We did -- and here's where we really need to express our gratitude to our car guy Dave. He delivered a top of the line EX 6-speed coupe, equipped with the XM satellite radio and GPS Navigation system. This mockup retails for $29,315, destination charges included, and has the 240-horsepower, 24-valve V-6 lurking under the hood.
Who knew a Honda Accord would have so much power, so much spring with the manual, that it would take a day and a half to get used to the pop? Driving the car feels like you do the day after a long, clean run -- your legs are loose and itching to break into a lope -- taking you down the trail faster than you thought you wanted to go.
Same with the Accord Coupe. I had to deliberately tune down my accelerator foot to keep from chirping the wheels. The gearing is fat -- you always seem to have plenty of juice left no matter where the shifter is in the box. And even at top speed on the Beltway, sixth gear still had plenty of accel-power.
Inside the Accord Coupe, you get a comfortable, moderately low-slung cockpit. The speedometer and tach are somewhat plain affairs, but your attention is drawn to the center navigation system control panel, that also serves as the gateway to the stereo and air controls.
The pre-installed XM satellite radio is controlled through one screen that allows you to program 12 preset stations. Audio commands, along with AC, are logged with a combination of touch screen and fixed buttons.
The navsystem is a wonder in itself -- meaning I wonder when I'm going to have the time to read the 92-page manual that describes how to set up and use all its features!
For now at least, I know how to bring up the map page, which shows the progress of the car along my neighborhood streets.
Somehow, the GPS system also calculates speed, because the little red arrow icon that is my coupe moves faster or slower depending on whether I'm crawling around town or speeding along the beltway.
Apparently you can set up the navsystem to give you directions -- think of a live-action, interactive Mapquest. That talks to you. Yes, that's right, the Honda navsystem has a voice function that tells you when the next turn or merge is coming up in your trip.
Overall, the Coupe is an exciting ride. Prices start at $19,875 for a 4-cylinder, up to our top o' the line V-6.