The aforementioned navigation system is one of easiest and most efficient systems I've tried. The directions are simple, including destination address data entry. The system has straightforward, nicely illuminated maps and a pleasant, clear direction-giver's voice.

Through its nearly 30 years, Accord's appeal has been its overall presentation, not just strength of some of its individual features. The 2005 Accord takes vehicle's well-respected total package to a new standard.

Acceleration, quietness, ride quality, steering and handling and instrumentation – Accord gets high marks in all categories. All gauges are keenly styled and legible and positioned well on dash and console. The car maneuvers moves well in and out of traffic. While not a sports car, its testing rating of 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds is hardly pedestrian for midsize car category.

The only less-than-sterling marks for new Accord are its fuel economy and rear seat room. The EX model has a rating of 21 and 30 mph averages in city and highway driving, respectively. Those numbers could be higher, particularly in age of higher fuel costs.

The Accord has plenty of headroom in front and back seats. But rear seat is snug for three adults, despite its five-passenger designation.

Regardless, reasons are aplenty why Accord is so popular. And if all is still well even when you're stuck in rush-hour traffic on a late weekday afternoon, is there any higher praise?

2005 Honda Accord

Safety features -- Driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes; Traction control system.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 21 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Power train, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price -- $28,700.

James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car review colum, The Weekly Driver.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver .

To subscribe to his free electronic newsletters, visit: www.ByJamesRaia.com

The pilot is an eight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The second and third-row seats each comfortably seat three passengers. Although unused during my test week, second and third-seat passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops down from second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map/accessory compartment behind driver's seat.

All three Pilot models have a long list of standard features: tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and heated power mirrors are standard on EX-L model only.

Despite its best-buy status, Pilot does have two less-than-spectacular considerations: curtain side airbags are not available on any model, and its fuel rating of 17 in city driving and 22 in highway use is fine for its category but hardly an economical plus.

Nevertheless, Pilot overall is an ideal family vehicle. It's spaciously designed, practical and fits well in Honda family known not only performance and reliability, but for a strong position in resale market.

2005 Honda Pilot

Safety features -- Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear-obstacle detection system. tire pressure monitor, rearview camera.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price range -- $34,120.

James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the automotive column, The Weekly Driver Review.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver Review

To subscribe to his free electronic newsletters, visit the web site: www.ByJamesRaia.com