1996 Honda Accord A midsize pacesetter that's also fun to drive. By Michelle Krebs, New Car Test Drive .com

For many years now, the Honda Accord has been synonymous with high-quality, reliable

transportation that includes a high fun-to-drive index.

That continues to be true for this popular model, which is the best-selling car in

America in terms of retail sales and second best overall behind the Ford Taurus, which

enjoys a large number of sales to company and daily rental fleets.

The Accord consistently appears on Top 10 lists for magazines. It also wins

consistently high scores in various quality surveys, including the J.D. Power Customer

Satisfaction Index, a measurement of quality after the first year of ownership.

For 1996, the Accord sports modestly revised front and rear styling touches. More

important, the trunk opening has been expanded by nearly five inches for easier

loading and unloading.

Also new for 1996, all LX and EX sedan and coupe models feature variable intermittent

windshield wipers, and the stereo radio antenna is integrated into the rear window.

All LX models now ride on 15-in. tires and new wheels. A 6-way power driver's seat has

been added to the LX V6 and EX 4-cyl. leather models.

The Accord, which last underwent a major redesign in 1994, is scheduled for a complete

make-over for the 1998 model year. In the meantime, it continues to be one of the

world's best sellers. Since most Accords are assembled in the U.S., that world-wide

popularity has helped Honda to become this country's number one automobile exporter.