with automatic transmission delivers instant downshifts and response for passing, and upshifts at full-throttle well before redline

The five-speed manual transmission of the 2009 Accord has low clutch effort with smooth engagement. But, the manual transmission allows to get the most out of the engine, that cleanly revs right past the marked redline, which makes the 177 horsepower 2.4 manual keep up with the 190 horsepower 2.4 automatic. Overall, the 190 horsepower 2.4-liter engine and five-speed manual are the most entertaining features of the four-cylinder Accord models. Accord lovers will love it, of course those who enjoy driving and believe in shifting with hands and feet, not thumbs.

The EX V6 models of the 2009 Accord come with a 3.5-liter engine, that delivers 268 horsepower with a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine is smooth and quiet, which uses the latest version of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

The EX V6 models of the 2009 Accord come with a 3.5-liter engine, that delivers 268 horsepower with a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine is smooth and quiet, which uses the latest version of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

All new Accord sedans with four-cylinder engines achieve 22 miles per gallon in the city; 31 miles per gallon on the highway with manual transmission. And with automatic transmission, they achieve 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The Accord coupes with four-cylinder achieve EPA-rated 22 miles per gallon in the city; 31 miles per gallon on the highway with the manual, and 21 miles per gallon in the city; 30 mpg with the automatic. The V6 sedans achieve 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The V6 coupes are rated 19 miles per gallon and 28 miles per gallon on the highway with automatic, while they achieve 17 miles per gallon and 25 miles per gallon on the highway with the six-speed manual.