Older Honda Accords

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Comments

  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    I hope you really enjoy your purchase.

    I'm really interested to hear your impressions on the differences between the driving dynamics between the two cars. Especially, which do you believe has more road feel.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    I wonder how it will be equipped. Will it be like an LX model with the hybrid technology or will it be a decked out EXV6 with hybrid technology?

    The idea of an Hybrid Accord sounds interesting to me, but since I am looking to get my first new car, I will not consider the hybrid just yet.

    Maybe after I get my degree in Packeting Science, I'll find a job working for Honda, Nissan or Toyota and drive Hybrids.

    I am sure the Accord hybrid will sell like hotcakes
  • davebell1davebell1 Member Posts: 13
    As soon as I have had a chance to drive my new baby! I have a busy day at work and will get it soon after that.

    There is not much that is more fun than a new car, whatever it is!

    DB
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,701
    How did a write above trade in a car for $29750, pay $24995, and still have to make payments?

    Math says he would get about $5000 in cash back...

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    cyberjay,

         The owner's manual states at 600 miles the car is broken in, yeah right. These vehicles, including Toyota's are very tight when new. You will not experience the best handling, breaking, MPG, etc until you are at approx. 10,000 miles. The dealer that we got our vehicle from said, "hey the car is broken-in from the factory and you could take it up to 100 MPH if you like." My response, NO WAY, this is our vehicle, not a lease or a loaner and we do not punch our vehicle, well not yet, have not gone above 70 MPH, we do vary the MPH and NO cruise control. I am estimating at around 5,000 miles we will go over the 70 MPH and begin to play with touching 100 MPH or less for short periods on open roads and clear days with no congestions. Personally, what we are doing is to have our oil changed at 1,500 then again at 3,000 then every 3,000 after that. We own the V6 model, which does not work as hard as the 4 cycl's. City driving really takes a toll on the 4 cycl's that's why we went for the V6 instead and yes we also live in the NYC area. Don't punch the vehicle until you are at least 5,000 miles, some may think that I am crazy, but this is our vehicle and we care it, because we would like to keep it for at least 10 years.
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    I certainly don't baby my car the way nw1997 does, but certainly don't knock it either. Until the 5000 mile mark I didn't drive it like I do now, which is pretty agressively. My 4-cyl has ZERO problems getting around in city traffic and really does get around better than anyone would believe a 4-cyl could.

    Where I agree is that the car is not really broken in until the 10-12K mark. This has also been the case with 2 other hondas I have owned. The ride quality, engine response, and gas mileage doesn't really settle in until then.

    I initially had the same squeaks and such that other people in this forum had, and they have all subsided now at the 10K mark and the car just works perfectly in all regards now.
  • max2k1max2k1 Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a 2004 4DR EX V6 in white for my wife. I'm in the process of filling out my insurance form and they would like to know if our alarm system considered Passive or Active? If Passive, then I get a 15% off from the Comprehensive. Your help is appreciated.
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    It's passive.

    The difference is whether or not you have to take an extra step to activate the alarm (active.)

    Passive refers to the fact that it is armed by simply locking the doors.
  • max2k1max2k1 Member Posts: 3
    lelandhendrix, Thanks for the quick response. Do you know if it's listed on the window sticker or anywhere in the manual. I was hoping to have the info before end of day and my wife has the car.
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    anonymous drives a EX- Manual transmission if I remember correctly.

    My EX is also a manual and it turns 3000 rpms at 80 mph.

    I'm guessing that your's is an auto which would explain the lower rpms when cruising at 80.
  • davebell1davebell1 Member Posts: 13
    I am getting $8750 back and paying off the loan of about 19000. Admittedly, I am probably not the very best negotiator, but I think I did fair.

    Anyways, I pick it up today and will break it in as gently as possible.

    DB
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    The hybrid is a neat bit of technology but you've got to remember many people here are getting 34+ mpg from their non-hybrid 4 cyl accords and 30+ from their v6 Accord on the hyway. I get 30 mpg in the city and around 33 on the hwy.

    The hydrid is supposed to get Honda Civic like mileage. That is about 40 mpg. It will be less on the hwy and around 40 in the city due to how hybrids work.

