Older Honda Accords

robalakam

I am a first time Honda Accord owner and while I have only had my car 10 days I love it. The only other car close is the 1987 Volvo 240 I bought new when my son was 6 months old and he now drives that car at 17. I hope to give him the Honda later in college (junior year). What I was really surprised at was that my insurance went DOWN with the 04 Accord versus an 87 Mercedes (Had an accident 18 wheeler rear ended that car and I am thankful I was in that car though the 04 Accord would respond the same or better.) I thought I got a good deal but obviously somebody else does better but I am still happy. Just remember your old car and enjoy the Honda drive.

lelandhendrix

Congrats on your Accord purchase! I absolutely love mine and love my dealer even more.

Since you're coming from a German car, you know how cars have their own personality. My 2003 Accord took a while to warm up to me, but I feel like it's going to be a friend I'll have a long long time now.

Cheers.

chevyguy657

While researching vehicles for an upcoming summer purchase, I noticed that Edmund's lists Japan, Marysville, OH AND MEXICO as production sites for the Accord.

Is this true?

And if so, are the Mexican Accords the ones having the problems?

I'm not sure I believe the Mexico bit. Should I?

larryt22

I had never seen one here in the midwest. I have been checking the VINs lately looking to see how many are made in Japan and ran across a new 03 LX Sedan at a local dealer a few weeks ago that was of Mexican decent. FYI, it is rare to find a Japanese Accord in Northern Indiana these days too. Probably 98+ percent are from Ohio.

maxamillion1

But why are people so tough on buying Accords made in Mexico.

I mean, it has to offened some of our Mexican posters and/or viewers.

That's about as bad as being scared to buy one made in America.

I work with MANY Mexicans, and they are some of the hardest working people IMO.

But anyway, from what I have read, the Accord is MOSTLY made in Ohio (Maryville) but some are imported from Japan and Mexico (only a few) The V6s are made ONLY here if I am not mistaken.

I hope you find one, but from what is know, the Accords problems (what few it has) have nothing to do with where it is built (Meaning, that it could be a Mexican built, Japanese built or American built) model with problems.

Most of the problems would have to come from the American built ones, since most of them are built here.

chevyguy657

You're reading way too far into my post. I'm simply trying to ascertain if Accords are now built in MX, since I've heard nothing of this to date before I spotted it on Edmunds.

Also, I prefer not to buy a vehicle produced at a start-up assembly facility, after a horrendous experience with one of the first VW Rabbits built in Pennsylvania back in the 80s.

And that's ALL my post was meant to be.

Jeez.

imidazol97

The PC folks are at it.

The Rendevous has a lot of problems. I believe thos are built in Mexico. I didn't buy another Century back after 93 or 94 when most started showing up on the dealers lot built in Mexico. When I looked, they clearly were more poorly built. Some work GM moved from this area for parts for their cars went to Mexico plants several years ago and has been moved back to the plants here, because of quality problems. Cheaper, but problems were there.

dindak

Rendezvous doesn't have a lot of problems? It has average reliability and assembly as well. I'm not saying Mexico is the best place to build cars, but it's not that bad.

alpha01

Reliability has continually slipped since the newer generation began production in Mexico. For the first time in many MANY years, Consumer Reports no longer recommends the vehicle, as the Predicted Reliability has slipped to 'Worse than Average'. VWs produced in Mexico also have subpar reliability rankings (the Jetta/Golf).

Thankfully, my Sentra 2.5L hasnt suffered any major gaffes, although my transmission went into 'limp-home' mode once two weeks ago. Problem never resurfaced.

~alpha

pat

Err, this is not a discussion about the reliability of vehicles built in Mexico, folks...

gee35coupe

There have been study after study on this very subject. It has been shown the American built Accord has a slight disadvantage to Japanese one. And the American Mazda6 seems to be faring a lot worse than the Japanese built ones. However the Civics built in the U.S. seem to do better than the Japanese ones. Not to mention some people won't buy an SI since it's built in Brtain. Brits have a long track record of bad build quallity.

While we shouldn't consider the PC-ness of this comparison, it is relavant to discuss possibly which models of the cars are built where and where are they being shipped. As far as who should be offended, that's not the problem of this forum. If that were the case, we offend American Workers every time we say Japanese Accords are built better. Even if that has been shown to be true.

pat

If you can provide a link to one of these studies that specifically relates to the subject of this discussion, that would be welcome. There have been lots of claims here and in other discussions about reliability being related to country of build. Personally, I have never seen anything but hearsay to back that up.

That said, my point remains - this is a discussion about the Accord, not whether certain countries produce vehicles more or less reliable than other countries.

