Older Honda Accords

robertsmx

I wish ;-)

No, that is a result of my guesswork and depicts my understanding of how Honda works. It would be interesting for me to see how much I can guess about Honda.

Yes, I'm certain that the new V6 will be DOHC iVTEC. In the past they have designed SOHC and DOHC engines together (1.6 liter, 1.8 liter, 2.0 liter, 2.2 liter, 2.3 liter), but lately, the only new engine from Honda that is SOHC is the iDSI unit in Fit/Jazz (also used in Civic Hybrid).

200 HP is probably what Honda will keep for now (may be 210-220 HP). Like the current Honda V6s, it will probably be one of their less aggressive designs. I'm sure Honda marketing thinks that they could sell Accords with just right power rating. If, for any reason there is a slump in sales, they can always tweak it up which is no big deal for Honda anyway.

robertsmx

Sorry to keep hanging on to the torque curve thing, but the reason it is easier to launch muscle cars is tht they have gobs of torque (hence power) at low rpm, even with tall gearing that they tend to have. The largest DOHC VTEC displaces only 3179 cc, and in a car where the weight is directly over the driving wheels. Flat torque curve isn't going to hurt launch if there is enough of it.
BTW, 2001 BMW M3 was reported to have an optimum launch at about 1500 rpm (compared to 2001 Z06 at 2400 rpm) as reported in a magazine. I would think that the very aggressive gearing (15.00:1 overall drive ratio in first) is the reason.

mustangdrew

For those who have leather models, which color would you recommend with regard to durability and staying clean? The coupe's charcoal, the sedan's quartz, or either one's ivory?

bunk1968

First I would like to ask if any one can tell me where I can get info and photos on the 03 Accord. Next I would like for suggestions on a quandry I have. I have to get a new car NOW. I wanted to wait and see what the new Accords looked like, but I don't have time and even if I can stretch out the wait, I am afraid of buying a new model in it's first year. But, at the same time I feel like everyone seems to think that the 02 Accord looks dated and I feel kind of silly buying a dated looking car brand new, especially with its new model coming out in a month or so. Well, I need to know if it would be better for me FINANCIALLY to lease for three years and then get the new model if I like it (or buy the 02 that I leased if I want to keep it) or or or would it be better to just buy the 02 and if I want trade it in for the new model after the new model has the bugs worked out of it???

ickes_mobile

leasing is a terrible deal. If you figure your paying for the greatest depreciation on the car and then must either get another car or buy the one you leased, its like double jepoardy. Also, if you don't hit the mileage right on you either didn't get full value from your payments or will pay overcharges through the nose. Given Honda's typical high resale value, I would think your best bet would be to buy an '02 and possibly trade it in 2-3 years vs. leasing.

Here's the link to TOV with photos of '03 Accord pre-production mules:

http://beta.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=12470

bunk1968

Thank you so much for the input. Will my 02 depreciate a great deal as soon as the new model is out? I heard so much about the release of info today about the 03 isn't there something more on it out there?

bunk1968

Can anyone tell me what they think about the warnings I recieve about waiting and buying the new 03 in its first year? I know that many people say that it is always wise to wait until they get the bugs out, but I have a lot of confidence in Honda?

bunk1968

First I would like to ask if any one can tell me where I can get info and photos on the 03 Accord. Next I would like for suggestions on a quandry I have. I have to get a new car NOW. I wanted to wait and see what the new Accords looked like, but I don't have time and even if I can stretch out the wait, I am afraid of buying a new model in it's first year. But, at the same time I feel like everyone seems to think that the 02 Accord looks dated and I feel kind of silly buying a dated looking car brand new, especially with its new model coming out in a month or so. Well, I need to know if it would be better for me FINANCIALLY to lease for three years and then get the new model if I like it (or buy the 02 that I leased if I want to keep it) or or or would it be better to just buy the 02 and if I want trade it in for the new model after the new model has the bugs worked out of it???

1wiseguy

Wife bought an 01 Civic (it was a 1st year model as well) and it now has 30,000 km on it. Other than oil changes we haven't spent a cent. Great little car. Can't see why Accord would be different, especially given the competition in the midsize segment and then new models from Nissan and Toyota.

bunk1968

bunk1968

Someone tell me where all the exciting info and pictures that were supossed to come out today are?!!!

mseals

the accord is there bread and butter sedan, I think it is highly unlikely that there are going to be too many bad ones out of the bunch coming out in Sept. If you look at the 98, sure there were a few bugs that had to be worked out, but all in all, the car was rock solid for the number that were out there. I leased a 99 Grand Cherokee when they first came out, they were suppose to have loads of problems from their brakes to bad auto transmissions to electrical problems to bad a/c's. I never had a lick of problems with mine. I think that Honda does fairly good testing before there cars come out. Sure nobody is perfect but there is a reason that they have been #1 or #2 for some time now in initial customer satisfaction.