    If the hybrid technology costs $2000 over the cost of a V6 and gas remains at $1.55 for regular it would take around 150,000 miles of driving to recoup the cost of the hybrid technology premium through gas mileage savings alone. (this is based on hywy driving and assuming that the hybrid actually can get 40 on the hwy, which it will be less based on hydrids currently running) If you make the comparo with the 4cyl it is not justifiable on a cost basis at all. However if you want the latest and greatest or are that enviromentally consious go for it.

    Even if the city mpg was around 40 it would still take around 70,000 miles to recoup the cost based on mileage alone. Most leases end around 36000 miles.

    Now if the prmium were only $700-$1000 I would give it some serious consideration
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,701
    I followed a Prius onto the interstate a few days ago. It had a wallowing effect, as if it were bottom heavy. Sort of like a duck in water.

    It seemed to lead left and right and didn't track a straight line down the interstate. It seemed very slow on acceleration.

    Not my choice of driving.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    I disagree that when you have to lock doors the alarm is considered passive. A true passive alarm system is one that sets itself so many seconds after the last door is shut regardless of if it is locked or not. In other words you cannot walk away from the car without the alarm being armed. If you need to lock the doors to set the alarm, then it is possible to leave the car unarmed if you don't lock the doors. a passive system must be idiot-proof. I had one is a Dodge caravan that was truly passive. the one in the Accord is NOT passive.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    My understanding is that electric IMA coupled with Variable Cylinder Management will produce greater power than the current V6 and lower fuel consumption.

    In essence the V6 Hybrid will be rated at something like 270 HP (240 + whatever the IMA provides) and the VCM will allow for greater fuel efficiency.

    http://www.hondacars.com/info/news/article.asp?ArticleID=20040105- 27129&Category=currenthonda
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    everything I've read makes it sound like the VCM will be a distinct technology from the IMA.

    As in that VCM will be offered on all V6 accords. While IMA is an extra option.

    If it makes 270 HP that would be great. Nice to have more power and better Fuel economy.
  • 91mx591mx5 Member Posts: 3
    Hey everybody. I finally joined the Honda family. I picked up my '04 EX-V6 in Graphite w/decklid spoiler yesterday. I already put 150 miles on it. This is one great car. I almost bought a Mazda 6 but after driving the two back to back there was no question in my mind, even though the 6 would have been 2k less. Paid 24,340 and 340 for the spoiler installed. I think it was a pretty good deal. Love the XM radio. My salesman also told me that Honda is not expecting the battery packs in the hybrids to last any longer than 80K. So that's something to keep in mind. Stay warm
  • cyberjaycyberjay Member Posts: 7
    Hi

    Thanks for the replies. Yes I think I will just sit in the slow lane for now ^_^ . So far I wish I had brought the V6 , but the Accord works really good with these potholes compare to my old 98 Corolla. I am very happy with car.

    Again thanks
  • slawendaslawenda Member Posts: 101
    I know this has been discussed at various times, but I was wondering if someone could summarize the PROBLEMS with the V6 as compared with the 4 cylinder accord sedan. My impression overall from reading the boards is that no matter which you buy, you'll be happy, even though the V6 may be more powerful. I want to make sure that before I buy the V6 (if I choose to do so) that there are no major quality differences that should sway me to the 4 cylinder instead. Thanks.
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    which car sold more in 2003? Camry or Accord. Just curious.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Camry outsold Accord, 413,296 to 397,750.
  • mikeysoftmikeysoft Member Posts: 63
    That is too soon for your first change. Honda has special break-in oil and you should leave it in for at least 3750 on your V6. 5000 miles would be better before you change the oil for the first time.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    slawenda:

    I've only found four problems with my 2004 V6 in the few weeks I've been driving it.

    * It is extremely difficult to fight the urge to step hard on the pedal just to see how fast it accelerates.

    * I'm probably paying an 8 to 10 percent penalty in fuel consumption compared to the I4. That will probably cost me about $75 per year.

    * When I make my first spark plug change at 110,000 miles, I'll have to purchase six instead of four plugs. Scratch that, I'm leasing, so I won't be getting to that mileage before I turn the car in.

    * I've not experienced this, but I've read that since the V6 weighs about 170 pounds more, it may not handle as nimbly as the I4. I can't verify this, since I've not driven the 4-cylinder version. My V6 handles superbly.
  • Vopc1Vopc1 Member Posts: 9
    Wow,

    Fun but great and accurate post Blane!