Thanks.

gee35coupe

http://www.jdpa.com/studies_jdpower/pressrelease.asp?StudyID=736&- amp;CatID=1

It goes into great detail.

pat

Hmmm -- I think this is probably a case of I should have been careful what I wished for, right?

We can talk about the article if we keep in mind our subject is the Accord.

If folks really want to debate whether certain countries produce more or less reliable vehicles, that would belong on our News & Views Board if pf_flyer is willing to host it.

It does NOT belong here.

Okay?

maxamillion1

it just kind of bugs me sometimes, that's all.

Sorry for the confusion.

richards38

The sticker from the '04 Accord, 4 cyl. EX-L I purchased in San Francisco in late August says:

U.S./Canadian Parts Content: 60%;
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: JAPAN 25%;

Final Assembly Point: SAYAMA, SAITMA, JAPAN;

Country of Origin: Engine: JAPAN;
Transmission: JAPAN.

It's interesting that a U.S.-only Honda model had so many parts shipped from North America for assembly in Japan.

I've driven the car just under 2000 miles since late August; however, 1227 miles of that included a trip from San Francisco to Palm Springs from just before Xmas to New Year's day--8.5 hours of highway driving each way by myself (and the XM radio).

So far, I can find no flaws, rattles, nor any other problems with the car. Didn't have to add any oil during the relatively high- speed trip, either--still full.

The '04 Accord EX-L is a superb car--quiet, comfortable, and economical--22.6 mpg in Palm Springs area traffic, and 33.2 mpg on the highways to and from there......Richard

lelandhendrix

You likely won't ever have to add oil, either. My 92 Civic reached 250,000 miles whlie burning NO oil.

nycshadow

I just got a brand new accord. When I had about 700 miles on the car, the check engine light went off. I checked to make sure the gas tank was closed properly and it was.
I contacted the dealer and he said to wait a few days and see if it turns off, which it didnt. I took it in to the dealer. After about 2 hours, they tell me "a faulty loose valve" needs to be replaced. I was also told, that I can keep driving the car and it should be fine, and to bring it back 4 days later when the part arrives.
I had to leave town, so I had my dad take the car in for me to the dealer... he waited about 4 hours and they finally told him that they didnt know what was wrong with the car and that he would have to leave it there (That was this friday). Over the weekend, nothing has been done, the dealer still doesnt know what is wrong with the car.
What are my options guys? I am really confused. The car was purchased about 3 weeks ago and it has about 900 miles on it. My family is a honda family, we have a 98 civic (in great condition) and a 91 accord (in great condition for its age). But I have already lost faith in my new car and am extremely pissed that this is a new car and this is what i have to go through. Is there anyway for me to demand a new car?? My only real concern is that this car will continue to give me problems. Please advise.

bartalk2

According to a report from the Detroit auto show, this fall Honda will introduce a 6-cylinder Accord that will run on 3 cylinders at cruising speed, thus significantly increasing mpg. Anyone know any more about this?

bartalk2

Honda also announced at the Detroit show that it will introduce an Accord hybrid in the fall that has greater acceleration than the current V-6 with the gasoline economy of the Civic hybrid.

gee35coupe

We have 9000 miles on it so far. Going for the first oil change next week. Absolutely no issues with it. I love that car. The faster you drive the better it feels.

richards38

I should have mentioned in my post above that the drive from San Francisco to Palm Springs included a section called the Grapevine that is a long and very steep part of I-5 North of Los Angeles. The 4 cylinder engine flattened that incline as if it weren't even there--and with none of the typical buzziness I'd expect from a 4 cylinder engine. It just purred quietly and very quickly, too.

I kept the speeds moderate most of the way, but the car is absolutely effortless at 80 MPH. Anyone with any old ideas about slow and noisy 4 cylinder engines will be blown away by the 2.4 Accord's refinement. ....Richard

lelandhendrix

Richard--did you get the manual or AT? I never thought I'd like it, but I drove the auto and was impressed with it. IMO, even the grade logic works like magic.

mikeysoft

Do lose the faith. :-)
But Honda's policy is to give a free loaner when a car is kept over night under warrantee.

I have about 22k miles on my 03 Accord and very happy with it. I've only took it to the dealer twice. Once for a recall. Your check engine light sounds like the recall I had but maybe not. The second time was a check engine light code P0420. Bad CAT. I think it was really bad gas but they put in a new cat.

robr2

In answer to your question regarding Accord production in Mexico - yes Honda does assemble Accords in Mexico. My understanding is that the plant in Mexico assembles kits of parts manufactured elsewhere. The volume is very low and is mainly for that market. They sometimes will ship to the US when demand warrants it.

serendip

Now that the TCS has earned every penny I spent on the car (03 EX V6), saving me from more black ice in the past couple of weeks than I care to think about, I have a question.

