I just picked up my 03 Accord EX V-6 in Satin Silver Metallic with mud flaps, spoiler and tint. It is better than great. My dealer agreed to swap out the EX wheels and put them on my V-6!! The power is wonderful and the interior is also. Just wanted to let everybody know. I think mine is the first V-6 sold at the dealership.
I did get the 5 spoke wheels from the regular ex model put on my V-6. They are nice. I have been hanging out at the dealership waiting for my car to come in this past month. I do not know if they would do it for any one else!
I ended up paying the 26260 base price with destination, 695 for the spoiler, 125 for the mud flaps, and 145 for the tint (here in Houston everybody tints the windows) and they changed the wheels at no charge. They are not discounting in my area. I even checked out dealers in St. Louis and they were the same price. The mud flaps are 89 and you can install them yourself but when you are spending this type of money it is nice to have the car all ready to go when you pick it up.
Have you driven your car at night yet? The way the speedometer, etc. lights up is very impressive. Have you programmed your homelink system to open up your garage door? That works very well also.
Did i read that correctly NO folding down rear seats, honda honda give your head a shake!!! This is pretty much standard equipment on most car's, is it at least an option!!!!???
but it doesn't do a 60/40 split like most cars. The entire backseat's seatback is one piece unit that has to fold down at once. I'm guessing that it is a compromise on Honda's part to maintain better structural rigidity. Who knows...that's just a guess. I does have a pass-thru for skis or a long & thin piece of something. It also has a trunk release lever on the inside of the trunklid with a glow-in-the-dark handle. Nice...now if only they'd put in a toolkit and a reversible trunk mat (carpet on one side, non-slip rubber on the other) like BMW. Also...they need to lose the goose neck hinges that compromise trunk room. C'mon Honda!
I took the car out the other night and the instrumentation does look stellar. My only gripe is that the steering wheel audio/cruise control buttons do not light up. My 325ci had nearly identical buttons in the same positions which lit up.
The Homelink was easy to program...but I find it easy to get the buttons stuck if you push them too much to one side. The rubber is almost too soft and pliable. The Homelink on my 1999 Accord did not have this problem nor did the one on my 2001 BMW.
Another gripe...sorry...is that the edge of the driver's door armrest is uncomfortable when I lean my left leg against it. It is a very hard plastic and almost comes to a dull point...I would've rather had a flat surface. Now that I'm back to an auto tranny, my left leg gets bored. I have enough room to move it all around, but my favorite position is leaning it up against the door with my foot flat. Oh well...I'll get used to it.
-mdbaker1 2003 EX V6 Sedan in Satin Silver - purchased 9/11/2002 in Leesburg, VA
P.S. Soon I'll have a website up that chronicles my trials and tribulations with this early production vehicle.
My last two mid-sized sedans have been Mazdas: '97 Milenia and '99 626, both v6.
I love the new '03 Accord, but my budget matches the i4 cyl. (auto. trans.). Living on Long Island, climbing hills is not an issue, but highway-speed entrance and passing are big!
My question is "Can a v6 guy find happiness with an i4?"
After driving the Accord LX (5 speed) yesterday I am very impressed overall. It seems to be leaps and bounds above the 98-02 Accord version in every way. The dealer I visited in new york is selling them at $500.00 off, bringing the total of a 2003 LX stick to $19160.00. Which I felt was reasonable.
The interior quality, was near flawless imo, the steering and road feel were much smoother then the previous gen, and I believe Honda has a winner on its hands, and can easily knock the camry down to recapture and keep the #1 car sold in america title. I plan to wait for a second year model, possibly for a 2005 model depending on individual circumstances, but the car is one of the best I have ever driven. (even liked it better then a friends 325I BMW!
I've been a Honda advocate for several years, and this past week I drove the new V6 with the 5 speed automatic. Definite improvement over the four speed of last year. Increased horsepower by 20% & still increased highway mileage by 2mpg. now that's doing some tweaking! Unfortunately the navigation system won't be available on the EX V6 until January, but I'm not sure I would order it anyway. The additional safety features like side curtain air system in additional to side air bags makes this year's model even safer. Ride and handling seem to be better and the response can be definitely felt. Sorry to see that the 2003 doesn't stop as quickly as the 2002, but maybe that will improve as the year goes along.