    I agree with every word. I absolutely love my white 2004 Accord sedan V6 EX with Nav more and more every single time I drive it. The V6 with navigation is a bargain. So smooth and quiet yet powerful. The sound that it and the exhaust make when accelerating hard is very addictive. This car feels so much more expensive than it is. I also have the Honda fog lights and they are also quite nice.
  • davebell1davebell1 Member Posts: 13
    Lit up the XM radio before I left the dealer's lot. I love it and the car. 04 EX V6 white. No NAV. It feels like a little sports car compared to the Lexus I traded in. I am making up a "reason" to go out for a drive on this very cold night here on Cape Cod. After proper warm up, of course.

    I am very excited and can easily see why this car is so popular. I am one of the rare folks who also just happens to LOVE how it looks. Cannot wait to get the spoiler and the auto dim mirror in the near future.

    There is NOTHING like a new car. I got a free gold pinstripe which I think is way cool. Can't wait to see it in the daytime.

    DB
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    I thought the Accord alarm is active because you have to press the remote to lock the doors and activate the alarm.
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    I am surprised why the Camry sells so well when everybody is complaining about the car's bland styling, poor handling, lack of horsepower, and expensive price tag. I thought the Accord would steal the sales chart since it was completely redesigned in 03 with a more powerful 4 and 6 cylinder engine to boot.
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    Maybe I'm wrong--but i'm just going off a conversation between me and my USAA agent.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Davebell1 wrote:

    "I am one of the rare folks who also just happens to LOVE how it looks."

    Oh, really? I'll bet most of the nearly 400,000 Accord owners like the looks of the Accord and agree with you.

    Naturally, since buying my '04 Accord EX-L last August, I notice them everywhere--just read that the Honda Accord is the most popular car here in San Francisco.

    I think the car looks great both outside and especially inside where it oozes quality. Enjoy your new car......Richard
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    if only it weren't for the ugly butt...the accord sedan would be top notch. that's why i drive the coupe ... :)
  • davebell1davebell1 Member Posts: 13
    I just took it on the highway with no traffic at night just to go for a ride. Had it up to 80 plus at only about 2300 in fifth. I would like to go faster but not yet, and only under NO TRAFFIC conditions, of course. I cannot properly explain how cool this car is. Almost like Honda just "nailed it" when it comes to getting the perfect combination of speed, handling, looks, COOL features, SAFETY, and price. Sheesh, I do not even miss the ole' Lexus.

    I see them all over, and even more now that I have one. Funny how that works. I like the graphite color and the desert mist, but got white.

    XM radio is the cat's meow. Entertainment rather than advertising, how nice.

    Little older, little wiser, little poorer, and alot happier.

    DB
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Per the Auto Insurance Glossary:

    "Passive alarms are automatically activated and will emit a warning sound when someone attempts to open your car. Once the passive alarm has been triggered, the system disables the automobile's starter, ignition system, and/or fuel circuit."

    http://www.car-auto-insurance-quotes.net/Passive-Alarm.htm

    I would think that the Accord's alarm would fit this category, although I don't believe that the alarm has anything to do with disabling the car. That's handled by the immobilizer, requiring the chipped key to start it.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I would agree with you, seems to me Accord should be sales king vs the Camry. Perhaps that's because of the incentives on Camry, otherwise I don't know.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    Toyota pushes more fleets than Honda does.

    As a matter of fact, most of the dealerships in my area rent Camrys out to people themselves instead of using rental car companies.
  • rueshanrueshan Member Posts: 32
    A quick note to my fellow XM listeners... as of Feb 1 2004 XM is going commercial free.... that should put a smile on your faces. As a side note, I have already put 13K trouble-free miles on my 2004 EX-V6 nav in only 4 months... only 1 ticket so far... I love my car!!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Edmunds has published the December update to their long term test of an '03 Accord. You can always access it via the Helpful Links box on the left side of the page, but here is a direct link to the December update: http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/honda/accord/100146093/roadtesta- rticle.html?articleId=98548&editorialpage=page004
  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    The Acord IS NOT a passive alarm by your own definition as you need to lock the doors to arm it. The key point in being passive is that the alarm will arm with no inoput from anyone (except leaving the car and closing the door). Having to lock the door by pushing on the remote (which you may forget to do and thereby NOT arm the alarm) makes the Accord system an ACTIVE system.
  • desmonsmdesmonsm Member Posts: 48
    Please see my previous post (# 13475) if you haven't read it already. I apologize for it's length!

