Honda Accord - 2003 Redesign

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Comments

  • 606zpx606zpx Member Posts: 75
    about the new motors is that they have maintained or improved fuel mileage despite the increase in power. Much better than my Tundra which gets 14/17.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    That's Honda for you.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    And not only that, the engine is 20 lb lighter (down from 330 lb) and requires oil change every 10K miles (up from 7500 miles).
  • whothemanwhotheman Member Posts: 169
    Honda sells 48k+ Accords, easliy besting the 1991 record of 44k in a month!

    Think the 2003 pictures scared the public into action?

    (I think so. Just an opinion.)

    whotheman
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...perhaps dealer incentives and low financing pushed consumers into action?
  • yugoboyyugoboy Member Posts: 161
    No i tend to agree with whotheman, i think honda did a great job of scaring the general public with the release of the 2003 accord photo's!!!! But i also agree that the incentives dont hurt either!!!!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Of course you do. But, do you really believe that the new 03 pictures scared buyers into 02's? I'm willing to bet that most of those 02 Accord buyers haven't even seen pictures of the 03.

    You love to bait the trap don't you?
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    when a customer asks to see a new accord, i tell them about the new one coming, so they can make an informed decision...seeing pics, specs, etc...
    i tell them its their choice whether to buy an '02 with some discount, or pay more for an '03...decisions so far have been about 50/50. some dealers may hide the info from customers, but i highly doubt that the new accord has SCARED people into '02s. most people that choose the '02 say things like:

    "body style doesnt matter, ill keep it till it dies anyway"

    or

    "not enough change to worry about it"

    or

    "ill get the next one in a few years anyway, so ill save the money for now"

    noone so far has expressed any dislike for the looks of the car, but many ask why they cant have the current body with the new interior...lol.
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    Hopefully with over 8 thousand cars in transit, Honda will annouce pricing prior to actual sales!
    What is the big secret?
    This really irriates me as my car is in transit and I nor the dealer do not know what I will pay on Monday!
    INKY
    PS
    $316 over invoice with $49.50 doc fee is guaranteed at my dealer. I hope others took advantage of that info I posted. I only know of two other Edmunds posters signing up for this great deal!
  • yrmacyrmac Member Posts: 134
    I just bought a 2002 SE V6 Accord. Why did I buy a 2002 instead of 2003? First, "styling". When the salesperson showed me the pictures for the 2003 Accord, the first thing that came to my mind was "Saturn". Maybe, its the wrong perception however,its difficult to put a good angle on the 2003 design. There is just no continuity with the 2003 Accord. The back end is too short making the car look frumpy from the back and there is too much overhang from that front end. Also, the front grill-less end looked like Honda is trying to save a few bucks with the bumper looking like its designed by Rubbermaid. However, I do admit that I like the interior.
    Second, why pay for a car that is over invoice with no history of the current model in terms of reliability? With the 2002, I got 10% off the MSRP plus a good financing rate.
  • waydewayde Member Posts: 198
    where did you get that deal from? I'm in Minnesota... thanks for the info.

    Can't wait to read your review of your new Accord!
  • esswebessweb Member Posts: 51
    All-New 2003 Honda Accord Prices Increase Just 1.4 Percent; New Models Loaded With Additional Standard Equipment
    Thursday September 5, 12:41 pm ET

    TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Prices for the all-new 2003 Honda Accord line-up, with added standard features including anti-lock brakes, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and more powerful, more fuel efficient engines, will increase an average of 1.37 percent or $293 on sales weighted basis, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The 2003 Accords go on sale Sept. 9.
    ADVERTISEMENT


    "Our goal in developing the new Accord was to provide added value to consumers, while staying in the same price range," said Tom Elliott, American Honda executive vice president. "We worked hard to reduce development and manufacturing costs and the end result is additional standard equipment including ABS that consumers are asking for, with only a slight increase in price."

    Prices for 2003 Civic and Odyssey models also were released. Civic prices will increase an average of 0.9 percent or $150. Odyssey prices increase an average of 0.55 percent or $150.

    The Accord, the best-selling car in America last year and a perennial consumer favorite, has undergone it most dramatic full-model change ever for 2003. Accord prices will start at $15,800 for the DX Sedan now equipped with ABS, larger 15 inch wheels and tires, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, LED instrumentation and power windows.