When would you NOT want TCS turned on? Yes, I read the manual, which tells you *how* to turn it off, but not *why* to turn it off.

Thanks!

richards38

My 4 cyl., '04 EX-L has the automatic. Shifting is seamless and the grade-logic works very well--both going up and going down hills. It automatically prevents gear hunting on the way up and adds engine braking with a tap on the brakes going down. My only complaint is that the transmission lever should stop in the "D" position instead of "D3" when moved backward from the Park position--not a major issue, though.

I originally thought I'd replace my '91 Mazda Protege with a new Mazda 6 but the new Mazda's 4 cyl. engine and trans were poorly matched and hunted between 2nd and 3rd gears on inclines--very crude performance, I thought, and sluggish off the line, too. The Accord is MUCH better.

I'd like a manual trans., but in San Francisco? The combination of heavy traffic and steep hills would be too annoying and scary for me!.......Richard

austinman7

Finally pulled the trigger and drove off with my new 04 LX 4 cyl. automatic graphite on Saturday. The EX is a real value, but I'm indifferent toward the moon roof and like the extra headroom without it, so that pretty much swayed my decision. I do like alloys, however, and those will be soon be installed as an accessory.

I'm a picky person, but yet to have an issue with the car. The pep of the 4 cyl. around town is great, even in my break-in period under moderate accleration. I feel very connected to the car, almost as if I had been driving it for years (which I hope to do).

I've been enjoying all the comments from you all on this thread for several months -- they were a big help in my decision. I hope to contribute a few of my own. For the time being, though, I'm just enjoying this amazing car. For a sticker price of $20,590, I don't think there's another car that can touch it. At least I didn't drive any.

richards38 -- I didn't follow your comment about the auto shifter moving from Park to D3 instead of to D, since you come to D first when moving in that direction. Can you clarify? I share your feeling about highway driving -- the little four-banger does 80 mph effortlessly, at a decently low rpm level. Superb engineering.

talon95

I wouldn't say that... I just got done waxing my 2003 Accord last weekend, and the paint is as shiny as any I've ever seen.

carguy04

Hello Everyone, I am new to this board but have been reading it the past few months, as I have been doing my homework re a new car purchase. I've owned 2 Accords in the past, a 1980 and an 87 LXi. I've decided on either a 2004 EX-L or EX V6. I have taken both on test drives, and both are great cars. The 4 cylinder was quite surprising, very peppy, seemed to handle better than the heavier V6, and great ride on the highway. It certainly fulfills my needs. However, since I live in Colorado, I need to have great winter traction for the snow and ice, especially with all the hills in and around my city, along with any mountain driving. I would like to hear from other owners of the 4 cylinder Accord if it provides good winter traction. I never had winter traction problems with my 87 Accord, but when I owned it I lived in the flat midwest. I have also considered the LX V6, but I really would like to have the leather interior, heated seats and moonroof that are on the EX-L & EX V6. I am just debating if I should spend the extra $3000 for the EX V6 to have the traction control. Thanks in advance for your comments.

talon95

I've heard this before... it sounds like it's mostly under a situation where you might need to try to rock the car out of some deeper snow.

Here's what "Click and Clack" say about it...

http://cartalk.cars.com/Columns/Archive/1997/December/14.html

serendip

Thanks, Talon! I had done a google search, but didn't get as far as Click and Clack - thanks so much for the link!

blane

serendip:

I've driven my 1999 Mercury Cougar with traction control always-on since I purchased it. (Just sold it today.) It has been a lifesaver on snowy hills and worked beautifully even in puddles at other times of year. I frankly cannot see any reason, Click and Clack nothwithstanding, to ever consider turning it off. My 2004 Accord EX V6 Coupe has it and I'm sure that it will work just as seamlessly as it did in my Cougar.

bigbeavis

You'd want to turn off the TCS when you have the donut spare tire on a front wheel, otherwise the TCS would be on constantly due to different wheel diameters.

blane

bigbeavis:

That sounds reasonable, since the smaller diameter tire is trying to rotate more revolutions per mile, so it would appear to be spinning and would invoke traction control.

anonymousposts

The automatic in the 03+ Accords is much improved over the previous automatics used in earlier generations. I had a 01 EX V6 coupe and that car hated having 2 drivers with different driving styles. The auto tranny in our 04 Accord doesn't seem to mind at all and provides smooth shift quality through all of the gears.

The 4 cylinder/5-speed auto is surprisingly peppy and with gas prices seemingly headed straight for that $2.00 p/gallon mark I definitely appreciate the 30+ MPG.

richards38

What I meant was that when sliding the transmission lever from Park rearward, the lever naturally stops at "D3"--in my last and other cars, the lever stopped in the "D" mode where it's normal to drive.