    My story gets worse....last night, I parked my vehicle in front of my parents new home, on the street (who knows why - I always park in the driveway). About 8:30, an elderly lady comes to the door and tells me she had just backed into my vehicle! I guess she's related to our neighbors across the street. That's twice my 1.5 week old vehicle has been damaged (though no fault of my own) has been damaged in the past 80 hours! What're the odds?!

    I phoned the ladys insurance company this morning to report the incident, but then I got to thinking. I previously worked as an underwriter for State Farm, so I sort of know how this all works. By turning this into the insurance company, the incident will surely show up on a future Carfax report, which I don't want! If I go and get an estimate on my own from a local Honda dealer, and give the lady the estimate, we'll both potentially win: she'll save money in the long run (her insurance will go up substantially), and I'm hoping that this event won't show up on a Carfax report. What're your thoughts?

    To continue my first long post....I phoned the dealership owner this morning to explain to him my two complaints: 1. After I test drove the vehicle, I explained to the salesperson that I wasn't happy about the mileage on the vehicle (150), the pin stripes, or the door and fenderwall edge guards on the vehicle. He explains that the vehicle has the mileage because they traded for the car with a dealer in Columbus, IN (approx 125 miles away). OK. He says he can take off the edge guards and the stripes. No thanks. I ask him if he can trade for the vehicle (2004 Accord EX-L satin silver metallic 2.4L auto) with another dealer, and he says he can but that it too will have about 100 miles on it. No thanks. I then ask him about how long it would take to get one from the factory. He says 60-90 days. No way! If I was going to wait that long, I'd just wait another 60 days and get a 2005!
    Well, I show up at the dealership last Saturday (1/17) to get items they couldn't provide at delivery: spare key and valet key, all weather-mats, wheel locks, and cargo tray. For the inconveince of driving 1.5 hours down to the dealership, they say they'll essentially detail my vehicle, and fill up the gas tank. Well, all they did was hose off the vehicle, and after the owner's son returns with the full gas tank, I notice that he damaged my car! I guess he struck another vehicle in the lot! Great! While I'm at the dealership this day, I notice that they had received the exact vehicle I wanted without all the junk options they put on mine. Now I'm upset, because I think the salesperson wasn't forthcoming about the fact that they would have the exact vehicle I wanted coming in less than a week. I think ISell could answer this, but it's my understand that dealerships know when they're getting certain vehicles. This salesperson looked at their paperwork, and didn't tell me what/when it was coming. I'd have waited another week for it!

    So today, I call the President of the dealership to explain my two concerns listed above, and to try and resolve them in a way that's fair to the both of us. I explain the "unforthcoming salesperson" concern, and the owner gets very defensive and sarcastic because I called the salesperson a "liar". Call it what you will, but it's all the same. The guy wasn't forthcoming (aka he lied by witholding the info I requested I guess), and I'm upset about it. I proceed to tell him about the young man who damaged my vehicle (which, by the way, I determine to be the owner's son), and he doesn't let me finish my story and says he had heard about it. I told him that I thought it was his son (the kid said he was the owner's son - I wasn't sure if there was one, two, or three owners), and he asks me "Do you think he's lying too?" He then proceeds to ask me where I'm from originally. I tell him, he snickers, and tells me "That figures. People from the South don't toss around the term "liar" lightly." That's it....I'm calling American Honda this evening and they will hear about this, and something will be done. There's not a chance I'm taking my vehicle back to that dealership to be repaired. They'll pay to have it fixed elsewhere!

    I'll let you guys know how it turns out. Sorry again for the length.
  • chillenhondachillenhonda Member Posts: 105
    That review was confusing. Every article I have read, including those on Edmunds, have praised the 2.4-liter engine. Ok, so it isnt a 240p V6, but most people who drive it and most publications agree, for a 4-cylinder, its pretty amazing. Ive tested 3 Accord's with the 4-cylinder and found it suprisingly smooth, quiet, and powerful, and rathed at 26/34 is impressive also. The update talks about planning far in advance to pass, the engine's lack of oomph, and the considerable amount of time it takes to pass.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    I see your point... I guess I was looking at "activating the alarm" as being a specific additional step, such as in those with separate key activation. So with the alarm automatically activating just by locking the doors, I didn't see that as "manually activating the alarm". At any rate, you're probably right.

