Older Honda Accords

1315316318320321389

Comments

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    IIRC, the test hasn't been updated since the 55 MPH speed limit was law.
  • donks13donks13 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2003 Accord.I hear a noise coming from the rear brakes.COuld it be possible that I need new brakes at 26,000 miles already.If I do shoud this be covered under the warranty ?
  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    pilotrock & sunil,

     

    Honda did issue a TSB (#04-024, dated 5/4/2004) regarding the idle vibration. It affected 2003 and early 2004 models.

     

    I had the engine/radiator mounts replaced last August on my 2003 Accord EX and the vibration is noticeably less than it was, but some vibration still exists--especially on cold (<20F) mornings. I, too, noticed that a Civic has NO vibration under identical conditions. Maybe I will get the V6 next time. Good luck.
  • sunilsunil Member Posts: 52
    Thanks - I did see this TSB (appears to impact all 03 Accords, and some 04). The TSB of course makes no mentions of 05 (it was released way before the 05 cars came out).

     

    Anybody else seen the same issue with their 05 ? Anybody had warranty work done by their dealer to replace the motor & radiator mounts on their 05 ? My problem is not "severe" as yet - but it is noticable, and I am a little concerned about what will happen down the road when the car has 36001 miles on it (right now I just have 1K).

     

    And of course I am a little sensitive to this issue because I had to fix the motor mounts and replace a cracked radiator on my old Camry ($$)- and just a few weeks after I did this, it got totalled when I was hit by a careless driver, so of course I ended up eating the repair costs...

     

    Sunil

     

    Sunil
  • mrmoomrmoo Member Posts: 5
    Okay, whats the dealio with the steering at highway speeds?

     

    Feels like my 2005 Accord EX-L Sedan is floating all over the road, but when I take my hands off the wheel, the car does maintain a straight line.

    Not nearly as crisp and good road feel as the 2002 LX coupe I traded in.

     
    I've checked the air pressure in the tires, and all are fine.

     

    Anyone else experience this phenomena??
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Maybe I should look again, but I think the compact spare tire in my '04 EX-L is located in the well under the trunk floor UPSIDE DOWN! Is that how it's supposed to be?

     

    If so, then it's necessary to remove the spare tire to check/retain tire pressure (60 pounds, I think).

     

    If the spare is stored with its valve stem under the tire, it's almost a sure thing that the spare won't be checked when the car is serviced or by the owner, either.

     

    Am I nuts, or is Honda?........Richard
  • mrmoomrmoo Member Posts: 5
    Anyone ever put auto transmission in reverse or park while car was still moving forward at 15 miles/hour?

     

    Happened to me while trying to avoid an accident in front of me on the road....10 years of driving a stick conditioned me to grab for the gear shift and move it up.

     

    There was a "whining" noise then car came to a stop.

     

    Any guesses on how much damage I may have done?

    Though the car seems to drive fine, I now hear a "click" noise going from park to drive...and kind of rough shifting in reverse.

     

    Thanks.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Anyone ever put auto transmission in reverse or park while car was still moving forward at 15 miles/hour? Happened to me while trying to avoid an accident in front of me on the road.

     

    Didn't anyone ever tell you only rental cars can handle that?? Seriously, I would have the transmission checked out ASAP. Also if you were able to go from D to R you may have broken the mechanism designed to prevent that without using the shift button. Good Luck.

     

    PS - Did you hurt your left ankle going for the clutch as well?
  • fastbytefastbyte Member Posts: 5
    My 2003 Accord has had too many brake problems. At 32k mi the front pads and rotors have been replaced. The rear rotors have been machined to remove the heavy rust occuring on the outermost edges of the rotors. This was all done under warranty but, I cannot see replacing all the brakes every 30,000 miles. I'm looking to trade in this vehicle for something more reliable.

     

    All my problems started with the rear passenger side brakes squeaking at about 25,000 miles. Back then they found "nothing" wrong.

     

    Scott
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    Why ditch the car because of the OEM rotors? The last aftermarket rotors I bought were plated and then machined to remove the plating from the pad swept area. Those rotors only ever got a light patina in rings near the hub and the outer edge where the pads didn't quite reach. Even better, they were less than half the cost of rusty stock (Mitsubishi) rotors and they didn't warp!

     

    I saw elsewhere that you've already found that the Camry/ES330 has it's own problems so why not give aftermarket rotors and pads a try?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Another one of the "problems" that, in ten years I've never heard mentioned.

