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Comments
Of course this is all opinion. And please, don't use words like libel, etc., when you have no clue what you are talking about. Nothing posted on a community forum is subject to libel.
What I find more disturbing is the tossing in of Bible chapter/verse, as if that somehow purifies you from the rest of the system. Again, this is my opinion, but I avoid any mixing of business and religion. Not because I'm not religious, but because it's bad business.
The fact that someone is taking the time to post here means that they were not taken care of properly.
I stands by my view that the car sustained some severe damage, either in transit, or in use. Steering racks just don't fail without some help.
American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 247,000 2002-03 CR-V sport wagons to repair a transmission cable linkage that could keep motorists from shifting into park.
http://www.cars.com/news/stories/081903_storya_an.jhtml?page=stor- y&aff=national
Was considering an '04 Accord, since I'll be due for new wheels in 6 months or so. I ASSUME that Honda will have fixed some or all of these problems in the '04s, but I'm leery. Could be because of Honda's financial troubles in Japan and in Europe, but I'm shocked to see the quality control lapses, which I'd expect in an American car, but not a Honda. My '92 was a great car (but not perfect), but it wasn't the first year of a new design. Still... Chevy is bringing out a new Malibu next month, and if they offer juicy rebates by late spring, I'm inclined to stay with Chevy (they have priced the new Malibu about $1,000 under a comparable Accord, so with a $3 grand rebate, it'd be a wash come resale time), even though I'd probably get stuck with some teething troubles as well (but GM claims that this will be its smoothest launch ever; we'll see). One thing I'll give Chevy - Honda techs tend to stick their noses up at you when you have a problem, but the Chevy techs "bend over". I've never once paid for a rental.
Since I had a free afternoon, for fun, I read through the Camry, Altima, Mazda6 and (no joke) Hyundai Sonata discussions. If it makes you feel any better, the first 3 seem to be experiencing a lot of the same stuff you all are. The Hyundai seems the best of the bunch, with only alternator problems recurring. I'm not buying a Hyundai, however.
Thanks again. Let us know about the '04s in due time.
I had an '02 Trailblazer for about 14 months. I don't exactly know about chevy dealers bending over, but my '02 came with the "care package" as part of the standard warranty, something I personally think Honda should do as a customer service thing. Many Honda dealerships in Oregon will do the rental if you ask and have good reason. My TB had 3 Recalls in the 14 months I owned it. Fuel filter connection may break while vehicle in motion, and if spark generated, may cause fire(136k). Parking pawl not engaging correctly causing vehicle movement when parked due to incorrect PT programming(515K), Front A-arm bracket may fracture causing sudden loss of control(35k), an annoying TSB out because the rear license plate housing would rub on the rear hatch, causing the paint to peel off, so they repainted the rear hatch, and put a "gasket" in to fix the problem. After I sold it, I got another Recall(133k vehicles) because the driver side airbag was incorrectly installed, and a weld may break upon deployment, possibly harming the driver or occupants. Of course this is after a few people had already had the engine throw a rod, causing complete engine replacement within 5k miles.
I'm sorry, but I don't really see people trading in their Accords for these problems that they are talking about on these boards, therefore, I consider them minor problems. After the fuel-fire recall, I got rid of the Chevy. Did have the window squeaking, but fixed it by pulling out the window seals and lubing them, and lubing the door seals. Only problem I really have is some surface rust forming on the rain channels in the roof, and the center console is broke. Dealer fixing both... that's what a warranty is for... I agree, in this day and age, there should be more quality and many of these minor problems shouldn't be coming up, but they are much better than other manufacturers.
Let's face it, when did you ever think Hondas would have a faulty transmission? (Also Acuras by the way). People posted transmission failures at this board and were outright ridiculed. A lot of "crow" was eaten when Honda issued a national directive regarding their V-6 transmissions.
In conclusion, I would say Hondas are good cars but not as great as they once were!
I will grant that Honda's have lost some edge, and the are not as "seamless" as people had once thought them to be. I think in general, many manufacturers have lost in the quality department, and many flaws are being brought about quickly.
The point I am making is that in the last, say 15 years, have there been any cars mass produced without any problems? The only time we would hear about problems is on the television or newspapers, the internet has a dual role here... it helps people to figure out what is wrong with their vehicles based on the knowledge of a few, but in this case, it also points out flaws that many people would have otherwise overlooked, or not cared about. Like the rattling sunroof... I had a '00 Civic EX, and now an '03 Accord, my friend has an '03 Accord, and another an '02 TL-s. Haven't had any problems with mine, but the TL-s with 24k miles, after my friend "heard" about the rattling sunroof, then he thinks there is a problem, and I will admit, it buzzes a bit, but nothing he noticed before he read about it...