Without telling my wife about any discussion of wheels we went by the dealer today and two were parked butt to butt. The V-6 and EX-4. I asked her which wheel do you like. She said hmmn then picked right away the 5 spoke EX version. The 5 spoke is better looking and polished on face with texture on spoke inserts. Anyway, not a killer but another way Honda leveling the playing field to give folks a reason for 4 banger--which is nice car. INKY
I would try to go with the V-6 if you could. I just got mine and the power is great! I am selling my 95 Accord EX with 140 hp and the new car is so different. I do not drive a lot but I do have a lot of situations to merge and pass and just one day in my V-6 made me fall in love. I kept my car 8 years, though, so I was ready for a new one and not compromising on anything!
Went to see a dealer in my area today who assured me that I would never see a 2003 4dr Accord 4cyl with NAV, now or in the future, "regardless of what you see in the brochure." I would have to go for the V6, they said.
I was hoping to try one of these out when they arrived this winter.
Can anyone confirm this? Talk to any dealers that are expecting to see this stye?
I have driven the car at night. The glow light for the console is a neat feature. I have programmed the homelink..., gave the remote opener to my son..., nice!
All my son's friends (college age) are wowed by the car. Luxury car, they say. So the car does appeal to the younger generation as well as to those of us who are 40 somethings.
Went to look at the G-35, wanted to show my wife the new accord, she liked it. Called around and found a V6-EX, she had one the color I wanted Graphite Pearl, said we were on the way. Called back and said who much is the car. She said 25,100. Said oh sorry wanted the V-6, she said this was. Got about $900 off MSRP, car had 4.6 miles. Love the color, it is more blue then grey.
The car came off the truck last night, and they sold all three for that price, what were they thinking, $900 off MSRP, I would have paid MSRP.
Well time to play. If anyone is looking for a good deal in Orange County or LA, drop me an e-mail.
as always, you demonstrate your ignorance of common sense, and a common ability to READ correctly. no, you didnt read it correctly. the honda doesnt have SPLIT folding rear seats. it has a one-piece folding rear seat. mikecoat45 has obviously been driving domestic products, as most imports have the 1-piece rear seat.
the dealer was right AND wrong about the exl with navi...it IS available, but the probability of the dealer ordering one in their allocation IS slim. if you want one, you will probably have to order it "from scratch", and the dealer will ask for a non-refundable deposit to ensure that the car isnt kept in stock if you back out. the order will take approximately 6-10 weeks from your order date.
So nice to hear from those who have bought this car and love it.....so many on this site have trashed the way the car looks and have compared it to a Saturn (still can't figure out where that visual comparison comes from --- after double-checking the Saturn web site, I can't come up with any photo that resembles the '03 Accord). I bought Graphite Pearl, also, and love the color....so many things about this car make me scream "improved a thousand times over previous models"!!! I'm a Honda devotee but never realized how much I could be connected to an inanimate object until I bought this car. For all of you who've already experienced this car, it's nice to know I'm in good company!
I was unable to find anything about stability control or vehicle skid control which is standard on so many cars now. Our Honda salesman said it's because Hondas are built differently they don't need that. Any truth to this explanation?
... since they offer Vehicle Stability Assist on the Acura TL, which shares its platform with the Accord. The Hondas may not "need" it, but since it's offered in the Acura, the Hondas could certainly benefit from it.
Honda had to make some choices regarding features to differentiate the TL from the Accord, and my guess is that this is the reason that the Accord doesn't offer stability control.
Went to look at the G-35, wanted to show my wife the new accord, she liked it. Called around and found a V6-EX, she had one the color I wanted Graphite Pearl, said we were on the way. Called back and said who much is the car. She said 25,100. Said oh sorry wanted the V-6, she said this was. Got about $900 off MSRP, car had 4.6 miles. Love the color, it is more blue then grey.
The car came off the truck last night, and they sold all three for that price, what were they thinking, $900 off MSRP, I would have paid MSRP.
Well time to play. If anyone is looking for a good deal in Orange County or LA, drop me an e-mail.
Split rear seats are more expensive, and more useful. You may need to have them fold up but still have to seat 4 people, you can do that when the back seat is split.
sorry, pal...my mistake...i assumed you were already in the mid-size class, as the '97-'01 camry also has a single piece rear seat. the civics indeed have always had the split seats.
p.s. the camry(buick) could be mistaken for a domestic...lol.
The seats in the new Accord should be split-folded. My parents carry around a lot of long objects all the time, it would be nice if we could open one side of the rear seats, while leaving one open so that one of us could still fit in the back seat. In both of my Accords, you cannot do that, because both seats fold down as a single piece. Honda has been using the same old fold down rear seat for years, it's time for them to update and use the split-folding seat.
honda uses the one-piece, and also gives a pass-through inside the armrest for long objects...with the right angle, you can have long objects AND have 2 passengers in the back seat. this is the reason behind staying with the current style.
