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Comments
Other than that one issue I really love my '04 coupe. I have 7500 miles on it and just made a 2000 mile trip, and the last tank of gas I got 32 mpg on the highway @ 75 mph.
anwyay i have noticed that the accord will hold a gear longer when cold...and does aggressively downshift while slowing down and even when going around a corner. sometimes it almost feels like i've put the brakes on when i hit the gas coming out of a corner. but, it's just the tranny jumping back down to 1st gear. i avoid this by going fast around corners...
Unless I'm misunderstanding your point, I think you might be mistaken on this one, Benny. I have a 2003 EX V6, and it has the micron air filter. I just checked it myself to verify.
Evidently, as the brochure/website options checkbox show - in not getting the automatic a/c, one is still getting a manual system with an "air filtration system."
And - getting the EX-L or EX v6, one is getting the "Dual Zone Auto Climate Control System."
But there apparently wasn't enough space for "air filtration" after the Dual Zone...but all told, the EX v6 has it.
Yup, there's clean air to be had with the EX v6s as well.
Both the Camry and Accord without side impact airbags earned a "Poor" rating:
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from the website:
Top performers are Camry and Accord with side airbags: The Institute tested the Camry and Accord twice, with and without optional side airbags. (If a vehicle has side airbags as an option, the Institute's policy is to test the vehicle without the option. The manufacturer may request a second test with the optional airbags if it also reimburses the Institute for the cost of the vehicle.) In the tests of the Camry and Accord with side airbags, most injury measures for the front and rear passenger dummies were low. Both cars were equipped with side curtain airbags that deploy from the roof to protect people's heads plus torso airbags for the front-seat occupants.
"The Camry and Accord with side airbags are the only good performers in this group of midsize cars," O'Neill says. "The structure of the Camry did a reasonably good job of minimizing intrusion into the occupant compartment, and the curtain airbag prevented the dummies' heads from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier. The structure of the Accord didn't hold up quite as well as the Camry's, but injury measures were low and the Accord also earns the highest rating of good. Neither of these vehicles was quite good enough to earn a ‘best pick' for side impact protection."
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I understand reservations, but when you look at the net effect of the IIHS testing- its safer cars. Personally, this test in particular is a bit dramatic, and one that basically any car without side head protection CANT pass. Still, both the Camry and Accord can pass with comparative flying colors when equipped with inflatable side impact protection. Further, this test illustrates the differences present in structural integrity, something the Goverments test does not do.
Unless of course, you're of the anti- airbags, anti anti-lock brakes, to hell with safety camp, in which case thered be no reasoning with you.
~alpha
If you're REALLY that concerned about money why not buy stock and benefit from the industry if you think its doing so well, with its intentions and all? OR EVEN BETTER, outsmart everyone, research the mfrs. of side airbag compents, and buy stock in those companies.
~alpha
In the case of emale saying the test will cost us more money. Well I may have to agree. But it all depends on which side of the "more money" you want to be. Those without the SAB's will pay more insurance premiums with nothing in return. But those WITH them will pay a little more for the car but in return they will get a MUCH saer vehicle. I don't know about you, but I'll choose the bags.
don't misunderstand me...i don't think what IIHS is doing is necessarily bad...but don't be confused with them doing this for your good. it's all about them maximizing their profits. and, it's veiled behind a concern for your safety...
I fully recognize that where the IIHS profit concerns lie, and this is where my view may differ from others. I dont care. The faster they force automakers to offer better safety equipment, in my opinion, the sooner consumers realize the benefit. Dont forget too, as automakers buy airbags and electronics en masse, economies of scale will be realized, prices will come down, and over time.. the technology will be enhanced as well. But none of that can happen until the ball gets rolling.
A case in point, not relating to passive safety, but rather, active safety, is ABS. I'm not about to debate the benefits here, as I know people have varied opinions, but the pricing serves my point:
In 1992, ABS was an $1130 option on Camry 4 cylinders. In 2004, its a $300 option, while also employing more sensors and channels. That doesnt even adjust prices for inflation.
