Older Honda Accords

atlantabenny

The RL engine, although having the same 3474 cc displacement as the Pilot and MDX motors, has a 90 degree angle.

ken972

I wouldnt let that stop you from buying the car. LIke Vopc1 said you learn where the switches are quickly. volume on left, channels on right, mode up top.

dust90

I agree with the last couple posts. It was designed to be recognized by tactile feel. The different shape and location of the controls come to you as naturally as being able to scratch your nose without looking. My 4Runner has lighted steering wheel controls and I never have to look at them. You will LOVE this car.

barryss

As mentioned previously, the controls have distinct textures molded into them so you can operate them by feel alone. I also would have preferred a backlight as well, but I haven't had any problems learning by feel in about 2 weeks of ownership.

Since you're getting the NAV, you can use the voice-activated command to operate the sound system. I'm not sure if you can also operate cruise control by voice as well (probably not), but I wouldn't hold back for such a minor reason.

Barry S.

dust90

Just got back from driving my Accord and noticed that the steering wheel volume control has a raised bar at top and bottow whereas the channel selector has 4 raised dots at top and bottom, plus is a little smaller than the volume control. It's like reading brail. No problem.

gee35coupe

And i know where the cruise is. It's easy to remember them. Our other cars have either a 3 button system or Toyota's thumb knob. None lighted and all easy to commit to memory. Even if there weren't lit on the wheel, they wouldn't be lit if they were to old three buttom system either.

isellhondas

At least to me anyway. The things that can be such a big deal to some people.

I've never had a complaint about the lack of back lit controls nor have I ever evne thought about this on my own Accord.

We are, indeed, all different.

ken972

I dont see the big deal over the back lit controls. Another issue is the Instruments being lit up all the time. Some dont like it because they cant tell if their headlights are on. I adjusted to that quickly as well. There is a green indicator that comes on telling you your headlights are on. So if its not on..I know the lights arent on. Plus none of your other lights will be on if your headlights arent...all of your radio and A/C controls will be dark. I guess its just what people have been used to in the past.

aggie1995

I like the old Honda power side mirror adjustment. The one that was a sqaure panel that tilted in all directions and a toggle swith located above it to pick the left or right mirror. This new joystick type adjustement lever is not intuitive to me.

per2

In June many people talked about the long crank time in Accord 03, and the TSB for it. I also noticed there is petition about it (http://www.petitiononline.com/03Accord/petition.html)

I am eager to know how this problem is solved. I have a Accord 04, and it has exactly the same problem.

gee35coupe

And how do you really sue for it? I mean I can understand a "no" crank situation but a "long" crank? Clarification please.

ken972

I have an 04 EX V6. And experience occasional trouble with starting the car. Sometimes it will take 2/3 times to start. First I thought I wasnt holding the key to start long enough. I think "long crank" would be having to hold the key to start for longer then normal. That has helped..but still will occasionally be hard to start. I read the owners manual. Having the heated seats on at idle for long periods could cause it..i dont think I do that. And it does say something about the computer trying to reduce emissions on start..which would cause it to have trouble starting. I have the radio and a/c controls off before i start. I bring the car into honda for its first oil change on thursday. Ill report back what they say. Having the 04 auto dimm mirror installed as well.

emale

heated seats and starting....huh!!!

anyway, my '03 v6 cranks longer than most cars i've owned(rented) previously...but it always starts and runs fine after a couple seconds.

i've gotten used to just holding the key in the start position a little longer...not a big deal.

btw, anyone else with a coupe wish for clothes hangers on the passenger side too. i just noticed this about my car today...kinda bummed me out when i had a bunch of crap to hang up...!

ken972

wears the battery down according to the owners manual when you are at idle.

Vopc1

Actually, I believe this is for your safety so as not to block your view. This has been the case in every car that I have been in for many years.

In my 2004 sedan there is a hook in the trunk on the right side. If your coupe has it could you use that and simply lay your clothes along the trunk's floor?

per2

emale, it was you who first post the link of the TSB about long crank time. The dealer didn't fix the problem for you, or it didn't work?

emale

per2,

i haven't asked them to do anything. the car always starts just fine. but it does sometimes crank a bit longer than what my other vehicle does...

if it ever becomes a real problem i'll ask to have it looked at...

tblazer503

I had a slight backfire problem with my Accord... MT about once or twice a month or so it would backfire through the intake, it would also take a little while to start... usually on a low tank of gas(less than 1/2)... dealer had no clue what was going on... could not duplicate... talked to my local auto parts dealer... try a bottle of heet. tried it... car starts easier, and hasn't backfired in about a month now.... seems I had a bit of water in the fuel tank... from what I can figure...

jjr_04072

I am curious because I have owned Accords for 20 years and have an 03 EX leather. I get only about 21 mpg(warm weather, 50% H-way, 50% city), and from all that I've read, people are getting much better than this with the EX-V6. I'm very tempted to make the change to the V6 and am looking for input as to what you are getting for MPG in either the 4 or the 6, but mainly interested in the 6. Thanks to all!!

barryss

This is sorta silly, but I'm just wondering--did you get a slip case for your owner's manual/warranty when you bought your '04 Accord? When I bought my Passat it came with a very nice slip case. When the salesman handed me my manual and paper work for my Accord, it came in a...zip lock bag. It's trivial, but did they stiff me? Thanks.

