The competition: Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima (clockwise from upper right)
Whatever used to make Honda special has largely vanished, and even Honda seems unsure if it is ever coming back. The Accord was the best-selling automobile in the U.S. from 1989 to 1991, but that feels like eons ago. So far in 2012 it is running third behind Camry and Altima. This ninth-generation Accord with its new, more fuel-efficient "Earth Dreams" engine is expected to be slightly lighter, slightly more powerful and slightly more stylish than its predecessor, but evolutionary improvements won't help return Accord to its former elite status. Warns Car & Driver: "The threat of dullness remains."
Advantage: Everyone but the Accord
NEXT: 2013 Cadillac ATS