Older Honda Accords

silverk21

Will your ride & drive include coupes? If so, your comments would be appreciated since this one does not hit the market until Sept. 18th, although I have heard that some dealers may be receiving them sooner - could that be true?

ahossa

Got a call from Paragon Honda in New York City that they will have the car in the showroom on Monday Before 2:00PM. Can't wait

ecarmack

on the way home from work tonight. So maybe the dealers, in the Midwest at least, will have them for test drives tomorrow.

bowke

no, no public showings till 9/9, and no sales till 9/10. honda rules...if a dealer does it, they are in deep doo-doo. they will have coupes there, but were not sure if they will have a 6-speed or not.

ecarmack

I can understand Honda saying no sales before the official introduction date. But weren't people test driving Pilots a week before its official date, and picking them up a week later?

diploid

Yes. Official release was in June (I believe June 3rd to be precise) for Pilot, but people in the Pilot boards were able to get one a few days before. Even autosite.com's monthly sales data for May listed Pilot sales at around 500 units.

bowke

the pilot sales for may were contest giveaways, honda business associates, and dealer management. if a private buyer took delivery of a pilot before 6/3/02, they can lose up to 76% of their monthly allocation for up to a year! i think some people that said they took delivery before were trying to get attention in the discussions. we, as salespeople, couldnt even drive them before 6/3, other than at the ride and drive on may 23rd/24th.

bklynguy

Prices were just released today for the new 03 Accord.

MSRP
DX 5-speed auto - $16,600
LX - $20,000 most popular model 02
LX V6 - $23,000
EX - $22,400
EX & leather - $23,700
EX with navi - $25,700 includes leather
EX V6 & leather - $25,800
EX V6 with navi - $27,800 includes leather

additional features available ( dealer installed ) :

XM radio ( 100 digital channels ), you subscribe for about $10 every month , available Oct.1

MP3 CD player ( 6 Disc in-dash changer ), you can burn between 130 & 155 songs on one CD , I have 2 CDs with 284 songs on them, ID3 tags supported ( name of artist, song title on display ), ability to navigate over 100 songs in a few seconds

DVD entertainment system - 2 flip back 7" LCD screens behind the front seats with video camera & video game input ports / wireless headphones

hands-free cell phone

bodydouble

What good is 100 stations anyway. I regular listen to about 3 stations - 2 FM and 1 AM (for hockey play-by-play broadcasts)!

adamr2

I just picked up my 2nd accord in 2 months, this time an EX Sedan 4 cylinder. This car will replace my wife's 2000 Civic that we traded in. I bought an EX V6 Coupe for myself about 2 months ago.

The car we just picked up has a dealer decal on it that they wouldn't take off. Anyone know a good way to get it off without damaging the paint? Each letter is a separate decal it seems.

diploid

"i think some people that said they took delivery before were trying to get attention in the discussions"

Uh huh. bowke, you make it clear that you're a salesman and I'm sure your intentions are good, but I'm getting really annoyed at you coming off as if you know everything. Just as bodydouble had no reason to lie for claiming to own a V-6 SE Accord, the people in the Pilot boards were not looking to "get attention."

blane

Hey! Just what I've always wanted. Having to spend $120 per year to listen to my car radio. No thanks.

ecarmack

I had a decal similar to yours, and it was new enough that I scraped each letter off with my finger nail. I then used a diluted solution of "Oops" to get any residue off, and then quickly washed it with soap and water. I was leery of using something as strong as Oops, but the paint looks fine where the decal was. Someone may know of a better product to use.

venus537

the cars may not be ready for public display until Monday, but the trucks should be dropping them off by Sunday. i'll be checking the lot on Sunday evening. i may not be able to get inside (unless they're left unlocked by mistake), but just seeing them will be exciting.

th83

Man, the 2003 Accord is going to be a bargain, especially the EX V6. A "loaded" Camry SE costs $3k more and it doesn't even have some of the Accord's features. Good job, Honda.

