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Comments
INKY
I have a question though. The '98 doesn't have a factory alarm or keyless entry, but does it have one of those chips in the key that the engine won't start without?
Is the EX-I4 Auto worth the extra $2400 vs the LX-I4?
In the comparisons you've made in terms of understeer for the cars you test drove had smaller anti-sway bars, it's easy to see a correlation between thicker anti-sway bars and better handling. However, the differences you noticed may also be due to tuning of the suspension and springs in addition to the thicker bars.
Since you were comparing most of the cars that were based on the previous genertion accord platform, it's a fair comparison. But to compare the thickness of the anti-sway bars on the new generation accords versus the old generation platform is not a fair comparison. I know the new midsize platform the new accord uses has a stiffer structure, so it may not need as thick of an anti-sway bar as previous generations.
Since the bars are so cheap and easy to install, I'd say install them on your car if you'd like. It'll probably offer slightly less understeer, but you may not notice the same dramatic difference as what the honda engineers did with for example an '01 Acura CL-S versus an '01 Accord EX V6. Basically what I'm saying is the thickness of the anti-sway bars is only ONE of many features that make a CL-S more nimble than an accord EX V6.
- Smooth tranny
- Excellent cockpit feel
- Signal light switch was so sweet – way better then a Lexus’s.
- Very close to Lexus interior quality (ES300)
- Excellent gauges and dash layout. Just wish they had left the tach where it used to be (right side) and the temp and fuel gauge to the left. So the reverse of what it is and what it used to be.
- Found its sunroof opening a little smaller than average (about 2 inches). It was bigger in 2002 model.
- Doors closed with such a nice rich thud ala Mercedes or an Acura. Honda makes one of the best doors that I know off. While I thought that last year’s model was nice, 2003 is even better.
- Brakes took awhile to get used to. Couldn’t brake smoothly. Probably because the brakes were new and I didn’t get enough time to get used to them.
- Very quiet ride. Not as quiet as a Camry but just right. As quiet as my 95’ Lexus ES300.
- No engine vibration of any kind.
- One thing I was disappointed in was the power transfer. When I floored it, it would take a 1-2 sec delay to get the power to kick in. A little scary I found since I usually make maneuvers that require the car to move at a moment’s notice. I tried this many times and the results were the same at all speeds. I’ll be test driving a new V6 this weekend again and hopefully I won’t see the same hesitation. Also, you probably won’t find your head snapping back or steering pulling away from you as you take off. I don’t know what that might mean when it comes to 0-60 Km/h (not Mph) to get in front of traffic from a light or merging from a stop. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the car didn’t seem to go too fast but it could be that it is just very deceiving with it being so quiet. I’ll be going against my brother this weekend with his 97 Camry XLE. I’ll have a better idea then.
- Before I forget, what’s up with the pathetic ground clearance with the Toyota sedans? Who designs those things? Its exhaust sticks out at the bottom so bad it hits just about any major bump even most driveways. My dad and my brother both have a Camry (97’ and 98’) I have the Lex. Every time I look underneath a Toyota/Lex I’m just amazed at the stupid design. They all bang or scrape the ground when going up the driveway. Has anyone looked under the new Honda (V6)? Now that’s the way a car should be designed. It’s flat as a pancake and lots of ground clearance.
- Oh! Oh! What’s this I hear about the Accord EX-V6 not having window side airbags in Canada? Bummer (Bummer #1).
- I also read the review by MSN Carpoint (url posted by ggu) and they too felt the “Slow automatic transmission downshifts”
- Bummer #2 – Eternal Blue Pear (dark blue) color not available in Canada. (My choice)
- Bummer #3 – Grey Seats (leather) not available in Canada.
- Bummer #4 – Navigation system not available in Canada.
- Hey Honda, I’m starting to feel like a second rate citizen UP here. What’s UP?
I used to own an 87’ Accord Exi and just loved that car. Drove it 366k (km) and would easily have gone 500k (km). It was a hoot driving that car. I had to give it up for some personal issues. But if it were available again, brand new, I would buy it right away. I always compare all cars to that little Honda. This new accord definitely does it justice by improving on that little car. The previous generations since 89’ haven’t for me. I’ve read just about all the reviews on this car and I was afraid that I was expecting too much before I saw and drove the car. But it met most of my expectations. It’s one sweet car. I’ll be getting one in the next year or 2 (hopefully my bummers will be sorted out).
For now, I would like to keep the stock head unit.
Thanks in advance!!
Gary
For now, I would like to keep the stock head unit.
Thanks in advance!!
