Older Honda Accords

gregoryc1

Ramida (posting #16692):

    Prior to purchasing this 2003 Accord, we had a leased 2000 Accord special edition model. While the interior of the 2003 is very plush compared to the older vehicle, (there is a lot of Acura in this Accord), the 2000 body style was a pleasure to drive. At this point in time, mechanically the vehicle has been very good. We have a 4 cylinder with an automatic trans. and it seems to be very dependable with 44,000 miles on the clock at 23 months old. But after reading some of the postings from the other owners on this board, (V6 model), we are happy that we have the 7 year 100,000 extended warranty. I think Honda has slipped a few notches in quality with this new body style. Will I purchase another Honda? At this point, I don't know. The one thing I really like about the Honda is their four cylinder engine, and the outstanding service that we get from the selling dealer. (We have purchased or leased 5 vehciles from this dealer since 1997). American vehicle manufacturers cannot come close to the quality of Honda's four cylinder engine. If we go to an American vehicle, it will most likely be a Chevrolet product, but it will be a V6 engine.

ktnr

"that Chrysler 300 battery in the trunk thing does sound a bit like trouble"

 

You think it'd be a problem to use the key to open the driver's door and then pull the trunk release?

gee35coupe

No problem. But many domestic cars have electric trunk poppers. I've never had to go in a 300's trunk.

03lxv6

Does anybody have the numbers for the thickness of the front motor and back motor for 03 LX V6?

 

Had 15K maintenance, was told by dealer 25% front brakes and 50% rear brakes are gone. when asked why, dealer said front brake was thicker and the braking force was split 50-50 between front and rear due to 4-wheel disc brake.

03lxv6

The rear pillars on both sides are too thick for Accord since 2003. Even if I turned my head, the pillar can still hinder the visibility.

 

Bad design, but maybe they want to make passenger safer. It looks like every car is getting bigger and bigger rear pillars.

isellhondas

Customers demand five star crash results along with thin A pillars!

 

Has to be a tradeoff somewhere.

bolivar

I own 3 vehicles. I carry keys for 2 of them, and several other keys. House, lockbox, in-laws house, etc.

 

I've never wanted to be somewhere and then - "Oh, but I don't have that key!"

 

2 of the vehicles have remotes. I don't carry either remote because if I did, the added weight and lump in my pocket would probably make me tilt, and appear even more mis-shaped.

 

So, when out with my wife, and want to stuff her into the passenger seat, I unlock the passenger door with - WHAT ELSE - a key.

 

This is why the right door should have a key cylinder.

 

P.S. I always carry my keys, if I have my pants on. The wife isn't going to lock me out in the cold easily.....

bdyment

Yes: Trunk Release is power, not manual.

gregoryc1

The 2000 Accord did not have this "A" pillar problem, and I am sure it was a safe vehicle. The truth is that the "new body style" was never properly tested before it was placed into production. Any person driving this vehicle couldn't help but see the "visibility problem" with the "A" pillars. How safe could this new body style be, if the operator gets hit at an intersection, because he / she can't see approaching vehicles from the right side of the vehicle, due to a blocked line of vision caused by the "A" pillar. It is an accident looking for a place to happen!----------- Also, ---just look at all the body noises that are described on these boards. They didn't exist on the 2000 body style!

gee35coupe

The remote in in the Accord key. So if you have the key, you have the remote. Hit it twice and passenger door will unlock.

bolivar

My Accord has a remote separate from the key. It's only a 2002.

gregoryc1

Kindly read posting # 16690. Thank you.

pat

Uh, he has already read it and already responded to it. No need for a rerun, here.

ktnr

"the "new body style" was never properly tested before it was placed into production"

 

Rather than implying that Honda engineers are incompetent, another way of looking at this is that your car wasn't properly test driven before it was purchased.

 

My 7th gen Accord's A, B and C pillars and also it's rear-view mirrors are just fine the way they are.

isellhondas

I don't think it's a "problem" per se but it takes awhile getting used to. You have to remember cars continue to get safer as customers demand even greater crash test results than in previous years. Also, people demand side curtain airbags now, and guess where they have to be installed?

 

The first time I drove a 2003, I'll admit, it bothered me a bit too but I quickly got used to it where now, I don't even notice.

tcvb22

Thanks for your reply.

