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Comments
I look around at almost all the new cars Mazda 6, Camry, Accord, Taurus... they all are going in similar directions. The 6, Camry, and Accord have many exterior features that are alike. The front to rear slant, the "sleek" lines, etc. The '03 has a lower drag coefficient than the '02.. I believe its like .34 for '02 and .30 for '03.
The styling has sorta grown on me. Can't complain one iota about the interior styling on my EX. Very impressive. The exterior is very "euro" and the only thing I wish they had spent a little more time on is the exterior lights. But then again, lights are there for one reason, and they do their job. IMHO, there are very few affordable cars in the 20k price range that have the same features, power, reliability, fuel economy as the Accord. When was the last time you had the "perfect car"? Even if you did have one, there is always something that you wish was different... shifter, gauges, seats, brakes, etc. Some you can find aftermarket to help, some you can't. As long as the car looks clean and straight, a few "they shoulda's" won't break a sale for me.
As for the accessories try www.hondaacuraworld.com
George S
George S.
I don't think the new styling is entirely successful, but I still regard it as progress. Not because the old model was bad, but because the new one is more sensuous and elegant. It does have a rounder, more "bloated" (as opposed to boxy) look, but it's partly a matter of what we're accustomed to. I think it'll make more sense to people as time passes.
The problem is that Honda wants the Accord to become more sophisticated, while not alienating its conservative customer base, and while remaining affordable, all at once. So the new design is a bit half-baked. But as sharp as the Altima is at first glance, I think the Accord is more elegant and will outlast it. The Passat still has the most sophisticated looks in the class.
Despite all the talk about "passion", Honda is obviously still aiming more for refinement than sport. Thus the car is more sedate than the Altima, Mazda 6, or Passat, while still more interesting than the Camry.
The interior is where the car really outdoes the competition, IMO. While I'm not entirely happy with the colors and trim in the non-EX models, the overall design and feel is superb. It makes the Passat's interior look dated, the Camry's like a Buick, the Altima's cheap, and the Mazda's overwrought. I still have mixed feelings about the exterior styling, but every time I sit inside the car, I'm sold.
TL's seats, but we have a type S so maybe that is why, are a stiffer. They are nice seats to, and I never had any complaints. But now that I have the Accord I just find the Accord's seats way comfortable. I think the TL still has a few things over the Accord in some areas. Nicer leather, sound, suspension, but again, the TL-S is a 31,800 MSRP car, and the Accord a 25, something MSRP car. If I had to chose, boy would that be hard... as is said above, we are all diferent. You couldn't get it all in one car.
NAVI on the Accord kicks [non-permissible content removed].
I'm sorry, but some of these illogical conclusions are downright stupid.
I'm also with you that calling other people's opinions stupid has no place in a mature discussion, and even more so on a Honda board. I've always appreciated the enforcement by the TH hosts to keep this is a civil place.
Opinions are what makes this board interesting. We all know these are not scientific conclusions. Customers knowledgeable about the auto industry (or even a good salesman) have gut instincts which are often correct compared to the results of the most expensive focus group studies. But these instincts or opinions may strike some as being illogical.
When the 2001 Civic was introduced, I was frankly underwhelmed by the evolutionary changes and felt that it wasn't going to do that well. I have no interest in trading up to one. Honda Chairman Yoshino said in an interview a few months after Civic launch that Honda was studying why Civic sales were flat to down. It is interesting to note that Honda has scrambled to tweak the Civic in various ways after launch as Civic sales have been below Honda's targets worldwide (including Japan and Europe), and the demographics have shifted to an older age.
If I remember correctly, Accord sales have been down for both Oct and Nov, and even though 2 months doesn't make a trend, I'm sure Honda is watching these results carefully. Even though the Accord is bought for its overall package by the vast majority, a steady drop in sales for whatever reason is a BIG deal for Honda. Speculating that the styling or Euro morphing could account for the *apparent* drop in sales is a valid opinion and not necessarily illogical.
idea about this torque converter and its locking.
I will check with my mechanic about this.
any ideas how much should it cost me to fix that torque converter ?
thanks again !
And I questioned that conclusion.
Now besides attacking the 'stupid' comment (which I still think it is), answer my question: if you think sales of the Accord are down because of the style, what's the rationale when sales of the Accord are up?
If you post an opinion that follows no logical reasoning, you shouldn't be surprised to get a response.
Everyone is entitled to his opinion, but I just don't see how one can conclude that the Accord is a failure based on its look simply by looking at the sales numbers without taking into account any external factors.
fully -- plenty power and start-up speed,
spontaneous control, and 27 MPG in city
driving in Phoenix. I purchased it at invoice
but had to pay $399 extra for the KARR Secur-
ity System. Has anyone else had to pay extra
for the KARR?
If it is purely the electronic connection, the cost will probably be minimal. If they have to crack the transmission case, it could get very expensive. And remember, I am only theorizing based on your statements - there could be other potential explanations, and I would never substitute what we can do in these online discussions for having a qualified tech drive the car. You need to get to a service dept and take it from there...and that's assuming there is anything wrong at all.
And despite the Accord's 14 cu. ft. of trunk space, normal sized humans can still fit inside it. I'm sure the midgets would have no problems either.
If the Accord had a 20 cu ft trunk, then everybody would be bashing the competition for their small trunks.
But since the Accord's trunk is smaller than the competition, then "that's all the average family really needs". Right?
Just like "horsepower". Before the Accord didn't have it so nobody needed it.....
Seems to be a pattern here.
I guess what goes around, comes around.
couple of questions:
The front suspension looks different-so does the rear. What did they change? Is it better or cheaper or both? Hate value engineering
The "spare" is no longer the stupid donut-it is bigger-will a regular tire fit in this space?
IS this the same engine block as before-the components are in different places. ALso does this engine (I4) have solid or hydraulic lifters? Does it require valve adjustments.
Anybody have one-the temp controls look a bit mysterious to me-are they hard to get used to and use?
Only potential negative I saw was the tail pipe and "first" muffler-these puppies are well below the rest of the car-I guess most people don't take these through the woods but all the crap on the roads-it sure sticks down-but easier to change and no more buzzing from the heat shields.
Oh one other observation-the accord I looked at was built in Japan-thought someone said they were shipping fewer of those over.
thanks
It's not like you're driving our cars for us anyway.
"The spacious trunk can hold five Pullman cases and one overnight case, or a folded wheelchair."
About the 2003 Accord:
"The trunk holds three suitcases and three duffels, or a folded wheelchair with room to spare."
CR, that bastion of practicality, rated the trunk spacious. The rating is equal to that of the Passat, the Altima and the Intrepid. Doesn't take a "diehard Honda fan" to say that's OK.
Let's move on...
Obviously, someone is very bored.