Older Honda Accords

coolguyky7

are some drawings from this Japanese website of the 2003 Accord. They were right on when they did the 2002 Camry.


http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/accord0111/00.jpg


http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/accord0111/01.jpg


It looks a lot like the old Camry from the back.

rtfmdude

Has anyone trying using the high beam bulb 9005 for the low beam in the Accord. I don't think there are any difference between the 9005 high and 9006 low beam except for the 10 watts difference.

alpha01

If that's the 03 Accord, its not very impressive style wise. That rump is quite boring...if Honda is searching for a retro theme,perhaps they would like to go further back than the 97 Camry, which itself was likened to an 89 Tempo by some auto journalists (I think the '00 Camry revision with the broader taillamps was much more attractive than the 97-99). In any case, I'm sure the next Accord will be an excellent car, although the trend with recent Hondas is that they arent pushing the envelope far enough... PRIME EXAMPLE-the new Civic, which doesnt perform at the top its class as it used to.
Just my opinion
alpha01

stevem327

mtr2: It sounds like there's something wrong with your gas cap. A loose cap or one that isn't closing properly is a big reason why the check engine light will come on.

If you have a good relationship with your Honda dealer's service department or an independent shop, ask them if you can borrow an Accord gas cap for a week or two and see if that makes a difference. If you have to buy a new one, they can't cost more than $10-$15 I would think. Good luck.

talkcars

Thanks to all who wrote their opinions and experiences regarding SE vs EX vs Domestic; it really helps. So, domestic cars are out, based on reliability and resell value. Now, I must decide if the EX/cloth is worth the extra money. One advantage is color choices for the EX. SE colors are silver, black and red. Do the lighter colors really look better after a number of years?

Also,after just seeing the Vehix.com commerical, went to their website and noticed their SE invoice price of $18766(without side airbags)is lower than other sites. Any thoughts about Vehix.com?

auburn63

First thing sounds as if you either need a shift position switch and or a shift cable adjustment.

secound sounds like a bad thermostat to me..

bolivar

Are you letting the car run while re-fueling?

This will turn the check engine light on in many later model autos....

fxashun

I agree, the shift cable might have to go to the dealer.
But the thermostat should be a do-it-yourself job.

fxashun

Yellow turn signals from the rear of their cars I'm not gonna be happy. The Accord Coupe the Civic lost theirs. Now the drawings of the Accord sedan.

tgif888

SE also didn't have the audio control on the steering wheel. And SE is made in Japan and EX is made in American.

sobers

EX with Leather have Audio controls on steerign, I guess EX doesn't have it ? I guess SE makes the 2002 Accord a real bargain with $200-300 over invoice!!

ickes

They just put the yellow signals onto the Odessey as part of the '02 update...

zhangjo

BUT OH amd KY are not in the program. Currently, HONDA only gives special lease on 2002 Accords in OH and KY. Is it a regional thing? Can I get a special APR in OHIO, I am planning to buy, not lease.

carguy62

I agree about the amber signals. Used to be a hallmark of Japanese and other imports. The rear of that Accord in the drawing looks like the previous Integra and even a little like my '89 Accord H/B but without the amber!!.

canadiancl

I hope not! Or else he may have more to worry about than the check engine light.

tgif888

The special lease program and finacning is available in S. Cal and I don't think this is a regional thing.

eludwig

http://www.vtec.net/pics/03/accord/mag-x12.01-01.jpg

eludwig

http://www.vtec.net/pics/03/accord/mag-x12.01-02.jpg

Also it's rumored that Honda wants the Accord to become "the sedan version of the S2000". All of this is speculative stuff- we all know how tight-lipped Honda is.