    The best-selling Accord model, the LX Sedan equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, is priced at $20,000, an increase of $310 or 1.57 percent. The new 4-cylinder engine has increased in horsepower from 150 hp to 160 hp. The automatic transmission is now a 5-speed transmission for improved performance and fuel economy, compared to the 4-speed transmission used on the previous Accords and all other cars in the class. The new powertrain also provides increased fuel economy and lower emissions. The LX Sedan with an automatic transmission is now expected to earn an EPA city/highway rating of 24/33 mpg, compared to 23/30 mpg.

    All 4-cylinder sedan models equipped with the automatic transmission sold in California also will meet the State's SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) emission requirement, a first for gasoline-powered mass-market vehicle.

    Accord V6 models will feature a more powerful engine with 20 percent more horsepower, an increase from 200 hp to 240 hp, and a new 5-speed automatic transmission. Estimated EPA fuel economy is expected to increase from 20/28 mpg city/highway to 21/30. The Accord V6 LX, the best-selling V6 powered model, will carry a pricetag of $23,000, an increase of $400 or 1.77 percent. New standard equipment includes a security system with remote control and larger 16 inch wheels and tires.

    Other new features available on 2003 Accord models include side curtain airbags, a Voice Activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation system and the second-generation Traction Control System (TCS) integrated with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) for V6 models, and much more. Interior feature enhancements include increased front interior room and upgraded audio systems.

    The Honda Civic, America's small car sales leader, will increase an average of 0.9 percent on a sales weighted basis or $155, despite significant equipment enhancements on the sedan and coupe models. Improved seat fabric, rear adjustable outboard headrests, a sporty 4-spoke steering wheel and a new center console with armrest and storage compartment (LX/EX) are just some of the new interior enhancements. The price of the best-selling Civic, the LX Sedan with automatic transmission, is $16,010, up $100 or 0.6 percent. There have been no changes to the prices of the Civic Si or Civic Hybrid models.

    The class-leading Honda Odyssey minivan receives a significant number of new convenience features for 2003. An intermittent rear window wiper with washer, an automatic power down/up driver's window and a new "Wave" key are among the latest improvements. Standard equipment additions increase the price of the 2003 Odyssey an average of 0.55 percent on a sales weighted basis or $150. Odyssey pricing starts at $24,400 for the LX model

    Destination and handling charges remain unchanged at $460 for all vehicles.

    For a complete list of 2003 Accord, Civic and Odyssey prices, specifications and photography, visit www.hondanews.com. Pricing for the other Honda vehicles will be announced closer to their on-sale date.
  • stevenbharrisstevenbharris Member Posts: 1
    You can find the official prices for the new Accord at http://www.hondanews.com/Forms/honda/accord/index_epa.html?KW=accpricing+currenthonda
  • silverk21silverk21 Member Posts: 65
    is very modest IMO especially considering all of the improvements. Now if I can only get one at or below MSRP. Probably not for awhile. Wish I lived near INKY4's dealer.
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    Oklahoma dealer. e-mail me for details if interestd. Jcro3717@aol.com
    INKY
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    The link above shows 2002 prices only...

    The correct link is on this page... I didn't post the full link because it exceeds 115 characters and the forum software doesn't like that...

    http://www.hondanews.com/Forms/honda/accord/index_epa.html?KW=accpricing+currenthonda
  • pilotownerpilotowner Member Posts: 51
    What state do you live in?
  • inky4inky4 Member Posts: 238
    For $26,260 for the EX V-6 I see that as dangerously close to the Acura 3.2 TL.
    That was a $500 price increase for the EX V-6.
    That is right at 2% not anywhere near the 1.4% average quoted. A bold price increase given the financial conditions in this country. I would have help prices to start.
    Anyone know dealer costs please post!
    INKY
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    dealer costs will increase the same percentage on average.
  • silverk21silverk21 Member Posts: 65
    I live in South Florida. BTW, how do you like your new pilot - guessing from your user id. I test drove one and was very impressed. Believe it or not, I'am a coupe owner who is actually considering the Pilot. Going to wait to see the new coupe in person before making a decision, however, at this time I'am leaning towards the coupe.
  • jud95accordjud95accord Member Posts: 58
    My Honda salesman said he would call me this afternoon when the 'two 2003 accords' came off the truck today! I'll let you know what I think.
  • branch15_5branch15_5 Member Posts: 44
    FWIW, Rockycow (don't know if he still posts on the Ody forum or not) put me onto this dealer for the purchase of my 99 Ody. I flew out from NC with my son and drove the car back -- I did way better than breakeven, and had a blast to boot.

