Honda Accord – Not Ready For The IPhone
Recently, I test drove a new V-6 Honda Accord Coupe. Sitting in the driver seat, I was impressed by the new, standard tech upgrades at my disposal: hands-free Bluetooth, XM Radio, a 270-watt audio system, and enough safety features (18 to be exact) to make any passenger feel protected and safe. 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 use an iPhone and another 260 million other people possess 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. It could be argued that Accord owners should simply listen to CDs or utlilize the stereo or XM Radio on board. All valid arguments, but with digital media now the norm, Accord owners should be able to carry and connect their complete music library to Honda’s 270-watt stereo system.
While XM Radio is impressive, it simply cannot duplicate a personalized 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 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, lessons the value of the Accord.
iPhone/iPod to FM transmitters can be purchased by Accord owners. . The transmitter plays music through an idle radio station and connects to the bottom of an iPhone or iPod. Although after testing several “high quality” transmitters like Belkin and Griffin, it felt as if I were listening to a walkman CD player without “shock technology”. Music tends to skip when traveling on rough roads, over potholes or even if the transmitter is touched. . What was more annoying was the low, often garbled. 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 Honeuseless.
The lack of iPhone/iPod connectivity can be a disappointment but it may not be enough to discourage someone from buying a new Honda Accord Coupe. Accord owners do have options if they would like to listen to music through the stereo system, but none of which offer direct access and choice of songs, artist, or playlist from the Accord’s stereo controls; features already implemented by all iPhone/iPod ready cars. Maybe Honda will catch up with 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: San Bernardino County Dodge Dealer, Luxury Vehicles, Las Vegas, Kansas City Infiniti Dealers
