Older Honda Accords

mitchflorida

I have heard a completely brand new version of the Accord will appear calendar year 2007. Any details out yet? What month in 2007 will it be in showrooms?

master1

I want to find that out too. Where did you hear about a new Accord

ftrain

So, I'm a nanosecond away from jumping on an Accord LX Special Edition. I've got a great price (as best I can tell), the color I want, good financing terms, etc. And then I'm doing one last comparison of the Accord VP, LX and LX SE on the Honda website, and it jumps out at me that unlike the VP and LX, the LX SE does NOT offer traction control. So, I'll just ask, how important is it? I guess I just don't understand why it's not offered with the SE, but because it's not, I guess I wonder if it would make that big of a difference. I'm moving to New Jersey next month, so the winters make me wonder. Honda has to sell lots of SE's in snowy climates, right? Or has this been discussed to death and it's considered a serious flaw in the LX SE?

I'd LOVE any advice on this. I just don't know how to determine what I'd be losing. I like the SE a lot more than just the LX because of the alloy wheels and interior trim. I just don't get why they leave it off. It seems like such an odd ommission.

tallman1

The VSA Traction Control is only available on the V6 models.

ftrain

If that's true, then their website is wrong, because when I used the "Compare Accord" feature on the Hondacars.com site, and compared the VP to the LX and to the LX SE, it listed traction control as standard on the VP and LX, but not on the LX SE. I looked at it over and over because it made no sense.

I guess I'll ask the salesman again. Strange.

mgmtech

I gave up trying to figure this out. The Honda rep at the NY auto show said the new model would be out sometime in 2007, but others I have spoken to emphatically say it won’t be out until next year. :confuse:

fanshawe23

Yes, the "Compare Accord" feature on Honda's website is incorrect for that feature for whatever reason. VSA is only on the V6 models.

I wouldn't trust a salesman either; most of them know less about the techincal features of the car than the average consumer.

This is a better comparison chart: http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications_full_specs.asp?ModelName=Acco- rd+Sedan&Category=ALL

ftrain

Fanshawe23, thanks. Do you (or does anyone else) think I am overimagining the importance of the traction control? They sell tons of these cars each year in places where there is snow and ice, right?

This now has me looking again at the Mazda6 i Sport, which comes with traction control standard.

qbrozen

yes, you are definitely overimagining the importance of traction control ... on a FWD car. RWD would be a whole different story. I've been here in Jersey my whole life (well, except for my 4 years at college on Long Island) and didn't have a car with traction control until very recently. Up until that time, I have NEVER had a problem in any kind of snow with run-of-the-mill FWD and decent all-season tires.

beedublu

I'm not sure I would choose one car over another solely because of traction control. I was debating back and forth about an 04 Accord LX vs. an 04 Malibu, and aside from the enormous GM rebates at the time, one of the reasons I chose the Malibu was the traction control. But after two upstate NY winters with this car, I can't really say that it has helped that much...I've seen the "traction active" light go on only a few times.

thegraduate

Yes, I also think that, even if they HAD omitted traction control from the SE, it wouldn't be worth fawning over. "Stability Control" on the other hand is worth having, but is only available on 6-cylinder models.

(We had TCS [traction control] on our 2000 Odyssey, and it activated all of 3 times in 5.5 years of ownership). It doesn't make the car safer really, it just prevents wheelspin from a stop. (I'm not even sure Honda offers JUST traction control anymore, i think it's now VSA or nothing, isn't it?)

2728zimmern

I've lived in Wisconsin all my life and have driven all types of cars. Traction control has only made a difference on RWD cars. I just purchased an Accord LX SE 3 weeks ago and love it. Before that I drove a Camry and before that a much older Accord, neither had traction control and drove great in the Wisconsin winters.

seniorjose

The new USA Honda plant just announced that will employ 1,500 workers and is needed to keep up with the "spectacular" demand for Honda automobiles. However, what the mix will be was not announced. Also a new Canadian and I thought I heard a new Mexican plants were announced. Anyway, there will be three new Honda plants in North America.

autoboy16

Have you looked at an LX V6? You get Vehicle Stabillity control,, , traction controls, power seats, moonroof, more power, a couple of other options and a GREAT CAR!!. Otherwise if you just want the 2006's styling, i'd recomend a CErtified Pre-owned accord and get an ex with nav ... But that's what i'd do. I see it as why pay more for a plain jane no option vehicle when you can pay less for a fully loaded top of the line! But then again with the GREAT resale value, they all will cost about the same.
Don't buy the VP. You miss out on a lot of the little things too such as an illuminated vanity mirror. Thats one of the items you don't care for until you need it ... My dad always says "its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it"

ftrain

Thanks for all the responses. We pulled the trigger this afternoon on the Accord LX SE. We're really excited. My wife and I both drive 10-year old compact cars, so this is going to be a terrific upgrade for us. We look forward to 10 (or more!) great years in the Accord.

avianflu

Can Honda's superb engine development team, vault their standard 4 cylinder gas economy beyond 34 mpg hyw, up into the high 30's (maybe 40); above and beyond the reach of Toyota's Camry?

