After owning and repairing many European cars, it is comforting to know that the Accord is much more likely than not to have extraordinary reliability and durability. It is a calming feeling.
Previous older model year vehicles did not have latest safety features. Accord has curtain airbags, traction and stability control, etc. It is state of the art, where many of my previous vehicles were not.
For a ubiquitous family car, the steering is fantastic. The ride is well-damped, sometimes choppy, but it seems to have a good amount of travel; no crashiness. The handling is competent, reassuring, but could use better tires I think.
Given the size of the car, particularly the interior room, the 30+ highway MPG is impressive. I consider anything over 30 highway to be economical enough for me. Another benefit is that around-town mileage is still decent, 26-27 mpg.