     

    It's mounted upside down so you can utilize the space inside of the wheel for additional storage.

     

    Pulling it out on those rare times you would check the pressure shouldn't be THAT big of a deal, is it?
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Well, it's not a big deal, but people who think they're having the spare tire checked/inflated might be in for a surprise if they need the tire and it's flat for not having been inflated for months or years. Service station techs won't bother and most car owners will be discouraged from dealing with it, too.

     

    The Accord's truck is large enough--I think easy spare tire pressure checking/filling is preferable to a small amount of added space. Just my opinion.........Richard
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    Even if the spare time is placed the other way, the trunk floor cover is still in the way.

    It will be harder w/out removing the spare time to check/inflate it.
  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    I always carry a small, inexpensive 12 volt compressor in the trunk just in case I need to re-inflate the spare (after being too lazy to dig it out and check it often enough). It has come in handy for use on cold tires after checking pressure (driving 4 miles to service station and paying for air is self-defeating). Never was too bothered about which side up mounting was used for spare. Believe me the full size spare for the wife's Highlander is much more of a pain to roll over and check. Count your blessings it's only a mini.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    "Why ditch the car because of the OEM rotors? The last aftermarket rotors I bought were plated and then machined to remove the plating from the pad swept area."

     

    First, virtually all OEM rotors are plated prior to finish machining, otherwise they would be completely rusty by the time the car reached the dealer.

     

    Second, the only aftermarket rotors that are going to be superior to the OEM product are going to cost 2-3x as much. The typical store brand (Pep Boys, etc.) rotor is inferior to the OEM product which is why it's so much cheaper.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    brand rotors. If I recall there are two grades, an economy grade and a higher priced rotor. I put the higher priced ones on my car and they worked much better than original equipment. I didn't check dealer price but I'm sure the replacements cost less and have lasted much better. They were heavier and thicker.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • vtcoolvtcool Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I am currently experiencing a few slow leaks on a couple of my tires for my Accord EX-L 4cyl. I was reading up on forums and tirerack.com reviews and found that the Turanza LS-H tires rated pretty high. I have seen alot of people happy with these tires on the V6 models of accords but I was wondering how good do these tires rate on a 4cyl version? or if there are any suggestions on replacement all-season tires that would replace and function better than the Michelins that came with the car? Thanks in advance. ^_^
  • jbb2jbb2 Member Posts: 4
    I am trying to locate the VSS on a 98 Accord 5 speed. I understand it is on the transaxle but I cannot see it from above or below. Any help would be appreciated.
  • xueliangxueliang Member Posts: 9
    That happens to my 05 Accord LX. Should I see dealer? Did you solve your problem?

     

    original message by [aparnet2]

    Two types of sound when I step on the gas padel after stopping at a traffic light or a stop sign ( a complete stop). Behind the normal sound of the engine, I can hear a high-pitched soft sound. As I push down the gas padel, the sound becomes even higher-piched with the increase of the speed. After the car reaches the designated speed,say 30 or 40 m/hr and I release the padel, the frequency of the sound then decreases with the action of releasing the padel. Finally, the sound then gradually dissappear (probably it is still there, I could not hear it any more becuase the other sound of the engine, which I call a normal one, is loud enough.) If I keep driving at a constant speed and step on the gas padel for acceleration, I could not hear the high-pitch sound.

     
  • andysandiegoandysandiego Member Posts: 54
    A couple of months ago, I started the inquiry of the value of Civic vs Accord on the Civic Owners Forum, and just got the cold shoulder response that they are two different types of cars and couldn't be compared. Now, am happy to see a real dialogue on the question (on the Civic Forum). With 8,000 miles now on our '04 Civic EX (auto with side airbags), I really enjoy driving it, and my wife likes it too. However, shortly after we took delivery I learned that I could have bought an '04 Accord LX auto for only about $1,900 additional, and I suffered buyer's remorse. My current plan is to wait 3 years until the all-new '08 Accord comes out, and then trade.

      

    Interesting, though, whereas we have no complaint about our Civic (34 mpg with 4 adults and luggage to Hearst Castle from San Diego), I read a lot of complaints about the Accord on the Accord Owners Forum. Should I rethink trading my Civic for an Accord?

      

    Andy
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Because you currently plan to wait 3 years, no decision is relevant now. So many all-new alternatives will be available that you'll probably want something that isn't available yet.

