One of the most highly rated family autos on the market, the popular Honda Accord flaunts a few changes for 2011. This five-passenger sedan preserves its reputation for quality, safety, and reliability while adding a new-look grille and some styling upgrades to the front and rear fascias, as well as the trunk lid. Additionally, both inline four-cylinder (I4) engines have been tweaked a bit for better fuel efficiency, thus complementing a more aerodynamically accommodating body for an extra two or three mpg on average. Finally, 2011 brings the new SE trim to the Accord sedan lineup.

Again, this well-regarded front-wheel-drive-only sedan is delivered in essentially three trims, the base LX, brand-new midlevel SE, and top-shelf EX. As with past years, Honda’s 2011 Accord option packages are incorporated into various sub-trims. For instance the LX boasts a Premium version (LX-P) with automatic transmission and some additional standard appearance, comfort, and convenience perks, while the EX trim level is upgradeable to the EX-L and EX-L V6 configurations, with each adding unique drivetrain, comfort, and convenience features. The SE, meantime, is a stand-alone trim. In traditional fashion, the Accord is neck and neck with the Toyota Camry as the county’s top-selling affordable midsize family sedan, with the Ford Fusion, Mazda6, Chevy Malibu, and highly touted Hyundai Sonata following close behind.

Standard power for the 2011 Accord LX and SE trims comes in the form of a well-regarded 2.4-liter I4 engine that, with the standard five-speed manual transmission, delivers 177 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque, with variable valve timing allowing 23/33 mpg. As well, a five-speed automatic that gets 23/34 is available in the LX and standard for the SE. Accord EX and EX-L variations get a 190-hp, 162-lb-ft/torque, 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage is expected to mirror that of the LX/SE version of the I4. The Accord EX V6 and EX-L V6 packages, as the name implies, are equipped with a variable-valve-timed, 271-hp 3.5-liter V6 and accompanying five-speed automatic transmission that puts down 254 lb-ft of torque at an EPA-estimated 20/30, with cylinder deactivation at highway speeds.

Standard equipment for the 2011 Accord LX trim level includes 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering with mounted audio and cruise controls, air conditioning, and a 160-watt single-CD player with six speakers. The LX-P adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and front/rear floormats. The midlevel Accord SE is delivered with leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, power driver's-side lumbar support, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, all standard, while the EX trim adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, heated outside mirrors, 6-CD changer, and a USB connection to the list. Moving up to the EX-L, meanwhile, begets standard power-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth hands-free communications, 270 watts of audio power, and XM satellite radio, with the EX-L V6 throwing in a standard universal remote garage door opener. Trunk space throughout the lineup is 14.7 cubic feet.

A satellite-linked, voice-activated navigation system is available for the EX trim level in its –L and –L V6 configurations, effectively creating additional sub-trims. Other available options, coyly labeled “accessories” by the notably option-wary Honda, include, depending on trim level, rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, all-weather floormats, remote engine start, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Safety-wise, the basics across the 2011 Accord lineup include four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, front whiplash protection system, and daytime running lights. The LX-P and higher trims also include a remote anti-theft alarm system, while the EX and EX-L variations are available with front fog/driving lights.

Owners of the 2010 Honda Accord complain most frequently about front-seat comfort, though the EX’s power-adjustable lumbar support should mitigate this for the additional cost. The oddly intransigent options packaging traditional for Honda also lends itself to some deserved criticism, as does a somewhat cluttered and decidedly lo-tech dashboard setup. On the other hand, build quality, reliability, good looks, ride comfort, and plain overall value have owners consistently praising this top-notch family sedan.