If you have always wanted a V-6 then the 4-cyl may meet your needs. After all is is as smooth and as fast (or faster) than the v-6 models of just a few years ago. Of course the lower purchase price and better fuel mileage are icing on the cake.
is a redux of the Ford Contour - its too small to be competitive. I know the measurements suggest that the Mazda6 is as big as our '01 Accord, but it doesn't feel that way. In fact, it feels somewhat smaller than our '97 Accord front and rear. At least the Altima is a size match for Accord and Camry. If I were 25 again (I wish) I buy the Mazda6. At 32, with a 2.5 year old and all other things benefiting the Honda, I'm buying an Accord.
That's a bit farfetched...The Mazda6, especially the 4cylinder is pretty much all designed by Mazda engineers with the same Japanese quality and refinement that Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru are known for.
For the record, the only Ford association in the new mazda6 is ford is using mazda's engineering talent for future ford vehicles because Ford purchased a controlling interest (> 30% shareholder rights) in Mazda. And the new mazda6's V6 is based on the ford duratec's engine block, but refined and improved by mazda engineering. The 4cylinder and the rest of the car is 100% Mazda's creation. Previous low quality mazda vehicles (such as the B series truck were rebadged Ford Rangers, not the other way around). So Mazda always had quality, it was Ford that tainted their reputation because Mazda needed financial help.
I was undecided between an accord 4cylinder and mazda6 4cylinder, and I'm probably going to buy a mazda6 next because I think the new accord has gotten a bit too big for my tastes. As for safety, the mazda6's structure is slightly better than the accord's structure based on Japanese safety tests. NHTSA test results here show the same, I'm willing to bet that IIHS crash tests will be even more proof once it's released. And you can get a mazda6 4cylinder with side curtain airbags right now instead of waiting for the 04 EX-L accord. Not to mention the savings on 0% for 60 months and close to invoice prices on Mazda6i versus > 3% financing and close to MSRP for 04 EX-L for a while.
As for interior room, it's very subjective. I think the most fair comparison is if you test drove one right after the other and see for yourself how much room is "enough" for you.
Japan is not the US. The tests are not EXACTLY the same. The cars may not be exactly the same. I'd wait to make comparisons until the 6 has been offset tested by the IIHS, though it is a good bet that the 6 w/side curtains will perform better than an Accord without.
the Nissan Altima, but the optional pkgs make me ill...The Car is great IMO, but they just messed up on the marketing IMO.
Cars should be simple, and buying them should be as well....Mazda messed it up with the requirments you have to get to get certain options.
Hopefully, next year the car will get the optional pkgs. it needs and the sales will go up...I don't think it's too small, but it is small compared to the Altima and Camry...the Accord IS not much bigger actually.
But the 6 just looks small...and to me the Accord looks shorter than last year's model...To me the Accord feels more cramped than the Camry or Altima...I like them all though...too bad I cannot afford a new one anymore...but I will gladly take a 2000 Honda Accord EX...
Mazda6's are almost Buy-one-get-one. For an 8 month old car, they are giving em away.
Tongue in cheek of course. You can' say that kinda stuff in the Mazda6 room. They're kinda touchy.
Seriously the Mazda6 is a great car. I drove it and loved it. I really don't understand why people aren't buying more of them. But with all these discounts they are offering now, I feel justified in not buying mine when I drove one of the first ones off the truck.
Another thing, by now the lots should have tons of 6's siting around. I'm sure most purchases in this segment come from stock on hand. I really can't see the option packages creating that much of a problem. I mean with the haggle room the Mazda has now that should be a non issue. I mean you essentially CAN'T order an Accord or Camry but they have no problem dropping tons of them.
Mazda 6 is definitely the smallest "midsize" on the road. I think that is one of the reasons it's not selling all that well. If you can live with that, the deals are great!
I just bought a 2003 EXL 3 weeks ago. One week ago I was assigned to a new project for my company. This assignment will last two years.
So far so good....
This project provides a company vehicle for my use on the job and to and from home. So my brand new Accord sits in my garage except for the occasional jaunt on the weekend.
