Older Honda Accords

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  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    talon,

    doesn't matter if the 4th gear were an overdrive ratio or not. would still be nice to be able to lock said tranny in fourth when 5th gear is too tall and 3rd is too short...
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I've found that if you go fast enough what gear the tranny is in won't matter :)
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    I know it doesn't matter to you... I was just pointing out the reasoning behind the design, not saying that you're wrong.
  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    Yes, I would definitely like to be able to put the automatic in 4th gear.

    I have driven from Indianapolis to Florida the last couple years. Last year I drove my 1989 Accord with 200k miles. In the mountains between Nashville and Chattanooga, I put the tranny in D3 (from D4) and it worked very well at controlling the speed on the way down the long mountain grades.

    I drove my 2003 Accord down this year. I left it in in Drive because I didn't want to shift down from 5th to 3rd. I quickly discovered that the "Grade Logic" in the transmission is ABSOLUTELY WORTHLESS. I went from 50mph to 75mph without touching the gas pedal. I tried braking to about 45-50mph hoping it would kick down to 4th and it never did.

    I can see the need for 1st only (steep grades) and 2nd only (slippery starts), but it would make sense to lock it in 4th than in 3rd for the reason explained above. Or put in a manu-matic type transmission to pick any of the 5 gears as in the TSX.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    yes...an automanual would be much welcome. too bad honda only reserves that for acura... :(
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Edmunds has published their latest family sedan comparison and the Accord placed first out of 10 competitors, which included all of the majors (6, Camry, Altima, Passat) along with some recent redesigns (Malibu, Gallant). It should come as no surprise to Accord owners that it won on the basis of its overall balance and its "at or near the top" scores in every meaningful measure.

    As a satisfied owner of a 2003 EX V6, I'm pleased to see yet another major accolade for the Accord. The overall excellence and balanced design that earned the Accord its win in this comparison test are the very things that attracted me to the Accord in the first place.

    And they also mentioned that they wish there was some way to select 4th gear... ;)
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    can now be accessed from the Helpful Links box on the left side of the page.
  • pmhtvpmhtv Member Posts: 33
    I too wish Honda would put a 6-speed manual trans in the V6 sedan. Although I love my EX-L 4 cylinder 5-speed, there's nothing like a 6 cylinder with a manual! Happy Holidays!
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    ...the ex-, current, future and won't ever be Hondaphiles of this Forum (including of course host Pat), Happy Holidays and a great 2004 to all.

    Benny
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Merry Christmas!

    It was kind of an early present to see the car I love come in first. Go Honda.
  • johnny420johnny420 Member Posts: 473
    Hi, folks, first time posting on this particular board. I've read most of the posts and have to admit it's easy to get scared away from buying a new Accord based on all the seeming problems. However, enough of you have posted messages that keep things in perspective. I have a feeling the problems some new Accord owners have experienced are more of a microcosm of the entire Accord owning fraternity than completely representative of it.

    I'm coming off of a 2000 Accord which I've overall been very happy with. It's just very vanilla. Having test driven a 2004 Ex V6 Sedan about six times now, I have to say I'm very impressed. This is a definite step up from the previous generation. Very luxurious and smooth feeling, all the while being sportier, too. The tranny issues concern me a bit, but I still think come Jan 1 I'll be driving a new Accord. Very good deals are available right now.

    If only they offered the Sedan in the 6 speed manual! Are you listening Honda?

    Not to belittle the problems some owners have had, but I think earlier posters have got it right: we expect near perfection in our new cars. The internet has provided an absolute glut of information, maybe too much in some cases. Sometimes you just have to follow your gut.

    To my mind, if you want pefection, you probably shouldn't buy a machine.

    This will be my first new car, and the experience has been great. The research, the test drives, haggling with salesman (I freakin' love it!) and communicating and lurking within this terrific forum has been tremendously educational.

    From the Forester XT (breathtaking motor) to the Mazda 6 (phenomenal road manners) it's been a blast. It's been a very tough choice, but it looks like the Accord by a nose! It is one SWEET RIDE!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERBODY!
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    hey atlantabenny,

    what is the definition of a hondaphile? someone who couldn't possibly utter anything derogatory about a honda? :)
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Saying the same things in that comparo.

    THE ACCORD IS THE BEST!!!

    Thanx Edmunds.

    And Johnny...Buy now!! They have great financing rate.
  • althea_uddialthea_uddi Member Posts: 9
    Happy Holidays Edmundsers...

    Finally took my 2002 Honda accord to the deal for the smell. One technical consultant stepped over to my car to check the mileage. When he came back, he said it smells.

    Waited for about two hours in the waiting room before he came back with the conclusion: there is no leaking. (In other words, they were not able to identify any apparent cracks on the tank and pipes.) He said the oil shop when removing the filter, somehow allowed the oil come out. I lost some oil but there is no leakage. They had wiped it out.

