A short time ago, I checked out the new V-6 Honda Accord Coupe. Sitting in the driver seat, I was awed by the new, standard tech 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 power of Honda’s 271 hp, 3.5 L, iVTEC engine, and the sportier look of the coupe model, 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 use 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 whole music library to Honda’s 270-watt stereo system. While XM Radio is great, it simply cannot duplicate a personalized digital collection. 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, third-party iPhone/iPod systems can be purchased but this requires that the dash and stereo system to be changed. 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 attractiveness of the Accord panel display and worst of all, removes value from the Accord.

iPhone/iPod to FM transmitters can be purchased by Accord owners. The transmitter connects to the bottom of your iPhone/iPod and transmits the music to an vacant radio station. However, even the “top end” transmitters like Belkin and Griffin, deliver sound quality similar to playback from a Walkman CD player without “shock technology”. Every rough road, dip or even touching the transmitter causes my music to stop. The muted, often distorted sound of my music was even more annoying. The FM transmitters managed to transform my 256kpbs ACC files into ordinary playback sound quality that was remenescent of ringtones on my phone, despite the Honda Accord’s sophisticated stereo system -rendering this technology inadequate.

The lack of iPhone/iPod connectivity can be a disappointment but it may not be sufficient to dissuade someone from purchasing a new Honda Accord Coupe. Accord owners do have options if they wish to play music through the stereo system, but features available in iPhone/iPod fitted cars such as, direct access and choice of songs, artists and custom playlists are not accessible. 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 make do with the factory equipment provided.

Author Bio: Written by Windy Reigns: San Bernardino County Dodge Dealer, Luxury Vehicles, Las Vegas, Kansas City Infiniti Dealers

Category: Automotive
Keywords: cars, new cars, automobiles, vehicles, new car dealer