Hopefully, I've done a decent job trying to explain my stance. Thanks for the convo, emale.
~alpha
PS- Congratulations on the new baby, gee. Much health and happiness to your family.
peace
And I'm happy that my 2003 has them.
We will be pulling the trigger on an EX-V6, everything but NAV, and I wanted to know if there's anything I need to worry about. I had heard issues with automatic transmissions, but is this still the case with the 5-speed auto in the 04?
i think you'll find the accord a decent car but make sure you like an involving ride. imo, it rides more firmly than both the mazda and camry. as for the tranny...since honda is still having problems with the 5 speed auto in the pilot, mdx and ody...i would not be at all surprised if similar problems show up with the accord 5 speed auto once more of them pile on the miles. but i don't think you should let that sway you one way or the other...
Plus, the Honda V6 has noticeably more grunt from a stoplight, and was quieter(less road noise). Here in Oregon, studded tires are still legal, and they go a great job of chewing up the roads.
i think i read somewhere that the '04 accord's ride was softened a bit from the '03. i was comparing '03 accord to '03 mazda...
I believe that slorenzen was misinformed. I don't believe that such suspension mods ever took place. Most owners wouldn't wish to give up the fine handling and road feel. Otherwise they would have opted for a Camry.
If "The ride is unbearable." you might consider purchasing one of the old 70's or '80s land yachts such as a Buick or Cadillac. They should have mushy-enough suspensions.
~alpha
Is this a decent price?
i didn't say the ride has become buick-like with the '04 accord. just read somewhere (can't remember where) that it had been tweaked for '04. i haven't driven an '04 so i can't give a seat of the pants observation...
blackexv6,
i seriously doubt the dealer would or could do anything. i guess you could go test drive an '04 and see if you notice a difference...
Has anyone noticed how firm the 7th gen Accord's seats are ? Would the "ride" improve if the seats were a tad more compliant ?
The Benz's seats, for example, are matched to the suspension ("...we have matched seating and wheel suspension to suit all speeds and road conditions..." http://www.m-100.org/6point3/brochure/ ). That caption refers to a 1960s Benz !
All to say that Honda may tweak the "seat tuning" just a bit to deliver a better ride.
My 2 cents...
The tires on the new Accord were a few pounds over-inflated and I didn't bother to let air out--tires lose air gradually anyway and they're probably at proper inflation now that the car is a few months old.
After 2100 miles I think the ride has smoothed out and I like it the way it is. For people who demand a cushy ride, the Accord is not for them. For those of us who like a firm, sportier ride, the Accord is ideal.......Richard
1. How much should a timing belt change cost?
2. At what mileage should the change be done? (I've heard 60K is the recommended change...but is it really necessary or could it wait?)
Thanks in advance!!
Gary
atlantabenny> Has anyone noticed how firm the
atlantabenny> 7th gen Accord's seats are ?
I noticed that as well. Over time I'm hoping for a little more "give" from them.
A fwe questions:
1. Is there a quick 'turn off' button for the nav screen? I run the audio from the steering wheel, so I do not think I need the screen on all the time. I want it to be black. If I don't touch the screen at startup, it turns black after a while, but is there a quick way to force it off?
2. In AUTO mode on climate control does the a/c compressor always stay on, or does it come on and off according to temp? In the older ls400 and the e-class, the compressor would stay on even if you needed heat. Anyone know if this is the case with the accord?
3. My car was bought with 85 miles, but still had the plastic sheets on the outside. Is that mileage irrevelant for long term?
4. My steering veers slightly right, so i keep the wheel very slightly left to go straight. Thoughts?
5. I did not buy the extended warranty, is it necessary or too late for this?
You guys are the best. i LOVE this car.
I would not worry about the miles. It is more to do with emotional concern, meaning someone has driven your "New car" without asking you.
