If you're looking for another reason to opt for the less costly 4-cylinder model, the 2.4 exhibits better chassis dynamics than the softer V6 model. While overall it falls short of qualifying as a "sport sedan", it's certainly athletic, especially considering its voluminous cabin, roomy trunk, overall comfort, and open-road cruising prowess.

It's not much of a stretch to say the 4-cylinder Accords exhibit key sporting traits, featuring a relatively taut suspension, responsive steering, well-controlled ride motions, and competent braking. Only when you start to push it to around 7 or 8/10ths and beyond are you reminded of the pedestrian nature of the car, and it's mostly due to the tires (15" on DX and LX models, 16" on EX), which provide moderate adhesion and copious squealing, especially on the 15" rubber. You also find that the car is dialed in with a safe dose of understeer, a forgivable attribute given the Accord's mission in the marketplace. If you're like the majority of drivers on North American roads, it's likely you'll never approach these thresholds, and you'll appreciate the Accord's general responsiveness and "sporty" demeanor.

Stacked against the Accord V6, the 4-cylinder's chassis tuning feels slightly firmer, and the damper tuning (especially in the rear) is much better suited to spirited driving. While the Accord V6 felt a little underdamped with the rear being particularly floaty through long sweepers, the 4-cylinder model maintains excellent composure through almost all conditions. At the same time, ride quality barely suffers, if at all. As in the V-6 model, the car dispatches virtually any road imperfection with very little fuss. At the same time it manages to communicate sufficient details of the road surface being traversed, providing a feel generally associated with European sedans. In comparison to a 2001 Passat GLS, the Accord comes out ahead in both ride comfort and composure. While the Passat wallows around twisty backroads with a bit of a disconnected feel, the Accord stays well planted. Though the peak cornering limits are somewhat modest in the Accord, it's more satisfying to drive in a spirited manner than the German "driver's car". Overall, the Accord's setup provides an excellent compromise between ride comfort and handling, resulting in a reasonably fun experience without punishing its occupants.