The 2009 Honda Accord Coupe sees no changes at all after its 2008 makeover. The sporty, aggressive coupe distinguishes itself from its more sedate sedan sibling with a steeply sloping windshield, longer nose, and slightly smaller dimensions for tighter, more performance-oriented handling. Riding on a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension, the 2009 Accord Coupe combines high-end sophistication with precise cornering, satisfying power, and an affordable pricetag. And let's not forget about Honda's reputation for reliability and longevity.

The 2009 Accord coupe comes 3 inches shorter in length and nearly 2 inches shorter in height than the sedan, and not surprisingly interior headroom and rear visibility (due to the sloping roofline) emerge as minor downsides for owners. The front-wheel-drive coupe is available in four trims. LX-S, EX, and EX-L come standard with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder i-VTEC engine that delivers 190 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, matched to a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. Its 22/31 mpg disappoints some drivers. The much faster (0-60 in 5.3) 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine, optional only for the EX-L, uses either a 5-speed automatic or close-throw 6-speed manual to put out 271 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. Except when paired with the manual, it features the fuel-efficient Variable Cylinder Management, which deactivates up to three cylinders when they're not needed.

Maintaining Honda's reputation for safety, all trims feature 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes and traction and stability control. Dual-stage front-side airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows provide five-star safety ratings, along with the active head restraints and Advanced Compatibility Engineering, which distributes crash impact over a wider area. Owners and critics praise the sport-like handling and tight cornering abilities, helped by a low center of gravity due to the low engine and gas-tank placement. The larger 18-inch wheels on the V6 trim provide confident road grip but, along with the firmer sport suspension, transmit more road impact and noise to passengers.

Rear legroom improved last year, but still suits children better than adults. Rear seats do not split-fold, but flip forward, expanding the surprisingly spacious 12.5-cubic-foot trunk. A wide trunk pass-through is also standard. The base LX-S comes with full power features, cruise control, remote entry, wheel-mounted audio controls, and a CD/MP3 player. A center console is divided into several compartments and provides an MP3 jack and 12-volt power source. The EX adds heated mirrors, blue ambient lighting, and a sunroof, while the EX-L adds an upscale feel with heated leather seats, wood trim, and a power driver's seat. On EX-Ls equipped with the V6 engine, chrome dual exhaust tips, an aluminum shifter, foglights, and larger 18-inch wheels add sporty touches.

When equipped with the V6, the 2009 Accord Coupe offers enough road-burning power to please a budget-minded commuter or city driver. Owners like its roomy cabin and trunk, but mostly seem to buy the Coupe for its looks, which they describe as aggressive, stylish, and sophisticated. A smooth ride, with precise handling, is complemented by the upscale quality of the cabin materials. Some reviewers point out that its heavy weight detracts from any true sport pretensions, and wind and road noise can be intrusive.