A short time ago, I test drove a new V-6 Honda Accord Coupe. The new, standard tech upgrades at my disposal: hands-free Bluetooth, XM Radio, a 270-watt audio system, were awe-inspiring and enough safety features (18 to be exact) to make any passenger feel secure and safe. While I enjoyed the power of Honda’s 271 hp, 3.5 L, iVTEC engine, and the sportier look of the coupe model, I immediately felt that something was missing—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 possess an iPhone and another 260 million other people own an iPod. The Hands Free Link system in the Accord does not play music over Bluetooth although the iPhone 3GS, Apple’s current iPhone model, can play music over a Bluetooth connection. The system only allows phone features to be used. One may argue, “well, just use a CD or the radio, or even, the XM Radio, a standard feature in the Accord!” All valid arguments, but with digital media here to stay, Accord owners should be allowed to carry and connect their complete music library to Honda’s 270-watt stereo system.
While XM Radio is wonderful, it simply cannot replicate a customized digital library. Sure an MP3 CD can be modified to hold 120-150 songs depending on the bit rate, but this is no comparison to the thousands of titles that can be stored on the iPhone or iPod..
Of course, third-party iPhone/iPod systems can be purchased but this requires that the dashboard and stereo system to be altered. The iPod car kit system needs to be run through the stereo and a dashboard mounted LCD screen must be attached. The end result detracts from the original beauty of the Accord panel display and worst of all, lessons the value of the Accord.
Accord owners do have the option of purchasing iPhone/iPod to FM transmitters. The transmitter plays music through an idle 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”. Every uneven road, pothole or even touching the transmitter causes my music to stop. What was more annoying was the muted, often fuzzy. The FM transmitters managed to transform my 256kpbs ACC files into mediocre playback sound quality that resembled ringtones on my phone, despite the Honda Accord’s complex stereo system. —rendering this technology Honeinadequate.
While the lack of an iPhone/iPod connection may not be sufficient to dissuade a customer from purchasing a new Accord Coupe, the lack of a connection can be a disappointment. If Accord owners choose to listen to music through the stereo system they will enjoy several optional features, but none of which offer direct access and selection of titles, artist, or playlist from the Accord’s stereo controls; features already implemented by all iPhone/iPod ready cars. Maybe Honda will incorporate iPhone/iPod technology in their 2011 and 2012 models still to be released, but for now new Accord owners will have to settle for the factory equipment provided.
Written by Windy Reigns: Corona Dodge Dealer, Used Cars Dallas, Kansas City Infiniti Dealers


