Just kidding. Actually, you're taking me and J-Riz to Trump National Golf Club in Palos Verdes. We got word last week that a couple spots had opened up in Monday's 19th annual L.A. Automotive Open scramble tournament (benefiting the National Jewish Medical and Research Center), and one look at the pictures on Trump National's website convinced us that it would be well worth the vacation day.
For all you curious golfers out there, the course is about what you'd expect from The Donald. It's immaculately maintained and ridiculously scenic (not surprising since it's perched right on the edge of the Pacific), but there are some kitschy elements as well, like the -- count 'em -- two man-made miniature-golf-style waterfalls out on the course, or the in-cart GPS system's dubious claim that this is the number one course in California. As for Team Edmunds, we shot a tidy four-under 67 for the day. Pretty respectable, I think, given that we were the only twosome in the tournament, which meant we each hit two balls every time (and were thus on the verge of fatigue-induced indifference for the last few holes).
And the Accord? It's gotten way too big for my taste, but every time I drive it I'm impressed anew by its wonderful steering (as was Erin awhile back). Not too light, surprisingly communicative for a family sedan, effort builds nicely as cornering angles sharpen, and it tracks like the proverbial bloodhound on the highway. Here's a controversial claim for you -- having driven the Accord and the new Jag XF Supercharged back-to-back today, I think the Accord's steering gives up nothing to the Jag's. Needless to say, the Accord blows away its new TSX cousin in this department.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 13,196 miles
empowah says:
08:44 PM, 06/ 3/08
The nearby roads are good for testing the Accord's suspension, too. Palos Verdes Drive South has a nice bumpy stretch that destroys bushings over time, and PV Drive East has a decent amount of bends - and the occasional police car hiding in turn outs.
A few miles from Trump National will be Trump's Terranea "Resort" - though I can't imagine why anyone would stay in such a sleepy and activity-deprived city as RPV.
730 says:
01:30 AM, 06/ 4/08
How many golf bags fit in the trunk?
blankfocus says:
05:43 AM, 06/ 4/08
that grass looks radioactive.
johnmarco says:
08:16 AM, 06/ 4/08
There is something so wrong-looking about the top photo, like you photo-shopped the Accord into that parking lot.
You guys really shot 4 under? That's awesome. I'd love to spend a day cruising around that course.
SnakeDoctor says:
09:28 AM, 06/ 4/08
johnmarco - I agree with you about the phony-looking foto. That patch of new asphalt contributes to that. But Sadlier is a photoshop master. Hmmmmm...
sbtrue - How the heck did you make 67 when you ran out of golf balls?!
ps - here's another course list:
http://www.golfdigest.com/rankings/courses/greatest/2007/100greatestcourses_gd200705
they're similar
sadbuttrue says:
09:40 AM, 06/ 4/08
johnmarco,
Nope, no funny business with that top photo. Dunno why it looks weird. But the bottom photo, yes -- the grass looks "radioactive" because I was going for the contrasty look Mr. Trump prefers on his website.
730,
The Accord's trunk can swallow a lot of junk. We could have fit four bags in there if we'd had a proper foursome. I'd vote for chopping a foot of length off the back of the car and living with what would still be ample cargo capacity.
-Sadlier
jriz says:
11:31 AM, 06/ 4/08
Well, we shot four under thanks to the best-ball format. Since it was only a two-some and we had two shots each, we ended up losing twice as many balls as we normally would have.
One team actually shot a 56, which means they were ridiculously awesome or purchased a lot of mulligan cards.
bimmerjay says:
07:17 PM, 06/ 4/08
I now like the Accord's styling. Save for a few wonky details (bulging lights and oddly sparse decklid), I've seen a zillion of them around here in NorCal and it's really grown on me. I never liked the last gen (especially with the pre-LED "giant butt" taillights) but this one really looks fresh and modern to me.
730 says:
11:59 PM, 06/ 4/08
Thanks. I always have hard time putting the golf bags in the trunk when my folks are in town.
banhugh says:
09:04 AM, 06/ 5/08
what's the mpg of the car?
hondacura4 says:
07:07 PM, 06/ 6/08
"I now like the Accord's styling. Save for a few wonky details (bulging lights and oddly sparse decklid), I've seen a zillion of them around here in NorCal and it's really grown on me. I never liked the last gen (especially with the pre-LED "giant butt" taillights) but this one really looks fresh and modern to me."
I have to admit the Accords styling has grown on me also. Its not a great looking car but its certainly not ugly. From most angles it looks pretty good but there is that certain angle where the proportions are bit off. If Honda could tighten up some of the lines on the car, shrink the headlights slightly and give the rear a bit more detail I think it would be spot on.
ljgbjg says:
08:01 AM, 06/12/08
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT
People unhappy with their Honda VCM - Honda makes an admission - they have changed the wording on their website.
WOW!!!!!!! Dead to rights!!! Here is Honda's web site from months ago about VCM -
. To help keep engine vibration from reaching the cabin in every mode, active engine mounts automatically adjust their firmness to help absorb energy. The transition between the three operating modes is completely seamless and goes unnoticed by the Accord’s passengers.”
TODAY??!!
"To help keep engine vibration from reaching the cabin in every mode, active engine mounts automatically adjust their firmness to help absorb energy. The transition between the three operating modes is nearly seamless and goes unnoticed by the Accord’s passengers."
TA DA!!! I think anyone unhappy with the VCM has a great case against Honda for false advertising and could rescind their purchase. A partial victory for you golfrski - that they changed their advertising is an ADMISSION that the prior advertising was incorrect and misleading. Good luck everyone - I see a huge class action here - some attorney delaing with class actions is bound to pick up on it, along with individual lawsuits.
bonzjr says:
07:59 PM, 06/24/08
Three weeks so far since the last post about the Accord. How about an update? Anyone? Anyone? Someone can't run to the Edmunds garage and take it around the block and write two sentences recapping the experience?
Seiously, though, anything would be nice. Is there a fuel econ update, are there any squeeks/rattles yet, is everything still working as it should be, etc. Thanks!