Honda Accord Sedan EX-L
In 2005, for the 2006 model year, which was its 30th anniversary, the North American Accord received a mid-generational refresh, though it was fairly significant and some enthusiasts called this generation 7.5.
The exterior was revised with a new front grille later seen on the eighth-generation Honda Civic which also debuted that year, new rear end styling with triangular LED taillights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and heated side mirrors for US EX models. Heated mirrors and DRLs were previously available only on Accords sold in Canada. The 2006 model year also featured new wheel designs, with 17" wheels being standard on V6 models. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), traction control, and Brake assist became available on the V6 models for the first time. Previously, the system was named TCS and included the traction control and brake assist, but not stability control.
The interior was also slightly redesigned with changes such as a new steering wheel cover, differently colored gauges and a differently styled shift knob for automatic transmission models. The GPS Navigation system was updated (4th generation) with a faster processor, more memory, and several new features, such as restaurant information from Zagat. A revised maintenance minder system was also added which gave owners reminders for scheduled maintenance such as oil changes based on operating conditions.
Powertrain improvements were made across the Accord line-up in 2006. The V6 engine's power was increased to 244 bhp (182 kW) (+4 hp, SAE net revised 8/04) and the 4-cylinder engine's power was increased to 166 bhp (124 kW) (+6 hp, SAE net revised 8/04). Power gains were achieved with extensive improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust systems. Due to these improvements the V6 engine was renamed the J30A5 from the previous J30A4, and the 4-cylinder from the K24A4 to the K24A8. For the Brazilian market, the 2.4L engine was dropped in favour of a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder i-VTEC K20A engine generating 148 bhp (110 kW). This was done to make the car more competitive against the newly released Ford Fusion. The 2006 model year was also the first year in which the V6 sedan was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission from the coupe as an option. The 4-cylinder Accords were now controlled with Drive-By-Wire (DBW), rather than a throttle cable, providing for smooth operation and enhanced throttle response; V6 Accords already used DBW prior to the 2006 model year.
The 2006 Accord Hybrid got the same revisions as the other Accords, although its engine and battery power was identically powerful to the 2005, the 2006 rating system re-rated it at 253 bhp (189 kW), and a larger battery pack was added. Features that differentiate the Hybrid from other Accords are the different rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheels, the mirror turn signals and the lack of a folding rear seat. In addition, the Hybrid version lacks a 4-way passenger seat. The 2005 Hybrids also had a different storage door from other Accords, which disappeared on the 2006 version. Lastly, a sunroof was not available on the 2005 but was standard on the 2006.
The trim levels were also revised. The inexpensive no-frills Accord was no longer offered, with the DX trim being eliminated. The Accord base model was succeeded by the VP (Value Package) trim which included anti-lock brakes, front and rear disc brakes, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, power locks, and cruise control as standard features, while also having body-colored door handles and mirrors. In Canada, sedans came as DX-G, SE, EX-L, SE-V6, EX-L V6, EX-L V6 6MT, and the Hybrid, while Coupe trims included the SE, EX-L, EX-L V6, and EX-L V6 6MT.
For its 2007 model year, a new SE-V6 trim was introduced. The color "Cool Blue Metallic", previously only for the coupe, became available for the sedan. Despite being in its last year of the generation, the 2007 Accord was still ranked highly by reviewers, scoring slightly below the redesigned Toyota Camry in the Edmunds family sedan comparison.
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