If you're talking about a 6th Gen Accord, by ALL MEANS go manual. The auto transmission in those cars has to be THE WORST tranny I've ever had the displeasure of driving. Don't get me wrong, I love every other thing about this car - Honda just fucked up the transmission BIG time IMO. It's the car's achilles' heel. It meanders and downshifts too soon, and just basically acts like it doesn't know what gear you're trying to use. Many other car reviews have said the same thing, so it's not just me. I like the concept of the Vtec engine, and it performs like it should, but that god awful auto transmission they pair it with stifles any noticable performance you could draw from it.

I *really* dig how when you let off the gas you lunge forward as the transmission downshifts! You don't even have to brake. Yeah, that's a GREAT design!

The newer models got it right (although the steering's a big flighty and fades easily), but if you're looking at a '99-2002(3?) Accords, stay the HELL away from the auto transmissions.

FWIW, mine had to be replaced at 30,000 miles because of a recall since they were burning up the 2nd gear. The replacement doesn't have this issue but still sucks an equal amount of ass performance-wise.