Older Honda Accords

rrl816

Who exactly picks and decides the exterior colors for the Accord? Is there a panel, one individual or perhaps Mr. Honda himself?!
Hey, its just my opinion but the silver color is not silver at all but seems more like a battleship grey. Honda should look into this. Look at the silver on a Mercedes. Now that's silver!
I don't see many green colored models on the road. The green should have been left alone as it was in the 2001 model.
Also, the firepepper red is OK but how about a nice black cherry!!
Don't know if the colors have been decided upon for 2003 models. If not, puleeeeeeze at least change the silver!!
Thoughts?

ickes

I agree about the Silver. As the same color goes with other manufactures, its not good. It reminds me of the Silver they originally used on the Olds Intrigue or some Dodge Intrepids. They make a better "bright" silver for the Civic, CRX, Acuras.

claywaterfill

I've noticed that I don't really see any blue, black, or green Accords around here. They are all white or silver. I like the silver mself because it comes with the darker interior. I think the car looks nice in white, but I don't like the tan interior. Oh well, just my opinion.

eludwig

In my area, dealers charge a premium for black and white Accords because they're the favorite colors among the lowered suspension/ subwoofers/ big exhaust pipe crowd. Ditto for any Accord with a 5-speed.

ickes

Our Accord was a five speed and it was hard to find. There were only 6 within five states and one one each in black or silver. I wanted black, my spouse silver. They sold the black one, so the issue was resolved for us. As far as the interior, I wish they had a darker charcoal. I also wish the steering wheel was black as in the coupe because it hides dirt better.

thel

I love my gold with tan interior EX. With the sunroof, the whole interior has a nice warm glow. Maybe silver and white are more popular but I've always prefered gold.

I do think that Honda needs to offer some brighter colors like the blue on the Acura RSX-S or a true bright red (not the firepepper red).

a_crash

venanzik - The price I listed was without options (The options were an additional 500 - foglights, mud guards, cargo net, wheel locks) included delivery fee, but did not include TTL. I financed 4.9% through american honda finance corp for 60 months. I thought it was a great deal.

eludwig - thanks for the advice. Any comments on using synthetic vs. dino oil for the accord? I use synthetic for my Isuzu, and the engine runs great. (Dino oil was causing my head lifters to stick on the Isuzu, like a tapping sound - or something like that - the sound went away after I switched to synthetic)

canadiancl

Honda does offer the electron blue on the Accord for the Canadian market. Very sharp-looking, I must say, even though in general I'm not a "blue" person.

postoak

It's a very striking color, but only available in 4 cylinder models. For years, around here in Texas, dark green was THE color for Accords, but now, for some reason, silver is most popular -- and I don't like this silver very much either, but for the opposite reason of some of the earlier posters. To me, it is TOO light and silvery -- I see some older Accords in a silver with some light brown mixed in that I prefer. I guess that was before they came out with the metallic beige. Another Accord color I miss is the toupe.

canadiancl

Electron Blue was on the Civic. Both are similar IMO

ticktock4321

I'm not sure which year you are referring to when you say "They make a better "bright" silver for the Civic, CRX, Acuras."

But the current silver for the Accord (Satin Silver) is the same one used for the Civic, CR-V, Acura CL and TL. So if you have a Satin Silver Accord (I did and thought the color was just fine) maybe you will like it more now ;-).

Honda is notorious for having very limited color selections and they tend to use the same color across a lot of their vehicles.

moses13

just bought an '02 accord ex v6 and i LOVE the silver. we also have a '91 accord se in silver that's in excellent condition and both my wife and i like the new silver better. we were torn between the gold,silver, and green and i got to decide. i couldn't see myself in a gold car even thought i thought the tan leather interior was slightly more inviting than the gray. and as for the green...well living in the northeast and having just sold a black car there was no way i was getting another high maintenance dark color
when you get down to it though it's just a matter of personal preference. i do agree that there should be a more interesting choice of colors. we also shopped the vw passat and loved a couple of their metallic colors with the bluish or greenish tint....oh well

isellhondas

We would all have a fry!

Color is SUCH a subjective thing!

Honda tries to please the masses and they do!

Here's what I hear....

" Oooh, what a pretty color"

" Yuck! I hate ugly gold!"

" You would THINK Honda would'va....."

" Uggg..what an pukey color interior...what as Honda thinking?"

