Recently, I checked out the new V-6 Honda Accord Coupe. Sitting in the driver seat, I was awed by the new, standard technology upgrades at my disposal: hands-free Bluetooth, XM Radio, a 270-watt audio system, the 18 standard safety gadgets are enough to make any occupant feel safe and secure.. While I enjoyed the sportier look of the coupe model and the power of the 271 hp, 3.5 L, iVTEC engine, I noticed something was missing from my drive-an iPhone/iPod connection/auxiliary jack.

Yes, I know it sounds picky but it would be in the best interest of Honda to make an iPhone/iPod connection the standard or at least add an aux. jack considering that 51 million people have an iPhone and another 260 million other people have an iPod. The iPhone 3GS, Apple's current iPhone model, can play music over a Bluetooth connection, but the Hands Free Link system in the Accord does not play music over Bluetooth. The system only allows phone features to be used. One may contend, "well, just use a CD or the radio, or even, the XM Radio, a standard feature in the Accord!" However, with digital media now the norm it should be possible for Accord owners to carry and connect their complete music library to Honda's 270-watt stereo system.

While XM Radio is impressive, it simply cannot compete with a customized digital library. Sure an MP3 CD can be personalized to hold 120-150 songs depending on the bit rate, but this is no comparison to the thousands of songs that can be stored on the iPhone or iPod.

Of course, Accord owners can buy a third party iPhone/iPod system for the Accord, but this requires that the dashboard and stereo system to be altered. An LCD screen must be attached to the dashboard and the iPod car kit system is run through the stereo. The end result detracts from the original beauty of the Accord panel display and worst of all, removes value from the Accord. Accord owners do have the option of purchasing iPhone/iPod to FM transmitters. The transmitter plays music through an vacant radio station and connects to the bottom of an iPhone or iPod. However, even the "top end" transmitters like Belkin and Griffin, provide sound quality similar to playback from a Walkman CD player without "shock technology". Music tends to stop when traveling on bumpy roads, over potholes or even if the transmitter is touched. . What was more annoying was the muffled, often fuzzy sound of my music. Despite the Accord's exceptional stereo system, the FM transmitters managed to transform my 256kpbs ACC files into ordinary playback sound quality that resembled ringtones on my phone-rendering this technology inadequate.

The lack of iPhone/iPod connectivity can be a letdown but it may not be enough to prevent a customer from buying a new Honda Accord Coupe. If Accord owners choose to listen to music through the stereo system they will have several options, but features available in iPhone/iPod compatible automobiles such as, direct access and selection of songs, artists and custom playlists are not accessible. Honda will most likely catch up with iPhone/iPod technology as they release new 2011 and 2010 models in the future, but for now new Accord owners will have to make do with the factory equipment provided.

Written by Windy Reigns: San Bernardino County Dodge Dealer, Kansas City Infiniti Dealers

Posted under Cars