The cosmetic changes for the 2006 sedan include a trunk lid with integrated LED brake and tail lights, re-styled bumper fascias, and altered front grille. Other new-for-2006 features spotlight interior accents (like a restyled gauge cluster and revised window tray) as well as an Accord first: a six-speed manual transmission on the V6 powered sedan. The V6 engine gains four horsepower (now 244 at 6250 rpm) via airflow upgrades to the intake and exhaust systems. Peak torque on the 24-valve, 3.0-liter V6 is 211 at 5000 rpm. The front wheel drive V6 Accord now makes Vehicle Stability Assist a standard feature. Accord EX with the V6 provides exclusives like a 180-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite radio with six-disc changer and 17-inch alloy wheels. The sedan sports a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link double wishbone rear suspension.

Honda Accord maintains a pleasant presentation by not overdressing the interior. The most dominant interior fixture, when equipped, is the navigation system. Easy-to-reach switches, buttons and dials help keep the driver focused on driving. And driving isn’t too terrible a burden at the pump since the Accord sedan with V6 engine and manual transmission tallies per gallon fuel estimates of 21 city/30 highway. From a safety perspective, the Accord’s standard fare list includes side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, anti-lock brakes, and daytime running lights (a new 2006 regular equipment addition). Accord EX with V6 and six-speed manual transmission has a MSRP of $27,300. Add $2,000 to the total MSRP when that same sedan is fitted with the navigation system.