Mid size is a broad range, I consider A6, E class, 5 class, Lexus ES, GS Lincoln LS, Jag S class all are in the midsize as well. Any of them have much better interior than Accord. I think what you meant to say is midsize non luxury. Accord is alot closer to Altima than any of the above I specified. Even TSX (best craftsmanship other than RL that Honda makes) has a margin to catch up to being as good as the compact relative of the cars I mention above. The statement I was trying to get accross is that when you start throwing those cars into the picture, Accord interior seems to compare well with Altima for interior. Especially considering that you do get either 3k discount or a larger engine with Altima.

Ture, I do compare an 6 yrs old engine with new engines as well as old engines. However it is a wide claim that honda engines are like new even after 100k miles. The 8 yrs old volvo 850 engine w/ relative amount of milage seems to be holding up really well (even w/ 5 cyl volvo engine is much smoother and has lots more power) compare to the honda engine. Even some old nissan altima engines are holding up really well compare to the 4 cyl I have.

When I test drove the new Accord with its price range in mind, I was not impressed by the smoothness and power. Steering wheel still vibrates and power is still non linear (4cyl).

Of course mywife's car is just totally unacceptable, it is a small 4 cyl that sounds like a disel truck. The 96 ex interior is almost as bad as a 91 Cavalier, which is my first car (parents bought in high school).

Automatic transmission wise, I have never had one shifting so harsh. Of course, I might be biased, other than my first car, I have never driven a car with tag less than $30K. I am just extremely disappointed by the car when I finally have to drive the supposely legendary. Seeing so many "polished truth" here while suffering day to day is hard to swallow.

I don't hate Honda. Before I had a chance to drive it, I truly think it might be a car to be desired. I stayed with European cars as that's what my family had been subscribing to until my wife's accord was forced onto me. W/ all the problems this car have and all the maintanence it required, I just don't understand why all the prase and all the comparasons to cars that are not in the same league. Bottom line is Accord is a little expensive but compares well to cars in its intended market. However, it is merely on the bottom of the middle when you consider the whole midsize class.

You get what you pay for; but there are good alternatives. BTW, Accord argueablely sets standards for midsize basic transportation (accord, camry altima..etc). Honda doesn't set standards where you guys are comparing Accord to. Start accepting Altima being a good alternative of Accord instead of trying to tell people that Accord is good alternative to A4, BMW3.