Is that going to ruin my car for it to just sit so much of the time?
What kind of precautions should I take to ensure that in two years all the mechanical and moving parts are still up to snuff (ie. prevent rust, corrosion, oxidation, etc....)
If I had known about this project earlier I would have waited until 2005 to buy the Accord. Or save up a little and get the 2004 TSX!
If I were you, I would approach my employer wrt them paying you a car allowance instead of the company vechicle. That is unless the company vehicle is a Dodge Ram 3500 Turbodiesel which would lead me to believe the Accord won't cut it for the project.
If not, check ownerlink at honda.com. They may have some recomendations for you.
I can use my own vehicle but at the 60 mile daily round trip commute would be mine to pay for and I would get reimbursed for business miles only 50-1500 per month. Yes it will vary that much!
If the business miles were consistant I would come out ahead by getting mileage reimbursement.
But a vehicle allowance sounds reasonable. I'll suggest it to my boss and see what he says
I am driving 70 miles round trip in my Accord. While it kinda sucks that the miles are adding up so fast at least I get to enjoy the smooth engine/tranny, the good stereo, smooth ride, and either the sunroof or climate control. I couldn't handle the commute if it was something I would rather not drive.
but a new color is coming out....Deep Green Pearl...unfortunately, Noble Green is GONE....NO...NO...that was a nice color, but not a big seller I guess.
Side airbags with the curtains will be standard on LXV6 models and EX with Leather models...they are optional on the regular EX model. NA on LX or DX models...
You misunderstood me. The Mazda6 is vastly superior to the Contour mechanically. I was referring to the product decision to make the car the smallest mid-size on the market. Yes, size can be subjective, but there is no denying that the rear seat is the smallest of the Camry, Accord or Altima.
maxamillion1: i think noble green is a nice color too. unlike you though, i also like the front grille as is. i'm expecting to take delivery of an ex v6 accord in that color at the end of the month.
I had my heart set on getting one a couple of months ago, but now I have come to the conclusion that investing in my college education is much more important...so I am gonna take a 2000 Honda Accord EX.
I really did like the Noble green color, much more than the Dark Emerald Pearl that it replaced, but I am eager to see the new green as well.
Actually, it's 105,000 miles. Is this THAT much of a big deal? Do you consider that to be a "problem"? Just curious.
My 99 EX V-6 coupe has been flawless. Still, when I finally replace it, I'll probably go with a four next time. The V-6 really isn't needed and the fours have nearly the same power.
I have heard the theory that Japanese built Accords are more dependable. I would be interested any hearing comments from those of you who have had problems, and where the Accord was built.
I'm a little surprised why Honda designed the dash the way they did. It's certainly stylish enough, but it's not a one-piece design that would limit unwanted noises. In counting the pieces up, you have the left and right sections, the center stack, the hood over the gauges, and the piece over the passenger airbag. I would think that these might produce rattles or squeaks. I think when plastics expand and contract in varying temperatures, a one-piece design would be more solid.
We've had US and Japan built Accords and there is no difference. Honda has building Accords in the US since 1988.
So far in 12,000 miles we have no rattles. We bought the car in December and it is now reaching the mid-80's here so hopefully the car will remain rattle free.
They have to keep costs under control wherever possible, and unlike a single piece dash, a multi-piece dash is adaptable for left-hand drive and right-hand drive implementations.
Honda has building Accords in the US since 1988 Correction: Since 1982.
Accord Dash Design I don't see how there can be fewer pieces than those that exist. Well, atleast one piece has been taken out (the passenger side front-airbag cover) in TSX and the Inspire.
supposedly have different paint-not the water based stuff mandated by the EPA for domestic built products. Don't know if that is an old husbands tale or not. Also there are some differences-found out when went to replace an exhaust pipe-luckily I carted my old one in to the dealer-just a bit of difference in the shape and they did have two different exhaust pipes from the cat back in their computer. Am assuming the difference was J built-that's what the dealer parts guys thought anyway.
Does anyone keep track of how many accords are brought in from J every year-the number should be declining I would think.