venus537

from consumer guide:
"A perennial Best Buy moves up a notch in features, refinement, and dynamic ability to become more a rival for VW's polished, pricier Passat than for the capable but conservative Camry"

i love it (especially the remark about the camry) ...

venus537

here's the complete road test, very thorough
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/23230.htm

dindak

I think the Passat is way over priced for what it is.

timadams

Would/do people really pay $2000 for a NAV system? The pricing seems very competitive, but I'm blown away by the price of the NAV system.

maple49

I found the best way to remove decals and pinstripes is to heat them with a hair dryer. This will soften the glue and they should come off easily. Then use some automotive decal remover to take off the excess glue (I have some by 3M but can't remember the name). You could also try rubbing alcohol. Make sure you wash and wax the area after you are done.

Good Luck

fredvh

Can you get us some digital pictures and post them on this forum?

qgu

After reading the consumer report testing report, I am disappointed. Sounds like the new baby is still substantially noisier than Camry. Without standard AC and 4W disc brakes, plus a Saturn-like look, 03 Accord has no competitive edge over Camry to me. I am releasing our holding purchasing of a Camry. My Acura MDX is my first Honda and might be my last Honda also.

After so many years, Honda still has no clue on how to get rid of noises.

bravedave

When is Honda going to update their website with the 2003 model? It still only displays the 2002 model only. It seems the change over is way overdue.

ickes_mobile

I'd wait and actually drive the car for yourself before deciding. The Consumer Report test is the only one I've seen that suggests the car is noisy. Besides, the availability of the new Accord can only strenghten your bargining position if you do decide to go for the Camry.

crv16

The only Accord that does not have AC standard is the DX model. All other's have it as standard equipment. I think that comparisons will soon show that the new Accord is as quiet as the Camry.

Price wise, the Accord LX/Automatic is about $500 cheaper than a Camry LE automatic with ABS. Not to mention the scam-like "TDA" fees that the Toyota dealers tack on.

As far as Honda's web site update - they will probally do it somewhere when the Accord is officially available for sale: Sept 9.

jmurman42

do not include the freight of 460.

Jerry

venus537

i thought consumer reports only tests cars they can actually buy from the dealer. are you referring to my link to consumer guide? if so, i thought it was generally positive about noise suppression. it may not approach camry quietness, but this doesn't make the car noisy. too much isolation can be a bad thing. consumer guide thinks it has advantages over the camry. but if quietness is an overriding factor for you, go for the camry.

maxamillion1

Obviously it just arrived, considering it still has the tape around it. Looks much better in this pic. I will definately want the EX 5spd.

maxamillion1

The website is Collegehillshonda.com

bowke

...first of all, i only post when i have something constructive to add to the discussion, and i have never hidden the fact that im a dealer.

secondly, AS A DEALER, i do know the rules and regulations that honda puts forth when launching a new product, and i see no reason a dealer would jeopardize their business by delivering something a week or two early.

riptide

Well, I finally saw the new Accord in person. I was at the dealership this morning, having my ignition switch replaced (under a recall), so I had about an hour to kill. I asked the manager about the new Accord, and he told me that several cars just arrived last night. So I went to the back parking lot, and lo-and-behold -- there they were, 7 or 8 sedans, all 4-cylinders. The first word about the look that comes to mind is 'inoffensive' (even more so than the pictures would suggest.) I don't think the car looks significantly better or worse than the current version, just different. What surprised me was that all the cars were made in Japan -- I guess Honda is going to continue importing Accords from Japan along with making them here and in Mexico. The body panel gaps looked smaller than the current version, and the alloy wheels on EXs look sharp. They had white, black, green, gold and graphite colors -- I think graphite looks the best. Didn't get a chance to sit inside, but the interior looks as good as it does in the pictures. All in all, I think the car will be a commercial success, as people will continue to buy them in droves... I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for those who didn't wait and bought a 2002 though (unless you just absolutely can't stand the new styling) -- with the new engine, interior and overall refinement the 2003 seems like a no-brainer.

