In its 30-year history, the Honda Accord has transitioned from a curiosity to an industry leader. It's now available in the more than 30 configurations, ranging from the LX 2-door coupe with manual transmission to the hybrid 4-door automatic with a navigation system.

The Accord's base retail price varies more than $12,000, with the least expensive model just under $20,000 and the high-end hybrid now more than $32,000.

In brief, the Accord has come a long way since its pint-sized offerings of the late 1970s.

Yet, with rare exception, the Accord maintains consistent high category ratings throughout its line -- acceleration to fuel economy, steering and handling to quietness.

As it does throughout the industry, automatic transmissions dominate the Accord line. Which is why my test vehicle for the week was an unexpected surprise -- the six-speed manual transmission Accord coupe. It's one only about one-third of the Accords available with manual transmissions.

While maintaining much of the defining characteristics of the Accord sedan -- superior exterior and interior design and well-engineered instrumentation -- the EX V6 coupe and its tight-shifting gearing -- turns the Accord into a near racer. It's quick, maneuvers nimbly and has a sportscar feel while masquerading as a conservative, humble-looking coupe.

Shifting through gears just isn't as popular as it once was among the driving populace, but that's one of the six-speed Accord's best features. The combination of the smooth shifts and the position of the shift box make the Accord fun to drive and particularly zippy with its 240-horsepower engine. Quickly advance through the gears on freeway entrances and use the tight gearing for quick acceleration in any scenario, and the Accord responds comfortably and without hesitation.

My weekly test drive
vehicle had a solid white exterior, but the two-tone gray console and tan leather interior perfectly matched the outside. In fact, Honda's
color tones and the coordination of exterior and interior colors — green/tan and red/tan — are as nice as any color scheme on the market.

The Accord line has a long list of standard features. The EX V6 includes several upgrades, a 3.0-liter engine, traction control, four-way passenger seat and a universal garage door opener. Those features add to the already substantial standards list that includes AM/FM radio with six disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, power roof, mirrors and door locks and adjustable lumbar support.

With the exception of two minor annoyances, there's just not much not to like about the Accord. One frustration is the heater has only an automatic function and no manual fan controls. The other disappointment is the absence of a rear window windshield wiper.

These are small squabbles. The Accord has been at the top of vehicle consumer satisfaction lists for many years. And from all categories -- reliability to resale, construction to quietness, the line's reputation is certainly in no danger.

Safety Features — dual front and front-side impact airbags

Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 20 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

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

Base Price — $28,950.00.