     

    The Accord will be all-new for the 2008 year and you don't know whether you'll like it or not. Best to wait until bugs removed and buy any car in its second year anyway. All complaints notwithstanding, the new Accord is still one of the most trouble-free cars according to Consumer Reports which is a reliable source for car info.

     

    Enjoy your Civic.....Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You bring up a good point. I learned recently that the compact spares tend to lose pressure a lot faster than full sized tires.

     

    I'm sure a lot of shops don't bother checking them especially when they have to unload a messy trunk and haul the thing out.

     

    I see our guys in the shop doing this all of the time but I'll bet there are a lot of people running around with flat spares!
  • beachcomberbeachcomber Member Posts: 2
    Accord v6 Sedan. With recall, had jet lube kit installed to prevent second gear overheating. Afterwards, I noticed low humming noise in car. Sounds like driving with snow tires on a concrete road. Sound frequency gets higher the faster I drive so not tied to engine rpm or transmission gear change. Noise is louder in colder weather. I think it's the lube kit vibrating and resonating through the car. Other people don't notice because they don't know how quiet a Honda can be! One of the reasons I bought the Honda V6 over M6 and Passat was quiet interior. Any thoughts? Thank you.
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    A look at Honda Service Bulletin 04-037 makes it unlikely that any of these parts would make the noise you describe. Even if there was contact between parts, the noise would be engine-speed sensitive.

     

    If you've got a road-speed dependent noise, then you'd have to look at tires, brakes, bearings, or drive shafts - all things which are road-speed dependent.

     

    Any chance that your dealer rotated your tires and that's the difference you're hearing?
  • 84tigers84tigers Member Posts: 7
    I am trying to decide between the 2005 Accord LX and the EX (manual transmission). Are the extras that come with the EX worth the added expense? Specifically, are the engine, brakes and suspension better? Anything else to help me make my decision (and help convince my spouse)? Thanks.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Download a brochure to see all differences, but the EX gives you 4 wheel disc brakes (rears are drum on LX), alloy wheels (larger wheels, too), sun/moonroof, and other features.

     

    If you get the EX-L (with leather), you also get 8-way power driver's seat (both front seats heated), XM radio, auto climate control with dual settings, and more.

     

    Engines and suspensions are the same (the DX doesn't have a rear stabilizer bar--the LX and EX do).

     

    All 2005 Accords have front, side, and curtain airbags, and ABS......Richard
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    I owned an '05 LX for just five weeks before trading it in (see message #16512). I thought the brakes were excellent and even the 15-inch tires that I was worried about didn't seem to be much of an issue.

     

    On the other hand, the EX's power driver's seat will make a BIG difference - it's infinitely adjustable and has a tilt feature. The LX's manual seat has only a limited number of positions, doesn't move back as far as the power seat, and has no tilt.

     

    When I bought the LX, I didn't think steering wheel audio controls were a big deal (never had them before) but it's a feature I use all the time on my LX-V6 and like a lot. For about $40, you can add the audio controls to an LX (details are posted on a different Accord web site). However, the cheap-looking radio head unit in the LX may need to be upgraded to the in-dash 6 disk CD changer ($185 on E-bay) in order for the remote audio controls to work - I'm not sure.

     

    The EX also has a security system that's missing from the LX. As well, with the LX you're kind of stuck with the OEM wheels and tires - you wouldn't put upgraded tires on 15-inch rims and you wouldn't buy 15-inch alloys to match the tires, right? Thus, for an upgrade, you'd have to buy both 16-inch wheels and tires, no?

     

    If budget and value are your top priorities, the LX would be a great car. If you're going to upgrade, have you considered the LX-V6? The V-6 engine makes a night and day difference in the Accord. I'm VERY glad I took the hit and made the switch.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    You might want to consider two sets of aftermarket cross drilled rotors, and the pads that are designed for these type of rotors. Usually, you can purchase both the pads and the rotors as a set. Once you get the parts have a good brake shop install them. While I do not have this problem on our 2003 Accord, I am considering putting these rotors on the front when it comes time to have the brakes done. Simply, these rotors can dissipate heat better, which is the main cause of "problem rotors".
  • andysandiegoandysandiego Member Posts: 54
    Hi ktnr - I have a similar problem to the one you had. I recently bought an '04 Civic Ex automatic with side airbags, and like it but wish I'd bought an Accord. How could you afford to switch? In my case I'd have to pay over $7,000 to switch to an Accord LX, considering duplicated tax & license, $3,000 depreciation in about 3 months, and $2,000 difference in price. You make a good case to go to an EX Accord that makes it even a bigger spread. I'd appreciate your thoughts.
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    The only real difference is the sunroof and alloy wheels. The disc brakes while nice are overrated. Most people will not notice a difference. Even the larger tire size is questionable. Why everyone needs larger tires is puzzling. All they do is cost more to replace. In some cases they are not as good on wet/snow because they are more performance oriented. i actually prefer the smaller true all season tires on the LX. The important thing is the type and make of tire. I do not see anything wrong with 15" alloys, they do look better than the wheel covers.
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    Funny, the "only real differences" you note (sunroof and alloys) are the ones I consider least important - the ones other people see when I drive by.

