Is the Accord the 2.0 i-VTEC? This model is slow yet drinks gas. The engine is too small and struggles to haul a big, heavy car. It feels solid though, more manly than a comparable Camry. If you can get your hands on the 2.4 version, it should be a better drive. The ass, however, is an eyesore unless you have a weird taste, but I guess the more expensive late 2006 facelifted model is out of the question.

The Civic should sound good. I'd really pay a hundred grand more to get a brand new car. A major flaw is the drooping nose that makes you play guessing games whether or not the front is about to hit something. But the 1.8-liter engine should be pretty powerful enough and efficient as well.