    Perhaps their definitions are a bit too generic to specifically cover all available types of alarm configurations.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    They must spend a lot of time in traffic. Or they have a leak.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    I agree. That review is contrary to every other review I have read on the new Accord i4. I have been driving my 2003 EX-L for 9 months now and have never had to plan a pass way ahead of time. In fact, I have never been short on power for any driving situation.

    The other thing I don't get is the very low average fuel economy the editors are getting on their test vehicle. My worse fuel economy (about 25 mpg) is higher than their average. My best is 36 mpg. They must be really beating on that thing.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Most writers have praised 2.4L Accord's acceleration. Maybe the Edmunds test drivers have been spoiled by V8s and sports machines they drive daily--nothing is fast enough for them unless it nearly flies.

    I suppose if I were doing most of my driving on 2 lane roads where any passing required the fastest possible entry and exit from an opposing traffic lane to pass a slow-moving truck, I'd want V6 or V8 power to limit the time I spent in the oncoming lane.

    Also, if I were often loading the car with passengers and luggage that could easily add 25% (800 pounds) to the weight of the car, the V6 Accord might be better.

    In the city, I don't think it's possible to exceed the power output of the Accord 2.4L without driving recklessly. My experience with the Accord on the highway is that it has more than adequate power for any situation if approached safely.

    At 70 MPH the engine loafs at about 2300 RPM and there was little effort driving up the Grapevine (I-5 North of L.A.) which is long and steep--a good test site for higher speed, hill-climbing capacity.

    I hope the Edmunds review doesn't cause some prospective buyers to ignore the 2.4L Accord which might make much more sense for them than the V6......Richard
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    okay snakehair--give me an example of passive?

    Would that mean that you can get out of the car, leave the doors unlocked, and as soon as somebody gets in the car the alarm goes off and the starter circuitry is disabled? Can you give me an example of this?

    USAA described a passive alarm as one that is itegrated and requires no extra step to arm it, just like mine works by simply locking the door. That is not an 'extra step', like a separate remote or button to push that 'arms' the system.

    Otherwise anytime I opened the door, for instance, to get out and pump gas or drop a letter in the mail slot, the alarm would go off as I got back in. That definition of passive sounds like a royal pain in the @$$ and I have never found an alarm that fits your description.
  • gibbergibber Member Posts: 41
    I have the EX-L 4 and it seems plenty powerful to me. However, I have the stick and the auto is noticeably less peppy(I test drove it). If you want the economy, the power, the extra reliability, and a good bit less money, shift yourself. The gearbox and clutch are excellent, a really sweet shifting car as the engine will run to redline smoothly(it really feels like the redline could be higher). I have gotten anywhere from 26-30 mpg with a city/highway mix. Its too bad there isn't a 6 cylinder manual sedan-that might cut into Acura territory a little too deeply.
  • kendridkendrid Member Posts: 97
    15.4 mpg??? The guy must have floored it every time he accelerated. I don't know how I could get mileage that bad.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    I have a Titan Sentry 2001 alarm system installed in my 89 Accord when I took delivery of the car. The system is both active & passive.
    Active - I lock the doors & arm the alarm by pressing the remote transmitter button.
    Passive - I close the door(s) and walk away.
    After 25 seconds, the system locks the doors and arms itself.

    Yes, passive system is pain the @$$ if you leave your key inside the car & walk away.

    I get used to the passive system. That's why sometime I forgot to lock the Accord 03.
  • ltmarksltmarks Member Posts: 28
    hello everyone, I just bought my new accord EX V6 coupe with Nav.

    The XM radio is continuously on the preview channel. How do I get my free 3 months to try it out? Do I have to go to the website, then give them my credit card, and then I have to go back if I don't want it?

    It would be really nice if it just worked for 90 days then they take it away if you don't go to teh website.
  • mikeysoftmikeysoft Member Posts: 63
    I installed an alarm back in 94 when I got my old Accord (I now have a 03 Accord). I set it up to auto lock the doors but I also set it not to auto lock the doors if a key was in the ignition. All it took was a diode for the key sensor to the alarm box. The key sensor is use to ring the chime when the door was open but the car was off. However the sensor worked no matter it the car was on or off disabling the auto lock.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    Yes, my system will not arm itself if I leave the key inside the ignition switch at the ON position.

    I do this if I need to get out and fill my gas tank.
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