srobertson

Honda could be on its way to creating the perfect car with the new Accord model.

"Daddy, how much longer until we're there?" I'll bet I've heard that question a thousand times on long trips, and I've often wished there were some way the kids could just ask the family car that question, instead of bothering me every 10 minutes.

When I picked up this week's test car the nice folks at Wieser Honda couldn't wait to demonstrate the latest electronic marvel--a voice activated 2004 Honda Accord. "This baby actually talks to you," they told me. Indeed, it had every accessory, including satellite navigation, satellite radio, automatic climate control and something called voice command. "Gosh, fellas," I explained, "you're wasting your time showing me all that stuff. I'm not going to use it. By the time I learn how to operate all those gadgets it will be time to return the car." I think I hurt their feelings. They didn't cry, but they sure were disappointed that I didn't show a little bit of excitement about the most expensive Accord they have ever offered. This Accord, a top of the line 4-door EX model with V6 engine, has a sticker price of $29,116. While that may not seem like a lot of money when compared to some other brands, it is a lot of money for a Honda. I just took the car keys and drove away in what many auto reviewers consider one of the most perfect automobiles on the road today.

But as I drove along marveling at the power, precision and comfort of the latest Honda flagship, I kept glancing at the strange little tab on the steering wheel labeled voice command. I resisted the temptation to push it the entire first day. After all, Honda perfected the layout and feel of the controls years ago -- why would anyone need voice command? Want to turn up the radio volume or switch channels? All the buttons you need are right on the steering wheel. Want to reset your cruise speed? Again, the controls are right under your thumb. Feeling a little warm? You don't have to ask the spouse if she could stand it a bit cooler, because you have your own control just inches away from your hand, and she has her own control for her side of the car, too. Are you lost? This car is equipped with GPS navigation and the big touch-screen color display in the center of the dashboard can give you all the maps you could possibly want. "I don't need no stinking' voice command," I told myself, and instead of pushing the button, I mashed the accelerator all the way to the floor.

There's nothing like the rush of adrenaline that comes from the rush of acceleration and the new Accord serves it up with gusto. This year's V-6 Accord has 240 ponies, and since it weighs just a bit over 3,000 pounds, the acceleration is dramatic. The engine is mated to a new five-speed automatic transmission with "grade-logic"-- a brain that modifies the shifts according to the steepness of the roadway. Gone is the tendency to "hunt" from one gear to another as you descend or climb hills. And the transmission helps the new Accord deliver very respectable gas mileage of 21 city and 30 highway.

Speaking of the highway, the new Accord, with its supportive seats, low road noise and exemplary trunk space would make an excellent touring car. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position, and the visibility is excellent. Even the rear seats can be folded down for more cargo space if they are not needed for passengers. Some folks will appreciate the nifty pass-through door hidden behind the rear armrest -- it's perfect for getting long things, such as skis, into the vehicle.

Reliability is another strong point for Honda. Check the frequency of repair record for Honda in Consumers Reports magazine and you'll not find a higher rated vehicle. Nor will you find a car that has consistently received more praise from car enthusiast magazines. Car and Driver magazine has put the Accord on its Ten Best Vehicles list for 17 of the 21 years they have been giving out the award. Could this really be the world's most perfect car?

The first day I had the car I managed to drive it all the way to Carbondale, Ill., and back without ever pushing the voice command button. I found that the accelerator and the cornering ability provided all the excitement I needed.

But by the second day I was running out of things to do. I had pushed all the buttons on the navigation/radio/climate control touch screen, I had tried all the positions of the driver's eight-way leather, heated power seat and the tilt/telescope steering wheel, and the moon roof. Everything worked flawlessly. I was bored. Just to see what would happen, I pushed the button and said, "Mr. Spock, give me warp speed." A soft female voice responded, "Command not recognized." Hmm. A mutinous Honda. Maybe it doesn't know what warp speed is. I pulled over to the side of the road and got out the operator's manual. I found a list of some 80 different acceptable voice commands. I pushed the button again and said, "Climate control 70 degrees." Immediately an obedient female voice repeated my words, and the air-conditioning system responded to the new setting. Impressed I said, "Display nearest gas station." The soft voice spoke to me again, and the information screen displayed a regional map, showing my position in relation to a nearby gas station.

Thoroughly impressed, I said, "Daddy how much longer until we're there." The female voice said, "Command not recognized." Honda, you make a great car, but you still don't make the perfect car.