Honda Accord Station Wagon -- Price May Not Be Right, But The Vehicle Is

MARYSVILLE, Ohio - If ``Honda Accord Station Wagon'' conjures a vision of some Honda the Hulk, think again.

The new 1991 Accord wagon is really more like an Accord sedan that is on steroids.

The wagon is available in two versions, the LX and the upscale EX.

Prices on the LX begin at $17,300 for the five-speed manual; the EX with the manual transmission is priced at $19,050. That is pricey, but the amount of standard equipment is extensive for both models.

Honda recently lent us the EX with the manual transmission. The $19,050 price included such standard equipment as air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM-FM cassette stereo, alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, cruise control and power steering. There were no options.

Like the Accord sedan and coupe, the station wagon has front-wheel drive. It is 1.2 inches longer and 2.3 inches taller than the Accord sedan. Honda officials see it as a competitor for such vehicles as the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy.

Inside, the station wagon is comfortable. There is room for four 6-foot adults.

There is an air bag for the driver, something not found this year on any other Accord.

Honda also gets points for providing large side-view mirrors.

On the road, the Accord wagon feels much like the sedan, which is to say it feels good. The all-independent suspension and Goodyear Eagle GA tires provide a ride that is generally comfortable regardless of whether the pavement is smooth or rough.

The variable power-assisted steering provides a good road feel and the ability to place the car with precision.

The five-speed gearbox has the traditional Honda smoothness, meaning the clutch take-up is light and easy.

Two engines are available. The LX gets a 125-horsepower version of the 2.2-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder. The EX engine is basically the same, but produces 140 horsepower through a different intake manifold and exhaust.

The engine gets top marks for flexibility, pulling easily from engine speeds as low as 1,500 rpm, even in fourth gear.

Overall, the only catch is the price.

-- TEST DRIVE POLICY:

Test drives are done by nationally recognized auto writers supplied by Times news services. Christopher Jensen is an automotive writer for The Plain Dealer of Cleveland.

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK

1991 ACCORD

WAGON

ENGINE

2.2 liter

Four cylinders

16 valves

LX: 125 horsepower

EX: 140 horsepower

DRIVE

Front wheel

TRANSMISSION

Five-speed

manual

FUEL ECONOMY

(Estimated)

22 mpg city

27 mpg highway

BASE PRICE

LX: $17,300

EX: $19,050

OBSERVATONS

-- Models

The station wagon, built only in Honda's Marysville plant, is available in two versions, the LX (pictured above) and the upscale EX. The company hopes to sell about 35,000 in the first year. Another 10,000 will be divided between Japan and Europe.

-- Dimensions

The station wagon, which Honda designed in the United States, is 1.2 inches longer and 2.3 inches taller than the Accord sedan.