For 2011, Honda has given its popular Accord Coupe a few design tweaks while adding a bit more efficiency to its inline four-cylinder (I4) engines. This five-passenger midsize coupe comes in two essential trims, the base LX-Sport and high-end EX. Adding some extra appearance and cabin features turns the EX into the EX-L sub-trim, while the available V6 powertrain further begets the EX V6 and EX-L V6. This well-wrought coupe has undergone a revision of its grille and front fascia, as well as its rear fascia and deck lid for a more svelte profile, adding to its improved efficiency. Luggage capacity is a respectable 12 cubic feet, and second row-seating is touted as amongst the roomiest available. Though challenged by Dodge’s Challenger and hounded by Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe, the 2011 Accord Coupe stacks up pretty well against both in price, performance, and perks.

Powering the 2011 Accord Coupe LX-Sport is an improved 2.4-liter I4 that’s available with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Both gearboxes will allow 177 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque, with variable valve timing netting 23/33 mpg with the manual shifter and 23/34 from the automatic. EX and EX-L Coupe variants pack the same 2.4-liter I4 that’s tweaked for 190 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque with, again, either a five-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Expect 23/33 with the automatic and 23/32 with the stick shift. Finally, as implied, the EX-L V6 Coupe sub-trim carries the heady 3.5-liter variable-valve-timed V6, putting out 271 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The five-speed automatic gets an estimated 20/30, while the six-speed stick should get a rather gluttonous 17/26.

For 2011, the Accord Coupe LX-Sport boasts standard 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, manual easy-entry rear-seat access, telescoping tilt-wheel-steering with audio and cruise controls mounted on the steering wheel, air conditioning, a 160-watt 6-CD changer with six speakers, and a USB connection. The EX Coupe trims add a power sunroof, simulated alloy dash trim, a subwoofer, and Bluetooth hands-free communications to the mix, while the EX-L Coupe also throws in a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, dual-zone climate control, 270 watts of audio, and XM satellite radio. The top-shelf Accord EX-L V6 Coupe touts 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, power-adjustable front seats, memory for driver's settings, and, with the five-speed automatic, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

In 2011 Accord Coupe EX-L and EX-L V6 configurations, buyers can select Honda’s available satellite-linked, voice-activated navigation system, thereby creating what Honda calls the EX-L Coupe with Navigation and EX-L V6 Coupe with Navigation. Other available equipment, euphemistically labeled “accessories” by this traditionally trim-addicted automaker, include rear parking sensors, remote engine start, all-weather front and rear floor mats, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Basic safety equipment across the 2011 Accord Coupe lineup includes four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, remote anti-theft alarm, front head restraint whiplash protection, and daytime running lights. The EX-L, meanwhile, adds standard dusk-sensing headlights, while the EX-L V6 additionally features standard front fog/driving lights.

For many owners of the 2010 Accord Coupe, seat comfort remains a disturbing issue, while the notable lack of stand-alone options also continues to plague more than a few owners. Hopefully, a significantly redesigned center stack for 2011 will mitigate complaints of a decidedly low-end center stack on 2010 trims, while a bit of grousing about poor low-end torque from each of the engines seems not to have been seriously addressed. The good news from 2010 Accord Coupe owners, however, is that this solid family vehicle retains the reliability, ride, handling, roominess, luggage capacity, looks, and resale value that have made the Accord name justly famous.