 

I also purchased a 2005 Pilot for my wife and I don't notice it slowing down too quickly once I take my foot off the accelerator. Actically I like the way it feels instead of the sudden slowdown on the accord.

gregoryc1

You are correct! We did not notice this issue on the test ride 24 months ago, but we will be VERY careful in the future, on our next vehicle purchase. If the Accord retains the same body style, we will look at the Honda SUVs. The only other possibility would be a Toyota or an Impala. It is a shame, because we really like the Honda 4 cylinder engine.

chucko3

<<<<The first time I drove a 2003, I'll admit, it bothered me a bit too but I quickly got used to it where now, I don't even notice. >>>>

 

Same here. Now I don't even notice it when I drive the 7th or the 3rd generation Accord.

superman5

what is the recommanded mileage for timing belt/water pump change for 2001 honda accord? is it still 60k or around 80k to 90k?

gregoryc1

After reviewing my reply to your statement, I would like to reply again in this fashion. Vehicles are being built with intrinsic design and mechanical problems by the manufacturer, but when confronted by the consumer, the manufacturer simply either blames the consumer for being too picky, or not knowing how to operate the vehicle properly, or not being observant prior to making the purchase. The issue is always directed toward the consumer. Somehow the consumer is always deficient in some way. Notice, we never hear a manufacturer admit that they made a mistake. Personally, I think the "lemon laws" for automobiles should be made more stringent. The consumer should not have to prove that the vehicle is a "lemon", but rather the manufacturer should have to prove that the vehicle "is not lemon" when confronted by the consumer at an arbitration hearing! While I think that Honda makes basically a quality product, I am not in love with any car or car company, because to me a vehicle,(with any name plate), is just transportation from point "A" to point "B". A "name plate" is not a religion to me, and I have absolutely no loyalty to any manufacturer, because in the end, if there is a possibility for the manufacturer to get out of a warranty claim obligation, they will always look at the "bottom line", (some more than others). As consumers we do not get any "points" from the manufacturer for being loyal to them, or a particular name plate. We are simply just another person who is willing to part with their hard earned money for a product.

ktnr

Have you considered a diary as a way to amuse yourself with your own writing without involving so many other people?

gregoryc1

Can't we just debate an issue without getting personal! If you have a different opinion, just simply state it, so that everyone can make a judgement on the issue under discussion. This forum is for the open and free exchange of ideas and opinions, as long as it is done in a professional manner.

ramida

gregoryc1, you're probably too close to the steering wheel that's why the A-pillars are obstructing your view of vehicles/pedestrians coming from your right side. Try adjusting your seat to a "maximum" distance that you can manage with. You not only miminize the obstructing effect of the thick pillars, but you're safer too. If you're driving a stick, you may need to re-adjust your clutch release and gas presses.

 

This 03 Accord of mine has not given me any pleasure at all because of its crappy clutch and perky engine breaks that piss me off every day.

 

If I could only create a new discussion group entitled "WHY I HATE MY HONDA ACCORD", I certainly will.

 

What a lousy Honda Engineering.

 

ramida

 

P.S. CALLING ALL 03-05 ACCORD MANUAL TRANS DRIVERS TO REPLICATE THIS ACCORD PROBLEM: RUNNING 3RD OR 4TH GEAR ON A LEVEL OR DOWNHILL TERRAIN, EASE OFF YOUR GAS PEDAL COMPLETELY, THEN PRESS ON TO THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN. DO YOU GET A JERKY OR BOUNCY ACCELERATION? YOU MIGHT CONSIDER THIS HONDA TRAIT NORMAL BUT TO ME IT MAKES THE DRIVING ROUGH. OTHER CARS LIKE TOYOTA AND NISSAN DO NOT EXHIBIT THIS CRAP.

isellhondas

It's 105,000 miles.

isellhondas

You keep talking about this "problem", in ALL CAPS, no less and I haven't the foggiest idea what you mean. Nothing I've ever noticed anyway.

gregoryc1

I will try your suggestion. Our Accord is a 4 cylinder automatic. I would have purchased a "stick" but my wife cannot drive a standard transmission. Now that you have shared your experience, I am glad that we purchased the automatic trans.. You are correct in your evaluation of this Accord body style. If I had driven this vehicle for one hour on a highway prior to making the purchase, I would have purchased another vehicle, possibly the Honda Element. Another annoying issue with this vehicle is the "SLOW Return" of the seat belts to there resting position, in the front seats, (four door model), after the person leaves the vehicle. Here again, the 2000 Accord did not have this issue. I do not "HATE" our Accord, but I am very disappointed with the "quality", lack of attention to detail and the "new design" of the vehicle. The only reason why I would consider another Honda product, (possibly the Element), is the fact that I have an outstanding dealer who goes out their way to service our vehicles in a very professional manner. I hope someone from Honda reads these boards and takes some notes, because Honda is starting to loose ground in terms of quality, and that is sad.

