Older Honda Accords

rhard49

whoever compared the sonata to a corolla is a jerk get serious go drive one. Remove your head from your Japanese butt. Try comparing the real numbers as to the cost. the 4 cylinder sonata can be bought for 13k. I own an 2002 LX V6 with everything and it cost me 18K It's ride and handling are in a different class then the accord it is larger vehicle, and rides as such. I bought a 2003 EXL and its a great car but it is a smaller car, rides like it, and may have a better resale but thats not why everyone buys cars. I find my Honda steering a little to sensitive, the ride has more wind and tire noise then my Sonata has at 21k miles. But thats why there are so many different makes of vehicles for sale different stokes for different folks. Try it you might like it!

rhard49

The EXL Lacks the side curtain air bags but does have Side Impact air bags in addition to the driver and passenger front airbags. Recent articles have stated the NHTSA has yet to determine there is any benefit to side curtain airbags.

s852

It is yet to be proven that the side curtain airbags have any great life-saving benefit over the regular side airbags, but it would be nice to not bang your head against the glass in a side impact.

rhard49

My understanding is the side curtain airbags primary function is in the event of a rollover, and the side impact airbags (in side seat panels)will provide the head protection you talk about.

cwd200x

Thanks Moolman. I finally found the Crutchfield page for 03 accord replacement. There are not much choices for the front speakers - one selection only with "Fit P", while more varities are available for the rear speakers.

How do you feel about the 03 factory speakers vs. any brands from Crutchfield catalog? Just wonder why Honda didn't offer the upgrade option.

Thanks.

jfgoing

My impression is that the side curtains are to protect the head against side impacts. Here

http://www.sae.org/automag/techbriefs_12-00/techb4.htm

is a discussion of the side curtains in the recent Saturn sedan.

maxamillion1

The Accord is LARGER than the Sonata. The Sonata is a compact, while the Accord is a midsize sedan.

moolman

cwd200x,

The other speakers might fit the 2003 accord without modifications but you would have to call them. Crutchfield is not the cheapest place to buy things but they send you everything you need and their customer service is top notch. I would call and talk to them in person. Just remember that you have to get their average speakers not the top of the line for best results since the stock amp and head unit are so weak.

Upgrading the speakers will make the most difference in sound for the least amount of money. Also you can't change out the headunit yet convieniently so adding an amp is the only option if you want more power.

Honda doesn't have options for anything, unless dealer installed. Besides speakers are always better when you buy it yourself rather than anything from the factory for the money.

Alex

atlantabenny

Part of the suspension, anyway. The rear stabilizer bar for the v6 is slightly smaller than that of the i4 variants. The DX doesn't even the part.

dinu01

"The Accord is LARGER than the Sonata. The Sonata is a compact, while the Accord is a midsize sedan."

Sonata a compact? Then what is the Elantra? Then if the Elantra is a subcompact, what is the Accent?

Dinu

bamacar

Accord Length 189.5 Sonata length 186.9
Accord width 71.5 Sonata width 71.7
Accord height 57.1 Sonata height 56
Accord Passenger Volume 102.7 Cubic Ft.
Sonata Passnger Volume 100 Cubic Ft.

From the EPA, Accord-Midsize Civic-Compact
Sonata-Midsize Elantra-Compact Accent-Compact

Although the Accord and Sonata are both listed as Midsize cars, the Accord by the facts is larger than the Sonata.

martylaw

Check out this rave review in the Sunday New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/02/automobiles/02AUTO.html

rhard49

Ever Driven a car whose useful interior space makes it feel and drive like a much larger vehicle

Small difference's that make it seem like a much larger vehicle.
 
Hyundai 1.0 more inches of Front Head Room
Hyundai 0.8 more inches of Second Row Head Room
Hyundai 0.7 more inches of Front Leg Room
Hyundai 1.2 more inches of Front Hip Room
Hyundai 0.9 more inches of Second Row Hip Room
Hyundai has 0.2 more inches in Width
Hyundai has 1.1 less inches in Height
 
I stand corrected (and more comfortable)
Still a Midsize car and an excellent value.

rhard49

Funny my 2002 Lx with every option cost me 18.5 My 03 EXL cost me 22 and last time I looked invoice was 21.7

I believe your comparing the price of a EXL 4 5 Speed. To the price of a V6 Automatic and over stating the price at that.

Before you knock it you should compare it. It is more then a cheaper price. Even JD Powers awarded it an appeal award for style and value. I happen to like its ride and performance better then my 4 cylinder Accord, But thats my opinion.

bamacar

Hyundai 1.1 less inches of Front Head Room
Hyundai 0.9 less inches of Second Row Head Room
Hyundai 0.7 more inches of Front Leg Room
Hyundai 0.6 less inches of Rear Leg Room
Hyundai 1.2 more inches of Front Hip Room
Hyundai 0.9 more inches of Second Row Hip Room
Hyundai has 0.2 more inches in Width
Hyundai has 1.1 less inches in Height
Hyundai has 2.6 less inches of Length
Hyundai has 2.7 less cubic feet of Volume

Works much better when you compare an Accord and Sonata both without sunroof. Similar if you use both with a sunroof also. Accord with sunroof and Sonata without kind of biases the numbers a bit don't you think.