Personally, I expect my car to have flaws... heck, feel sorry for they guy whose car was made at 500pm on friday... j/k.. but I honestly hold my Honda to the same standard as any other car, it will have small problems, granted large ones are not acceptable(see the recalls for the Trailblazer) and the point I was making was that other manufacturers are having problems that are much worse. IE Toyota sludging issue. What car manufacturer has not had ANY major problems?
But in long-term reliability, I still hold the Honda to a higher standard. It is past the warranty period where I don't want to have any major problems. I have seen a few 98-99 Accords/Integra's with well over 100k miles on them, and that's the more important reason to buy a Honda(or toyota) for me.
That said, it's many times better than any US brand. I'm as patriotic as the next guy, but Ford and GM make crappy cars. I would NEVER buy a US SUV...the horror stories never end, mechanically.
Yes, there have been plenty of cars made without problems in the past 15 years. Mid-90 Corrolas and Prizms come to mind (not flashy, but reliable).
Again, Honda is the benchmark. And for the price, I expects something darn skippy.
However, in the future, I think I'll buy used Lexus/Acura/Infiniti's, etc., as they give you free loaner cars while you're in the shop. Can't underestimate how useful that is.
I read most of the reviews in CR and they mention the number of "sample defects" in each car they test. I think I recall one time that a car had no sample defects (I don't recall which car). So it seems that, at least according to CR, the perfect new car is the exception, not the rule.
However, I'm pleased to report that I have one of the exceptions... the first new car that I've ever had that has NO defects whatsoever. And what is it? A 2003 Accord EX V6. (Still knocking on my plastic wood every time I mention this...
As for those owners who have experienced problems, I'm confident that Honda will take care of things and get them under control for 2004... much like Toyota with the 2002 Camry. Their reputation for reliability is one of their key assets, so I doubt that they'll be complacent about any problems.
As for JD Powers, I guess I'll take their less-than-stellar initial satisfaction rating for the Accord with a grain of salt... conveniently enough, they didn't ask me.
I got upset over this cuz when I first brought the car in for the problem I felt like the dealer was taking the problem "lightly" and that they were content to just wait for the part to arrive when it arrived. It wasn't until after I got a little demanding with them that they made a commitment to get my car fixed ASAP. I don't know if this was the dealer's or Honda's way of doing things.
Whatever the case. the car is fixed and seems to be working normal.
thanks agian for your posts.
they make a good product so why not indicate such with a longer powertrain warranty??
come on honda, it's about time you force yourself into the 21st century...!
Honda should pony up for a better power train warranty.
steven...it is highly unlikely that a power steering rack could have been damaged during a test drive. Hitting a curb or something could bend something I guess but not cause seals to fail.
It was a bad rack from the factory...stuff happens!
Hondaseller...I know you are new to these forums and new to the business. Be aware that these are a couple of types of people who post here.
1. Honda lovers
2. People with questions or concerns.
3. People with legimate problems.
4. Honda haters/bashers...you'll learn who these people are if you stick around.
I suppose when you are at the top of the chart and build a near perfect product, you become a target. Do not take this personal.
Hondas are excellent cars...hard to beat but they can and will have problems from time to time.
You will not always get all 5's on your surveys. I always maintain top scores but once in awhile I'll get trashed. When this happens, it's almost always from a customer who ground me into the ground over pricing. Anyone who has been in the business long will back me up on that.
And, I am a Christian but the poster here who advised you against talking religion or quoting Bible verses in business gave you sage advise.
Good luck in your career and don't be short sighted. do not fear the possible loss of a sale.
Also, I hate to be categorized. I guess you would call me a #5. 1+2+3+4=5.
There is also another category isellhondas failed to mentioned:
The gadfly category!
gad·fly ( P ) Pronunciation Key (gdfl)
n.
1. A persistent irritating critic; a nuisance.
2. One that acts as a provocative stimulus; a goad.
3. Any of various flies, especially of the family Tabanidae, that bite or annoy livestock and other animals.
Here is a list of problems I've been experiencing with my car:
-Driver's door misaligned. It sticks out a little (took car to dealer for repair, but the door is still not completely flush, also now requires a little more effort to close).
-Squeaking front brakes.
-Front passenger door speaker produces distorted sounds at low bass even at normal volumes.
-Rattle in console when driving over irregular road surfaces, originating somewhere near the CD storage compartment.
-Cellophane crunching sound from front window frames when driving over bumps. The sound has subsided somewhat.
Today I received a "Product Update" letter from Honda regarding a weak hose clamp causing the breather pipe to separate from the engine and a "no-reverse" condition that renders the transmission inoperable when rocking the car back and forth in snow. Anyone here get one of these mailings from Honda?