" Wow! what a great color interior"

Ad nauseum....*sigh*

raybear

I presume all the comments are on the same car?

ickes

The silver is nice enough, as is the dark blue or black. I meant to suggest that my prefernce in a silver is more Grey than the hint of blue our Accord has. However, the tint of silver was not a priority factor in the purchace.

ticktock4321

You can go around saying your car is the same color as a $30000 Acura .

I had an old Accord that was silver but it looked more beige, go figure.

qwalls

The old "Seattle Silver" was more of a beige or champaign color.

eludwig

I wouldn't spend the money on synthetic. Honda's have the best motors, and run just fine on regular 5W-30.

eludwig

Yesterday, a truck in front of me coughed up a rock or frozen slushball which damaged my windshield. Then I found out Electric insurance (GE) doesn't cover glass in WA. Can anyone give me details on what the replacement costs might be for:

a) A new Honda OEM replacement?
b) A knock-off/ 3rd party replacement?
c) A used Honda OEM replacement? (I went this route on my first car in 1984

Much appreciated- thanks.

spartanman2

March issue of Motor Trend states that the new 2003 Accord will be "bigger, better and more powerful" (no picture). Should I wait?

I notice the local Honda dealer has 41 EX V6's alone on his lot and is offering them at $23,199 (MSRP 25,740) which includes destination. Also Honda finance is offereing 2.9% for 36 months, 4.9% for 60 mo.....very tempting.

As for color. I would beware of silver. The used car market will be flooded with silver cars in a few years, when silver is no longer "in".

claywaterfill

It depends on what is the most important thing to you. You want to very reliable and highly rated car to drive to work? Get the 2002 and save some money. The current generation Accord is the car that wins most every comparison it is in. This last model should have no bugs or quality issues. If you must have the newest thing and be the first on your block to have one; and, have people stare at and ask you about your new car for the few couple of weeks--until more are on the road--then get the 2003. Keep in mind, though, there are no guarantees. The 2003 could have some issues associated with first year models. Probably not, but who knows? The 2001 Civics were criticized heavily on things like the rear suspension. The result was a different rear set up on the 2002 models. So, what is the most important thing?

glenn3398

Signet Silver available in 2000 on the EX and LXV6 was a much more classy silver than the current silver. Wonder why it was discontinued?

talon95

eludwig...

If you have SafeLite glass in your area, check them out. A friend had a broken windshield on a Ford Explorer, and Auto Glass Specialists quoted him over $500. Another friend suggested SafeLite and they replaced the windshield for just over $200. That included installation at your place of work. And the repair was perfect... no problems whatsoever.

ticktock4321

I would highly doubt an influx of silver vehicles (if it even occurs, they make all the colors and don't just sell silver) would have any effect on anything. I certainly wouldn't let that influence a color choice. Silver is at or near the top for favorite colors for at least the past few years.

scarter7719

on my '99 LX, more because I was lazy than for any other reason. I can't see how anyone can get 85K out of an MXV4+; X-Ones sure. At 40K, my fronts were shot! So I bought two new ones, then proceeded to trade the car in three days later for an MPV. Hope the new owner is enjoying them!

I have 22K on my '00 SE with the same tires and the fronts are already starting to look fairly worn. Don't get me wrong, I like the tires, but my experience on two different Accords says I should rotate.

SC

isellhondas

Yeah, I was talking about the same car...

It's funny...I like to listen to the comments customers make. What one person likes, another hates!

I also get a kick out of picky customers. They will walk around their new car at delivery time searching for a microscopic defect. If a speck of pollen blows on the car they will touch it to make sure it's not a defect.

Then they leave and it's time for me to go park their ROACH of a trade in!

Just funny...that's all!

isellhondas

The windshield marketplace is very competitive.

I don't think there is anything wrong with an aftermarket windshield if you get it and have it installed by a glass shop with a good reputation.

No coverage on glass? that's a new one!

dtownfb

Your normal car insurance doesn't cover glass replacement????? Shouldn't that be covered by the comprehensive? If not, why are you paying car insurance for?

cs2002

Hi, I am wondering if ABS is really necessary on the 2002 Accords. I live in the Greater Seattle area, we don't get too much snow but it is almost always raining...

I've been looking at a 2002 SE 4-cyn automatic w/o side airbags. The dealer has installed an optional security system which is supposedly better than the Honda standard one that comes with SE. So the invoice is now $120 higher than the factory invoice to arrive at $19,320. The dealer offered $280 above this invoice. Is it a good deal?