With power steering, you do not need to worry about if the steering wheel is off a little bit. This is what I have experienced. If you go into a turn a little too fast, you will need to turn the steering wheel all the way, and the steering wheel will be off a little bit, but as you drive more, it always comes back. To test if there is any alignment issue is to drive straight for a while then let go your hand to see if the car goes to any specific direction. And, even when you have a little alignment problem, as long as you do not really need to muscle the steering wheel, I would not worry about it at all.
The repair and maintance for Honda is not very expensive under normal driving conditions, so buying a extensive warranty does not make that much of difference. However, if your driving conditions require frequent repair and maintance, I would suggest you to get one. Also, you should find out what is covered in extensive warranty. You still can get one if you need to.
Good luck.
2. I think the AC goes on and off depending on temp but not sure. I usually turn it off when not needed.
3. My 03 Accord with Nav came with 1 miles on the odometer and 1.9 on the trip meters. I wanted a manual transmission so I had to wait for one to come in with Nav.
5. I did not get an extended warranty and think it is a waste of money but that is up to you.
And hopefully someone can answer this quickly, since I'm starting to hear concerning noises when braking -- oops.
http://www.honda-auto-parts-wholesale.com
the whole point of automatic climate control is to set the temperature and forget about it. it even knows when to defrost. heck, for the 04 model year the car has solar loading and now it even knows to adjust for the position of the sun.
the only thing i do is press the rear defroster when needed.
turning off the a/c can save a little on fuel. plus i like to tool around with the windows open and there's no need for the a/c to run then...
Should I turn on the AC separately or just use the AUTO setting?--I have the '04 EX-L Accord with the automatic climate control. So, I guess my question is whether using the AUTO setting runs the AC enough to keep its seals from drying and leaking over time.
Thanks for any info on this.....Richard
as long as temps are above about 40 degrees F the a/c compressor will cyle on/off when in auto mode. one would think that would be enough to keep the seals from drying out.
when it's not too warm i like to hit the auto button and then immediately the a/c button. that way i get full automatic except the a/c won't cycle on/off.
How does the HVAC system know when to defrost?
CAn someone explain that to me?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The bottom line is that Honda Accord would jump from #2 and beat #1 Camry in sales if they worked on the ride quality. Everyone knows that the selling point between the Accord and Camry is the ride. I guess my opinion agrees with the majority.
Here is a question for all of the Accord owners out there: Why is the Accord #2 in sales and not #1?
Why not Avalon? I've driven both Accord and Camry.
I found both reliable and with both there are different levels of comfort and value. Why does it matter? I do think that Accord is designed with American taste in mind more so than the Camry. You mention Lexus. That's an example of what I'm talking about. Lexus is still a Toyota and you're not going to compare a Lexus to a Camry or an LX Accord, even one with a V6.
And although I haven't driven an IS300 for a while, so I don't remember that much about it, I have driven a Camry SE, and IMO, the Accord handles better. Even the SE has the Camry's characteristic "too light, kinda numb, family car" steering.
We all have different likes and standards, and you obviously have every right to your opinion. However, for the rest of us, I have to wonder how a car whose ride you describe as "unbearable" managed to get the same subjective rating for its ride as the Camry from those mavens of car comfort, Consumer Reports. They describe the Accord's ride as firm yet absorbent, and supple and controlled on bumpy roads. As for noise, they describe the cabin as very quiet, with a bit more road noise than Passat and Camry. Again, they gave it the same subjective rating (very good) as the Camry in the noise category. Firmer? Yes. Unbearable? You may think so, but CR and many Accord owners disagree, myself included. I find the ride/handling balance on the Accord to be just about perfect for its intended mission.
I guess I would suggest to you that you trade your Accord in for one of the other cars that you seem to prefer, rather than expecting that Honda change the Accord, which has built its reputation for sportier ride/handling, to suit your personal preferences. You have plenty of other options besides Accord. And personally, I would be very disappointed if Honda made the changes in the Accord that you suggest they make.
i picked the Honda for other reasons. better interior/exterior, more features, nicer engine, better price, and in my mind anyway, better reliability.
none of the top midsize sedans have awful rides in my opinion.