BTW, http://www.vtec.net is a good source for rumor info on new models.

ickes

The Mag-X info is cited elsewhere as the JDM and European market cars, suggesting the earlier more conservative car is intended for NA. Of course onwe line of the Mag-X info said that Accord would have the same body world-wide. We can only hope!!

a_crash

I have been following this post for about a year now. Thanks for all of the great info. I just bought my first Accord - got it for 22,900 - under invoice! Used autobytel.com. SO EASY to buy a car, and a great price with 4.9% financing. I added Fog lights and mud guards. I have been really impressed with this car. I compared the new Altima, Maxima, Old Camry, New Camry, Passat, and the Acura TL. I really like the TL, but for the money, the amount of content and features I get in the EXV6 - Cannot be beat! My first new car was a EX Civic, then I got a Rodeo, and now I am back to Honda with the Accord. They make a great car. Any ideas / thoughts to best upkeep the car?

canadiancl

Don't follow your last name

eludwig

I'll keep my fingers crossed for the style in my meesage #3020! I would be surprised if Honda decided to pursue two different body styles, given recent coverage in the business press on issues like this and flexible manufacturing. It wouldn't be economical to pursue two body styles unless Honda felt NA's tastes were SO different from the rest of the world that they couldn't be successful here and elsewhere with the same style.

robertsmx

The following sketch was probably taken from a German magazine,

http://www.europeanhonda.demon.nl/03euroaccord.jpg

Engine choices in Europe is rumored to be,

2.0 liter 160 HP

2.4 liter 160-200 HP (including the Type-R)

For America, I'm guessing that the car will look similar (the yellow picture posted earlier may be close), and my guess on drivetrain choices may be,

2.4 liter DOHC iVTEC: 160-170 HP

3.0-3.2 liter DOHC iVTEC: 200-220 HP (base)/240-260 HP (Sport).

5-speed automatic with Sportshift (both, four cylinder and six cylinder models), 5-speed manual (four cylinder), 6-speed manual (sport model).

BTW, CL/TL will also get redesigned soon after.

Accord will also receive flat floor (like Civic), and interior room may grow marginally.

eludwig

A few ingredients to longevity of a Honda, just based on my personal experience (I tend to baby cars and do my own maintenance):

--- Use Honda oil filters and Castrol GTX 5W-30, changing every 5-6k miles. I just happen to like that oil, but the filters are definitely higher quality than others. I used to buy cases of both oil and filters (don't forget the washer for the drain plug).
--- Use a 100% carnuba (sp?) wax after washing diligently. Don't wash the wheels with the same sponge or cloth as the car!
--- Follow Honda's maintenance schedule (not your dealer's). Dealers try to suck you in for unnecessary maintenance.
--- Never rotate the tires (wear out 2 tires, not 4; I've seen Michelin Energy MXV-4's on Hondas last 85k miles each while driving aggressively this way).
--- Inflate the tires to 4-5 psi over the recommended 28 psi (?) for better mileage and less wear.
--- If you're in a wet/slushy/snowy region, use some good, deep rubber floormats to protect the carpeting and floorboards.
--- Use Honda wiper cartridge replacements. I made the mistake of changing to Trico blades and cartridges once, and there was a huge difference between the Tricos and the originals. This was in a very slushy, snowy, freezing rain region so the lack of performance from the Tricos was probably more noticeable.
--- Don't use those foam tire cleaners. The tires turn brownish. I use the low gloss Armor All spray (on tires, body molding, some interior bits)after washing my tires thoroughly.

Bottom line: We all maintain our cars differently, based on our knowledge of mechanics and cars, and our comfort level. So do what works for you.

Good luck and enjoy that V6!

postoak

What's the reasoning for not rotating your tires? (I think I know, but want to hear what you have to say.)

eludwig

For a front wheel drive family sedan, I believe that alignment and proper inflation have greater impact on tread wear than rotation. Plus I don't have a problem with replacing 2 tires at a time instead of all 4. Personally, I don't believe the hype from tire manufacturers, retailers, and car dealers on the topic of tire rotation.

Just my opinion, based on my experiences.

canadiancl

I too agree that rotating tires is overrated, especially for a front-driver. If the thing is tracking straight and true with the steering wheel nicely centered, why mess with it? I would only consider a front/back sway to put the tires with less wear on the front drive wheels.

ickes

An associate at work is looking for a new car, so I was paging through back issues of my various car magazine to find information for them. During my search, I came across a couple of notes regarding future Honda products that are interesting in relation to the information posted at Mag-X and Temple of VTEC (TOV) for the ‘03 Accord.