robertsmx

My Accord was one of the first (30K) Accords manufactured after the redesign. The only problem I have had to date (with about 70K miles now) is squeaky moonroof. And I have a fix for that too, just lubricating the rubber seals every 3-4 months, and it works!

koakes4

I have the same problem with my 2001 Accord. About 3 months after purchasing it, the moonroof started squeaking. I brought it back to the dealer and they lubricated the seals and that fixed the problem for a while. Now its a year later and its squeaking again. I think I'd rather fix it myself now. What did you use to lubricate the seals? Is there anything I should stay away from that might damage them?

bodydouble

Honda has a special tape that they install around the edge of the roof opening to eliminate the squeak/rattle. I had it done on my CL-S over a year ago. It was all quiet until recently, if I have the stereo off, I can hear a bit of the squeaking. But still bearable. When I go in for the next service, I might ask them to re-apply the tape. So the tape is a longer-lasting solution.

bodydouble

No news, photos, etc. yet from the media launch of the '03 Accord?? I had expected the board to be buzzing!

swsms

I've been checking this board by the hour and nothing! I am remaining positive that the '03 Accord is worth the wait...

1wiseguy

I needed a car in early '02 so I bought a used SUV (good deal I couldn't pass up) but I really want a 5 speed sport sedan that has power and reliability. Altima interested me but I couldn't get past the interior (ugh!). Camry SE was OK looking but not available with a stick shift. I won't buy a domestic and am a big Honda fan. Accordingly, I've been checking the board regularly as well and am disappointed that there's been no pictures or details yet.

I really like the 02 V6 SE Accord but it doesn't come with a 5 speed!! Let's hope that's corrected for '03.

If the '03 is what I'm expecting (225 hp V6 5 or 6 speed manual) then I'll trade in the ML320 as soon as it becomes available.

tiger8

Don't disappoint us. Everyone look toward Marysville and utter a few words of praise.

cokane5227

canadatwo

It is highly doubtful Honda will put a 5-speed in a V6 Sedan (unless the do a type "R")

If you don't like the Altima, you may want to wait for the Mazda 6.

amazing2u

Honda already said that the V6 sedan will not have a manual transmission. Only the coupe will have the option of a 6 speed.

What I'm dying to know is if the V6 will be competitive with the Altima. I know it's a carryover of the 3.0L but will it have at least 220 HP?

I think there is an NDA until all of the press has seen the car (2 sessions).

ickes_mobile

I've been checking there too and no signs of any info. They had said they would be staked out at the event.

Obviously, we're not waiting on something from Car&Driver or the like. Like Amazing2u said, their stories are likely embargoed until a set date (like their August or September issues). Any pictures we do see in the press would be from a pro spy photographer such as Lehman, Dunne, or Priddy. Otherwise, we're stuck with someone who walked up to the row of preview cars parking in front of the hotel with their digital camera, such as TOV...

bodydouble

I'm so curious I'd be happy even with a DRAWING, like a police sketch!

bunk1968

I thought we were supposed to be getting all the news on the 03 Accord yesterday at 8:30 am. Well, actually I first heard the 17th. What is going on!!!!! Are people full of bologna on this info?? Is there anything out there?

joeandcarol2

apparently there are two groups of press. Second "wave" is today and tomorrow. I'm thinking that if there is any official information it won't be until the second wave is done. Thursday PM or Friday AM

wgr

I have looked through the internet sites for The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chroinicle and the San Francisco Examiner...not even a mention of any Accord news. I can't believe there would not be a story unless, as someone posted earlier, there is an agreed-upon black out until some later date. ??

robr2

The car magazines more than likely have already put their August issues to print. September issues (which are released early August) may have a small write up saying full test next month. The October issues which will coincide with the September launch of the 03 Accord will probably have detailed information (as well as full page ads!!).

As for early release of info by magazines/newspapers - you probably won't see any. Remember, this press junket is run by Honda's PR people. They put strict rules on the people they let in regarding when information will be published/released by these publications. You break the rules (and PR finds out) your invitation to attend the introduction of the 2004 SuperCar at the 5 star hotel in Naples next spring that comes with 1st class airfare, 20 cases of wine, etc will be sent to the junior staffer who is gunning for your job instead.

What we will see in the next couple of weeks are the sneak peeks as noted above or what Honda will allow to be a sneak peek. Do you really think those pictures taken in that parking lot were really a mistake on Honda's part? Prototypes parked in a hotel lot overnite? Personally I doubt it.