I like the Sonata, but one reason I bought the Accord was because it felt more roomy- especially the headroom. The rear headroom similarly equipped is not comparable. Accord wins handily.

rhard49

Funny my 2002 Lx with every option cost me 18.5 My 03 EXL cost me 22 and last time I looked invoice was 21.7

I believe your comparing the price of a EXL 4 5 Speed. To the price of a V6 Automatic and over stating the price at that.

Before you knock it you should compare it. It is more then a cheaper price. Even JD Powers awarded it an appeal award for style and value. I happen to like its ride and performance better then my 4 cylinder Accord, But thats my opinion.

rhard49

I got that from the hyundai web site assumed it correct, but its liable to be biasd just as
honda's may be. I own both cars and the sonata has more room weather its seating position or fact. In the honda my wife and I bang elbows on the center cosole when were both in the front doesn't happen in the Sonata. Both cars have sunroofs and similar equipment. Thus my comment on useful space.

bamacar

Not off Honda's website but from Edmunds. I drove both also and did not like the Hyundai's lack of headroom. Hyundai is improving fast, but still has not caught up to Honda. Maybe the next generation. I predict that the next Sonata will finally match the size and space of the Accord/Camry. Competition is good for everyone.

gee35coupe

be a factor of personal girth rather than car size. I'm 6'6" 210 and never bump elbows. Not even in our Civic SI.

rhard49

The Hyundai crash tests listed were 1999 the car was redesigned in 2002.

As far as price I can only tell you what I paid on both and yes the Accord EXL 4 has dropped on cars direct almost 350 in the last week. I pointed that out in and earlier post.

As far as crash worthiness I was hit from behind in my 2002 while stopped at a light by and SUV going approx 10-15 MPH I pushed the 2 cars in front of me 2 to 2 1/2 car lengths forward. I drove the car to the side of the road engine still running leaking no fluids. It had 6-7k in damages but didn't even crumple the hood from being sandwiched. I have never been that impressed in my life and hope to never be again.

gee35coupe

This is a cut and paste from the Sonata crash test.

 HYUNDAI SONATA
1999-2003 models
KIA OPTIMA
2001-03 models
This is what it says.

rhard49

Actually I'm 6'2" 235 on the wide side as probably are you luckily my wife is not.

cwd200x

Alex, your info gave me a good idea about what could be done to get best result with least cost. Replacing speakers seems a way to go. Thanks a lot.

Daniel.

modredabyss

Thanks all for the responses on this topic.

Rhard49, I had looked at the maintenance schedule on the Honda site for the 4- and 6-cylinder Accord EX's but missed the timing belt difference. My Accord is going to be a work car and will be driven about 40,000 miles a year, so economy of maintenance is important to me.

Bob Anderson

anonymousposts

The Accord 4 cylinder now uses a timing chain. I believe the V6's still use a timing belt. I know in previous Accords the belt need to be replaced between 90,000-105,000 miles at a cost of about $400.

6'6 and 210 is pretty lanky. 4" shorter and 25lbs heavier is significant enough of a difference to explain why you migh be bumping elbows.

masroz

I recently purchased a 2003 Accord EX 4 cyl and love the car. Is it me though or do the regular low beams seem dim and not as bright as they should be? Is it possible they need to be adjusted? They just don't seem to be as bright and cover a long enough distance in front of the vehicle as I think they should. Anyone else feel this way?

anonymousposts

I think they are bright enough .. but then again the car we traded for it had aftermarket headlights that were a safety hazard in the rain. But overall I think they are fine .. maybe yours are out of adjustment or maybe your previous car had brighter lights.

cusafr

Does anyone know for SURE? Is there a url to check? Timing chains are so much better in my opinion. I thought all Accords went to the Chain? It is one thing the Maxima has had over the Accord for years. For the 4-cyl. to have a chain and the 6-cyl. to have a belt, does not make any sense to me!

Anyone?