Does anybody know why Honda offers an aftermarket chrome exaust finisher for the V6 but not the I4. I hope its not something stupid like the V6 is packaged with two finishers and they didn't want to package a single one. If this is the case, I can buy one V6 kit and use it on our '01 and soon-to-be '04 or '05.
I just bought a 2003 EX V-6 Accord. Does anyone out there have thoughts as to whether or not I should purchase an extended warranty (7 years; 100,000 miles)? Also, should I get the interior/exterior "treatment" or is this a come-on? If yes, what is a reasonable price for these two items? Thank you in advance, and, also, thanks for those who suggested I get the Honda!!
How much do you think I could get for a trade if I traded a 2003 accord exv6 (5000 miles) for a 2003/2004 civic lx? I'm thinking about this because I feel that the accord maybe too much for a first car (for a 19 year old like me) and I want to save my parents some money. We got it for about $24k, would the trade in value be that much lower? Thanks for any help.
I purchased the Honda CARE (factory) 7/100,000 warranty for $1195 when I leased my 1999 Accord, which I've since purchased. To date I haven't had any warranty repairs. My experience has been that I've always lost $ on an x-warranty for Japanese vehicles, but always came out ahead on x-warranties for my American vehicles. I purchase them mostly for my own peace of mind, especially since my 1st new vehicle in 1985 blew 2 engines in 28,000 miles, the second engine being covered by the warranty. I figure I'm still $4k ahead of the game. Skip the "treatment".
Are you crazy!! Yes it probably is too much of a first car for a 19 year old. But what's done is done. You would probably only see 19 or 20 on a trade in. You would lose 4-5k right off the bat. (at the least) If you want to save your parents some money why don't you chip in on the car payments, gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.. to help them out instead of trying to make trade. You have an awesome car, enjoy it! You;ll take a huge loss on a trade. You must be a good kid otherwise they wouldn't have bought you such a nice first car. Now if you really want to help them out get a part time job and help pay for some of it.
Warranty: If you are interested in a Genuine Honda Warranty go to hondawarranty.com the price for a 7yr/100,000 mile warranty with $0 deductable is about $850 there. But I agree that it is probably a waste of $$ on a Honda. Why don't you wait till your 3/36 is almost over then if you have had a very problematic vehicle you can add the x-warranty then.
I agree, its hogwash, yet people still believe that the Japanese Built are going to last longer then those of the US. The common misconception is that the US has just begun to build Honda Vehciles in the US over the past few years. On the contrary a good majority of the cars sold each year are produced in the US, not Japan.
Maybe you should read the boards like I have over the past few months. It appears that the 2003 Accords are having some of the following problems reported: starting problems, creaking noises, strange smells, etc. The majority of these problems appear to be in the V-6 (at least according to what I've read on this site). Those are the problems I was referring to (read my whole post). The timing belt is quite incidental when compared to those problems, but it is a valid point considering I plan on having this car as it crosses the 100K mile mark. I was not attacking the V-6 Accord, I was looking for advice as this is a significant investment for me and my family.
The reason I posed the question is that I currently own a Acura TL-S which is made in Ohio. This car has been highly problematic as I have had 2 transmission failures in addition to some minor things. I have since talked to other TL/TLS owners who are experiencing similar problems. I'm just curious if there is a problem with the Ohio plant, and I want to hear from those who have experienced problems with accords produced in Ohio. The RL has been a great problem free car made in Japan. I'm sure many of you have a great ownership experience with your cars. I would find it interesting if Accord owners experienced transmission failures on cars produced in Ohio.
It seems like this same issue comes up every 3 weeks or so. Sometimes Edmunds is just one long vicious cycle.
Honda has been making Accords at their Ohio plant for 20 years now. More than enough time for any serious quality issues directly related to that plant to surface.
All new cars can have problems. There is not one single car that is built in significant numbers that can claim every unit has been 100% trouble-free. I recently found a very old magazine which had a long-term test of a 1992 Honda Accord EX wagon. Most people now consider that generation to be one of the most reliable cars on the road. But even then they had a couple of little issues. But obviously, since we now regularly see those Accords with upwards of 200,000 miles, that had no impact on long-term reliability.