Barry S.

aggie1995

EX-L (Manual Transmission)
4000 Miles currently

Average of around town (40%City/60%Highway) driving 29 MPG
Highway Avg 32.5 MPG (80+ MPH consistant driving)

Tire pressure per Honda specs. Regular gas (cheapest available). 5W20 Motor Oil per Honda Specs.

serendip

03 EX V6 Sedan

I only have 2500 miles on the car, so figure this is still the worst gas mileage I will get:

~35% Highway, 65% City, 28 mpg. I've yet to do a full highway, or full city, tank.

16" wheels, tire pressure per Honda, regular gas.

Hope that helps.

ken972

I had the same reaction to the plastic zip lock bag. Toyotas come with a nice case as well. Not a big deal like you say but would have been a nice gesture.

isellhondas

Honda tries to put money into the important things. If you get a handsome leather binder for your owner's manual, trust me..YOU paid for it!

Is this a big deal anyway?

brucee_ca

03 LX V6 Sedan - 2500 miles (I've heard that it takes longer to reach optimum fuel economy)

This time I've made sure it's in *US* MPG

100% Highway: 30.8 - 33.8 MPG. 70MPH Ave. speed
 90% City: 22 MPG
 70% City/30% Highway: ~27 MPG
(Regular fuel, 16" steel rims)

brucee_ca

03 LX V6 Sedan - 2500 miles (I've heard that it takes longer to reach optimum fuel economy)

This time I've made sure it's in *US* MPG

100% Highway: 30.8 - 33.8 MPG. 70MPH Ave. speed
 90% City: 22 MPG
 70% City/30% Highway: ~27 MPG
(Regular fuel, 16" steel rims)

barryss

Nah, no big deal. I just wanted to know if they forgot to include it. However, it is nice to have a slipcase for the manual and paperwork--doesn't need to be leather. I like to keep the manual and documents organized and separate from the jetsom and floatsom in my glove box. I'll be buying something anyway, so I wouldn't mind paying an extra $15 for a Honda slip case. Anyone recommend a nice organizer?

Barry S.

chucko3

EXV6 sedan - 4k miles.
Don't do too much city driving. So only post HWY.
32+ MPG. 70+ MPH. Premium fuel.

chucko3

I would trade a slip case for 2 manuals. One to keep in the glove compartment and one at home.
Had two when I bought the 89 Accord.

gee35coupe

I wondered about that myself. Oh well. I sure love the XM though. I'm glad they included THAT.

rcc8179

I have a 2003 EX sedan (4-cyl, automatic) with about 25,000 miles. I have averaged 29mpg since new (about 50/50 city/highway) with normal acceleration and minimal use of the A/C in city driving. On long trips I get 34-36mpg at 70-80mph, even with A/C on. I always use 87-octane Shell or BP gasoline.

isellhondas

Why in the world would anyone want TWO owner's manuals??

Most people never look at the one they have!

silverk21

'03 EXV6 coupe, over 15K have averaged 23mpg in mostly city driving (est 80%) with regular gas, a/c cranked and lead foot. Not bad considering my old '97 i4 coupe consistantly averaged 28mpg under the same driving conditions.

maxpower02

I got the little plastic mini-manual that I leave in the glove compartment, and the big heavy book for my bookcase at home. The little one is good for answering those basic little questions that pop up from time to time-How do I change the clock to Standard time..etc.. Also leaves my room in the glove compartment for other things. I remember the salesman saying it was the "cliff" notes for the big book! He was right!

jdexter23

For those of you that have swapped your Michelins for the Bridgestone Turanzas, what are your thought of them in snowy conditions? I am debating on getting winter tires and just using the Michelins 9 months a year, but if the Turanzas are good handlers in the snow, I'll get them. Your thoughts?

P.S. One big plus I think the winter tires will have is that I will get them on a set of steel wheels, thus saving my alloys from brake dust staining from neglect all winter...

lelandhendrix

I just discovered the oddest thing.

When waiting to get on base to work this morning I noticed that, with wipers on a slow delay, whenever I released my foot off the brake pedal my wipers would wipe. I thought it was coincidental but I did it several times and indeed it does it every time.

I think it's rather genious, because whenever I'm ready to move forward again the wipers clear the windshield again so I can see to start off.

