(Edmunds) The benchmark. The best-selling car in America. The highest resale value in its class. These are all statements that have been made with regularity concerning the Accord. It is always on the short list of the most popular cars in this country. The Accord won a loyal base of customers by offering sprightly performance, room for four, frugal fuel economy and a virtual guarantee that, if cared for properly, the Accord would not break.

Those qualities have made it the benchmark. It is consistently the best-selling car to regular retail customers like you. As for resale, it holds value better than most currency. Sure, the Accord is pretty pricey new, but the overall cost of ownership, when repairs, maintenance, and resale value are put into the equation, make it a bargain.

During the 1995 model year, the Accord sedan finally got a V6. However, it doesn’t perform as well as some versions four-cylinder Accord. Why? Added weight, different tires and an automatic transmission collaborated to make the Accord V6 slower and less nimble than a five-speed Accord EX. Additionally, critics find that the V6 powertrain was not ideally suited to the Accord, citing smooth but dull response from both the engine and transmission resulting in a bland character; decidedly out of tune with other Honda products. For ’98, Honda pumps that V6 full of VTEC magic, and though we haven’t driven it yet, we’re hopeful that the first VTEC V6 in the Honda lineup is just what the doctor ordered.

The Accord EX equipped with a VTEC engine is quick, frugal, and loaded with equipment. As an added bonus, it’s fun to drive. And knowing that, in the end, the Accord will actually cost just half what the sticker reads makes the choice a no-brainer. The Accord is the definitive family sedan, or coupe.

Rent one today to test it out from Auto Distributors Inc., proudly serving Fulton, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Windsor, Calistoga, Forestville, Sonoma, Napa, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Penngrove and the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in the heart of the Northern California wine country. Read the terms of use policy from Auto Distributors Inc. before your purchase.

This vehicle is offered subject to prior sale; accordingly, there is no guarantee that this vehicle will not be sold to another buyer. Offer expires on the close of business on the date set forth above. Dealer is under no obligation to include or offer any additional equipment, products or services.

Price excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, emissions testing, the cost of optional equipment selected by the purchaser, and any charges for dealer/ document fees (except that the price includes charges for dealer/document fees in states where such charges are required to be included in the advertised price).