After five years based on the sixth generational design, Honda's mid-size sedan and coupe emerge in 2003 models with slick new exterior styling, new powertrains and expanded cabins with more room for riders and more standard equipment aboard. They're quicker too, due to new engines and transmissions. Accord's base four-cylinder engine has been upgraded to a new 2.4-liter with i-VTEC valve controls and the output extending to 160 hp. The optional new 3.0-liter V6 nets 240 hp, an improvement of 20 percent over Accord's 2002 V6. Also new is an available five-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission or a six-speed manual that slips into the top coupe edition, EX V6. The fancy five-seat cabin features LED lighting for instruments, separate climate controls for driver and passenger, dual-stage frontal air bags plus side-impact air bags optional for LX trim but standard with side curtain-style air bags on EX V6.