Gary
You misunderstood my previous posting: I HAVE installed a 19mm bar on my '01 EX v6 sedan, and the understeer is dramatically reduced; if you just jump in the car for a trip across town, the difference is quite noticeable. So much so that when my daughter flew home for a visit and borrowed the Accord for an evening, she came back in and said, "Wow, Dad, what did you do to the Accord's handling? And can you do the same thing for my Volvo C70 Convertible?" (Answer, no I can't because the Volvo convertible's limitation is in chassis flex from the absence of a hard top, not in the suspension).
I know the new chassis is different; that's why I mentioned possible differences in roll centers, etc. And that's why I asked for handling impressions of '03 owners. I still would like to hear those.
My son's '99 Camry has a weird alarm: you must open the doors or trunk with the alarm button; if you use the ignition key, the alarm goes off. I don't know what you're expected to do when the battery in the remote eventually dies....walk somewhere to get a new battery? Or drive there with the horn and lights going off???
I know! You're supposed to get in your Accord and leave the Camry beeping and flashing in the driveway !!
BTW, does anyone know if the security system on the '03 Accord works the same way as the '02's. It would be nice if Honda has replaced the annoyingly loud horn blast(when you press the lock button on the remote)with a nice soft ring such as the one used by Toyota/Lexus.
hell, the 5 speed automatic and 240 horse v6 alone should sway anyone away from the camry...
First off, which models are you looking at? LE, SE, XLE, I4s or V6s?
I think the Accord and Camry could both be called dull to an extent, but both cars have had excellent reliability, resale value and refinement. The Accord seems to be the smaller one, from the eyes at least. But actually, the Accord has a slightly longer wheelbase, and is slightly longer overall. The Camry is taller, while the Accord is wider. Both are reasonably roomy, but I think the Camry just "feels" roomier for some odd reason. The Accord is the sportier model of the two, and has better handling and ride. The Camry is quieter and more isolated from the highway. The Accord is probably a little cheaper overall, but the prices are pretty close as far as the I4 models. The V6 Camry are a little over priced IMO. Both have unique features, but the Accord seems to offer more of them standard, while the Camry has them as options. The Accord usually has the better resale value of the two I believe. The Accord comes standard with ABS, it's optional on the LE and SE Camrys with the 4 cylinder engine. The Accord has slightly more hp in I4 form but not by much. The Camry edges the Accord out in torque(I4 models.) The Accord V6 has much more power than the Camry V6, but the Camry is available with side curtain airbags on all models. The Accord only gives the EXV6 the side curtains.
My choices?
1. 2003 Honda Accord EX-L 5spd manual
Noble Green with Ivory interior
2. 2003 Toyota Camry SE I4 5spd manual
SE Premium Pkg., ABS, SABs, Alloys
Black Walnut Pearl with Taupe
3. 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S with 5spd manual
Premium Convenience pkg., ABS with SABs
Mystic Emerald with Blond
I hope this helps.
The scenario: On a nice day, I may eat lunch in my car instead of at my desk at work. I get in my car and have to turn the car on to put down the windows. [Then I turn the car off]. After more than 10 minutes has passed, maybe I see a spider or get cold or something, so I turn the car on to put the windows up.[Then I turn the car off] Then after more than 10 minutes pass, I get hot, so I want to put the windows down again. I try to turn the car on, but it won't start. I've had to get my car jumped 3-4 times in the past 6 months. This starting problem has also happened when I'm running errands.
The overly-obvious answer is that I may need a new battery, but I'm not so sure
- On several occasions when this happens, my car will start 4 or 5 hours later.
- Sometimes, moving from neutral to first gear (I have a manual) and then turning the ignition starts the car
- In May, I went to the mechanic and they told me my battery was weak and I should get a new one BUT In July, I went back to the same mechanic, and paid $70 bucks for a power test or starter test or something where they test the battery, alternator and stuff, I was told that everything (including the battery) was A-OK. [I had my starter replaced at the time b/c it was throwing sparks whenever I turned the ignition]
I'm not sure what the problem is, but with winter coming, I need to do something soon. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
The hesitation you stated might be somehting that all new Honda trannies seem to have, for first few thousand miles. Interestingly enough, similar kind of hesitation is being reported by Lexus ES300 owners.
The tranny should settle down after a few hundred miles.
stantont:
I've not driven the new Accord yet, so I can't comment on how it handles compared to my 98. But camber adjustments will also affect under/over steer characterstics.
Should I wait ???
1) Honda left Accord off the rear butt. Kind of like leaving the groom off the cake. I hope I have all 24 Valves.
2) As reported by others there is a noticable drift and pull to the right regardless of road crown. this is minor but annoying because you go to dealer he will say blah blah roads have crowns and this is..