Sorry Guys, Diesels don't count, too cumbersome and smelly for most, and battery life and cost of the hybrids just don't mainstream.

We are waiting Honda... you've got some of the best dang motor engineers, make it happen, just deliver the goods.

You've got two years...plenty of time.

Got to believe that Honda engineers are reading this forum...not allowed to speak.

Clearly cylinder de activation alone won't get it... it has to be much more fundamental... yes, air enrichment with membrane technology is indeed a possibility(all of that wasted volume in the doors and fenders is available).

tallman1

I suppose he could have meant that the 2008 model would be out sometime in 2007.

qbrozen

Diesels don't count, too cumbersome and smelly for most

only if you are still living in the 80s. Diesels have come a long way since then. Read the reviews on the latest Jetta TDI, for instance. They say, other than the badge, there is virtually no way to tell you are in a diesel.

lqyedmund

Hello chaseboy,

I just bought a 2006 Accord VP, I got the same problem of the door courtesy lights. Both the front and rear door courtesy light are off no matter what the door is open or closed. Do you solved your problem? Is it easy or difficult to fix? Thanks

bolivar

Look at message 18850. Someone is telling you they are not lights, just reflectors.

lqyedmund

But not sure. Someone said they should be on when the door is opened.
I also called the dealer. The dealer told me there is a shwich on the celing light and It should be set to the center or left position--door activated. Then the door courtesy lights should be on when the door is opened. But I tried yesterday and it doesn't work. Thanks

marys236

I drove an EX-L 4cyl today, loved it. I thought it felt like a luxury car, and was surprised at the acceleration from the 4 cyl. Now I'm driving an SUV, and I really like the convenience and hauling capabilities, but need something with better mpg. I also test drove a Matrix, liked the convenience of the hatchback style, but didn't much care for the interior, comfort and handling, especially since I drove the Accord just afterwards. Big difference. I wish there were something as luxurious that drove as nice as the Accord EX-L, but in a hatchback or wagon, for a comparable price, reliability, that also got at least the 24 mpg/city that the Accord gets. You know, the perfect car. Any suggestions?

anonymousposts

a 6 wagon. However, these have had hit or miss reliability. Some are awesome and some are so-so. You should be able to get a good deal on one though.

jkinzel

If you find a VW Jetta TDI get it. 44MPG

autoboy16

Heres a list. All offer decent gas mileage and some versatility. The price I have is the base price per model(ex: Accord exv6with nav)Except for the Suzuki, all offer a nav system if you have that bad sense of direction

0. Stay away from Malibu Maxx, Dodge (the ) Caliber and Magnum, and the saabs.
1. Volvo s40/v50 $24-32k
2. 2007 passat wagon or 06 sedan $24-36k
3. Nissan Altima 2.5s. Epa says almost 600miles on tank of gas $18-30k
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid or 4 cyl $19-29k
5. Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid (i prefer the mercury) $26-31k
6. Mazda 3 5door(can you wait for the mazdaspeed3) $17-?k
7. Mazda 6 5door or wagon $19-30k
8. Acura tsx $25-30k
9. The Lovable accord or hybrid
10. Suzuki Grand Vitara $17-28k

seniorjose

I just completed a 2,000 mile trip from Iowa to upstate New York in my 2005 I4 Accord EX-L,.. mileage at 65-75 was 35-36 MPG. If and when the national speed limits are reset lower, I am sure I could get close to 40MPG at a stead 55MPH. It really scoots for passing on two lane roads..it is definitely faster than my Ford Escape V6, The Accord V6 lists EPA highway mileage at 29MPG and city driving at 22MPG.

thegraduate

The Accord V6 actually lists mileage at 20 CITY/29 HWY, not 22/29. The only exception is the 6-speed manual V-6, which maintains 21 CITY/30 HWY.