Thanks for the "hold back" explanation. If you have any further info on "hold backs", "incentives", etc. for the '03 Accord, please let me know. The local dealers I've spoken to aren't budging off of MSRP, so I could use any and all barganing help.
If i didn't know any better i would think that you are a Honda salesman!!!! Hopefully you are not!!!!!
"Did i read that correctly NO folding down rear seats"
Sorry I should of clarified i meant 60/40, I find a one piece doesn't really come in handy if you want someone to sit in the back!!!!???? And BOWKE please spare me your IGNORANT PERSONAL ATTACKS, it has no place here!!!!
"Single piece rear seat adds to structural rigidity."
Actually it doesn't. It's just cheaper to produce. Take the Camry, Altima and Maxima for example, all split folding designs, and all of their chassis are rigid as heck. The one-piece folding seat is just a Honda quirk.
How many of you accord buyers buy the car to haul stuff around? If you are carrying that big of stuff, buy a minivan or suv. We went to Ikea this summer, bought furniture (came in large boxes) and had it delivered. The delivery men even brought the large boxes upstairs! They do have a side delivery entrance at the store with a lot of brave people loading up all sorts of cars with furniture. We did not have my 95 accord with us at the time but we had my husband's Civic coupe.
LX price is up $2,000 (8.3%), EX-L up $1,200 (4.2%) and EXV6 up $1,400 (4.5%). Damn, those are big jumps.
Didn't notice any difference in the list of features from the American model. Sedan goes on sale Sept. 30th, coupe in November and 6-speed coupe in early 2003.
that sales dude was lying. ask him/her why Acura has VSC, and what component was added into Accord design to eliminate the need of stability control? i can't stand sales dudes who lie about the products.
Your advise to "wait" is probably a good idea, but my current lease ends October 1st. It just doesn't make sense to me to extend the lease one month @ $300 or to rent a car (would be like throwing $ away).
You also said, "I'd wait til at least Oct 2nd so you don't get taxed on it for the next 6 mos." Sorry to sound dumb, but I don't understand what you mean. Please explain.
Also, you mentioned the "Herb Chambers Group." I'm not familiar with them. Are they a Boston dealership? Do you have any contact info (email, phone, etc.) for me?
there was no lying there. im in honda sales, and he was correct. the stability control was left off the accord as one of the things to differentiate it from the acura. what do you mean:
"and what component was added into Accord design to eliminate the need of stability control?"
EBD, or electronic brake-force distribution, does NOT eliminate the need for stability control.
stability control is a computer system that uses gyros, brakes, steering, and engine timing to correct a vehicle's yaw...or sideways movement. say, for instance, you take a corner too quick in an acura. the car will naturally understeer and push forward without turning. the car's sensors realize this, and use brakes, engine timing, and steering damping to correct the problem...FAR more advanced than EBD. this is why only the luxury brands use it for now...too expensive to keep mid-priced cars competitive.
True it's typically reserverd for VW high end models, but it is available on their mainstream platforms. Patience, jfgoing - I think stability control is going to come to the US much like air bags and traction control did. A few manufacturers of popular models usually distinguish themselves temporarily from the competition until customers take note. When Honda customers such as yourself point out what the competition has, Honda will soon find a way to offer it on the Accord. Remember, it was customer demand (and salesmen's reports to Honda HQ) that finally got a V-6 into the Accord. Maybe stability control will make it to the Ultimate Accord, the 6-speed coupe, by January or onto the EX levels in the next model year.
I don't believe Kiiwii was referring to sales folk in general. I think Kiiwii was referring to what KC125 was told when they asked if stability control was available on the Accord, specifically the statement "...our Honda salesman said it's because Hondas are built differently they don't need that." Kiiwii was pointing out that the Acura has stability control and since the Acura is built on the Accord platform, the salesman's "built differently" statement was obviously in error.
I've bought my last 2 cars from Chambers. They are a huge dealership group with 3 Honda stores. I stopped by one location recently and they had about (40) 03 Accords in various guise. My buying experience then was ok but not without the usual issues with paperwork, etc. My salesperson was great, I had issues with f&i.