My car has a smooth, swift, confidence-inspring, comfortable ride and I enjoy driving it. However, I am disappointed with these flaws in light of Honda's reputation for high quality. I hope they are not a sign of more major problems down the road.
the point was that honda is behind most other makes, and it's about time they put their money where there mouth is!! sure they extend warranties on problem items...but so does everybody else. they need to step up to the plate and proclaim that their products are as good as toyotas and nissans in the long run. it's not as if toyota had to up their warranty to keep car/truck sales buzzing along...but they did some years ago. why hasn't honda come around...?
I have the speaker problem too. DEaler says it's operating as designed. Either it's crappy speakers (likely), or a bad mount (less likely, as it's not consistent).
I can say that once I replace my stock speaker with a decent aftermarket set, they sound much much better.
You'd expect better from Honda...
Rattle in CD compnartment could be due to missing felt lining; they had some cases of that. If you can duplicate at dealer, that should fix it.
i understand you jumping through hoops to support the brand you seem to like the most...but i don't understand your support for what is nowadays and rather short warranty...?
and you are right, honda does not extend their warranty because they don't have to. they know that an extended powertrain warranty will cost them their bottom line, pure and simple. however, why not reassure their customers with a longer warranty? you'd think they'd wanna try to keep those customers whose trannies blow at 40-50k rather than say, ah that's too bad!! anyway, when compared to especially the japanese makes...honda appears to have the shortest warranty out of all of em...and that's just wrong.
If you have the money, have the darned things changed out.
It's not wrong for Honda to have a short warranty. 3 years and 36k isn't short. If it hasn't broke by then, it probably won't. It's business. If Honda needed a longer warranty it would indicate something is wrong elsewhere in the company. Like I said before this room is awfully quiet for there to be 2 million Accords out there over the last 5 years. I don't think there is a need for a longer warranty.
the only reason honda hasn't stepped up to the plate is because they know it will hurt profits...
Who do you suppose PAYS for the price of the warranty? It's simply factored into the price of the car!
Maybe it would be a good thing for them to do this?
For the nervous buyers, they can sign up for Hondacare!
For the record I never used the Hondacare on that car. And yes, my 2003 Accord with 15,000 miles has been as great as every other Honda we've bought, new or used. My rotors warped but I know exactly when they began to warp and it wasn't Honda's fault but they did cover it under warranty.
I know stock speakers are not supposed to be the best sounding, but the speakers in my Accord are just plain bad. I hardly ever "crank up" the stereo all the way and I don't really listen to bass-intensive music.
Everyday I love this car more & more. Enjoy your Accords! =D
Mehearty
loose air intake pipe clamp, and no reverse. The first problem may cause damage to engine. I was asked to contact the local dealer for a free update.
I bought my car last Oct. My VIN No. starts with J. I did not feel any problem but rattling. I am going to have my car "updated" and post again what my local dealer say.
I had to surface mount my infinity 652i reference speakers(89.00) but they sound much better, and don't detract too much... if you email me i can send you pics of the install.
I'm a recording musician/songwriter, too, and demand audiophile quality in my home. I'm not terribly picky in the car though. Maybe if I had a longer commute I would be more critical. I am however extremely satisfied with the 8kHz and higher response, thanks to the mounting and voicing of the tweeters on the dash.
The main factory drivers are Pioneers, and definitely better than some aftermarket junk from the likes of Sony's Xplod.
I had my Civic's speakers upgraded, to Infinity Kappa's. I STRONGLY recommend them. In fact, over time I expect to put them in my Accord.
TBlazer503, can you email me pics of the install? I had first imagined this would be an easy process but aparently it isn't. I wish it would be as easy as the pop-off grilles on my civic!
I would definitely get the Honda Regional Representative involved with your problem. The dealership could take the calipers off an existing V-6 EX on the lot. It would solve your problem and the dealership would have created working relationship with its customers. Isn't there anyone at the dealership that cares?
(How will I know I have them and what does the car feel like) also how can I be sure the service people will when working or changing my tires will correctly use a torgue lugwrench to 80?.
Thankyou in advance for any information you can
help me with.
But just as with tire pressures, I find they usually don't care. I've gotten my car back after rotate and balances to find four different tire pressures. Along with nails that I knew were there but didn't tell them about. Part of the rotate and balance is supposed to include an inspection.
Over or under inflated tires are also a safety hazard. How many typical owners keep a tire pressure guage handy?
No, I don't go out and nail nails in my tires. But I also don't think having a nail in a tire deems an immediate trip to the tire store. You never know how long a nail has been in a tire before you notice it. So why panic over it? I know there is a piece of wood in my LS's tire that has been there for a few months now. I only drive the car 4000 miles a year and the tire hasn't shown any signs of leakage. I'll have em done at the annual tire rotation time later this year. It's no big deal.
Best thing to do is just keep an eye out on what they are doing when they work on your car... I usually do...
Good luck.
Try to press the speaker to see if the noice is gone. I have this problem with my car. Get the service guy fixed once. But it came back again. I just give up.good luck.