Just my 2 centavos.

shades80

Cars available:

03 9-3
03 G35 coupe
03 Accord
03 Mazda 6

All except g coupe supposedly substantially better driver car and sportier then the previous generation car... any others???

diploid

robr- I think it was intentional. Honda is so secretive about the 03 Accord...even with public knowledge that a press conference would be held, there are still no pictures. This leads me to believe that the unveiling is held indoors and security checks are performed before allowing journalists to view the car.

But why go through all that work after parking the prototypes in a hotel lot where it could be spotted by onlookers? Furthermore, those prototypes were only hidden with a front bra and some tapes on the rear tail lights.

wgr

I actually am more interested right now in the Mazda 6 over the new Accord. While it probably will be slightly smaller than the 03 Accord, I think it will be less expensive and more sporty. It will interesting to compare the newest Camry, Accord and Mazda when they finally are all out. I hope they are all very good; stiff competition can only help us buyers.

robr2

I'm sure that Honda has a gag order on the journalists until a certain date. As for pictures today, Honda passes out press kits at these events with everything the mags and rags need to write up their teaser articles. Check them out at ebay and search for Honda Press Kit.

Also, Honda PR must have approved everyone going in to the event - they don't invite spy photogs or the auto writer for the Eastendofnowhere Gazette - unless they want to ;-).

As for the hotel lot - IIRC, the cars were photographed in Mississippi and had no identification on them. Why would Honda be out testing cars in MS in May? Less population - less chance for someone to spot them, but still a chance. IMHO, they weren't too concerned about hiding this car. They probably wanted to let something out to keep the rumor mill going. LA, AZ, MI are way to obvious for a sighting. Then again, how do we know it's a Honda? Isn't Nissan building a plant in Mississippi? HMMMMM - something more to think about!!

ambull

I think the Mazda 6 will be more expensive than the 626 is now due to end-of-model discounts being given. I think the 6 will be like the Altima, where the new model is in reality quite a bit more expensive than the old one, but you get more.
Hopefully the Accord price will not change much.

diploid

robr- Someone already posted links to pics of the upcoming Maxima (gaaagggggg). I doubt Nissan would be testing another midsize sedan besides the Maxima.

robr2

...that Maxima pic was really the new Accord (although I really hope not - yechhhhhh). :-)

Maybe it was a new Hyundai - they're building a plant in Montgomery, Alabama. :-)

Seriously, most likely it is the new Accord. Spy shots are just that - pictures of disguised cars that are out being tested. The mfrs take a chance that someone might see them.

The event this week is the serious launch stuff. Design and testing is done, focus groups have been sampled, Marysville is installing the tooling I'm sure. This is Honda's bread and butter model - they want to control the information getting out even more so at this time. The journalists respect Honda's wishes because they need to work together. The mags and rags need Honda's product (and advertising) to keep them in their jobs. Everyone - suppliers, employees, etc have a lot riding on this car.

You'll see more stuff within a week I'll bet - right on Honda's schedule.

ickes_mobile

the itinerary info posted about included a ride/drive tour, so unless they're driving the cars out the kitchen door, they would have had to been outside at some point. That was the case for the press preview of the Civic Si, which TOV captured. I'm starting to become a conspirency theorist that Honda has pulled the rug out from under everyone, however...

bodydouble

Oops, I forgot they cancelled the X-files already.

diploid

robr- For Nissan's sake, let that be a Hyundai!

raychuang00

Given that the press preview usually includes a short test drive, I'm sure a lot of people with digital still cameras down in the Los Angeles area will probably see the magazine editors do short test drives of the 2003 Accord.

We'll probably see pictures of the 2003 Accord from these short drive tests within the next few weeks soon. I'm sure Hans G. Lehmann's "Hidden Image" group probably already has not a few pics and probably we'll see them in the weekly automotive magazines in Europe within the next two weeks.

What's interesting is that Honda wasn't so secretive during the final testing phase of the current-style Civic--there was several sneak pics taken from hot-weather testing of undisguised 2001 Civics available as early as May 2000.

robr2

"For Nissan's sake, let that be a Hyundai!"