Has anyone else noticed this?

talon95

Yes, my previous Accord did this as well... good idea, IMO.

justin

i just noticed that a few weeks ago. speed senstive wipers as opposed to rain sensing wipers. nice little surprise feature.

robr2

Most Honda/Acura products have that feature. My Dad's 02 CRV doesn't.

clint98v6at

We haven't had a heavy snowfall yet to determine how the Turanzas handle in heavy snow. Had some slushy conditions last week when it snowed about an inch, and they handled excellent. I'll post how they handle in heavy snowfall once it arrives here in the midwest.
One thing about the Turanzas, they seem to pick up a lot of small pebbles that kick back onto the wheel wells and lower area of the car. The tread pattern has a lot of cross cut slashes that pick up the small rocks. Not a problem on asphalt and concrete roads, but on neighborhood roads that are tar/rock, they seem to pick up every loose rock on the road. Maybe I should get some mud guards. Other than that the tires are much better than the Michelins in my opinion.

barryss

What brand and grade of synthetic oil are folks using for their 03/04 Accords? Does Mobil 1 come in 5W20? I can't seem to find it anywhere. Also, the dealer recommended my first oil change at 500 miles if I was switching to synthetic--that seems a little early to me, because of the break-in oil. Also how often do you change for a lot of stop and go driving. Thanks.

Barry S.

aggie1995

Mobil has a synthetic 0W20 that they say is designed to work for engines that call for 5w20

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSENPVLMOMobil1_0W-2- 0.asp

mikeysoft

I'm using M1 0w20.
 
Tell the dealer to read the manual. From the manual:
 
"Your Honda engine was delivered with an oil that is specially formulated for new engines that have not yet developed their "natural" wear patterns and may contain minute particles from the manufacturing process.
  American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions"

The V6 is 7500 miles or 1/2 that for severe.

barryss

Thanks for the link and the recommendation in the manual. I was puzzled by the salesman's recommendation for changing at only 500 miles. Maybe he believes the wear-in process only takes 500 miles--but who know what his source is. I feel more comforatble going with the recommendation in the manual so I'll probably have it done at 3750 miles. Are there any warranty issues with using 0W20? From the specs it looks perfect, but I don't want any hassles if a warranty issue comes up. Thanks.

Barry

mikeysoft

Its my understanding that because of the "w", 0w20 oil meets the 5w20 spec in oil weight.
 
Honda warranty states:
"...if a part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship, the warranty claim will not be denied because of improper maintenance or operation."

0w20 oil should not be considered improper maintenance but if they do, they still have to honor the warranty as stated above. Mobil states its 0w20 can be used in 5w20 oil and Mobil does not want a law sue so M1 0w20 is ok for 5w20 hondas.

The manual also states that synthetic should be changed same as regular oil. That is 7500 or 3750 miles for the V6.

Pennzoil 5w20 is also very good, Take a look at:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;- - f=3;t=000967#000000
 
For more then you ever want to know about oil, try:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi
Do a search on "honda"

treoster

I have 25K on a 2003, and I can vouch for these averages. These tend to be on the optimum side.
===
13042 of 13062 Re: Mileage by brucee_ca Dec 08, 2003 (6:58 pm)
03 LX V6 Sedan - 2500 miles (I've heard that it takes longer to reach optimum fuel economy)

This time I've made sure it's in *US* MPG

100% Highway: 30.8 - 33.8 MPG. 70MPH Ave. speed
 90% City: 22 MPG
 70% City/30% Highway: ~27 MPG
(Regular fuel, 16" steel rims)

jmellenb

Another option would be to consider Castrol's synthetic blend. They have 5W20 in the blend formula. While I'm on the subject, does anyone know how much synthetic oil is in these blended oils? Thanks!

aggie1995

Mobil states this info for the application of the 0W20 product.

Applications:
Exceeds the motor oil requirements for all new Honda vehicles.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn 0W-20 is the ideal motor oil for high-revving and high-output four- and six-cylinder engines. Mobil 1 0W-20 is only recommended where a 0W-20 or 5W-20 viscosity is specified. Mobil 1 0W-20 is particularly appropriate for any 1998-2003 Honda Accord, and 1996-2003 Honda Civics (except DOHC/VTEC). It exceeds the motor oil requirements for the ultra-fuel-efficient Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid models, which specify using a 0W-20 viscosity grade.

makeitgo

This is our first new Honda and I have a few quick questions. While driving the car home from the dealer last night I noticed the green lights indicator stays on after you start the car and does not go off. The manual says it is a reminder. So this stays lumminated every time you are driving? Not bad, just different. I live in Illinois and was wondering what Octane gas everyone uses for best performance? I know the manual says 86 or higher, just didn't know which one I should stick with. I don't have the money to switch my tires out for winter like some of you, so will I be O.K. with my standard tires?Thanks for the help, just want to make sure I keep this gem running for a long time to come.

talon95

The green lights indicator stays on whenever you have the lights on. On most cars, you can tell that the lights are on because the instrument panel lights come on with them. However, on the new Accord, the electro-luminescent gauges are always on, so the lights indicator is always on with the headlights so that you know that they're on.

I don't have a 4, but I use 87 octane in my 2003 V6 and it runs great on it.

As for the tires, we haven't had any snow yet (SE Wisconsin) to test the tires, so I'll let someone else field that question.

Congrats on your new Accord!