    The dealer is legit -- everything went as smoothly as it could.

    I see that they are NOT offering the special deal on Pilots, S2000s and (I think) Odys. I'm a bit surprised that they are doing it on the 03 Accord.
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    ...if you get to see and touch the new accord today, then the dealer could get into serious trouble. keep a low profile if you do, but dont be disappointed if they say "not till monday".
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    OK, if I want Side Curtain Airbags on a 2003 Accord I have to buy the EX-V6 model. Say what?

    Of course, the typical Accord buyer doesn't even know what Side Air Curtains are, so I guess it makes sense in a strange sort of a way.

    Hmmm, I also see they're still putting drum brakes on the rear of the DX and LX, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprized about the Side Air Curtains. Wait, I forgot, the typical Accord buyer may not know the difference between disc and drum brakes either!
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...I just left a local dealer here in MA and they had 5 (4 LX/1 EX). Looks nice in person. The rear does not look Saturn like to me but the profile really does exude Alfa at the rear.

    It is a definite evolutionary design. It won't offend the masses IMHO - it isn't such a departure like the Camry was. The plastiwood in the EX was a very light color and they use the "wave key". The sticker on the EX noted the remote had the window feature but it wasn't in the car for me to see.

    All in all - it's a Honda Accord.

    The salesrep came right out and said they are available for sale - just can't drive/deliver them until Monday.
  • jcrobertsjcroberts Member Posts: 54
    Dear Honda lovers, I have been reading your reports of dealers in OK and other states offering the 2003 Accord below MSRP. If I traveled to take advantage of one of these better deals, I wonder what taxes I would pay in that state or just in my home Commonwealth of VA. Might a dealer or anyone of knowledge have a response for me? I won't be trading in my 1989 Buick Century but give it to a local charity. Thanks for your Assistance. John
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Usually, you don't pay the tax in the state where you buy the car, you pay the tax in your home state when you register the car. The dealer can give you a transit tag so you don't get arrested on the way home. But, state laws vary greatly so you can't assume that this is always the case, and sometimes there are local sales taxes that you have to pay regardless. I live in NM and bought my last car in CO and it was no problem. The state where you plan to buy is the biggest question, as your home state will be happy to collect the taxes!
  • wolverine_xwolverine_x Member Posts: 54
    Watch out and please do not feed them.
  • jud95accordjud95accord Member Posts: 58
    I just got home from my dealership and sat in the new ex model, silver. It was great! They got in about 8 cars - no v-6 yet. The new graphite pearl gray is really nice. I would call it a medium blue gray. I am going to test drive the car tomorrow - I don't have to wait till Monday! FYI - the dealership is in northeast Houston, TX.
  • toneman2toneman2 Member Posts: 19
    any thoughts on comparing the VW Passat GLX and the Accord EX V-6
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    put side curtain air bags on all trim levels as standard equipment. At least the ABS is a good start.
  • mdbaker1mdbaker1 Member Posts: 17
    This site has a pretty comprehensive listing of accessories for the 2003 Accord:


    http://www.collegehillshonda.com/parts/extension/accord/03accord.htm (sedan)


    http://www.collegehillshonda.com/parts/extension/accordcpe/03accord.htm (coupe)


    The best part about this site is that they have the installation documentation (PDF format) for those of us that like to DIY. But Beware...some of these installs are not for the faint of heart!


    Once I installed an OEM security system in a 1997 Civic and had to take most of the dashboard apart! Not fun!


    Most of this info will be public knowledge in a few days...but for those who like to know a little in advance - Enjoy!