Thanks,

cusafr

gee35coupe

cds12

4cyl = chain
6cyl = belt

beanctr

To those of you who have recently purchased a 2003 Accord 4 Door with a 5 speed transmission, what has your fuel mileage been? I know the EPA estimates for highway on the Accord 5 speed is 34MPG. This almost sounds too good to be true given the car's weight and engine size. Also, to achieve your MPG were you driving mostly city, highway, or a combination of the two?

rhard49

EXL-4 Auto 22.5MPG First Tank only 400 miles so far not bad while breaking in. Mix of both

rhard49

Yeah I thought same thing especially in the rain what I noticed missing most is no side turning lights. I was considering looking if Sylvania silverstars are availible in the bulb form factor I put them on my kids cars they are a much brighter white. Downside looks like the manual shows you have to get into the inner fender to change the bulb.

anonymousposts

Our estimates put our Accord EX-L 5-speed at around 30MPG around town and in our first trip we got just over 30MPG. If this car is anything like our other new Hondas the MPG will continually improve as the miles add up. At 10,000 miles my SI is getting much better gas mileage than when it was new.

moolman

To change the left (facing the car) bulb, you can reach through the hood. The right bulb has to be through the fender where the wheel is because of the battery, very easy to do, took me 10 min and I'm not a car mechanic. I'm speaking about the EXv6 sedan, maybe the 4 is different.

Alex

zakiman

Just curious on what gas mileage people are getting for their Honda Accord 2dr coupe 5spM. I have a 2DR Honda Accord EX 5 speed Manual , and I drive mostly highways.

Thanks so much!

zakiman

sammycastagna

I have been looking through post but can not find anything that describes my noise exactly. I have one of the cars with the extended 7 year warranty. Mine rarely in reverse only, makes a clunk and feels like the tire slipped on a stick or something. I hate to take it in because it probably will not make the noise for the technician. Has anyone had their transmission repaired under this extended warranty and what was the problem?

Sammy Castagna

maxamillion1

Which was wrong, which would make my statements wrong. Sorry you guys.

But the Accord is indeed larger than the Sonata space wise, to me the Sonata is smaller on the inside especially in the back seat with the small amount of headroom.

diploid

Different publications list different things. According to the EPA, cars with interior volumes between 110.0-119.9 cubic ft are considered midsized, cars with interior volumes between 100.0-109.9 cubic ft are considered compact.

The Sonata's interior volume is 100.0 cubic ft, compared to the Accord's interior volume of 116.7 cubic ft.

Consumer's Guide, strictly obeying those rules, is correct. However, the EPA lists certain cars into certain groups depending on customers's perspectives, regardless of its own guidelines.

bowke28

timing belt on v6 should be changed at 105k miles. honda originally designed this engine (4-cyl.) for the crv, and was for lowering the traditionally high maintenance costs of suv's. they soon realized that the engine was a perfect fit for the upcoming accord. frankly, if it makes sense to the honda engineers, then i trust them...after all, these are the folks that make cars last nearly forever! ;-)

bamacar

The EPA guide I saw said Total interior volume = passenger volume + cargo volume

Accord= 102.7 + 14 = 116.7
Sonata = 100.0 + 14.1 = 114.1

Both according to EPA are clearly midsize.

rhard49

You change the bulb because of a failure or to go to a different type?

moolman

I changed them to the Sylvania silverstars because I prefer the white light instead of the yellow. The silverstars are the best white light bulbs for the money, better than the pias. There's also a $10 rebate right now and places like autozone were having a buy one get the 2nd one half off sale.

Try the silverstars, they make the road brighter but of course not to HID standards.

Alex

imidazol97

What does HID mean?
Do you silverstar bulbs have the blue appearance like some bulbs I see people have replaced theirs with and they are missing a large part of the spectrum, or are they white and really make things more visible than standard bulbs?
Anyone have experience about these?

outrun

HID = High Intensity Discharge. They're the pure white lights that come on most higher-end cars (Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc). It's not a traditional bulb/filament set up. A high current charge (called an arc I believe) starts the process, and Xenon gas illuminates. They're the same kind of lights used in sports stadiums. They're better because they contain the entire spectrum of light, which results in almost daylight viewing conditions. Normal headlights are yellow in comparison, and are only as good as a very bright flashlight.

As for replacing headlights, I used Phillips VisionPlus H7's in my '02 Passat.

http://www.autolamps-online.com/products/orderform.htm

I'm not sure which bulb the Accord now takes.

-Craig

rhard49

They are much whiter not yellowish like some headlights. I put them on my kids cars who complained there lights were not bright enough. The silverstars seem to give more light but not be the blue you see on some kids cars.

rhard49

What year/model is your car.

03honda

I plan on purchasing an accord within the next month, however, I am torn between the LX V6 and EX-L I4. Is the I4 powerful enough (this will be a commuter car in Philadelphia traffic), and also, which are the better deals on? I don't know if it's just me or not, but I seem to see more EX I4s on the road than LX V6s, is there a reason? Thanks in advance!

philbert

In January 2003, the Honda Accord was the number one selling passenger vehicle in the United States, barely edging out the Toyota Camry by a mere 446 units.

http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/030203/autos_top20_table_1.html

dinu01

sales do NOT = better

03honda: 160 ponies is fast enough. I would go for the I4 w/5spd (if you can drive stick) if I were buying an Accord (or with the Mazda6i if I wasn't buying an Accord).

Cheers!
Dinu