In the Accord the lever does go to "D" first, but it stops sliding back at "D3" so I must make an effort to stop pulling before the lever reaches the end of its travel.

It's no big deal, and there's an indicator on the dashboard anyway--it's just that it's more natural for me to start the car and move the lever as far at it will go. Then it would take the push of a button on the shift lever to move to lower gears.

I'd bet that more than just a few people find themselves driving around in "D3" when they really wanted to be in the "D" mode......Richard

talon95

"I frankly cannot see any reason, Click and Clack nothwithstanding, to ever consider turning it off."

They gave one very specific circumstance where they thought it would be advantageous to turn it off, and recommended keeping it on 99.99% of the time. For almost everyone, that would end up being 100%.

I think the advice they gave was very reasonable. Any device that automatically adjusts wheelspin can work against you when you're actually stuck in snow.

talon95

"It's no big deal, and there's an indicator on the dashboard anyway--it's just that it's more natural for me to start the car and move the lever as far at it will go."

It won't take long before you stop at "D" without even giving it a thought.

lelandhendrix

Another condition where TCS should be turned off for performance-oriented driving. There are cornering conditions in which you want the ability to induce a bit of wheelspin and modulate it with the throttle.

By the way--it's really a bad idea to EVER have a doughnut spare on a drive wheel. You should take the time to make sure the doughnut is installed on the rear of this car, so you don't loose (as much) steering or drive traction ability.

nw1997

Hi Everyone,

     I was just curious, has anyone driven their 03/04 Accord V6 to it's governed limit? What is the top speed of this vehicle? I understand the MPH states 160, but can it truly do this with the limits removed?

blane

nw1997:

You'll reach your top speed immediately before slamming into some abutment or rolling onto your roof into a ditch.

The police will probably be able to provide a pretty accurate MPH estimate to your surviving relatives.

gee35coupe

I think the V6 will do 130.

The 4 cylinder coupe runs into a wall at 125 indicated. And I'm here to tell ya it's smooth as glass. No abutment crashing or rolling here.

motownusa

Of the 03 Accord Coupe is 135 mph drag limited according to Car and Driver. Sedan should be about the same. 160 mph is a bit optimistic. Just as the 85 mph speedo on the early 90s Ford Taurus was a bit pessimistic. (That car's true top speed was 110 mph)

lelandhendrix

Shortly after my purchase, I got up to 130 in my 4-cyl sedan on a long flat stretch of quality turnpike. And, it was silky smooth all the way up to it. Wouldn't make a habit of it, but wanted to know if it was there.

serendip

Thanks again, everyone, for the TCS info!

Today was another of those really messy days, and at every light and stop sign you could hear wheels spinning everywhere. Not me - TCS light came on (at all those same stop lights and signs) and I moved easily. Though I didn't realize that TCS was such a selling point, I don't think I could live without it again. (Not to mention heated seats in this horrible weather, but that's a whole other thing!)

Thanks!!

richbf2

For the past several years(from 1999),i have noticed HOnda vehicles have serious tranmission problems.My sister's 99 Accord 4 cyl. has had problem with trans. eversince i bought it for her birhtday.More importantly, my 02 Acura TL'S recently has
transmission failure when i was ON THE
HIGHWAY( THANKS GOD I AM STILL ALIVE.In addition, I notice that the trans. is slow in responding to your foot; it won't "down shift" when i slow down or going uphill.To make the matter worse,the trans. won't upshift when i am stuck in the traffic.If i press on the gas hard enough for the car to shift then i would hit into the car
infront of you. Moreover, Honda parts nowaday are so expensive. 1 oil filter is for 6.59 whereas toyota & nissan you can buy 2 for $7.49. By the way, i traded my TL's in for a Maxima; this "baby can fly"

desmonsm

On previous cars I've purchased, I've been able to identify the date the vehicle was assembled and the date it was delivered to the dealership on the sticker. I can't recall seeing this on my Accord. Could someone point me to where I could find this information for my vehicle. Thanks.

dust90

I saw the C&D where they said the 6 sp coupe was drag limited at 135 mph, but I'd bet that they tried it in 6th gear. I had mine to 122(eng red line) in 4th and although I didn't try it, I feel quite sure it would have done 140 or 145 in 5th.
My 4Runner is electronicly limited to 116 and, according to C&D will do 116 in 4th or 5th gear, but I bet it does it quicker & easier in 4th.

dust90

Acura had some tranny problems, not really excessive, but it worried me enough to get rid of my CL type S. The TL had the same tranny and most of the same problems. Honda's only above average failure rate on auto trans was with the Odosey, according to my salesman.