  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Is midnight blue exterior an option this time? Too lazy to lookup elsewhere but ask here.

    put side curtain air bags on all trim levels as standard equipment.
    I wouldn't be surprised if this would be one of the mid-life cycle upgrade (three years down the road), but not on all trims because it will add cost and no value to people who don't want it. Probably only on EX and both V6 models.
  • davidkidavidki Member Posts: 2
    My wife and I just took a drive in a ex, sedan, 4 cy leather with all the options, car was about 24,310 list price, I offered to write the guy a check to drive it home tonight,but they were asking 2 grand over window, they finally came down to $500 over sticker...I told them I hope they enjoy the car...and walked out... Once the boat arrives it will be like any other car on the block.

    Now I have to admit, the feel, ride, power and comfort of the car will make it a winner, bueatifull lines and like I said, I didn't ask for a discount off sticker I was being fair by offering sticker...

    I will be interested to see where and when the prices start to shift.. about the guy selling under MSRP, did he have the car or were they just taking orders.

    I am in Orange County California, south of LA, if anyone finds a dealer with cars drop me a note, Im in no hurry but offered the guy a clean deal....I was prepared to write the check... he screwed around with us for 2 hours.. I told him if we were there another 15 minutes he would have to bring us breakfast...

    Does anyone know the color combos available, I didn't see them on the honda site?

    I think I would be more than happy with the 4 banger it seemed to get up and go pretty well....
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    VW puts side curtain airbags on all trim levels of the Passat and Jetta as standard equipment. I'm sure it added to the cost, but they're still competitively priced.
  • jeffrey15jeffrey15 Member Posts: 61
    Anyone know if it is possible to install BOTH the MP3 player and the cassette player? It looks like their is physically room for it.

    Jeff
  • jud95accordjud95accord Member Posts: 58
    I checked the prices on all of the accessories at the College Hills website - they are all much cheaper than retail. Do you think they could send me a rear spoiler to my dealer to put on?? I haven't discussed prices yet with my salesman. Hopefully, that will go well!
  • davidkidavidki Member Posts: 2
    After sleeping on my thoughts of the 2003 Accord and my test drive I woke up to the stark realization that it could be a bad idea buying one of the first ones.

    In the past I have stayed away from the frist year models of any car because of the bugs that usually are found by the first buyers, and that leads me to think that not getting that car last night may be a blessing..... Looking at the boards here on Edmunds I see quite a few quality issues with hondas talked about.

    I noticed the new car has lots of electronics and that could be a big problem long term. I was sitting in the passanger seat when my wife turned the car on.... the glove box opened... well I just reached up and closed it, then about 5 minutes latter, it opened again on its own., this time I pushed it closed tightly, tugged on it to make sure it was not a mechanical issue and about 3 minutes latter... the glove box oppened. This didn't really seem an issue until we went take a car on a test drive, when I looked in before getting in to the car..... the glove box was open, and this was on a completely different car than the one that was on the showroom floor.... Possibly a sign that there could be a problem if it has an electronic switch to open the box?

    I will be watching this board, if anyone has input and would like to email me rather than post here, send to davidki@yahoo.com
    Dave, in Southern California
  • jar1945jar1945 Member Posts: 22
    I went to my local dealer and walked around and sat in EX-L, EX, and LX. I looked at the sticker and they were made in JAPAN, not Ohio and were brought here through San Diego. I thought all Accords were made in Ohio. Do you think the Japanese made version might be a bit tighter? I have had both in the past and always found Japanese made Hondas to be better but assumed that might have changed by now. Any comments? (I thought the back end was really ugly but I will be driving one, not looking at the back end).
  • dhechingerdhechinger Member Posts: 1
    My wife and I drove the 03 LX 4, the '03 EX 6 and the Pilot today. The EX 6 was remarkable; better than the 4 in comfort, features and road feel. The V6 was significantly more powerful and smooth. My only question to the panel is can one purchase the EX 6 for under the MSRP. We have been told we cannot, at least during the first 6 mos the product is rolling out....

    Thanks-

    dh
  • bsmichaelbsmichael Member Posts: 1
    I looked at the 2003 Accord Sedans today at a dealer here in Madison, WI. They had about 14 of them: DX, LX and EX 4 and V6. Undoubtedly, the car will be a hit and I'm sure that any first production bugs will be minor. (I, too, noticed open glove box doors on a couple of the cars.) They had cars built in Japan and in Marysville, OH. I'm sure they are bringing cars in from Japan to help with initial supplies. Once production hits its stride, I presume that the majority of Accords will be supplied from Ohio.

