Older Honda Accords

atlantabenny

My best guess: work the latch by removing trunk liner, driver's side. Otherwise, no back-up mechanism as I see it.

sambojoho

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-03-11-cr-picks_x.htm

tominsd

Does anybody know if the published width of cars (Hondas, in particular) include the side mirrors? I have a very narrow garage and getting the Accord in/out may require folding the mirrors.

The Civic would work in the garage but Honda, for some very shortsighted reason, puts these hulking fixed mirrors on Civics (except the Hybrid!!) All it takes is to come home late one night in a Civic and I could snap the mirrors off. The Civic is 4 inches narrower than the Accord (as published). But I don't know if this 4 inch difference includes the Civic with its bulging side mirrors and the Accord with its mirrors folded. Anyone know???

djocks

Trying to sell a '97 Accord EX, cloth interior, CD, Spoiler, Moon-Roof. 105000 Miles.

Listed at $6900

Do you think I will get good activity on the car? Or is the price either too high or too low?

jud95accord

Did you arrive at your price somewhere between Kelly Blue Book and NADA? Also the color is important, condition of exterior (paint,etc.) and was the timing belt changed already? I sold my 95 EX in September for $8200 - it had a spoiler, no cd player and 80,000 miles and was in immaculate condition. It seems like consumers really like the 94 - 97 model years in the Accord. I advertised my car in the major newspaper in Houston and people called from all over the area. One Honda dealer offered me $4500 for a trade-in!!

yugoboy

that is a great article find, it's almost mind boggling to be completely honest!!!! I guess i will have to make a trip over to the local hyundai dealership for myt next new car!!!!! The Korean's are taking over, first soccer, now the automotive world!!!! Go figure!!!!

civicw

My understanding is the published width of both the Accord and Civic does not include the side mirrors. The Civic's width without mirrors is 66.7", and the Accord's (also without mirrors) is about 4" more. Probably the Civic's width (with fixed mirrors) is more than the Accord's width after folding its mirrors.

I too have been disappointed with the current tendency to supersize cars with complete disregard for the size of the typical garage. The only compact Japanese car with folding mirrors that I know of is the Mazda Protege, but it's being replaced later this year by the Mazda3. In Japan, width is a critical measurement and ALL cars have folding mirrors.

jonesok1

Well, the saga continues... . the service tech said the popping/creaking sound (when stopping/starting/turning) was coming from the A-pillar, where it cannot be reached or corrected.

Stay tuned for what's next. Again, if anyone has reported or had any problems with this type of popping/creaking sound in their new Accords, please respond.

snodog

Has anyone installed either the auto day/night mirror or the cell phone accessory themselves? Dealer wants a lot for install, thinking about buying from H and A and installing myself. Also, not sure if I want someone in the service dept. ripping apart the inside of my car.
Thanks!

anonymousposts

snodog: We had our mirror installed by the dealer when we bought the car. I think it's about an hour of labor which shouldn't cost you more than $79 if you buy the part from Handa-accessories.com.

pat

so some messages have been deleted.

There are plenty of websites where issues of the day may be discussed, but this is not one of them.

Most of our membership appreciates being able to come here and talk about cars without having to think about - however momentarily - the very hard things that seem to be happening in the world.

Let's move on.

Thanks.

snodog

My dealer quoted me $285 for the mirror (about $100 over the cost from HandA). The install doesn't look bad on that but if I could get moolman's deal, I'd jump on it.
But you're right robr2, I've installed alot of things in my cars but after looking at the phone install directions, I think I'll probably skip that one. Don't even want the dealer to do it. To much to take apart; console, radio, vent trim. Afraid this will introduce unwanted squeeks/rattles (install price was about $360).
Thanks for all your responses.

robr2

I read through the instructions and found the design of this accessory to be convoluted and complicated. I'm pretty handy but it seemed that the benefits of this accessory are far outweighed by the poor design of the item. I'm not suprised the dealer is charging a fortune for it.

akal50

Go to http://www.iloveaccord.com

You'll find pics of the Asian Accord here. I think this Accord looks so much better than the North American one. It has a real grill on the front, HID lights, better looking foglights, turn-signal lights on the mirror, chrome accents, and a chrome license plate frame in the back that makes the lights look a lot better cause they're not so wide. The interior even has a lid on the cupholders. I'm sure in a few years, Honda will rework the front and back of the Accord. I hope they make it look like the Asian Accord. How come Europe and Asia get the better looking cars?

robertsmx

After seeing the American Accords for a while, I don't understand the fuss about its styling anymore to the extent that I like it. BTW, that not really Asian (since many Asian countries get American Accord) Accord has Acura styling theme to it, and is going to arrive as Acura TSX next month. It is a smaller, sportier and more luxurious Accord.

gee35coupe

regfootball

that i love accords website is well designed.

I like the enhanced front end design on those accords.....subtle improvments that make a huge difference.

gee35coupe

with the mid run redesign. I like that too.

dudleyr

How does that Thai Accord differ from ours? Looks pretty much the same to me.

gotribe

I remember seeing earlier posts about a clip problem in the A pillar that can lead to a pop/creak noise. If that's all the problem is, you're lucky. This is a well known problem that your dealer should have been able to diagnose sooner in your process. Good Luck

ickes_mobile

has a different grill and airdam, chrome trim on the front and rear bumpers. Nice looking.

I got a really good look at the Accord I want at the Minneapolis Autoshow. They had a silver EX with leather and an eternal blue with cloth. I'm surprised how small the sunroof is - the cover doesn't go very far back. I'm torn - the blue exterior is great but I love the black leather interior.

anonymousposts

ickes, I don't think I have seen an Accord with the gray interior. Is there a huge difference between the black and gray? What about buying a Eternal Blue coupe?

03accordman

Just came back from a 750 mile weekend, with 4 adults and a toddler, and a trunk full of luggage. Speeds averaged 75 mph, and I got an overall MPG of 33 MPG. Isn't it amazing?

anonymousposts

03Accordman: We had the same results with our 99 EX sedan. 4 adults, luggage, AC on, and average speeds in the 80-90 MPH range and we still got 30+ MPG.

imidazol97

That would be great to be able to travel like that at those speeds.
. With my luck
I'd find the first police car needing to give a ticket. That's great
mileage for that kind of speed and load.

ickes_mobile

The grey looks like the grey in the '01 Accord we have, but maybe a shade darker. You can definately tell the difference between it and black. I don't know about the coupe color mix, but I need the sedan anyway.

anonymousposts

imidazol: You have to speed carefully. We usually follow the fastest car and try to keep our speedy travel to the daylight hours because of increased visibility. And in most southern states the rural speed limit is 70 MPH so you can usually get away with going 80 MPH.

ickes: Gotcha. I have yet to see a sedan with the gray interior. The one sedan we did drive was silver with black interior. Here's an idea ... you can get the blue with the gray interior, then tint the windows. It will make it look darker inside.

chapel1

Had dealer install rear spoiler and have read about the "springs" on this site.Are they installed to the trunk shocks?What do they look like?I want to make sure the dealer did'nt take any short cuts?
They already have to paint the rear quarter panel because of some techs belt buckle scratches.

mikek37

I dont believe you will be able to notice any visual difference from teh stock springs to the ones tha are installed with the spoiler. Just ask the shop to hand back your old springs, so then you will know that they didnt cut any corners.

briansbluetoy

This is my first accord with a sunroof. When I open it full tilt it howls at hiway speeds. I find if I open the right rear window it stops the howl.

Is this normal?

mikek37

Yup, its normal. You are just allowing the wind an exitway. Instead of the wind flowing around the cabin, the window acts as an escape point for the wind; therefore reducing wind noise. The same can be said when you open your driver side window and rear window.

ickes_mobile

Normal. Also, the tilt doesn't seem to draw much air through. I usually just open it.

moolman

Asking for the original trunk springs like I did is the best way but if you forgot, you can check by looking at the springs. The springs are on top of the trunk where the rear speakers are, you'll see two metal bars crossing each other. The original ones were grey but the deck lid spoiler springs were black and had color tags on them.

Alex

chapel1

Thanks for the info.I was looking or thinking they were coil springs?They are a rod spring system and they are black and have a tag ID. on them identifying them as the spoiler springs.Again thanks Moolman&Mike37.

buckaroo067

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some general advice on choosing between the models mentioned above. I know it is an unusual comparison, but I have the opportunity to get an excellent deal on the Saab $30,400. This particular Saab has virtually the same dimensions as the Honda and also has excellent crash ratings. Although it doesn't have the navigation system, it does have the On-Star system. There are many pro's and con's for buying the Saab, but my main concern is long-term reliability. CR rates the Saab failty high in this area, but not as high as the accord.

Any advice?

Thanks

gee35coupe

I love those cars. Especially the new ones. Very aggressive looking.

qgu

Anybody has comment on Accord stability in cross wind at highway speed?

robertsmx

$30,400 sounds about right for base Saab 9-5 Linear, but that would be over $4K more than Accord EXV6 (or $2K more than NAV equipped Accord EXV6). Besides the advantage of having a less common car, I don't see a reason to go with the Saab. For $30K, you may be able to compare the Saab directly to Acura TL Type-S for that matter. The Saab weighs about as much as TL-S (or about 200 lb. more than Accord EXV6) but has only 185 HP from a turbo charged engine. Long term maintenance/ownership costs will be, likely, lower in the Accord as well. Both cars should be equally good in terms of safety. If I were to pick one of the two, I will go with the Accord EXV6, or wait for the TSX to arrive in a month.

imidazol97

To compare the engines, you must look at the
entire horsepower curve, not just the peak. One engine can have a large peak at high rpm, but
not have as much horsepower at speeds slightly lower; the torque curves need to be compared too.
That's mostly what gives the feel of ready-to-go power around town. Peak horsepower only applies at
high revs.

DRiving the two cars is the only way to really compare...

gee35coupe

If you WANT a Saab...You just WANT a Saab. I say if that's what you have an eye for, go for it. They may not win any comparisons but the one for your butt. Make it a good one though with all the bells and whistles. I saw a base one and it was VERY base. But I feel like that guy in the VW commercial when I talk about them. I have a whole fleet of cars on my forehead.

robertsmx

But if you really want to consider spending $30K for a midsize car, be sure to take a look at TL-Type-S (I believe you would get NAV as well as OnStar for the price) and G35, even Passat GLX.

Forget content level and $4K price differential (assuming you get a good deal on 9-5 but pay MSRP on Accord EXV6), Saab's turbo charged 2.3 I-4 in Saab should be no match of the Honda 3.0 V6 in Accord. Like I said earlier, the only advantage would be, that you will be driving a less common car. Wait for a month, and take a look at TSX before you spend your money.

If $30,400 for 9-5 Linear is for the base model, it should be the invoice price.

buckaroo067

It was an agonizing decision, but after careful consideration I chose the Saab 9-5. Practically speaking the Honda is a better choice, but I just couldn't pass up the deal on the Saab. The original MSRP was $37,800 fully equipped. The car I bought was a demo which I got for the $30,400 minus an extra $1,000 for a "GM loyalty" discount. (My father-in-law has bought GM cars since the beginning of time). So that puts me at $29,400 for the Saab. In addition, my annual insurance is close to $300 cheaper for the Saab than for the Accord.

I own a '92 Accord EX with 112k on it and it still runs like new. I hope the Saab proves to be just as trustworthy, but I'll admit that I'm a bit concerned about that.

We had to buy a car this month, but I really wanted to hold-out for the 2004 Acura TL.

Oh well .. ce la vi .. or something like that.

mikek37

Has anyone installed the 3m Clear material on their hood. It protects against chips and what not. Wanted to get everyones opinion, and if they have had it put on what is your opinion. Thanks.

Here's the link: http://www.xpel.com/index.html

kratas101

A friend of mine has ground effects for his 98 coupe and I think it greatly enhances the look of the car, but when I bought my car I heard no mention of that option. Is it still available for 02 coupes as well? If so, how much is it? I really hope they haven't gotten rid of them as they look great on the car! thanks

condoriole

Greetings,
Is there a way to turn off the horn sound when the alarm is set? I can't stand it. It's way too loud to set it in my neighborhood at night yet I have it and would like to use it.
I have a friend with an earlier model Accord and there is a way to do it per the manual. I can't find a way for my 2001.

Anyone? Buhler...... Buhler....

Thanks.

jcroberts

I asked a couple of weeks ago about different 5 Sp. Auto in the I-4 and the V-6. I found in the Honda Web site that the I-4 has a higher first gear for faster take-offs, while the v-6 has a lower 5th gear for a slower rpms at 60 mph (about 160 fewer). I realize the v-6 gets to 60 mph about a second and a half faster than the four. This is important to me trying to squeeze as many miles from every gallon when I am paying $1.60 a gallon. I wonder if I get better mpg at 60 - 2000 rpms or 65 - 2150 rpms. Where does the engine run most efficiently. May anyone with a navigation system with ongoing mpg have an answer? I have been impressed getting 30 mpg on the first four refills. I have been taken it easy trying to break it in easy rarely breaking 3000 rpms.
I just realized from my VIN # starting with a J that it probably was made in Japan. What difference if any is there in a Japanese made Accord versus one made in Ohio?

jmess

mike37: I had the full kit (bumper, hood, mirrors, headlights, and rear bumper top) installed on my IS300 SportCross a year ago. I think it's great stuff and I am going to do the wife's EX hood. When I checked a few weeks ago, they didn't have a kit for the 03 Accord but it looks like they do now.

It cost me $500 (parts & labor) to do the Lexus which seems like a lot of money until you see all the paint chips on a car that doesn't have it. Well worth the money IMHO.

moolman

If I were to buy another car I would of bought a japanese made accord, I got the V6 so it was made in the US. My car has various fit and finish issues.

1. smear in the inside lens of the radio
2. gap between the speed control and volume control on steering wheel is not even.
3. carpet in the passenger side was not secured and is loose
4. rear driver side handle on the roof doesn't retract on its own
5. everytime I brake hard the drivers side seat goes forward and makes a thump
6. center console doesn't open and rattles
7. trunk is misaligned, one side is higher than the other when you look at the panels

I've been going back to the dealer to get everything fixed, but things are back order such as the center console and inside handle.

A warning to any buyers, check out all the things I mentioned before taking delivery.

I went to the dealer lot and it seemed that all the better finished ones were the J Vin's, this is personal insight. take it with a grain of salt. If it was a ford, I wouldn't complain as much but a Honda, I expect better.

Alex

gee35coupe

That's direction I would have taken too. Especially with that deal.

venus537

i was at the honda dealer last sunday and to my dismay, i concur with your assetment. i could tell which accords were made in japan by looking over the car. i would look at the vin number to confirm my findings. a quick give away is how the top half of the steering wheel column cover aligns up with the bottom half. i'm glad the tsx will be assembled in japan. if i go with an accord, i might have to give up the v6 engine.

i aways go over any car i'm considering very carefully before buying one. i suspect you will too from now on.