    I saw the wire-shielded pipe from the bottom. Is it the manifold exhaust?

    altheaU
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    I saw that rate on television yesterday. It has my mother going. All she brings up is getting another Accord (For me of course) with the 3.9% APR. I am just not ready to get a car yet.

    I have a question for anybody here. Let's say I order an Accord and I wanted the 3.9% (Which my mom can probably get) would I be able to get it even if I had to wait on the Accord to come in?

    I wouldn't mind the 3.9 APR, but I REFUSE to get an automatic in this Accord, my 1991 is an Auto, and I prefer stick shifts.

    Thanks in advance
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "Waited for about two hours in the waiting room before he came back with the conclusion: there is no leaking. (In other words, they were not able to identify any apparent cracks on the tank and pipes.) He said the oil shop when removing the filter, somehow allowed the oil come out. I lost some oil but there is no leakage. They had wiped it out."

    Lol. It took them two hours to figure that out? I take it you have a 4cyl. The oil filter is right above the exhaust and it's screwed on the block horizontally so it's almost impossible to not spill oil when you take the filter off. The smell is the oil from the old filter that spilled burning on the exhaust pipe. It doesn't harm anything. The guy at Jiffy Lube was probably lazy and forgot to wipe it off. Even if you do wipe it off, it can still smell for a while. I'm surprised you haven't smelled this after an oil change before.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    ...would mean, as Webster might describe it (from its definition of the phile part), a person "friendly to" or having "an abnormal liking" (?!) for Hondas.

    Makes me a non-Hondaphile, although I prefer 'em over the Toyotas and Nissans.
  • livaudaislivaudais Member Posts: 55
    Just read the comparison test. As a Mazda 6 owner, I must say I agree with the placement of the top cars (don't know enough about the rest). The Accord is the best overall sedan for most people.

    Congrats also to Edmunds. That was a well-written and detailed report. You simply don't see that level of detail in a magazine. I also like the fact that, while the editors let you know what their personal preferences were --every single one of them still picked the Passat (!), with the 6 and Accord following -- personal preference only counted for 10% of the overall score.

    Well done.

    CL
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i must disagree about the Grade Logic. i find that it works quite well. i must say, on occasion, it is too intrusive. i like the general idea of Grade Logic, and i am glad it is fairly smart, but on occasion, in the same exact spot on one certain area (downhill stretch) of FFX Pkwy, if i even tap the brake, BAM! next lower gear all of the sudden. oh well, my old Civic did it too. but i must say, 99% of the time, it works just fine.

    read the Edmunds review. i think the lower end was a bit off, but top end was good. i think the Malibu got too much credit...i can't believe that it came in before the Verona, much less the decent Sonata. who buys Sebring Sedans? and where was the Taurus? i realize Ford had representation with the sporty 6, but i wonder if the Verona would have come in last if the Taurus were included.....
  • manutdmanutd Member Posts: 14
    I say a note from months back about the fact that O3 Accord has only one key hole (driver side). See below.

    I left my Accord in a cold (it's Minnesota) parking lot for 2 hours one day (it was garaged before) from 7.30am to 9.30am. When I returned, remote worked but driver door would not open. Key turned fine so key hole not frozen. Other power door knobs would "open" for a millisecond but then would be closed again since driver knob would not open.
    In the end, I did in fact crawl in through the trunk. The lock warmed up on the 20 minute drive afterward (but only at the end). I suppose I should check with the dealer but decided to try here first...