    While I didn't drive the cars, from looks alone, I wasn't excited. The other thing that disappoints me about Honda is that their colors are very boring and shared with Acura. If I were to spend the extra few thousand dollars on an Acura TL, I would want something exclusive. Instead, they both come in the same colors; they don't even try to disguise it by changing the names. It would be nice to feel like you were driving something that would be somewhat unique in the parking lot.

    I commend Honda for achieving better gas mileage in both the 4 and 6 without sacrificing mileage or emissions.

    Once the "hype" of the new model wears down, I'll probably take a test drive and consider purchasing one. However, by then, I might have to take a look at the redesigned TL!
  • markdzmarkdz Member Posts: 1
    I was shopping today and was impressed by the slick appearance of the new car. It reminds me of the (old 164) Alfa - esp. in the rear. I think the whole car is beautiful. I was glad to see someone else mention Alfas, I thought I was the only one seeing that. Anyway, I was very impressed with the silver car I saw (an EX 4 cyl) with the black cloth interior with metallic accents... very sharp. Unfortunately, I was not amused with the $1500 "adjusted market value" on the dealer's tag, which was featured along with some other bogus markup to run the price up over $2000 over sticker. I bought one of the very first Miata's off the truck for sticker (although I admit I ordered it well in advance)... I'll be darned if I'd pay a premium for this car which will be widely available in short order. I think they're crazy and I'm annoyed. I'll look for a dealer (in the Northern Virginia/suburban Washington DC area) that doesn't put that markup on the car... if I find one, they'll have a new customer. I'll remember to avoid the others in future.
  • gotribegotribe Member Posts: 101
    Took an extensive test drive today at a Honda dealer in Cleveland. Very impressed with the way the car drives and the interior ergonomics. Driver's seat is terrific--as advertised. To me though, the looks of the car are even more bland than pictures. Looks very similar to prior model, not bad, just not very innovative at all. With the V-6, its very fast, steering requires more effort, but feels no more precise. Typically Honda, colors and interior exterior combinations could be better. For example, if you want black leather in the sedan, only exterior choice is silver. Very nice car, they'll sell a bunch!!
  • jud95accordjud95accord Member Posts: 58
    I just got a price for my upcoming 03 accord v-6 purchase - $26,260 plus taxes and license fee. I test drove an LX - it was nice. They did not have the v-6 in yet to test drive.
  • inkyinky Member Posts: 370
    That is surprising. I hope my EX V-6 comes in soon. Dealer had nothing but 4 bangers in all trims-7 in all.
    INKY
  • bowkebowke Member Posts: 169
    are you talking about the glove box on the passenger side dash? or the storage bin in the center dash? we had a few issues with the latter, but figured out that you have to let it open completely before you close it, or it wont latch properly. if you are referring to the traditional glove box on the passenger side, i dont see how that happens, as the angle of it is the same as last years.

    we got a total of 31 accords this morning...5 trucks!! prepped an exv6 and an ex cloth. both with spoilers...the spoiler looks awesome!!! same pricing for spoiler as last year...we also put moonroof visors on them, and you'll like them i think...they have contour lines even!

    to all considering an '03 accord:

    be cautious of dealers with the "adjusted market value" stickers...most dealres will add equipment, but you do get something for the extra $$$.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    My local deal is already adding useless accessories to the new Accord.
  • reidjreidj Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone heard anything from the dealers about when the accords with the nav system are coming out? I have heard October, and I have also heard January. Maybe you have a little more info on the dealer side of things, Bowke?
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Ugh! I hate it when dealerships pre-install accessories on a new car. Why not wait and see if a prospective buyer WANTS those accessories instead of force-feeding them down a consumer's throat.

    Nothing makes me walk off a dealer's lot faster than seeing useless (and usually expensive) gadgets bolted onto an otherwise fine automobile.

    I say let the consumer decide what they want before automatically adding pinstripes, spoilers, deflectors, underbody coating, etc. to every new car that rolls on to the lot.
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