Personalizing a Car in Popular Automotive Culture: A Story of a 2005 Honda Accord LX
Introduction:
When you’re a young city-dweller and your car is a generic 20-year-old sedan with the base engine, what do you do? You personalize it, of course, and that’s exactly what the final owner of this Accord LX did. However, this personalization journey came to an end when an unfortunate rear-end collision sent the car to a Denver car graveyard. Nevertheless, this car serves as an illustrative snapshot of a place and time in popular automotive culture.
A Sensible Car with a Generic Appeal:
This car began its life as one of the more than 350,000 Honda Accords sold in the United States for the 2005 model year. It was a dime-a-dozen mid-level DX four-door with a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 160 horsepower. Equipped with air conditioning, a CD player with AUX input jack (which was considered a fairly rare feature back then), an automatic transmission, and the legendary Accord reliability, it was undoubtedly a very sensible car.
Adding Personal Touches:
However, sensibility can sometimes be lacking in excitement. The owner of this Accord decided to inject some fun and personal style into the car. A shopping spree ensued, resulting in pink spray paint, aftermarket accessories, and countless decals. The not-so-fast but reasonably furious wing was bolted to the decklid, making a statement about the owner’s desire for individuality and personal expression.
The Pride of Being a Member of the Slow Car Club:
When you’re part of the Slow Car Club, you can proudly embrace the fact that your Accord doesn’t possess the power of the 255-horse V6 engine under its hood. This sentiment is showcased through various modifications made to the vehicle. Inside, all the seats boast Hello Kitty seat covers, adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness. Genuine Hello Kitty wheels were too expensive, so the owner settled for regular 15-inch pink-painted steelies. Adding to the mix, spike lug nuts were also incorporated, serving as a reminder that not everything in the Hello Kitty universe is sweetness and cuddles.
The Demise and Aftermath:
Sadly, the journey of personalization came to an abrupt end when another driver crashed into this Accord, sending it to the junkyard. While it may have been worth fixing for a three-year-old Accord, a 19-year-old Accord didn’t hold the same value. This unfortunate event emphasizes the financial and practical considerations that come into play when deciding whether to repair an older vehicle.
The Appeal of the 2005 Accord LX:
It is interesting to note that despite its generic appearance and lack of high-performance features, the 2005 Accord LX holds appeal for certain car owners. For those living in large suburban homes, commonly referred to as McMansions, the low depreciation of the 2005 Accord LX makes it a practical and sensible choice. These homeowners understand the importance of reliable transportation while also considering budgetary constraints.
Conclusion:
The story of this personalized 2005 Honda Accord LX serves as a reminder of the creative ways car owners express their individuality and inject fun into their vehicles. It also sheds light on the factors that contribute to the appeal of certain models, even years after their initial release. While this particular Accord may have met an unfortunate fate, its legacy lives on as a testament to personalization and popular automotive culture.