JAPAN'S No. 2 automaker has a habit of producing benchmarks. The Fit is a marvel of packaging efficiency and the Civic is the most technologically advanced compact on the market. And the Accord, well, along with archrival Toyota's Camry, is synonymous with 'best mid-sized sedan' according to almost anybody.

V6 engines displace 3.5 litres and produce a healthy 268 hp running through the front wheels of this large sedan. With a curb weight of 1,637 kg, the car is a relative lightweight for its size and is able to move along with urgency when prodded. The power numbers are mid-pack among Japanese sedans; however, one look at the highway fuel economy ratings for these cars reveals a distinct advantage at the Honda camp. Credit variable cylinder management (VCM), which allows the Accord's V6 to run on three or four of its cylinders in light load situations.

There are a few chinks in the Accord's interior armour though. The navigation system display in the Accord is one of my least favourite systems, mostly because labels are left off of major streets while smaller streets manage to get some screen space. For example, driving down Grant Avenue allows Ebby and Hector Streets to be labelled, but Pembina Highway is not. Figure that one out. Also, it's not a touch screen, which makes it lose points in my books. Check out GM's system for how to do nav systems right.