     

    For the driver/owner, the LX's manual seat and lack of remote audio controls is a big step down. Also, the cheap-looking monochrome LCD radio display isn't nearly as nice as the LED display on the CD changer head unit. I like having a security system and a fully-lined trunk - more things missing on the LX.

     

    The ONE thing I liked better about the LX, and this is trivial, is that I never once felt the ABS self-check in 1,754 miles.

     

    To me, the 4-cylinder Accord feels like a larger, nicer Civic. In contrast, the V6 Accord feels to me like a less-expensive, decontented TL. Take your pick.
  • nomorev8nomorev8 Member Posts: 9
    Hey all. I just purchased a 2005 Honda Accord V-6 sedan. So far I have about 500 miles on it. My question is regarding gas mileage.

     

    The first time I refueld I got about 20 MPG...which was kinda a bummer because that is what my 2000 Ford Mustang GT V-8 got. Seems like I'm getting just about that now this time around however I have not filled up yet.

     

    I do understand that you don't get great gas mileage right off as the car has to break in...but does anyone have any insight into about how many miles that is? I've been driving conservatively, using cruise control, etc. About 80% freeway and 20% city streets.

     

    One of the primary reasons I got this vehicle was because of gas mileage.

     

    Any input would be greatly appreciated.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    8-10K miles is about when you should see better gas mileage.
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    Hi Andy,

     

    My situation wasn't as bad as yours because I was trading in a '05 with only 1,750 miles while the calendar was still 2004. You're trading in a '04 model in year 2005 meaning you've got way more depreciation than I did. Also, my trade-in was worked out with my original dealer so they didn't feel the need to beat me up on both the trade and the second new car. By my figures they gave me the LX-V6 at only $10 profit (invoice + destination - holdback). On my traded-in LX, they'll make, what, a grand maybe?

     

    Going from an '04 Civic EX sedan(?) to an '05 Accord 4-cylinder would be a tuff sell for me. Personally, I'm not sure that the I4 Accord is that much nicer to justify the large expense. An '05 LX-V6, that I might go for and, in fact, that's what I did.
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    Cruise control is not a good idea during the break in period.
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    Perhaps "using cruise control for an extended length of time" is not a good idea during break-in?

     

    No offense but I'm cautious about using absolutes and try never to say "never".
  • nomorev8nomorev8 Member Posts: 9
    Hmmm...I was not aware that using cruise control during a break in period was not a good idea. I've probably only used it for 50 miles or so total...not too much I hope.

     

    I guess I'll have to reread the manual and see what else I missed as applicable to the break-in period.

     

    Any other good pieces of advice?
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    While perhaps not applicable to the Accord in particular, conventional break-in wisdom says to avoid a constant engine speed for any extended length of time. The theory is that, somewhere in the engine, some irregularity or imperfection comes under maximum heat or stress at any given rpm. By varying engine speed, that theoretical load shifts around between components and gives individual stress points a chance to cool and/or get oil.

     

    Probably not a big deal in a liquid-cooled engine that doesn't have any break-in procedure specified by the manufacturer.
  • andysandiegoandysandiego Member Posts: 54
    Thanks, ktnr - Guess I'll have to wait now. You've got me sold on the Accord EX V-6, maybe the '08 in 3 years - or an Acura TSX?
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    The older engines weren't as well-fitted as today's machine built engines. So a tight spot might overheat at a certain speed that put it under more stress. Varying the speed also helped push and pull more oil past the rings on the walls. I recall being told to speed up with moderate acceleration for a short time and to decelerate (which pulls oil past the rings due to high vacuum) occasionally instead of keeping that constant speed.

     

    Also oil was changed at 1000 miles to get rid of particles that wore during the initial break-in. A special, thin oil was used to help the rings seat better.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    Cruising at 70 mph, my 03EXV6 got around 32MPG after 3K mile break-in.

