These are both Honda-built cars and so both should provide you with a long
and reliable service life. Bear in mind of course that the more complex
feature load may at some point prove problematic and require more
servicing. However, don't try to compensate for this by purchasing an
extended warranty. There is no value in an EW except to the dealer.

However, since there are different accessories and features *YOU* have to
decide which of these are more important *TO YOU*.  Right now with the
high fuel prices I would think with all else being equal that fuel economy
would be an important factor. Of course unless you drive a lot of miles,
the difference in only a couple MPG are going to have little impact, so
you have to weigh this item carefully.

The Accura is more of a "status symbol". Are social appearances important?
Do you need to impress someone? If not, then the Accord gets the check
mark in this column.

Arguably, in the long term I think you're going to find the Accord (EX)
hard to beat. While you're at it, get the NAV package, you'll love it.

Just be mindful of the fact that the 2005s are going to be rolling into
your dealer's showroom very soon. My opinion on this topic is that unless
you can buy last year's model (2004) equally equipped for at least 20%
less than you can buy a new 2005, go for the 2005. In other words, why buy
a car that's already a year old (and a year already depreciated in value)
when the difference in monthly payments would be minimal?  At the end of a
typical 5-yr note the 2004 will be 6 yrs old and worth less, but you will
have paid almost the same for it as you would a 2005.

There really is little incentive right now to buy a 2004 instead of a
2005. All the dealers are really HURTING because of the depressed car
market. My bet is with some aggressive haggling that you're going to be
able to strike as good a deal on an '05 as you will on an '04.

Remember, forget the extended warranty. It's not a warranty at all, it's a
mechanical breakdown insurance police with a per-occurrence deductible
that *DOES NOT* cover the car bumper-to-bumper. Honda cars are among the
most reliable on the road today. Your chances of just breaking even with
the policy's high up-front cost is historically slim. However, if you're
utterly convinced that you want an EW, for goodness' sake don't buy it
from the dealer. Instead contact your auto insurance company. Both State
Farm and Allstate offer a similar plan at a remarkable savings over the
dealership's plan.

I am familiar with both cars--the Honda Accord EX (auto with the V6)
which I own, and the Accura which a friend and a relative both own.  As
you said, the Accura is a bit more expensive, but you do get more
features such as stability control and fog lights.  More importantly,
the Accura has better performance (acceleration, brakeing and handling),
at least that's what the tests in auto magazines show.  Neverless I
bought the Honda and have been quite satisfied.  One report said
something like it was a smart buy because it gave you about 93% of what
the Accura does but cost less than 93% as much.  Good luck.

Ken

 I recently purchased a 2004 Accord  V6-EX (no navigation) and
 considered a 2004 Acura TL.  For me, the choice of the Accord was
 almost a no-brainer.

 There is no doubt that the TL is a better car, but the TL costs
 almost $8K more.

 If you compare features and specifications, the Accord and TL are
 extrememly similar.  Yes, the TL has a slightly more powerful
 engine and the TL has slightly better handling.  Both have traction
 control and similar transmissions.  The interior of the TL is somewhat
 more fancy, but only slightly so.

 The accord V6-EX comes with leather,  a very good sound system (yes,
 the TL has a somewhat better one) and a well laid out driver's
 console.  The Accord V6-EX is an entry level luxury car in every
 way except price.

  If the somewhat better handling and performance are extremely
  important to you, and the extra $8K is not an inssue, go with the
  TL.  If you "settle" for the Accord, you won't be disappointed
  however.

 I am considering buying a 2004 Honda Accord thoughts...  Al
 all accura cars require hi octane gas, get the honda

Do you live in an area that gets snow during the winter months? If so, I
recommend that you buy the Accura since the traction and stability control
will help you deal better with slick roads. If you live in a area that
does not ever get any snow--test drive both of them and buy the one you
like best. They are both excellent cars--the Accura is slightly better.

I want to thank everyone for your posts. I have bought a 2004 Accord EX with the leather option. I passed on the navigation because I already use a laptop with GPS for a small RV and plan to use it in the new Accord when I need it. I paid just under $22K in Ventura, CA and I felt this was discounted enough to make the '04 worth it rather than wait for the '05. This vehicle replaces a '97 Jeep Grand Cherokee, so it is night and day from this. I decided on the Accord for the price, mileage, reliability, appointments, and less complexity than the Acura...  Al
 I am considering buying a 2004 Honda Accord or an Accura. Can someone
 please give me some guidance as to why buy one vs the other besides that
 the Accura is a couple of thousand dollars higher in price. I am leaning towards
 the Accord because it is simpler and has higher mileage. On the other hand the Accura has traction control and stability control, but these features mean more
 complexity. Please give me your thoughts...  Al