When Lexus introduced the latest generation LS430 they had to reweld the rear suspension on some models. There were problems with the lastest generation ES300 transmission. Guess we should all count Lexus out now even though it's regularly tops quality surveys.
There are a few problems being reported on Edmunds. But consider this, they have already sold nearly 200,000 Accords. Even if 1% of those Accords have problems that's 2,000 Accords with some little rattle or squeak. Most manufacturers would kill for a 1% defect rate. Considering the number of Accords on the road, if there were a significant number of problems with it, this would be Edmunds/HondaProblems.com. Honda sells over 1 million cars a year with only 1.4% of those going to fleets. Thats a lotta cars.
The RL should be trouble-free. Honda has been building the RL since 1996. That's given them 7 years to get any teething problems taken care of and the RL is sold in very limited numbers compared to the 400,000 Accords that Honda has to build for the US market alone. Sure Honda tests it's models before beginning production but there is no way to emulate what happens when you begin production in those numbers.
As for the Accord transmission, the transmission was actually built in Japan. So that kind of kills that argument.
the latest jd power 90 day quality reports did indicate that japanese built accords had a slight advantage over us built accords. however, the contrary was true of the civic....so go figure.
btw, imo, i think the sunroof equipped accords are the ones reporting the most problems. like my '03 coupe, it seems that the majority of creaks/popping noises are coming from the headliner/sunroof. as for the v6, the only problem directly related to that engine is the starting problem which honda has identified as a bad fuel pressure regulator.
and to proclaim that a 4 banger accord will be more reliable/durable in the long run vs a v6 accord is utterly stupid...they are the same car for cruds sake! differences are very minor...
Does anyone know what changes, if any, there will be for the EX-V6 2004?? I have "heard" on this board about adding curtain airbags to other accords, but haven't heard anything specific about the EX-V6?? Just wondering. Thanks in advance.
Does anyone know if there are basic differences between the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe (other than the obvious)? For example, is the suspension, handling, response, steering, craftsmanship, subtle details, etc the same? Assume that we are comparing similar packages (say, a fully equipped V-6). By the way, thanks to all who provided me with insight into the warranty tradeoffs. I really appreciate your comments!!
The Coupe's Seats sit lower to the floor and they have a little more side bolstering
IMO the best deal on new Accords is the
Accord LX V6 Coupe. You get the silky V6 and traction control for the price of an EX-L I4. You actually get the 8 way power seats and the steering wheel mounted controls. The olny thing you don't get is leather,heated seats, and auto climate control. $1250 can get you high quality aftermarket leather and heaters if it is that important to you. Dual Climate control is generally a pointless luxury if like 90% of the commuting traffic in my town, there is only one person in the car.
There's a lot more equipment on the EX-L I4 vs. the LX V6 than just leather, heated seats and automatic climate control.
The EX-L I4 also adds many other items not on the LX V6, such as:
1. Alloy wheels 2. Moonroof 3. Premium interior trim on the console and doors 4. Automatic climate control (in addition to dual zone) 5. Illuminated window switches 6. Ambient console lighting 7. Exterior temperature indicator
Both the EX-L I4 and LX V6 are great, it's just a question of what your priorities, needs and wants are.
Thank you for the correction. I just looked it up and noticed all the things you pointed out and noticed those others.
Kinda makes me feel better about getting the EX-L I4 rather than the LXV6, for my own personal tastes. They were about $100 apart in price and I thought about it briefly during the test drive but the Leather sold me.
Comments
For the record, the only Ford association in the new mazda6 is ford is using mazda's engineering talent for future ford vehicles because Ford purchased a controlling interest (> 30% shareholder rights) in Mazda. And the new mazda6's V6 is based on the ford duratec's engine block, but refined and improved by mazda engineering. The 4cylinder and the rest of the car is 100% Mazda's creation. Previous low quality mazda vehicles (such as the B series truck were rebadged Ford Rangers, not the other way around). So Mazda always had quality, it was Ford that tainted their reputation because Mazda needed financial help.