LOL LOL LOL

alpha01

They might not really have cared about the Civic, seeing as how they seem not to have expended that much effort in the redesign. Don't get me wrong, its a nice car, but not the class leading cut rate Bimmer it once was... lets hope that for the Accord, Honda will have something more significant to boast of than a flat rear floor.
~alpha

mseals

Don't be fooled, they did extensive testing and R&D on the current Civic. Remember, they basically redsigned the entire suspension, front and back, the engine is totally new and the exhaust is redesigned. What else is there that they didn't put much time and effort into? Hell, even though it looks pretty similar to the last one, it is totally different. That is the surprising thing, all those changes were made under the skin, but on the outside it is just a minor change. It is much larger inside and slightly larger outside, Crazy!! But remember how automakers think, with popular brands, when you start buying them young, you will more than likely buy then old. Meaning, if you get younger buyer to purchase your cars early, they are more likely to upgrade within your model range when they get older. How many people do you know who say, I only buy Chevy, or I am a Honda guy, or I am a VeeBubber. Trust me, brand loyalty still exist in America today when it comes to cars.

ickes_mobile

may not have been as big a secret considering it had already been unveilded in Europe at that point...

alpha01

I misspoke, but I personally don't feel that it is much larger inside, the suspension mods didnt do anything to improve the car (in fact, it was an effort to cut costs, and griped about widely in the auto press), and about the engine? Is it really "totally new" or an improved version of its predecessor? My point is simply that, in the case of the Accord, I hope there are more tactile changes to the car that improve the car, make it feel different from the one before it. IMO, the new Civic doesnt. Going along with your brand loyalty bit..."if you get younger buyer to purchase your cars early, they are more likely to upgrade within your model range when they get older." I think with the current Civic (the undeniably hideous Si excepted) Honda is going to push the median driver's age up. Back to the Accord.
~alpha

mseals

The Civic is very different from the last generation, this is true. And yes, the suspension was changed to save money for them, but the engine is totally redone. It spins the opposite direction of the previous version, the intake manifold and exhaust manifold had to be relocated from front to back and back to front, due to this reason. You think all that took was a little rotation of the engine? No, there was huge speculation about he Civic before it came out and I feel had not other automakers, most notably Nissan and Ford not come out with a spicy Focus and a new SE-R, the Civic would still be on top. But the problem is not many people are going to pay $19 large for average performance then they could pay a few grand less and get better performance. Sure the Ford will drop it value like a rock and will be broken down in 3 years, but the Nissan won't, I guarantee that. They should have skipped the Si and went right to the Type-R good stuff. That is why I hope they do come out with the Type-s/r Accord, in at least a coupe. I wish they made the V6 sedan in a 5 sp manual but they won't

alpha01

I don't understand this statement: "No, there was huge speculation about he Civic before it came out and I feel had not other automakers, most notably Nissan and Ford not come out with a spicy Focus and a new SE-R, the Civic would still be on top"

Thats like a Nets fan saying:
If you take away the Lakers, the Nets would be the best team in the NBA!

If you take away the main competitors, of course the Civic is going to be on top. Whats your point? But I digress...where is the NEW ACCORD??!!!
~alpha

mseals

What I am trying to say is, I think the old Si, mine, the 2000 was better than the Focus, Sentra SE and Corolla at the time. But now that they have raised the bar, Honda didn't follow suite. They came out with a watered down version of the Civic Type R. Why, I am not sure but had they just came clean with the RSX Type R and the Civic Type R and forgot the Type S then they would be looked at as king of the hill just like the past Si and the past Integra Type R.

Yes, where is this new Accord. I really want to see the front, I think that show of the back of the couple was nice, but I want to see the whole car and the optional engines that go along with it. If I don't see something soon I will have to go with the Jetta 1.8t.

bunk1968

I have heard a lot on all these Town Hall sites, but if anyone would like to give there opinion again in concern to pro's and cons of me purchasing a 02 EX V6 or waiting and purchasing the 03 version, please feel free. I am starting to go batty with this stuff. I was pretty much decided on the 02, but am starting to feel like I will have a car that is already old and dated when I pick it up. I know it is altimately a choice that is maybe just a matter of opinion, but I like to hear what others have to say.

1txbanker

After reviewing the pictures of the "so called" 2003 Accord I am concerned to see the return of the goose neck trunk opening supports. Was it not Chrysler and Honda that introduced to the mainstream years ago the compact strut type trunk supports? These pictures clearly indicate, that if this is the new Accord, that Honda is cutting cost. Honda has established itself as the master of engineering and this change is evidence that even Honda is bowing to the pressure of the bean counters.... I hope that they did this to save some $$$ to develop a manual for the V-6 in both the sedan and coupe.

By the way, where is the new Accord?

1txbanker

canadatwo

there should be specs & pics of the 2003 out REAL darn soon now.

Why not wait to see if its worth dropping an extra $1,000 or 2 on a 2003?

2003's should be safer, larger, and MAY have 220HP, 5-speed auto etc.

Also, pricing on 2002's will drop as we get closer to the release of the 2003's in Aug/Sep

You are right. the 2002's will look a bit dated as compared to the 2003's.

I would wait.