ramida

Do you drive a stick?

koumei

The jerky acceleration is probably due to the low-end torque of the new engine. My father-in-law owns a 2003 Element. Personally, I don't think it's much better than my 2003 Accord LX. With the same engine Accord saves much more gas, and it has enough storage I need on daily basis (plus it's more comfortable). I'm sure Element has even worse rear view visibility; if you have trouble with the blind spots then you should consider add-on mirrors.

 

Maybe Honda's shifting its quality focus on the Acura flagship. There is certainly a big difference between Honda and Acura compared to how they were built 10 years ago.

pmhtv

I own a 2003 EX-L with 5-speed manual and have no issues with the manual trans in this car. It "snicks" into gear confidently and the clutch is much easier to use than my previous BMW - which got very heavy in traffic. Plus, I am very pleased with my fuel mileage, especially on the highway.

ramida

We're not talking about the transmission here. It's the clutch release (after shifting into 2nd gear) that's problematic, even if you satisfy the "required" rpm -- 3000 when you should change gear. It either stutters if you release it too soon, or creates a bouncy acceleration if you don't "baby" the clutch. It's a difficult release to master and impossible to do it right 100% of the time.

 

Obviously, many stick drivers are not that concerned about the smoothness of their acceleration or driving. They don't care, but I do.

 

ramida

gregoryc1

I am assuming that the clutch release is a hydraulic linkage. Is it possible, that the hydraulic system is not completely full or there is air in the system, and you are not getting the full action of the system?

ramida

Thanks, but I don't think there is a problem with the clutch hydraulic linkage. The symptoms of a hydraulic linkage problem (like not fully disengaging the clutch when the pedal is pressed, or the clutch pedal not fully returning after being pressed) are not there.

 

ramida

isellhondas

My cars are both automatics but I do drive stick Accords from time to time and I haven't noticed any problems like you talk about.

 

Without driving your car I can't say what is going on. I've never heard of this before.

 

VERY FEW five speed Accord are sold anymore.

brianu

I have a 2004 EXL manual and it's by far the best manual drive-train I've even owned and I've been owned a manual transmission daily drive for 21 of my last 25 years (I owned a JEEP Grand Cherokee from 2000-2004). I have never noticed any driveline 'snatch' that occurs when you hammer the throttle hard and then lift off. I believe the Accord 2.4I 5-speed manual is a great all around combination of performance drivability and fuel economy. I average a little over 32Mpg in my daily 85 mile round trip commute in Houston traffic that ranges from stop and go to 75Mph cruise conditions. I&#146;m not one of these guys that have owned a Honda for the last 20 years. I purchased my first one about 18 months ago and have been very impressed with the overall package.

superman5

thank you !!

fredvh

Can anyone tell me what kind of mpg I can expect on the I4 auto?

     What is the approximate RPM on the Accord I4 w/auto trans at 70 mph?

richards38

Expect about 22 MPG city, and 33 or more highway. Use regular gas--premium is money down the drain.

RPM @ 70 is a bit under 2500 on tach.

 

The engine is silent and smooth at 80 MPH or more.........Richard

1997montez34

On my recent trip- from NJ to VA I got 36mpg+ on the highway in my '03 Accord LX I4/Auto. I couldn;t believe the mileage I was getting!

lmacmil

"dealer said front brake was thicker and the braking force was split 50-50 between front and rear due to 4-wheel disc brake."

 

Ah, another dealer service rep/salesman who doesn't know what he's talking about. With 60% of the weight on the front axle plus the weight shift due to deceleration, it's impossible for the braking to be split 50-50. It's probably more like 70-30. That's exactly why the front rotor is thicker and (probably) larger in diameter.

 

It is very unusual for rear linings to wear faster than fronts but I think you are the second one to mention this.

flatop

I live in NJ and have heated mirrors on my Highlander. Great feature. I am considering an '05 Accord but the US models do't have heated mirrors. I saw on the Honda Canada site that heated mirrors are standard on the Accord.

 

Does anyone know if the US models have the wiring harness already installed? It should be easy enough to purchase and install the mirrors if the harness is there.