For reference, the I-4s get 24/34 Automatic Trans., 26/34 Manual Trans.

autoboy16

And about what have you experienced in both accords? :P. Almost never go by the EPA. Ex A honda Insight gets 60mpg city with manual tranny and no ac equipped driving at 55mph (wow the torture... Imagine driving that in temperatures of 90º+. KUDOS to whoever did that!). Drivers/owners experienced about 40-52mpg.

thegraduate

I (and my family) have only had the I-4 Accords (2003, 2005, 2006), right now my Dad has an 05 and I just got an 06. On a strictly HWY trip I have managed between 35-40MPG, with the average being around 36 MPG (this was in his 2005 with 40k miles), the one trip I took in my 2006 which had 2,300 miles at the time I got 36.4 MPG, but the A/C wasn't running (it was January). Both these times I averaged 75-80 MPH with one passenger in the car.

In mixed driving (about 50/50 really) I get between 28.5 and 30 MPG. Here are the numbers on my excel spreadsheet since the end of March:

1912.1 miles/ 64.359 gallons which equals 29.71 MPG. This doesn't include any real trips; only one stint to the lake in the Eastern plateau of Alabama (Lake Harris) from this weekend, in which I got 31.2 MPG, A/C blasting (it was 91 here!) (very windy hilly roads).

I don't drive really heavy footed, but I am not afraid to use the power to jump in line merging...5,500 RPM doesn't scare me, in fact it's fun, but it's rare that I rev like that...usually under 3k RPM.

Hope this helps.

autoboy16

in which I got 31.2 MPG, A/C blasting (it was 91 here!) (very windy hilly roads).

Except for the hilly windy roads part, thats the average weather here which is worse because its so close to sea level and o so very humid. Thats bad on the engine since heat and humidity is no engines (or persons) friend... Btw I have 142miles recorded on my odometer and still have another half of tank of gas. Not bad for an 11 year old v6 Accord in miami for 2 weeks.

SSSOOO EXCITED... THIS FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL :shades: !! Unfortunatly its the start of hurricane season (don't wanna jinks) it

thegraduate

I can relate to the thrill of keeping an old Accord running...My 1996 Lx I-4 just returned me 361.9 miles on 12.33 gallons of gas...over 29 MPG (it stickers at 23/31)...not bad considering it has just been me driving in the Birmingham area for the last week (albeit a lot of highway b/c I live in the Urban Sprawl/suburbs.

zzhung

I am starting to look at buying an Accord LX SE I-4 sedan. I notice that the 2006 V6 models have a new style taillight with the center mount brake light strip on the trunk lid. Do all 2006 trim, ie VP, LX, SE 4-cylinder Accords have the same taillight style ? Thanks.

jhinsc

yes

qbrozen

If you find a VW Jetta TDI get it. 44MPG

There are 4 or 5 sitting at my local dealer.

However, the auto is rated at 42 highway, and the manual at 41.

Not a bad purchase price, but they wanted RIDICULOUS money to lease one. I may only get 30 mpg in the Accord I just leased yesterday, but at about $150 less per month to lease it, I can pay for ALOT of gas (and go MUCH faster and have MUCH more room and MANY more features along the way).

qbrozen

I've tried a couple of searches on this discussion to no avail. Does anyone know how to or have they installed an aux input on an Accord with XM radio?

The soundgate adapter says "no XM radio", so I've ruled that out for my '06 EX sedan.

Are there aux inputs on the back of the radio by any chance? I don't want to tear into the dash without knowing what I might need to finish the job.

qbrozen

oh, never mind. I answered my own question by searching the net. For anyone else looking for this:
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/blitzhonauxdmxv2.html

pretty darned expensive, though.

stickguy

But much better than using an FM converter. And given where we live, a neccessity. I have one with 8 choices, and up in central/north Jersey, none of them work.

I just use the XM exclusively in my Accord. We just use the ipod in the Odyssey, and only when we travel (mostly away from NYC).

I actually just ordered an ipod adapter gizmo from Crutchfield today for the van. A little more expensive than that one, but it plugs into the dock on the ipod and will charge it, and allow for control fro the steering wheel (at least to change songs).

qbrozen

I was looking for one to hook up my sirius radio. I'm prepaid for another 6 months or so, and, so far, I'm not impressed with XM. The sirius plays on any FM station I choose, but the quality still suffers. I wish I could figure out how to make my own input. I'm missing ALOT of info to do that, though. And maybe the effort isn't worth saving $100. I dunno.