I was undecided between an accord 4cylinder and mazda6 4cylinder, and I'm probably going to buy a mazda6 next because I think the new accord has gotten a bit too big for my tastes. As for safety, the mazda6's structure is slightly better than the accord's structure based on Japanese safety tests. NHTSA test results here show the same, I'm willing to bet that IIHS crash tests will be even more proof once it's released. And you can get a mazda6 4cylinder with side curtain airbags right now instead of waiting for the 04 EX-L accord. Not to mention the savings on 0% for 60 months and close to invoice prices on Mazda6i versus > 3% financing and close to MSRP for 04 EX-L for a while.
As for interior room, it's very subjective. I think the most fair comparison is if you test drove one right after the other and see for yourself how much room is "enough" for you.
~alpha
Cars should be simple, and buying them should be as well....Mazda messed it up with the requirments you have to get to get certain options.
Hopefully, next year the car will get the optional pkgs. it needs and the sales will go up...I don't think it's too small, but it is small compared to the Altima and Camry...the Accord IS not much bigger actually.
But the 6 just looks small...and to me the Accord looks shorter than last year's model...To me the Accord feels more cramped than the Camry or Altima...I like them all though...too bad I cannot afford a new one anymore...but I will gladly take a 2000 Honda Accord EX...
Tongue in cheek of course. You can' say that kinda stuff in the Mazda6 room. They're kinda touchy.
Seriously the Mazda6 is a great car. I drove it and loved it. I really don't understand why people aren't buying more of them. But with all these discounts they are offering now, I feel justified in not buying mine when I drove one of the first ones off the truck.
Another thing, by now the lots should have tons of 6's siting around. I'm sure most purchases in this segment come from stock on hand. I really can't see the option packages creating that much of a problem. I mean with the haggle room the Mazda has now that should be a non issue. I mean you essentially CAN'T order an Accord or Camry but they have no problem dropping tons of them.
So far so good....
This project provides a company vehicle for my use on the job and to and from home. So my brand new Accord sits in my garage
Is that going to ruin my car for it to just sit so much of the time?
What kind of precautions should I take to ensure that in two years all the mechanical and moving parts are still up to snuff (ie. prevent rust, corrosion, oxidation, etc....)
If I had known about this project earlier I would have waited until 2005 to buy the Accord. Or save up a little and get the 2004 TSX!
Any other options?
If not, check ownerlink at honda.com. They may have some recomendations for you.
If the business miles were consistant I would come out ahead by getting mileage reimbursement.
But a vehicle allowance sounds reasonable. I'll suggest it to my boss and see what he says
Side airbags with the curtains will be standard on LXV6 models and EX with Leather models...they are optional on the regular EX model. NA on LX or DX models...
http://www.mag-x.com/index_ie_j.html
This Accord looks like the US Accord, but with a few changes. It looks better with hood lines and the grille makes it look more classy.
maxamillion1: i think noble green is a nice color too. unlike you though, i also like the front grille as is. i'm expecting to take delivery of an ex v6 accord in that color at the end of the month.
I really did like the Noble green color, much more than the Dark Emerald Pearl that it replaced, but I am eager to see the new green as well.
Again, congrats Venus
Ah...all WHAT problems?
Having to replace a timing belt at 90,000 miles?
Actually, it's 105,000 miles. Is this THAT much of a big deal? Do you consider that to be a "problem"? Just curious.
My 99 EX V-6 coupe has been flawless. Still, when I finally replace it, I'll probably go with a four next time. The V-6 really isn't needed and the fours have nearly the same power.
Kinda like requiring any V6 to have over 240 hp would do the same.
I wonder if forums in japan are complaining the Inspire is "only" the U.S. Accord?
So far in 12,000 miles we have no rattles. We bought the car in December and it is now reaching the mid-80's here so hopefully the car will remain rattle free.
Correction: Since 1982.
Accord Dash Design
I don't see how there can be fewer pieces than those that exist. Well, atleast one piece has been taken out (the passenger side front-airbag cover) in TSX and the Inspire.
http://www.mag-x.com/index_ie_j.html
Does anyone keep track of how many accords are brought in from J every year-the number should be declining I would think.
Skip the "treatment".