Thanks!

fritz1224

I have a signet silver lx v6 and love the color. Under certain lighting conditions the car takes on a kind of lavender look. This particular silver was only used on certain models and only the my 2k.
I feel and hear a clicking sound from somewhere around the shift lever console when I'm in park, the ignition is in the "run" position and I apply the brake. Talked to the dealer on the phone and guess what the first words out of the service guys mouth were-"It's probably NORMAL. There's a solenoid there and that's what you're hearing."
Anybody else notice this clicking thing? Still have an appointment for them to check it out, but I got a pretty good idea what the diagnosis will be.
I find the word normal is a favorite with service managers. Unfortunatetly, they don't complete the sentence when using it. i.e "It's normal to make this sound when it's broken or getting ready to break." or "This is something we see all the time so we just consider it normal."

jmtreetop

cs2002: I would never buy another car without ABS. ABS is most effective on wet pavement and dry pavement. On snow, stopping distances may be increases slightly but the car stays straight

fritz1224: I don't have an automatic Honda but have had other vehicles before with automatics. They would all click when I would press the brake since the brake is required to shift into Drive from Park and it is just releasing the shifter so it can do so.

eludwig

I live in Redmond and have a '00 Accord with ABS. ABS isn't necessary- braking distances are longer regardless of surface, but you do stop straight. You also brake differently with ABS (depress the pedal instead of pump or feather). It's a personal choice in my opinion. Also, I've found that Michelin Energy MXV-4's are not good in the rain.

By the way, what dealer is offering the price you mention?

canadiancl

canadiancl

I think any prudent buyer would go over their new car with a fine tooth comb before signing the papers. We all know how tough it is get a dealer to rectify any problem AFTER the papers are signed. Since it's their money. I would have no problem with them being as picky as they want.

And BTW, if they didn't have such a ROACH of a trade-in, maybe they wouldn't have needed to buy a new car from you.

ickes_in_iowa

The photo at TOV looks like a fake based upon the NA Acura TL. Note that the text says that the JDM Accord is based on a smaller platform, whereas the Acura TL is on the same platform as the current Accord models. What is potential disturbing is the first mention i've seen that Honda will dump the front double wishbone suspension. Mazda 6 anyone?

canadiancl

which seems to be aging better than Jane Fonda!

mbt1

mbt1

It's precisely that kind of cavalier and generally predatory attitude on the part of car sales people like you that make most astute buyers avoid your ilk like the plague when they're ready to plop their hard-earned money on the second largest purchase of their lives. Imagine that picky customer who traded in her ROACH being your mother or grandmother. Would you still feel the same? If you had any integrity, you would ensure your all of your customers' satisfaction by advising them to carefully examine their car before signing the papers instead of disparaging the few who actually are fastidious to mind the details. I believe the ROACH in this instance is not the car but the reflection in the mirror that you fail to see when you're slicking yourself up to swoop down on your next victim.

venus537

you're out of line. shame on you.

dslacl

Recently purchased 98' 4-dr. V-6 Accord. It changes gears flawlessly 1-3, but from 3-4 it has an abrupt/noticeable shift. Had the dealer check it out - everything checked out fine. Anyone here experienced anything such as this. Comments are welcomed! Thanks

will4271

What's the mileage on the car?

Check out the trans. fluid. clean or dirty? Is there any fluid?

Some dealers do the dirty deed and tried to save on it and have almost none in there. Car breaks = $$$ for repairs.

Usually these problems start out as minor ones and then get worst until it's that big bill.

kwg1494

I have a 1996 Accord Lx V6 that has had that abrupt shift since it was bought new. I notice it mostly when driving in traffic between 20-40 MPH. The dealer checked it at 5000 miles and stated that it was operating as designed. So, I basically got used to it shifting like that for 80,000 miles. Then last week as I was accelerating to pass traffic at around 40MPH, the trans slipped, I let off the gas and it engaged when I stepped down again. I went to the dealer they went through the computer and checked the fluid, test drove several times but could not Re-Create my problem (Surprise, Surprise). I have heard of Torque converter problems, but I have not gotten that far yet. Shifting is one thing but slipping is another, Good Luck.

thel

If you don't mind potentially sliding and skidding and careening to an early grave the next time a deer leaps onto the interstate then don't bother with the added expense of ABS.