My wife will not allow me to start buying accessories so soon after getting a new $25k car. So I guess I'll continue transmitting through FM for now.

jay_gatsby

Try this post:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4684

cindaro

Argh! Dude...if you find it let me know, but I'm pretty sure they don't have one. I JUST bought a 2006 Honda Accord EX V6...figuring that it that since most cars have some sort of an auxillary jack to connect devices such as ipods these days that the new accord would...but no...they offer the "Honda Music Link" which will cost $500 with installation...it's pretty ridiculous...what's more irritating is that the Civic has an auxillary jack...considering Accord are somewhat higher end than Civics you would think they would have one.

ckal

I just had a Draw Tite hitch and wire harness installed on my 2006 Accord EX sedan (4 cyl 5 speed manual). I haven't towed anything yet, but noticed that since installation of the towing wire harness my cruise control gets cancelled when I activate the turn signal, just as if I had hit the brake or clutch pedal. I returned to the installer to find that Draw Tite is still working on a towing wire harness solution for the 06 Accord Sedan. Are there any others who have had this problem? Are there other hitch harness suppliers with a fix for this? I use the trailer to haul yard waste to the local dump and will need the proper electrical hookup soon. :confuse:

ckal

Keep in mind the dealers charge about $70 for an oil change on the Jetta TDI's, and VW recommends a fuel additive, as North American diesel fuel does not meet their specifications. I considered a new TDI but the hassles were more than I wanted. I bought a 2006 4 cyl Accord EX-L 5 speed. Nice car, low maintenance, 30+ mpg in mixed city/hwy. I don't have time to deal with all the TDI maintenance, etc. If you're looking for low cost transportation that's comfortable, roomy and reliable, the Accord is for you.

qbrozen

ummmm... just read the few posts before yours.

jkinzel

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Honda plans to sell diesel-powered cars in the U.S. and Japan as soon as 2009, according to a media report Wednesday.
Diesel versions of the Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX SUV are planned for U.S. markets, Honda President Takeo Fukui was quoted as saying in an interview with the Yomiuri newspaper. Honda already sells diesel cars in Europe. The diesel-powered Accord was rated Europe's most reliable car in a survey released in the past week.
Diesel engines often offer better mileage and longevity than standard gasoline engines. Diesel is also cheaper, an important factor as gas prices have risen sharply in the past year.
"Honda's already in the business of diesel engines," said Kurt Sanger, senior analyst at Macquarie Research Equities in Tokyo. "They already have one of the world's most efficient diesel engines on the market in Europe."
While gas-electric hybrid vehicles such as Toyota's Prius have won over many consumers in the U.S., Honda has had less success marketing its own hybrid vehicles, which include the now-discontinued Insight, and a hybrid version of the Civic.
Hybrid technology has proven best suited to smaller cars, while Honda's new diesel vehicles will be focused on the opposite end of the market.
A possible stumbling block is diesel's reputation in the U.S. as a polluting, low-grade fuel.
"It hasn't been marketed to Americans in quite some time," said Sanger.
He added that the advanced diesel fuel that powers cars in Europe is not widely available in the U.S. yet.

parose99

My keyless remote works on all but the driver's door; how do you fix that?
Thanks,
parose99

litriad

Hello, Just bought a new V6 EX today. Quick question. Are the guages supposed to dim slighty when the headlights are turned on?

bolivar

Late model Hondas now seem to have a bright dash light that turns on when you insert the key. With the headlights off.

When you turn the headlights on, the intensity of the dash lights is controlled by the dimmer. It's a control on your dash somewhere.

tallman1

You can adjust the brightness by turning the little knob near the gauge so that they will dim to several different levels or they will stay bright if you leave it all the way to the right.

autoboy16

Since acura is going world wide soon, do you think acura may go back to nomenclature (regular names) for the us versions? Ex: The NA Acura RL is called the Honda Legend elsewhere. My question is basically, what will be called what and were? I know its complicated to understand but its more complicated to explain :sick: . What i simply mean is that there is no point in the japanese having an acura tsx and the accord they have already. Would their Acura tsx be our Honda Accord? Understand? :confuse:

autoboy16

Face it, We've all laughed, giggled, and made faces to the honda accord wagon back in the 1990s. That was the time of the SUV. Now that gas prices are through the roof and suvs are sitting on lots more than, now that idea doesn't sound so bad anymore... But lets face it, its time has come and gone here in the USA. They have this
(would definatly work as a acura tsx wagon)
in other parts of the world and we in NA have nothing... That was before i saw one exactly like the 2006 we have now.

Ok ok its an edited picture but hey it shows someone else shares my idea. I even volunteer my slogan for honda (or acura)...

Introducing the 2006 Honda Accord Wagon(or Acura tsx wagon), A whole NEW kind of sports utility vehicle.

I crack me myself up :P. The chances of this are slim to none with the redesign around the corner, down the street and accross the railroad tracks.