Are you crazy!! Yes it probably is too much of a first car for a 19 year old. But what's done is done. You would probably only see 19 or 20 on a trade in. You would lose 4-5k right off the bat. (at the least) If you want to save your parents some money why don't you chip in on the car payments, gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.. to help them out instead of trying to make trade. You have an awesome car, enjoy it! You;ll take a huge loss on a trade. You must be a good kid otherwise they wouldn't have bought you such a nice first car. Now if you really want to help them out get a part time job and help pay for some of it.
Warranty:
If you are interested in a Genuine Honda Warranty go to hondawarranty.com the price for a 7yr/100,000 mile warranty with $0 deductable is about $850 there. But I agree that it is probably a waste of $$ on a Honda. Why don't you wait till your 3/36 is almost over then if you have had a very problematic vehicle you can add the x-warranty then.
Yet, the rumor persists....
I was not attacking the V-6 Accord, I was looking for advice as this is a significant investment for me and my family.
Honda has been making Accords at their Ohio plant for 20 years now. More than enough time for any serious quality issues directly related to that plant to surface.
All new cars can have problems. There is not one single car that is built in significant numbers that can claim every unit has been 100% trouble-free. I recently found a very old magazine which had a long-term test of a 1992 Honda Accord EX wagon. Most people now consider that generation to be one of the most reliable cars on the road. But even then they had a couple of little issues. But obviously, since we now regularly see those Accords with upwards of 200,000 miles, that had no impact on long-term reliability.
When Lexus introduced the latest generation LS430 they had to reweld the rear suspension on some models. There were problems with the lastest generation ES300 transmission. Guess we should all count Lexus out now even though it's regularly tops quality surveys.
There are a few problems being reported on Edmunds. But consider this, they have already sold nearly 200,000 Accords. Even if 1% of those Accords have problems that's 2,000 Accords with some little rattle or squeak. Most manufacturers would kill for a 1% defect rate. Considering the number of Accords on the road, if there were a significant number of problems with it, this would be Edmunds/HondaProblems.com. Honda sells over 1 million cars a year with only 1.4% of those going to fleets. Thats a lotta cars.
The RL should be trouble-free. Honda has been building the RL since 1996. That's given them 7 years to get any teething problems taken care of and the RL is sold in very limited numbers compared to the 400,000 Accords that Honda has to build for the US market alone. Sure Honda tests it's models before beginning production but there is no way to emulate what happens when you begin production in those numbers.
As for the Accord transmission, the transmission was actually built in Japan. So that kind of kills that argument.
btw, imo, i think the sunroof equipped accords are the ones reporting the most problems. like my '03 coupe, it seems that the majority of creaks/popping noises are coming from the headliner/sunroof. as for the v6, the only problem directly related to that engine is the starting problem which honda has identified as a bad fuel pressure regulator.
and to proclaim that a 4 banger accord will be more reliable/durable in the long run vs a v6 accord is utterly stupid...they are the same car for cruds sake! differences are very minor...
IMO the best deal on new Accords is the
Accord LX V6 Coupe. You get the silky V6 and traction control for the price of an EX-L I4. You actually get the 8 way power seats and the steering wheel mounted controls. The olny thing you don't get is leather,heated seats, and auto climate control. $1250 can get you high quality aftermarket leather and heaters if it is that important to you. Dual Climate control is generally a pointless luxury if like 90% of the commuting traffic in my town, there is only one person in the car.
Good luck
The EX-L I4 also adds many other items not on the LX V6, such as:
1. Alloy wheels
2. Moonroof
3. Premium interior trim on the console and doors
4. Automatic climate control (in addition to dual zone)
5. Illuminated window switches
6. Ambient console lighting
7. Exterior temperature indicator
Both the EX-L I4 and LX V6 are great, it's just a question of what your priorities, needs and wants are.
Just messing with you.
Thank you for the correction. I just looked it up and noticed all the things you pointed out and noticed those others.
Kinda makes me feel better about getting the EX-L I4 rather than the LXV6, for my own personal tastes. They were about $100 apart in price and I thought about it briefly during the test drive but the Leather sold me.
Thanks for the input