 

George

gee35coupe

We've owned two of this generation Accord 5 speed manuals. I've never had a problem either.

ashaidy

had it in Pasadena Honda 2/2/05 what they did this time was tightened sub frame supension components and body seams now I do not want to get too excited about this yet but it was very very quiet today. Maybe they remedied it? Keep you posted.

fredvh

Thanks richards38 and 1997montez34. I appreciate the info. Did either of you try out the Camry before you purchased the Accord? How do you compare the two?

ktnr

Ramida,

 

More than once, you've told everyone here that Honda's engineers are lousy and that our 7th gen Accords are "low quality cars". Despite all of the reviews, comparison tests, ten-best lists, and Consumer Reports data to the contrary, we wasted our money putting junk in our driveways.

 

But you'd like advice regarding a clutch issue that you find difficult to describe.

 

Your problem with the Accord can never be resolved. It's a poorly-engineered, low-quality car, remember? Set your expectations of the clutch "Accordingly".

1997montez34

My in-laws have an '02 Camry so I was familiar with that car. Nothing wrong with it, but I prefer Honda's more "driver-oriented" feel. The Accord delivers a sportier driving experience than the Camry. Nothing wrong with either one. Just personal preference.

ramida

You wrote "We've owned two of this generation Accord 5 speed manuals. I've never had a problem either."

 

That's because what's rough driving to me maybe smooth driving to you, or you just don't care. The following Honda "trait" (which I consider unacceptable) has been replicated/reproduced by my Honda dealer's technicians, not only on the 03s but also on the 05s. Try it, and I'm sure you can reproduce the "trait", but then you will say "it's normal, I don't care". I do care, especially on a slow traffic because it's a horsey kangaroo drive -- rouuuuuugh!!!

 

Direction: Drive to at least the 3rd or 4th gear on a level road or downhill terrain. Ease off the gas pedal completely, then press the gas again. gee35coupe, describe to me what you observe with your engine/acceleration. If that jerky or bouncy acceleration is not a problem to you, it is to me. Very clear description of the problem and yet people find it difficult to understand.

 

ramida

richards38

Yes, I drove a Camry LE. It was very quiet and smooth, but the ride was too soft for me and the brake pedal had a soft feel--the brakes were very good, just didn't feel firm. Also, the interior style was uninspired (it's better now with electroluminescent gauges--I tested the '03 Camry).

 

Also tested the Mazda 6i which had the best handling and braking, but felt sluggish on take-off and had a clunky, 4 speed A/T that probably was an old Ford unit.

 

In my opinion, the Accord had a better feel than the Camry--the Accord is no sports car, but is sportier than the Camry (at least the LE model). The Accord had more of what I wanted, but it does ride harder, so if you like a soft "floaty" ride, you might be better off with the Camry.

 

Statistically the Camry is slightly more trouble-free, but by such a narrow margin that it really doesn't matter. My Accord has been flawless although I must take my '04 EX-L sedan in for the airbag recall.

 

No regrets on buying the Accord which is a pleasure to drive and the 4 cyl. engine is smooth, economical, and surprisingly quick.

 

Current Accord prices seem to be almost $1,000 less than when I bought my '04 in late August, '03. The Accord is a great car on any basis and for the money, you can't do better IMO.....Richard

bamacar

Your directions describe no clutch activity. Why would anyone have assumed a clutch problem?

 

How hard are you stabbing the accelerator? Any car with good power and a manual transmission will jerk if you go from zero gas to flooring it. If it didn't, I sure wouldn't want it. What speed was the car going when you completely let off the gas. How slow was it going when you stepped on it again? Should you have downshifted? The only vehicle that would not jerk from that scenario described is one with inadequate power.

 

Like many others here, the Accord has the smoothest shifts and clutch action of any car I have owned. I have owned manual Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Mazdas, Mitsubishis, and Fords. None were as smooth.

gee35coupe

Ditto. I totally agree. Additionally the cruise would be worthless if manual Accords had some type of jerky accelleration trait on hills. Our cruise works flawlessly.

 

One more thing...I don't go down many hills with the car in 3rd or 4th gear. If I'm gonna stop at the bottom, I'm in neutral or I'm in fifth gear if I'm cruising. The described situation is something I would never experience since I obviously don't drive that way.

ramida

You wrote "Your directions describe no clutch activity. Why would anyone have assumed a clutch problem?"

 

Who said I'm describing a clutch problem? The clutch problem I descibed in other posts is entirely different!

 

And did I mention flooring it?

 

Gee, you need to read more carefully.

 

ramida