Will get my Accord ordered and alignment checked out. Any other 03 owners have drift and was is corrected please advise so I have recommendation for dealer.
I think the 03 Accord is more mainstream but of high quality and style. The V-6 is sweet and all should try the 93 Octane for one tank. good for 10hp and 10 ft-lb.
INKY
I really hope that it is a break-in issue. I'm just wondering if it is set in the timing of the engine. I read the "white papers" on the design of the Accord and all the technical stuff associated with it and it mentioned that there is a delay for the engine to figure out whether you were trying to cruise or get power out of the engine and respond accordingly. But it was supposed to be in milli seconds I think.
New Buyers Please keep us posted.
Thanks in advance.
the only way the tranny will shift faster after 3k miles vs brand new is if it learns to shift faster. i know honda has grade logic software in their trannies, but i'm not sure about learn as you drive software. therefore, if they don't have learn as you drive software, that hesitation will never go away... personally, i suspect that hesitation some you mention won't go away until honda changes their hardware or software which controls the engine/tranny.
The Accord gets better gas mileage.
The Camry has more leg room in the rear.
The Camry has a significantly larger trunk.
Two minor things the Camry has that I like are the standard outside temp gauge (on all models), and the stereo with CD and Cassette (can play music and listen to talking books). These two things add up to $500 in options on the new Accord (unless you get the EXL)
The big problem I find with the Camry is that it is hard to find ABS on the LE 5-speed model, while it is standard on the Accord (finally). It annoys me how car makers assume that if you want the manual tranny you are a cheapskate, and don't want any other options - I would pay extra for a manual transmission.
The Camry has a significantly larger trunk.
The beauty of having McPherson Struts instead of bulkier double wishbone suspension.
emale:
I noticed a difference in shifting pattern in my 98 Accord as miles accrued. When new, the tranny used to hesitate a lot, and now, it is buttery smooth (and ofcourse, I have 73K miles to go with it as well).
INKY
accords with the v6/5 speed automatic do have drive by wire...but not those equipped with the 4cyl/5 speed automatic. don't know about the manual tranny equipped cars...but suspect they don't...
http://autoweek.com/specials/2002_paris/
I like these pictures more than the official ones from Honda Japan. Should be interesting to see how this Acura TSX does against the Mazda 6 in sales, since they both look very similar but will probably have a $5-6 K price difference.
That's what the 03 US Accord should have really looked like, IMHO, instead of the bloated Saturn look that Honda designed; the bloated styling would have been better for Acura and its older customers wanting more luxury.
Of course the European Accord doesn't have a V-6 with 240 HP for the power thirsty. Seems like at this rate the 2008 Accord could have 300 HP and get closer to the proportions of a Ford Crown Victoria.:-(
Thanks in advance for any answers.
P. S. Had a deal for on 02 Altima all done last March, but they could not find the right color/option combo. Best thing that ever happened. Sure the ALtima looks better on the outside but the accord wins hands down on the interior and that what I see when I drive!
Wanted to say the one of the things about the new Accord was the opening and closing of the doors!
Just when you think they can't make them any better, Honda takes it to another level.
By the way.....I'm not sure who all remembers the gas crunch in the 70's.....I was driving a big Delta 88 and moved into a new 1977 Honda Civic CVCC 5 speed with a wood shifter and wood steering wheel (fake wood). It was great on gas milage (never got below 47 mpg). Anyway ...sorry for getting off the beatin track here....I have never owned a better car than Honda.
Thanks - Mark
I have a new Honda 2003 4 cyl automatic EX-L and it has the horrible rotten egg smell that a small percentage of cars have (all makes). I have tried different grades of gas and it does not matter. I will get the converter changed but does anyone else know of this problem and what causes it? It is not a new car smell; it smells like noxious gas (sulphur) and really it taking all the fun out of an otherwise perfect car!
Opinions?
Jerry
Liking the new N.A. accord, though...
Don't forget that the warranty can be negotiated as well. Check out www.hondawarranty.com as well. They have a 6/75K for $775.
Jeff
"Dedicated gizmophiles can even opt for Honda's first voice-activated satellite-navigation system, which also allows you to boss around the radio and air conditioner. Stick to the scripted commands it recognizes and the system works well, even when you affect a Robert De Niro-grade phony southern accent."
From what I understand, the system recognizes about 160 voice commands. I, too, am waiting impatiently to play with one in person.
My 99 Ody EX gains 5hp/29lbf with 93 octane and I can feel it. Feels like I lost a gear with regular...wait a minute, I did (only 4spd).
http://www.highwaysafety.com/news_releases/2000/pr121400.htm
Have anyone heard anything regarding this??
Mark.