Just gonna add my .02 cents in. For reliability and resale value wise, can't go wrong w/ either a Honda or Toyota. But for me, personal preference wise, I stick w/ Toyotas. Hondas are great cars but for me at least, the A/C in those cars don't last long. My wife had a '93 Integra coupe and after a few years, the A/C took a dump and had to recharge the freon in the vehicle. S**ks having no A/C in Vegas during the middle of summer when it decides to go out on you. We then got a 2000 4 door Accord and after 2-3 years, same thing happened w/ the A/C, had to recharge the freon again. W/ my '02 4runner, the A/C is still going strong after owning it for 16 years. Never once had to recharge the freon on the thing. My wife has the '05 Sequoia and her A/C is still running great after owning it for 12+ years and haven't had to recharge the freon.
Family members and friends have also complained about Honda's A/Cs going out on them and having to recharge their A/C units after owning the vehicles after a couple of years. Not trying to dissuade you from purchasing a Honda, but I'd like to give you a heads up w/ a possible problem that I've noticed that Hondas have w/ their A/C. I will give it to Honda, they are a lot peppier than Toyotas and tend to be more fun to drive than a Toyota.
Also, have you thought about Buicks. Never really thought about American cars since I was more of a Toyota fan, but after driving around a Buick rental last year, I have to say, they are pretty nice w/ nice power. The commercial "That's a Buick" is so true. I was pleasantly surprised on the smooth ride and power of the Buick.
As far as acoustics goes for the vehicles, can't help you on that as I'm a noob when it comes to car audio.
Good luck w/ your search.
Edit: Also forgot to mention that my son has a 2002 Honda Accord coupe and when he received the vehicle as a gift from my wife's parents, the A/C wasn't working. The freon had to be recharged and the actual A/C unit had to be repaired.