dindak

Yes, but if your goal is to get a car at the cheapest possible price there were great deals to be had on the 2002's. One of my friends got one 3 weeks ago and he likely saved 2K over what a 03 would cost.

robtfl

your friend also LOST at least $3000 in depreciation. So the only way it makes sence to buy a 2002 model is if someone can't swing the $20-$50 in payment difference, which the way things costs today, that's nothing. Plus, the 2002 style and past will look old as time goes buy, while the 2003 model will be around for at least the next 4 years. Don't forget also, if the new model has better fuel economy, you'll get back your $20-$50 in fuel savings, that you may be paying in the old style. Just my opinion, but I believe it's the correct one.

robr2

...I just left a local dealer here in MA and they had 5 (4 LX/1 EX). Looks nice in person. The rear does not look Saturn like to me but the profile really does exude Alfa at the rear.

It is a definite evolutionary design. It won't offend the masses IMHO - it isn't such a departure like the Camry was. The plastiwood in the EX was a very light color and they use the "wave key". The sticker on the EX noted the remote had the window feature but it wasn't in the car for me to see.

All in all - it's a Honda Accord.

The salesrep came right out and said they are available for sale - just can't drive/deliver them until Monday.

silverk21

These are basically toys for those who spend alot of time in their cars. I would love to have both since I do a considerable amount of driving. However, do I really need to spend the money on things that I have already been able to live without? Why not, for only an extra $30 to $40 a month its a bargin...lol

ral

Hey Robr2, what dealer in MA did you see them at? I'm near Boston...

dsalfred

I also bought an Accord EX-V6 three weeks ago at an awesome $21,500 with destination. This was more than $3,500 less than I could negotiate the 2003 for. Let's not forget the couple hundred off for sales tax either. On top of that, the 2002 is in the end of the cycle of its fifth year so it has the best chance to be bug free. Even with Honda's excellent quality, I would still not want the early allocations. Small bugs for sure. And I'm hoping they change those taillights in the next 2 years as one of the slight tweaks they do each year. Consider a 2002 EX-V6 at this price of over $4200 off sticker to be the same as a cheap lease of about $250 a month once I trade it in or in private sale if I wish to. Depreciation will never be that severe as people will always pay more for a used Honda than any domestic. I then have the flexibility to purchase a more proven and polished seventh generation accord than the 2003 in a couple years. This to me was a "no brainer".

robr2

Honda Cars of Boston in Everett.

I go by Chambers in Burlington on the way home - they'll probably have one in the showroom and more out back. IIRC, the Pilot was also introduced on a Monday and Chambers had one in the showroom the weekend before.

wolverine_x

some guys at TOV have already seen it in person and some even rode in it. They claimed that the pictures we saw didnt do the new accord any justice. They claimed that it is by far the best looking accord to have ever come out of honda. I hope they are right. Can't wait... The suspense is really getting me all excited.

bodydouble

I don't really buy that "instant depreciation" factor. Afterall, it's a Honda, not a Ford. The '02 was/is a helluva good car still and if you can pick one up at or below invoice, I too think it's a no-brainer.

bklynguy

I plan to take a test-drive next week and see for myself how the new Accord performs. Most car magazines have given the new Accord favorable reviews ( with many stating that the new Accord is better than the Camry ).

It appears like Honda did their homework on this one ( and a little more ). The Camry was #1 on my list until now, it looks like the 03 Accord has replaced it, I'll find out next week for sure.

If I do get the new Accord, it will be the EX V6 with leather / MP3 CD player / XM radio - good possibility / NAV - not sure yet in Firepepper Red with gray interior ( look at the Oct. issue of Car and Driver ) FULLY LOADED for $26-28K??? why not ?

