Why Two Fewer Cylinders Makes The Honda Accord EX-L A Better Buy

The 2014 Honda Accord EX-L.

Most car guys spout phrases like "There's no substitute for cubic inches".  Or "More power!" Well, that's great if you're paid to hammer cars around test tracks or back roads when the Highway Patrol (hopefully) isn't looking five days a week.

But what if you're Everyman, simply looking for the right car?  For years,  my answer to that one was "Honda Accord". That was back in the day when there was only one engine under the hood of an Accord...a four-cylinder.

As the Accord grew in weight and complexity, a six was the obvious answer.  And, as recently as last year, we found that (especially as Honda finds its way back from the wilderness with a new and improved Accord) to be a fine engine.

But you know what?  Go for the four.