    ORIGINAL POST: see #9918
    charliecar Apr 6, 2003 11:11pm

    "Passenger Keyhole - Curious Omission by charliecar Apr 06, 2003 (11:11 pm)
    I have an '03 EX 4-cyl, and I noticed almost from the start that the passenger door doesn't have a keyhole lock to open it with...
    ...But if your don't have a remote, or the remote's battery dies, or the receiver for the remote signal malfunctions, and if accumulated dirt or a windy sleet storm has frozen the driver's side, then what? (Far-fetched, I know. Could still enter through the trunk, I guess.)..."
  • frankbailiefrankbailie Member Posts: 26
    I too have problems with my 2003 ex driver's door lock. It often will not turn in cold weather but I gain entry using the remote. I had it to the dealer once and they lubricated it but it only solved the problem for a while and now I am having problems again. I also had the same problem with my 1998 crv and my 1992 accord so methinks Honda locks are prone to problems.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    Yeah I have that problem sort of when it snows with my Acura. The door is hard to open. It takes about 3 times to open the door. The remote sometimes doesn't work on first try even in good weather. You have to be kind of close to your car in order for the keyless entry to work probably I guess.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    I can barely hear the clicks from the turn signals--the right or left arrow in the instrument cluster lights up and blinks OK but it's very difficult to hear the usual clicking from the turn signal indicator. Does anyone else notice this on a 2004 Accord EX-L? Is this normal behavior for new Accords or is it something the dealer needs to service? Thanks for any responses...........Richard
  • dust90dust90 Member Posts: 169
    Yeah, mine is quiet, too. Just the way I like it. I really hate that annoying clicking or chimeing that some cars have, especially when sitting at a traffic light or waiting to make a left turn. You could always hook up a peizo buzzer/chime, but unless you really want it loud or have the expertise to do it yourself, it probably wouldn't be worth the expense.
  • amylamamylam Member Posts: 1
    I bought my new 2003 Accord in the middle of September and have accumulated only a little over 1000 miles. Does anybody know when I should get an oil change? My friend said I should get one when it reach 1000, but I have gone over it already. I also read that I should not go get an oil change when it isn't ready for one. I would really appreciate some feedback to this.
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Here is a radical thought, try reading your Honda owner's manual. It that book in your glove box taking up space that the dealer gave you with your car. It's all in there, clearly spelled out. Your friend is obviously not a mechanic, just follow your owner's manual and if in doubt use the severe driving mileage and time schedual. Yes, I'm being blunt, because I amazed that so many people never read their owner's manual and many of the questions they ask are all in it. The standard questions are when do I change my oil and how do I turn off my flashing maintenance light? Of course they are spelled out in the owner's manual.
  • bburton3bburton3 Member Posts: 185
    First of all you need to get all the water out. If still frozen you can use a hair dryer but be careful not to get the paint too hot. ALso have used a heat lamp. Then put some lubricant-best is liquid graphite, if you do not have that, then WD-40 is ok but not a real lubricant-better off with one of the multi additive spray lubes than WD-40.

    Also never ever use the parking or emergency brake in winter-if the rear bands-don't know about disc brakes-are wet-will freeze solid on you-a real pita but use a heat lamp with the tire off and that will thaw the bands and let them release from the drum-no real worries about heat here.

    Used to live in MN-way too cold and other issues.
  • ian2ian2 Member Posts: 168
    I was watching a program on auto theft the other day and it pointed out the omission of a keyhole on the passenger side is actually a security feature. Imagine you're parked along the street, the thief now has to slimjim the driver side door along the street, which is more exposed than the sidewalk.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    There's still a lock on the passenger door a thief can use a slimjim on - just no keyhole.

    IIRC, Lincoln eliminated the passenger keyhole quite a few years ago. With the advent of remote entries, keypads, and sensors, keyholes will go the way of the buggy whip eventually.
  • chris2523chris2523 Member Posts: 3
    Every time i start my accord from a cold start. I let is warm up them i pull out of my driveway and i hear and feel vibrations in the stering wheel and in the gas pedal. If any other owner are experincing this and found a solution please email me back. Took the car to 2 different dealers they couldn,t find the problem.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    should have a FAQ. But then again all Accords have a owners manual. It's the ABS self check.

    For the 50000th time.
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    Yes, I think what Chris is describing is the ABS self-check. I still notice it, but now that I know what it is it brings me a sense of satisfaction and well-being instead of the 'what the hell was that!?' sensation. Just because I know that something tested and is working properly (btw-the anti's work great)

    On a sidebar--since I had my brakes serviced with the new pads, I no longer have the 'clack' of the caliper re-setting. (10k miles)
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    i wonder if cold weather affects the abs self test? since it's been cold i haven't noticed it...and i know the abs still works because i used it in the snow just tonight!!
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    I've noticed it on our 04 Accord. My opinion..., its a stupid test. With all the electronics that this vehicle has, it should be able to test the system with sensors at start up, not when driving off. The Toyota's have ABS, but it does not have to conduct this test or the test is done without noticing it.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Since that's when the wheel sensors start sending signals.

    Toyota's do it too. It's just a different system. Just like they make a different pitch noise when you start them. They have a different starter.
  • ebart1ebart1 Member Posts: 12
    To "Chris 2523" and others with said similar concerns. See Page 324 of "---Problems and Solutions" where I stated my particular case. My third visit to my dealer appears to have arrived at some 'cure' for this by finding and "replacing a broken exhaust mount and repositioning all engine mounts". The particular part is l8215-SDA-A0l---with the result that once the engine has warmed up and reached ambient operating temperature---the steering wheel is virtually still and no noticeable vibration is evident. However, when cold---vibration is still evident. It seems to suggest to me that there is an inherrent vibration in the engine which is ameliorated partially by the damping action of the exhaust mounting and/or hangers. It's only a 'hunch' of mine---as I'm not a mechanic. From my reading of the postings---someone has even suggested that the use of an engine 'top oil' added to the gas in the correct proportion might be beneficial to the operation of one not-so-perfect fuel injector. I hope to learn more. Good Luck in your effort.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    The February issue of Motor Trend features a comparison of the new kids on the family sedan block (Galant and Malibu) vs. the market leaders (Accord and Camry). All were top-of-the-line versions with high levels of equipment. When the dust settled, they ranked like this:

    1st - Accord EX V6
    2nd - Galant GTS
    3rd - Malibu LT
    4th - Camry XLE V6

    Although most of the rankings differ from the recent Edmunds comparison, both tests share the same winner.

