Feeling the need to "freshen up" its image, Accord has taken on a whole new stance: sportier, jazzier and more luxurious. The 2003 Honda Accord is much improved, and at long last, has an attractive exterior. Competing with the likes of Nissan Altima, VW Passat and the ever-popular Toyota Camry, Accord has long needed a makeover to stay competitive. There are few who can beat Accord’s reliability, but with so many more vehicles entering the marketplace in the mid-size car category.

Honda has priced the ’03 Accord–having debuted in September–"slightly" higher than last year; ranging from $15,500 for a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, to $25,300 for the six-cylinder, automatic. We drove the top-of-the-line EX V-6, with 200 horsepower, and the optional 17-inch wheels.

Trying to differentiate itself, the new Accord has taken on a more "muscular" image, more power and performance, and a sleeker appearance. Is this a good idea? Well, it remains to be seen. When Volvo tried changing their long-standing image from that of the safest car on the road to a sporty brand, it didn’t go over as well as hoped.

Surely, when the Accord fist came on the scene in 1976 when gas prices were skyrocketing, the car was wildly popular. Good fuel economy, reliability and a reputation for basic transportation, Accord became America’s best-selling car by the late 1980s. However, as other auto manufacturers caught up, offering quality and generous warranties, Honda began to realize making a good car wasn’t enough.

Improvements to the Accord in the last couple of years have made it a more desirable choice among the competition. For 2003, Accord gets the biggest makeover, including a power boost to the engine, better fitting seats, and an adjustable steering column. Accord’s new seat is by far an improvement over previous models. When driving the Civic Hybrid recently, I found myself realizing this wasn’t a seat I could be in for hours on end. The ’03 Accord, though, is a different story. This seat did fit my body, hugged it, in fact, making the ride a lot more enjoyable. Controls, cupholders, all was in reach.

As in other years, the Accord is available in DX,LX and EX trim levels; coupe and sedan. Two powertrains include the 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder I-VTEC engine with 160 horsepower. Our test vehicle came equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6, 240 horsepower, a increase of 40 horse from 2001. This is a noticeable difference. There is plenty of get-up-and-go, making it easy to get out into traffic. The engine is smooth and quieter than in the past, although this seems unlikely since Honda’s engines are among the quietest made.

Honda’s ’03 Accord body construction is all-new unibody design, 27 percent stiffer, and safer. In addition, a new subframe uses hydro-formed steel components, attaching to the body with rubber "floating" mounts. This helps to reduce noise and vibration from the engine and front suspension.

The Accord’s wishbone suspension has been modified for 2003, and at the same time, tuned to be sportier and more European in ride. Larger tires have been placed on both sedan and coupe to enhance handling and ride. To go along with this, the anti-lock braking system has also been enhanced. All these changes are hard to miss when driving the new Accord. It feels like a more solid, less flimsy vehicle.

The instrument panel has been updated some, illuminating a black appearance. The meters are larger and more bold, easier to read. Controls for HVAC and the radio are easier to operate. They are larger. Our only complaint was we kept pushing the audio control when aiming for the heat, and vica versa. Perhaps they should be separated somewhat so as not to confuse the two.

Safety features have been stepped-up for ’03, including side airbags available on the LX 4-cylinder models as an option, and standard on all EX and V6 models. The front passenger’s side

Airbag is controlled by a sensing system that disables if the passenger is in its deployment path. The EX V6 model comes standard with a side curtain airbag system that covers both front and rear side windows.

Probably the biggest story for the ’03 Accord is its new exterior. Much improved with its aggressive front, geometric headlamps and sculpted sides. The curves help to bring Accord into the age of bold styling, although Accord’s new design is far from radical. Honda would like to believe it’s distinguishable from other competitors, but truth is, it’s similar. Nevertheless, a big improvement over the square box of previous Accords.

Accord’s overall length is only a tenth of an inch longer, but the wheelbase grows one inch. Overhang is reduced, and the sedan is 1.2 inches wider than the ’02 model.

Honda offers its "Touch by Voice" Satellite-Linked DVD Navigation System on both 4-cylinder (EX)and all EX V6 models. The system is a new generation, with new features, including voice recognition, larger touch screen display and expanded database covering all U.S. roads and 7 million points of interest.

Honda also offers three different upgraded audio systems in the Accord. DX and LX models come equipped with AM/FM/CD units with 120 watts of power; DX models have two speakers, while LX models have six. Front speakers have been upgraded. EX models add an in-dash CD changer, and a Premium Audio System, with 180 watt speakers is standard on the V6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission.