Older Honda Accords

maxamillion1

I personally like the gray leather best. I also like the colors that come with the gray leather (Eternal Blue, Redondo Red, Graphite Pearl) Tan is nice too, but I like Gray better. It looks classier IMO.

alpha01

and Grey is a really awesome combination.

I agree- soon enough, with the help of the IIHS, I'll bet we'll see most cars equipped with advanced side impact protection methods.

~alpha

nowakj66

I picked up my silver EX leather MT a week ago. It drives very nicely and I love it.

One thing I notice is that the brakes seem sensitive. A light touch is good but even a slight pressure and !BAM! they seem to clamp down very hard.

Anyone else experience this?

glideslopes

The TSB diagram shows several areas to re-weld? I'd say that is one heck of a TSB!! Holy COW!!!!

ultima

Honda Accord folks should enjoy this...

http://home.attbi.com/~bernhard36/honda-ad.html

(:-D

mdwjcw

Glideslopes
Can you provide a link to the re-weld TSB? Thanks!

dwillia4

The popping noise fix is not a TSB. According to my service advisor it is a Honda TechLine document. I read the document and it exactly described the popping noise problem that I am having. The fix is to spot weld a couple of places on the floor pan. It's being done to my car right now. I'll try to obtain a copy of the document when I pick up my car today.

lichtronimo

I just bought a 1997 Accord SE. I also bought the keyless entry transmitter. The manual says the transmitter must be reprogrammed by the dealer. Does anyone know how to do this without going to the dealer? Thanks!

BTW, I got the financig for the car from Peoplefirst.com advertised here at Edmunds. Its a great rate of 4.7% for 48 months based on simple intrest and no prepayment penalty. Great deal.

akal50

The red exterior looks great but the grey leather feels a bit too dark. Plus, I really don't like the aluminum accents. That's why I'm leaning more towards the tan interior.

maxpower02

03EXV6 "looks" just fine with the graphite gray exterior, so tell me, how does it "feel too dark"?
:-)
The aluminum accents give the interior a modern look, but that's my $.02

mikek37

The tan interior is fine if you are over 30+.

dindak

Too funny. I made a similar comment on the weekend to someone at a party.

akal50

I meant to say the grey LOOKS too dark. I think it should be lighter or else it might as well be black. Lighter colors feel more spacious. The aluminum accents may seem more modern, but they'll be out of style in a few years. Wood accents are timeless.

emale

well, REAL wood accents are timeless...:)

atlantabenny

Talk about a successful compromise - I added dark burlwood trim to my wife's 03 EX-L w/grey interior; it coexists quite well with the factory metal trim to make the interior feel warmer and more upmarket (stock appearance seemed austere). Some European cars have this wood & metal combo.

The wood trim is an original Honda kit with strategically selected parts, i.e. it's not over-the-top. $180 from online Honda parts stores but $250 at the dealer.

hmurphy

This is completely a matter of personal preference, but I like the gray interior because it has the metallic accents, but isn't quite as intense as the black. I had a gray interior in my previous car and it held up very well over the long term, not showing much dirt on the carpets and upholstery and not appearing dusty on the vinyl parts.

I didn't care for the faux wood accent in the beige interior, or for the many-hued dash plastics. Though the dash plastics for the gray interior are slightly different colors, you can't tell as much as with the beige interior.

Again, though, it's all a matter of personal preference. I though the gray looked elegant and practical.

james583

Also have a EX V6 w/Navi. Experienceing the same problem with the brakes the slightest tap and I'm in the steering wheel. Is anyone expierencing problems when you put the car in gear. Seems like their is a hesitation like a delay before it goes in gear. And if you are in Reverse and put in drive you better wait a second before you hit the gas or there is a jerk.

Any feedback

jmserm

I purchased a 2003 Accord EX-V6 in November 2003. I immediately noticed a slight vibration at high speeds (60-70 mph). I had it checked at the dealer and they balanced my tires....didn't work. I took it to another Honda dealer who had been sent a letter from Honda in reference about vibration complaints from Accord owners. They requested a lot of information from me such as where and when the vehicle was made, tire pressure, direction of vibration, brand of tires, etc. Four weeks passed and I heard nothing. The dealership finally called to inform me that Honda had sent reps from Goodyear and Michelin to the lot to survey the brand of tires on all vehicles on the lots.

Basically, Honda has not pinpointed the problem but is aware of it. They have no answers but have concluded that is probably has something to do with a specific quantity of cars made at the Ohio plan during a specific time frame and may have something to do with the tires. My car happens to fit all of the above and it has Bridgestone tires. This sounds disturbingly familiar...Ford/Firestone... Honda says that it is not a safety issue but how do they know that if they haven't nailed down the problem.

On top of that, I have had the window molding replaced twice for wrinkling, CD player replaced and the pealing paint on the bumper repainted. I really do love the performance look and feel of the car but the constant problems and lack of answers is concerning.

Does anyone know of the vibration problem and have any additional information?

emale

so, since many of the accords have bridgestone tires...why wouldn't honda have bridgestone join goodyear and michelin in searching for a problem???

i suspect it is either the tires or wheels might have a problem. have they tried rotating them yet?

silverk21

Have the same car, got it in Nov., with the same 60-70mph steering wheel vibration. It does seem to be affected somewhat by the road condition since it comes and go. I have no answers for you, but at least you are not alone. Please let us know if they resolve this issue.

jrct9454

...are out of round. The only solution is to replace them. Michelin, while not perfect, is much less prone to this than most others.

Everyone immmediately wants to rebalance wheels when vibrations show up on a new car - very rarely is this the problem. Almost always, it is traceable to one or more tires not being round enough - anything over 1.5mm in vertical runout will do it with the sensitivity of these cars.

The reason it seems to come and go is that the tires will develop flat-spots overnight that complicate the situation - as they warm up, the tire will slowly return to its default shape, and while it does, the irregularities between the 4 tires can get in a syncopated rhythm that can either mask the problem or make it worse. I've never had this problem with Michelins, but have had many other situations where the only solution was a complete replacement. Among brands, the worst are Pirelli and some Goodyears and Bridgestones. Generally, the more nylon there is in the belts and/or carcass, the more likely you'll have a problem.

superman5

my parents have the 2001 accord, it has the most uncomfortable driver seat .

according2me

Accords have always tended to have firmer seats than most domestics and other Japanese brands. But having averaged 1200-1500 miles per week last year, I really like the firm support. I never had back-aches and could drive for hours at a time comfortably. My '01 LX had the manual seats, so I'll let others defend the automatic ones.

ng5186

To respond to your question....In some of the documentation that came with my new Accord (don't recall exactly where), Honda stated that the oil included with new Accords is "specially formulated" to protect cars during the first oil change interval and should not be changed for 5000 miles. I dont know if its more marketing speak than reality, but I highly doubt Honda would tell you not to change the oil unless, in fact, that was fine for the car.

I'm gonna wait until 5K to change (4400 to go!)

bburton3

A very sharp tire installer in Mpls was able to take most of the out of round I had in a tire-he called it hop-by remounting the tire on the rim-just moved it around a bit. Out of round or hop is very easily seen when you put the tire on a balance wheel and run it up-can see it hop away.

silverk21

jcrt9... Thanks for the info. Do you know if this is covered by the tire manufacture's warranty?

nosirrahg

Thanks for the confirmation on the oil-change interval; I just wanted to make certain I wasn't misreading something somewhere. I do think I'll probably switch to synthetic (Mobil-1) after the first 5k miles - I change my own oil, so the cost isn't much different than if I took it to a quick lube place - and I feel better running synthetic for 5k miles than I do "dino" oil.

Has anyone here changed oil in an '03 4-cylinder themselves? I haven't even looked under the car to locate the filter; hoping it's easy to get to!!

according2me

What model of Bridgestone is Honda using as OEM.
I recently put Turanza LS-H on my Accord and am well satisfied so far(14K miles). It cruises just as smoothly and is quieter and has better wet traction than the Michelins I had as OEM.

I hope these problems are not in my future. These tires are rated as Grandtouring and they are very comfortable cruising the interstates.

Good luck. Hopefully, if a tire problem, the manufacturer will stand behind them.

fbosdell

I purchased a 2003 Accord EX V6 in November 2002. I took it to the dealership for second service yesterday - 6400 miles. I mentioned brakes were pulsating when applied. Dealership called back yesterday and told me that all four brake rotors were warped and they would replace under warranty this time, however, the cause of this problem was one of two things; either the brakes were being ridden in the mountains OR the car was being washed while the rotors were hot and the cold water was causing them to warp. Neither of these two examples are applicable in my case. The dealership told me they were replacing the rotors rather than turning them since car was so new, but I needed to determine what caused problem and correct the causation as they would not replace again for warping. Anyone else having or heard of this problem?

atlantabenny

At about 6k miles, our 03's brakes are pulsating slightly. Never drove the car hard but I'm sure rotors have made contact with water while driving in heavy rain. Poor metallurgy ?

Did first oil change myself - filter is reasonably easy to access.

mikek37

Mine pulsate also. 10K interval on my 03 Accord!

jcroberts

I have been pleased with almost 3000 miles on my new 2003 Accord LX. I have averaged over 30 mpg with 60% highway and 40% city driving. I would appreciate anyone with Navg. and ongoing MPG to share where the engine is happiest and best fuel milage occurs. A report with AAA showed 65 mph to be the best crusing speed for mpg. Thanks for your input.
Overall my wife and I are very happy with the car. She normally drives a 1999 Odyseey, so she expressed that she felt like she was flying when she was cruising the HOV at 65 mph. The golden-tan shows little dirt and pollen. I first missed having a cassette player, but I am adjusting to just having CD.
Happy Hondaring.

bburton3

Previous attempts to get something from a new car tire problem was a waste of effort. Problem in this case was a folded over radial belt-done during tire construction process-made hell of a bump while driving. Give the car dealer a try-but imho u are wasting your time. Just remember most auto manufacturer's OEM tires are on there for a reason-price-look at fmc and the firestone mess-heard the price diff between the delamanating stones and Michelin was less than $10/vehicle.

Only set of OEM's i ever had good experience with was Bridgestone's on a honda 20 years ago. Am looking at new honda's now and when I ask the friendly sales person about getting something other than the michelin spin out specials-i get a blank look. Just have to add $500 to the price to get decent rubber.

maxpower02

in the mountains or cold water, the rotors should be replaced under warranty. How hot could the rotors be if they warp when cold water hits them. Does Honda say in the manual not to wash your car if the rotors are hot,or drive thru the mountains, its not in my manual? Your dealership is trying to shift their responsibility to you. BTW, I purchased my 03EXV6 in December, no pulsing. I would talk to service manager about their accusation, and if you do not get a satisfactory answer, contact your regional Honda representative.

toledo19

"the car was being washed while the rotors were hot and the cold water was causing them to warp." Using that logic, you shouldn't drive in the rain! Find another dealer!

mikejdsn

I used to put 5w20 but then I just switched to Mobil 1 5w30. My car runs much better- it's quieter and smoother.

gee35coupe

I was driving rather aggressively one day and dropped by the coin op. Brakes steamed and hissed. When I drove off they were trash. All four rotors replaced. Luckily I could do them myself.

inkie

After rotors are installed and you drive home. Torque wheel nuts to specs. Maybe someone at the factory had faulty torque sticks. Over thightening wheel nuts warps rotors, unusual for all 4 but it does not hurt to check.

glideslopes

Also, NEVER let anyone use an air wrench on your alloys. It can be the kiss of death.

Rotors: It's common knowledge that some manufactures are using lighter (thinner) rotors for cost, and weight saving.

This makes the rotor much more prone to warping from a blast of cold water. The Honda dealer may in fact be exactly correct. This does seem to be an issue that is popping up as people start going a few thousand miles?

Hopefully the 04's will have thicker rotors.

Mark.

webexplorer

I have the paint peeling off my bumpers too. It's not very noticeable now but I can see it becoming worse in the future. How does it look after the repaint? Can you tell the difference between the repainted and original body colors? How long does it take?

webexplorer

I took a look at the oil filter location of my 03 ExV6, and found that it was located at a very difficult-to-reach location. I've been doing oil change myself on my Coroller and it is easy. Feel like bringing the Accord to dealer for oil change since it just look difficult to me (I'm not a mechanical guy :-)). Anyone feels the same?

redsel

I have begun to notice an odd noise on initial few feet forward after backing out of garage/driveway in my 2003 EX-V6 Sedan, it is like a brief rubbing sound from the drive line. This is heard at each initial take off then not again. Has anyone else heard a noise like this? Any ideas?
Redsel

talon95

I have the same model, and I hear it too. I believe it's the ABS system initializing.

alpha01

redsel- what you described is exactly what talon 95 says- the ABS self test. For whatever reason, it is more noticable in some makes/vehicles than others.

~alpha

mikek37

I disagree with your "Cold water causing rotor damage". If this was the case, everytime it rains, sloms or even drizzles the rotors would warp. Its ridiculous to think that water would cause a peice of steel to warp, THERE IS NOW WAY!!

lichtronimo

After the first full week of having a new used '97 Accord SE join our '01 EX, allow me a few observations.

The chrome grill surround and flaired rear fenders (much like current Volvo design) of the '96-'97 car has more character than either the the '98-'02 or '03 car. The grill from the Thai Accord would be helpful (which could be used for the '06 mid-cycle update as the asian front end was used in '01).

On the inside, the '97 appears to be the last of the true Honda greenhouse with a dash much lower and away than either the '98-'02 or '03 giving a feel of greater spaciousness. The '03 is almost Passat like in the height of the door relative to the driver.

The single piece dash top also looks higher quality than either of the subsequent generations. The breaks in the '03 dash in paricular suggest cost savings of making left and right hand drive versions, even though the assembly is first-rate. I also prefer the two large speedo and tach gauges of equal size in the '97 versus the three gauge cluster of the latter two generations.

The main defincenies in the '97 are of course under the hood and in space for passengers and cargo. The SE I bought suffers particularly with a 130hp I-4 via an automatic transmission.

Overall, I think I like our new used '97 as much if not more than the '01, but still look forward to an '04.

glideslopes

Do a little research. You will change your mind. There is a difference between driving in the rain (water constantly flowing over surface) and cold water rapidly hitting an extremely hot surface. Basic Thermal Physics.

  p.s. This applies to many different automobiles. Not just Honda.

Mark.

jrct9454

...sorry, Mike, but this is not an uncommon occurrence. If you hit really hot rotors with cold water, the likelihood is that you will get warpage.

The reason this doesn't occur in the rain is that the wheels are generally turning as water hits the rotors, which distributes the heat difference evenly. If you hit hot rotors with a cold stream of water when the brakes are stationary, the part of the rotor that is hidden by the caliper will stay hot, while the rest of the rotor suddenly cools - voila, warpage.

And yes, another common cause is uneven torquing of the wheel bolts.

I've had warpage occur on some Ford products just from hard use in very hot ambient temps, followed by a few minutes sitting at a stoplight or in a parking lot - same problem - the part of the disc under the caliper stays very hot, while the rest of the disc gradually cools. Happened in 105 degree heat in Phoenix after a very quick, hard stop on a downhill freeway ramp, followed by being parked at a gas station for about 15 minutes.

mikek37

Written by:

Jim Kerr is an experienced mechanic, instructor of automotive technology and freelance journalist

Finally, washing the car should not warp rotors. They would have to be extremely hot and then flooded with cold water. Vehicle drive in puddles all the time and warped rotors don't occur because of it. I would make sure the rotor and wheel surfaces are spotless, and that wheel nuts are tightened with a torque wrench. This should prevent most problems.

Taken from
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/autos/articles/backyard/story/93- 0802p-1110048c.html

glideslopes

The article uses the phrase " should not warp rotors."
  
   It does not state " will never warp rotors." Rotors that are too thin will warp under these conditions.

   I'll put money on a redesign of the 04 front rotors. Time will tell.

   Mark.