    Try without cruise control the next time you measure it.

    My 89LXi only gives me ~28MPG at 65-70 mph.
  • greeegorgreeegor Member Posts: 1
    My daughter has the above and has been having intermittent stalling. She is v. anxious about this...fearing that she'll stall will turning and be broadsided. Our mechanic can't find a problem. Anyone have a similar story with a happy ending?
  • richylrichyl Member Posts: 20
    Hi, I am new to this board and I have been trying to decide which V6 to buy as my new car, Accord V6 or Camry V6. It seems that both are popular cars, could someone pinpoint what are the differences between the two? And Accord has more horsepower but Camry's got more torque, how would I interpret that? Thanks
  • pj53pj53 Member Posts: 1
    You should never feel or notice any difference, unless you plan on running over 130 mph.
    V & H are speed ratings. H is good up to 130 mph. V, 130 +.
    I added Goodyear's Triple tread. More aggressive tread then the Comfort tread.
    The tire rides a little stiffer then the Comfort tread, The handling of the Triple tread is far better. On wet roads with traction control on, unreal how well they work.
    I work for Goodyear and have had the chance to drive the tires under different
    driving conditions. My opinion only. No, I do not test tires. Yes, I have to pay for them.

    Later
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    The first thing that I would do is test drive both vehicles on the same day. We presently have a 2003 Accord with 42,000+ miles on the clock. This vehicle is just about 23 months old. Once this vehicle has 100,000 miles on the clock, we will trade it for another vehicle. (REASON:---It has a 100,000 mile extended warranty). At that point in time, we will look at the Accord, Camry, Impala and Taurus. The reason is that there are certain design characteristics about the Accord that I do not like. (The seats on a long trip are not comfortable, and we have the power seat. There is a blind spot in the driver's outside mirror. I installed one of those small round mirrors which seems to help in this area. The "A" pillars present a "blind spot" for the driver when making a left hand turn into a street, and when going through an intersection, and looking for vehicles approaching from the right side of the vehicle.) Prior to owning this 2003 Accord, we had a leased 2000 Accord / special addition and we did not have any of these issues. Personally, I do not like this new body style, but you be the judge on that issue. If the 2007 Accord has the same body style and the Camry is not any better in terms of comfort and convenience, then there is probably an Impala or a Taurus in our future. The only thing about this decision is that there is a "quality issue" to deal with, as part of the decision.
  • ktnrktnr Member Posts: 255
    You should read through the "Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry" forum and then ask any unanswered questions there.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    They're measurements of engine power that are relevant to the driver at different speeds. Accelerating from a stop, a high-torque engine easily moves the car forward but will do nothing for it at high speed. Passing vehicles on the interstate, a high-HP engine effortlessly allows you to do so, with torque being mostly irrelevant.

     

    Various engine and transmission technologies have been developed to achieve both, given that compromises are inherent to most if not all designs.

     

    Honda, paradigmed to high-speed Formula racing - seems to have evolved a handling, driver ergonomics and high-speed bias towards its cars, treating car amenities and city driving preferences with relatively less importance.

     

    Honda's concessions to local, city driving where torque is more useful have been its VTEC and to a lesser degree, 5-speed automatic transmission.

     

    Common to it, Toyota and other carmakers, computer intelligence is exploited to orchestrate the engine and transmission for all-around performance.

     

    Toyota, while having racing involvement, seems to have adhered closer to the "customer is king" adage. The torque of its 4 and 6 cylinder motors is higher than the Honda's. Additionally, Toyota engines' peak torque is attained at lower RPM - meaning, it takes less gas pedal pressure and noise to accelerate.

     

    Didn't mean this to be some kind of dissertation, but as perhaps with others on this board, these are somewhat fascinating trivia.

     

    Conclusion ? The Camry is probably more satisfying to drive in the city, but test drive both to decide.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi and welcome - ktnr gives you a great suggestion. Hop over to our ongoing Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry discussion - it's just what you are looking for.

     

    There's lots of information for you there and it would be the best place to ask any questions you still have after reading through it.

     

    Good luck!
  • richylrichyl Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for all your help. I was surprised about the blind spot you mentioned on your '03 accord, I thought all cars have blind spots.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Go to the website below and set your outside mirrors accordingly.......Richard

     

    http://www.smartrisk.ca/ContentDirector.aspx?tp=742&dd=11
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.