Myself, I had a run in with a deer a couple of months ago in my 02 Accord EX and thank God I went to the added expense of upgrading to the EX for the ABS. I stopped straight, quickly and managed to escape with only a $915 hood replacement (no bumper damage or headlights).

fxashun

I only used it once in 16 years and it was in dry conditions and I still hit someone. Carefull driving is safer than ABS in 99.9% of situations. ABS is a band-aid like traction control and airbags. Give me a fastened seatbelt over a possible killer airbag any day.

alpha01

You are quite the alarmist. If you did some research, you'd see that over 95% of any airbag deaths involved first generation airbags in which the occupant killed WAS NOT buckled up. You would also uncover information that implies SEATBELTS as "possible" killers. My point: it is impossible to eliminate all safety risks concerned with driving, but USED CORRECTLY, tech advances such as ABS, traction control, and Airbags can, and do, (check out some of the stats at www.hwysafety.org) SAVE LIVES.

Also, for you to be driving a car with ABS for the past 16 years would mean that you owned an '86 Mercedes, cause certainly, Honda (or BMW,Cadillac,Lincoln as far as I know) did not offer ABS on their '86 models... So which M-B did you have? Those old ones were classics.
~alpha

dmacneill

I just purchased a 2002 EX V6 sedan on Thursday(Satin Silver). I purchased it at invoice ($23,200). I am very impressed with it, both performance and fit and finish. The only problem I have found is the steering wheel is about 3 degrees off center. I plan to get that fixed next week. I also plan to put the stainless steel tail pipe finishers on the dual exhaust.

canadiancl

may have been just a wee bit harsh on isell but generally his message is valid. I'm not saying isell is one, but there are far too many roaches in the car sales business. I mean, they didn't get the reputation they have by accident. I have witnessed too many car salesmen strutting around talking down to customers, especially the elderly or ones that are not too knowledgeable about cars. Oftentimes they actually have limited knowledge about the cars they are selling and cover up with slick sales talk. A car is for most people the second biggest investment (after their home) and for some it is a major major expenditure. For isell to criticize them for being careful and to make fun of their trade-in, I think THAT is SHAMEFUL.

fxashun

And never have I needed ABS. I have been driving ABS equipped cars for 11 years though. Many of my cars have had it but I've never "needed" it. I'm not being an alarmist. Just that careful/alert driving is more important than ABS. Some people that have Traction control seem to find it necessary. I don't. My Lexus has it and I've only seen the indicator once. I intentionally floored it in the rain to see if it worked. Actually my Lexus has all safety features. It just came that way.

Sure used correctly an air bag will save a life. We can agree there. But if you drive carefully and stay alert to your surroundings, chances are you'll live without ABS, air bags, trac, stability control, and all that. The most important safety option to me is the original paint. If you guard the original paint, safety is a fringe benefit.

By the way where is the information that a properly used front seat belt will cause death or severe injury? I know the older rear lower straps will and the fronts will if the upper belt is disabled in some way. But where is the data on the usual three point belt?

will4271

Yes.. It's not how many safety features you have in your car. The #1 thing is the driver. The added features of ABS can assist your driving. The airbags, seatbelts can aid you if you use it accordingly.

One of my co-worker's wife got injuried with the first gen airbag. She was short but the designs at that time for an average height person. Also, I heard the a person should not seat too close to the airbags (if possible). Probably seat close enought to drive comfortably.

On the freeways, I see people drive with their knees...(one hand is a cellphone, another is a cup). or (people eating or putting makeup on) or (people reading the newspaper and drinking something). These are not safe. Of course, you see the suicidual drivers once a while that cuts you off since a while going everywhere on the streets and freeway. (Where are the cops when you need one to nail them).

One of my Honda Accord has ABS, it does stop shorter and straight and you can steer. I do a lot of driving and I can say that it has prevented me from lots of accidents dued to crazy drivers causing near misses.

My wife's car doesn't have ABS, the stopping distance is longer but you have to adjust to stopping more.

Used car salesman. They have a bad rap in our society because they have to sell a piece of cramp that someone traded him/dealer acquired to make a living.

Also, I know people traded in mostly their cramp when they think the repair cost is too expensive and they know that they cannot sell it to a person in the streets.

samv3

Any opinions about Accord EX-V6 stereo is appreciated. I test drove an accord last april(2001 model) but put off my purchase )due to layoffs in company and failing market) and found the stereo wasn't that good as a toyota camry or corolla for that matter. Anybody knows the wattage and performance other than the fact that it has 6cd changer and 6 speakers with cassette player???

Any insights about the stereo in the forthcoming model too will be appreciated(maybe i'm too greedy to ask about 2003 model now itself).

Thanks a bunch.

Samv3