The first item appeared in the July 1999 Automobile Magazine which featured a sneak preview of future 2001 models. Included in the feature is a prediction for a 2001 Acura Integra replacement. Instead of the Civic based RSX coupe that was actually built, Automobile stated that Honda would use the S2000 chassis to build an entry level rear wheel drive sedan about the size of a BMW 3-series or Lexus IS300. A coupe version of this car would also supplant the Prelude in the Honda line-up. The sketch of the car (sourced from Mag-X) looks like an early version of the more advanced sketches of the ‘03 Accord now being posted.

Aside from the S2000 reference and the sketch, it is also interesting that Mag-X speculates that the ‘03 Accord will downsize from a Class-D car to a Class-C car. Class-C cars would be something the size of a Ford Contour, whereas a D-Class car would be Taurus. The current North American Accord is a Class-D car and it is hard to imagine it getting any smaller for the 7th Generation car when Camry, Altima, and the Big-Three products are all increasing volume. TOV still lists a future small rear wheel drive sedan in its future model matrix for Acura and a coupe that would have slotted between the Accord and Prelude in the Honda lineup.

The second item appeared in the news section of the September 2000 Automobile Magazine. It was a short item by Peter Nunn about a "Euro-R" model for the JDM. The item includes a picture of the model. The picture of the car is almost exactly like the sketch of the yellow ‘03 Accord posted on the web. The overall shape of the car, the greenhouse, the wheel designs, the character line along the side through the door handles, even the positioning of the car and perspective of the image. The only difference is the sketch has a grill more similar to the current North American design and the headlights are narrower and incorporate the current "projector beam" trend.

To me, this suggests that we have absolutely no idea what is planned for the North American ‘03 Accord, beyond the obvious. The most current information posted on Mag-X and TOV about the ‘03 Accord is likely about the JDM and European models based on cross referencing it to the Automobile stories. Of course, looking at all those past magazines clues you into how often the predictions miss the mark, either in the actual product, timing or marketing. I'd say that they are right only 60 percent of the time.

It is amazing is how well Honda can hide its future product plans. You rarely see "spy" photos of future products and specific details are also rare. The only photos I recall seeing of the ‘98 Accord were in Detroit News a few months before the car actually debuted. I also remember some shots of the S2000 during track testing in Germany. However, no information was available regarding the RSX, Pilot, Odyssey, TL, or CL that I saw in my magazines or remember otherwise.

storyteller

The fact Honda can keep its secrets so well makes me wonder about all those "spy" photos we see. Don't you suppose they are intentionally leaked to the auto press to keep a buzz up on a model about to be introduced? I imagine a scenario where the automaker invites some photographer to shoot a "spy" shot, a shot made to look authentic by the use of an extremely long lens and grainy film. Or am I just cynical?

fxashun

And you get more even wear front to rear instead of feathered and worn edge tires on the front and new looking tires on the rear. But as with most things automotive maintenancewise most people have their own preferences.

postoak

Wow, not the answer I was expecting. It seems to me that when I rotate my tires they become extremely noisy -- expecially on the highway. This could just be coincidence, because I haven't tried NOT rotating them. Anybody know why tires would become so noisy?

ickes

Just figure the cost of rotating/balancing the tires over their life against the cost of new tires. Balancing/rotating never seems to keep them in good shape anyway.

ickes

Regarding my previous statement, please note that replacing one of the MXV4 Energy Plus tire on our Accord cost $160.00!!

ickes

Here is a link to a picture of the current Euro-R Accord available in Japan:

www.mag-x.com/scoop/accord0112/03.jpg

Compare it with the picture of the supposed '03 Accord here:

www.vtec.net/news/

ghostbuster23

Is it me, or does that yellow car look a lot like a Pontiac Grand Am. I'm not sure I'm digging the supposed new look.

diploid

Nope - you're dead on target. The CR-V board was buzzing with rumors of what the 02 model would look like - but no one could dig up any real pictures (besides the photoshop-enhanced photos from various sites). Wanna know when we finally saw a sketch (not even a spy pic) of the new CR-V? About 2 months before it was released!

