When a vehicle is a staple as long as Accord has been, it can be a challenge to add something new. Well into its third decade and seventh generation, Honda accommodates with a special edition of its popular midsize, front-drive sedan for 2007.

Following a freshening a year ago that brought some styling changes and power upgrades, the special edition Accord for '07 is a V6 that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, anti-theft alarm system, steering wheel audio controls, and 6-disc CD changer. Like all Accords, it includes Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard equipment. Honda execs call it a "just right" trim level.

New exterior colors for '07 Accord models are Moroccan Red Pearl and Cool Blue Metallic for the sedan, and Tango Red Pearl for the hybrid version.

Stylewise, the Accord probably won't blow consumers out of the water. That's rarely been Honda's thing. Think understated handsomeness rather than brash in-your-face exteriors, a tradition that appears to have kept Accord buyers a loyal following rather than flitting from competitor to competitor for excitement. But among amenities that have kept Accord Honda's most popular model are a long list of standard items. For 2007, that includes tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows, dual-stage front airbags, occupant position detecting front passenger airbag, and side curtains and anti-lock braking. Those features have aided in the Accord winning top federal safety ratings.

Warranties for the Accord run three years (36,000 miles) bumper-to-bumper with a five-year (60,000 miles) powertrain warranty.

Base pricing for Accord sedans starts at $18,625 for a Value Package (VP) four-cylinder, five-speed manual (26/34 estimated mileage). Topping the list is the hybrid with touch screen navigation system, starting at $33,090. Other trim levels are LX and EX (166-HP inline 4) and LX, SE and EX with the 244-HP V6. With more than 50 iterations to choose from (Honda offers trim level variations more than optional amenities), there should be an Accord for just about anyone lookng for a middle-of-the road, five-person accommodating sedan.