What about possible bugs ? well how many first year Camrys and Altimas have been sold in the US ? I can always "upgrade" to a new 05 Acura TL in 2 years. I need a new car now not in 2 years. The new Accord will be my appetizer.

silverk21

Does anyone know how much the XM radio will cost and will it be available with the Navi? Anyone have one on another vehicle?

vtec2

I test drove a 2003 EX-4 auto today. I really couldn't tell that much difference in power, but man is it quiet. It seems to handle a little better than the sixth gen. All the materials are much better than before and the dash is soft touch, though not very soft. I'd have to say the coolest thing was the way the guages light up and then they fade out when you take the key out of the ignition.

tugboat1

On my way home from work, there it was in all its splendor, 2003 4cy EX. As for the appearance, I was pleasantly surprised. While the doors of perception aren't exactly shattered, the car is attractive. I thought it borrowed from the Volvo S60 with the hood crease and rear treatment. Special kudos go to the alloy wheels..very sharp. Inside the car pleasant enough but not on the level of a Passat. The front seat is initially comfortable with good sight lines. Plenty of room in back. Illuminated dash is pretty cool but the verdict still out on funky rotary controls and large uncomely center LCD. Now for the drive...Granted this was a quicky test drive but it is clear that the 4cy with auto is no barn burner. Don't expect the thrill of G forces particularly accelerating form 30 to 50 mph. The car seems quiet enough though I never broke 65mph. Brakes felt good but really too short a ride to make conclusions. I did wish that the steering wheel had a little more heft i.e. it's sort of thin. Bottom line: lots of car for the buck, but in 160 horsey guise I'm not lusting for it.

vtec2

The engine felt just like the outgoing 2.3L only quieter and smoother. You are right about the lack of g's. Did you happen to test the horn? It sounds a lot like a Ford or maybe a Chrysler. The only reason I know this is because the salesman kept hitting the stupid key fob over and over.

bartalk2

With the remote buttons built into the key itself on the new Accord, I imagine a lot of buttons are going to be pushed accidentally. See previous note.

bowke

...offerred a test drive?

diploid

"...first of all, i only post when i have something constructive to add to the discussion, and i have never hidden the fact that im a dealer.

secondly, AS A DEALER, i do know the rules and regulations that honda puts forth when launching a new product, and i see no reason a dealer would jeopardize their business by delivering something a week or two early."

First of all, AS A DEALER, it would've been nice for you to know that SE Accords in Canada do come with V-6 engines (also would've been couth for you to research it before trying to disprove someone when he says he owns a V-6 SE).

Secondly, I know you're a dealer. We all do. You told us. And I didn't accuse you of hiding that.

Last, I don't think it's constructive for you to literally call the Pilot owners who were able to purchase their vehicles before the release date as liars. And despite you saying "no, no public showings till 9/9, and no sales till 9/10. honda rules..."(post #5707), apparently vtec2 can tell you otherwise in post #5756 as he's already driven one, and his post is dated 09/06. Furthermore, as evidenced in the Element forum where varmint had to tell you (the DEALER) the difference between the 2.4L engine in the Accord and the Element, I don't think your "knowledge" is really trustworthy.

vtec2

Friday if they had to wait 'til Monday to sell them the general manager said he'd take cash or check.

ahossa

The car is pretty. The crease in the front is cool. Looks aerodynamic. The interior is well crafted, a whole lot better than the Altima. I kinda like the radio with the large dials and the large LCD Station Identification. The speedometer was large and very bright and the numerals were large. Looks like the ones used on computer monitors for the vision impaired. I guess a lot of older people will love that feature. The back seat was ok . It seems that it can only hold 2 persons comfortably. The car was made in Japan. The drive was smooth, no rattles but in my opinion it was noisy especially at idle. I drove the Camry and that car is quiet. IMO,no one can stop Toyota in the NHV(Noise, Harshness, Vibration). This car is not as quiet and supple as the 02 Camry. I know for a fact that the Altima is quieter at idle, say, at a stop light. The pick up is decent. The Altima has more kick. Was not able to drive on a highway so I can't really say anything about the road noise and wind noise. That's for my second test drive, a few days down the line after the initial rush. The salesman was willing to take a few hundred dollars($500.00) off the sticker, which was listed as $20G plus $460.00 Destination Chg. I was really disappointed that the car was not quieter, every other thing I can live with.