    I can't post any quotes yet, because Motor Trend hasn't posted the report on their web site. But basically, their conclusion was that it borders on family-sedan perfection.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    hondaphiles to the rescue with a good post about the accord!! LOL!
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    OK, I posted this question a couple of days ago but received only one thoughtful reply, so I'm trying again: Is my '04 Accord EX-L unusual in having almost silent turn signal indicators? The usual click is audible only if I really strain to hear it. Anyone else notice this? I'm trying to decide whether to see my Honda dealer or an ear doctor. Thanks for any responses.........Richard
  • dust90dust90 Member Posts: 169
    Richard, I know I replied once and mentioned that my 04 Accord Coupe has quiet turn signals, also. Funny, I really hadn't paid much attention until you posted about it. I drove my 4Runner today and because of your question, noticed that it too is very quiet. I wonder if the newer vehicles have gone to some sort of solid state electronic device to flash the lights. Remember the old flashers that looked like a small cylinder and had two prongs on the end and usually plugged in at or near the fuse panel? Now they made a notable noise! I don't remember seeing the old cylinder type flasher on any of my newer cars and I'm always into the fuse panel to hardwire my radar detector as soon as I buy a vehicle. I personally am not that concerned that they are quiet, but maybe a thorough check of the owner's manual might at least show that there is no replacable flasher unit. Just my best guess.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    Save yourself a trip to the dealer or an ear doctor. They sound soft & quieter.
  • ken972ken972 Member Posts: 162
    I like them soft and quiet. As long as they blink on the dash and outside its good for me. I dont think I want to hear them over the radio anyway. I would compare your car to others at the dealer and see if there is a difference. It may just be a characteristic of the accord.
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    Has anyone looked into the book values of the Camry XLE V6 w/Navigation and the Accord EX V6 w/Navigation. Its amazing the Accord is nearly $3,000.00 more than the Camry for the 03 year.
  • waltandjanwaltandjan Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a '04 V6 with the navigation system. I live in Minnesota and its in the 20's here this week. For the first 20 minutes after I start the car the navigation system simply does not work! The ok button does not respond. When it finally does the map display starts scanning to the east and cannot be stopped. None of the buttons have no affect on this. The radio works but the navi system goes bazzerk!! Anyone else have this problem??
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    20s is not really that cold. People living in the NE and/or NW usually get that in the winter. After you warmed up the car, does the NAV return to normal? I am surprised to hear that NAV functions are affected by cold temp ... at least not in the 20s.
  • waltandjanwaltandjan Member Posts: 3
    Yes, it works fine after about 10-20 minutes, depending on how cold it is. I tried puting a small space heater in the trunk to see if the problem was with the DVD. No change, I figure its in the dash component. (yes, I watched the heater closely) Its very annoying because you cannot shut if off and it beeps constantly.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    The noise, and sometime pulses that can be felt through the gas and/or brake pedals, of ABS Self Tests upon first moving forward after startup, is something I've noticed in many and various makes of cars clear back to my 1991 Taurus SHO.

    It's normal.
  • hydra2hydra2 Member Posts: 114
    It is common knowledge that the accord tends to have better resale value than the camry. $3k difference sounds a bit steep. You might want to check the equipment level of the camry to see if the difference exists on both a standard(?) XLE and a loaded one and be sure the refernce was not to a LE. Interesting.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Your first Oil and Filter change should be on or about 3,750 miles. The "book of Honda" has suggested oil and filter drain intervals listed. You can set up your own intervals,(such as every 3,000 miles), if that makes you feel more comfortable with frequent oil and filter changes. You will read a lot of different opinions on this subject on this board, so you will have to make your own decision on this subject. I change my oil and filter on both our 2003 Accord, and our 2004 Civic every 3,000 miles. I also use an upper cylinder lubricant in the fuel for the valve guides, valves, fuel system components and piston rings. Both engines run very smooth. I also burn premium fuel in both vehicles. The "book of Honda" states 86 octane or higher! Here again, make your own decision! Lots of luck with your vehicle. -----Greg
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    greg,

    on average how long do you keep your hondas? just wondering as it seems all the stuff you do to your car is to try and increase longevity.
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