I think the 03 Accord pic is either a very good hoax or a deliberate attempt by Honda to retain interest in the Accord.

storyteller

I imagine this scenario where the factory rep takes the photographer for a spin in the new vehicle, then leaves him on a hill a quarter mile from the test track so the photo can look sufficiently grainy!

However they handle it, Honda seems to have exceptional discipline. We see what they want us to see, when they want us to see it!

ickes

The yellow car is too much of the current JDM car with NA market detailing to be the true '03 car, which was the point of my earlier posts.

thel

we need Moulder and Scully to get the real dirt on the 2003 Accord.

frag235

Yes...the truth is out there - lol!

eludwig

... we need Moulder, Scully, AND the woman from Alias on this one.

While it's lots of fun to seek out illustrations, it seems they aren't accurate representations. Nuts! I guess the truth is we won't know much until a Honda press release and/or mini site is released in several months.

Oh- what does "JDM" mean?

robr2

...means:

Japanese Domestic Market.

diploid

I hate that show.

One of my favorite things to do on Edmunds is to participate in these rumor mills about an upcoming product. In the case of the Accord, I'm anticipating this thread will become rather busy around summer time, when possible (actual) spy pics will become available.

maxamillion1

I talked with two different Honda representatives,and neither of them knew anything about the new Accord. All the lady that I talked to knew was that the engines would be allnew and that the styling would be "totally different." She said that Honda had not even sent them a sketch of the car. She seemed truthful about it. I believe her too.

canadiancl

(LOL) Don't all salespeople say that?!

maxamillion1

Just adds to the fact that Honda is truly tight lipped,and doesn't say a word about their cars.

will4271

I have a 1996 Accord Ex with 128K miles on it. That's mostly freeway (80%).

Besides the check engine light which got repaired at around 127.5K miles I had more major mechanical problem. I did have to replace the power window switch at the drivers door, the harzard switch, and the rear taillight bulb beside regular maintainence. The driver windows does not come up w/o catching the weather stripping now.

Does anyone have an Accord around '95 - '97 have major mechanical problems? at what mileage???

I am not sure how long it will last before it starts hitting the repair shop?

What's the most miles that you can get before the problems start coming?

(Transmission, engine, ...the big bills)

If I know, I will look for a second car?

But I have been already satisfied that I will buy another Honda product.

thx.

dudleyr

I see no reason why you shouldn't get another 100,000 miles out of the car - especially if you drive 80% highway. If you really take care of it you might make another 200,000. Change all the fluids as required, and change the timing belt as required. You also need to adjst the valves on this engine every 30,000 miles or so. Your model year also had a recall on the balance shaft seal.

Remember that even some of the bigger repairs are only a couple of months of new car payments, so don't be afraid to spend a couple of dollars to fix something.

Honda will fix this for free if it has not been done yet. This is about the only thing that could fail and cause catastrophic problems (aside from breaking a timing belt)

venanzik

u posted in ur post a page or so back that u were able to get your car for 22900 at 4.9%.....was that total price of car with your added options? and how long did u finance for? and through honda or a private bank or credit union?.....im interested in the same vehicle but am in no hurry so i was waiting to close to the end of the year for the push to move the 2002 before the 2003 come out, but ur deal sounds very good.

misterjohnny

I bought my silver EX-V6 last week. Got a great deal, $21,588 incl. dest. but before TTL. It was advertised in the paper ("2 at this price"), I called up and asked if it was still available and what color it was. I was looking for a Silver and that's what they had. Left work an hour later and bought it. No trade, cash deal. They offered 5.5% financing (I've got great credit), but no thanks. Quite happy with the car.