I can't thank you enough for all the info! I've been to two local dealers (Long Island) this weekend. The car I want is the EX-L 4-Cyl. Auto. Trans. I've always been a V6 guy, but the hp of my V6 Mazda 626 is very close to the new Accord's Inline 4, and the EX-V6 pricing is a bit over my budget. I only had enough time for a short test drive on local streets, so I haven't had a chance to open up the I4 yet. I think it will be fine.
I'm definately ready to deal right now, so it would be great to hear from any and all on these boards who have recently worked out a deal. (I'm looking for a 36 month/12k mile lease.)
You suggested I check other boards for people who have had some luck working out deals for the '03 Accord. Can you direct me to specific boards where I might find this info?
i guess i missed that one...sorry kiiwii, i was away for a few days, and we all know what happens then...lol. anyway, honda does a "refresh" halfway through model years, so around 2005-2006, we may see stability control, but i doubt it. there still has to be some differentiation between the TL and the Accord, and that will be one of the things.
i cant remember who posted it, but they said that heated seats were one of the differences from honda to acura...he/she was mistaken...all accords with leather interior have heated front seats.
having stability control is one of those things that prices VW out of the market. nice to have, but when you have a passat thats too small for the mid-size class, and costs more than the rest...well, you see the differences in volume. honda wont overdo it just to keep up with a car that has only 1/3rd of its volume. VW is almost a non-player in hondas technology decisions.
According to Automotive Industries stability control will not be offered on the new U.S. Accord, it may make it over for the next generation but cost is an issue, as is the perception if we as consumers want it, Im sure if Honda got 10,000 letters of people that did not buy the Accord because it didn't offer it, they may consider it an option, but in Honda's options build how would you price it only on the EX's? Also there is a really good chance that the Europe Accord will be coming to the US next year as an Acura so I'm sure it will be on that car.
You need stability control in Europe as well as diesels, and Honda and Toyota are getting creamed there, they were late to offer it as well as a car that had style and it has cost them. We in the US do not need stability control in the way they need it in Europe, high speeds and wet weather are common and stability control plays to that much better, Price is also a very big concern here. People will pay $3000 more for the Accord over a Taurus, but if you start throwing stability control and other standard equipment you raise the price to a point where people are not willing to pay the difference and will buy the Taurus. Or you are competing with the Passat which commands the price point over the Accord and you need to offer its equipment levels, as well as its interior build quality and materials, and the little things that make is so nice.
People perceive the Accord is going to be less trouble some than the Taurus and Honda banks on that, even though you can look at the 5 year JD power reliability survey and see that the Taurus is just behind the Accord in problems after 5 years of ownership, (The most trouble free 1997 midsize car is the Chrysler Cirrus, go figure)
Also remember that stability control that Honda uses on the Acura's and Most Toyota's use is not as a comprehensive system as what BMW, MB, VW or even Ford's Advancetrac use. Once you hit the brakes in a Honda/Nissan/Toyota system the system disengages, while on the latter systems the system will still attempt to pull you out of the skid. GM uses both system, but is switching over to the second one, I was surpassed to find out the new system on the Euro Accord and 2003 MDX will still not be a true system, as Nissan, and Toyota are slowly switching over, Honda must have a reason for it that they are not telling, could also be why they are so profitable. :-) The market will dictate options will be around, which will change and which will go away.
I think Honda will still be a top selling car, but there is finally real competition out now, With the Nissan Altima, and the New Mazda 6 (that will have both a Wagon and hatchback and may offer AWD) and you can bet Honda will be watching how those sell, Honda knows what changes will take place in the Accord next year. They are worrying about the 2005 model year now. The new Accord is a great car, but the competition is starting to make some great cars as well. All this will make the next Accord that much better.
Comments
Michael
Likes: V6 is sweet. Interior is upscale. Styling grows on you.
Dislikes: No split fold down rear seat. No auto-locking doors.
BTW: Drove my sisters 02 Camry SE on a trip yesterday. I'm glad I bought the Accord.
I took the car out the other night and the instrumentation does look stellar. My only gripe is that the steering wheel audio/cruise control buttons do not light up. My 325ci had nearly identical buttons in the same positions which lit up.
The Homelink was easy to program...but I find it easy to get the buttons stuck if you push them too much to one side. The rubber is almost too soft and pliable. The Homelink on my 1999 Accord did not have this problem nor did the one on my 2001 BMW.
Another gripe...sorry...is that the edge of the driver's door armrest is uncomfortable when I lean my left leg against it. It is a very hard plastic and almost comes to a dull point...I would've rather had a flat surface. Now that I'm back to an auto tranny, my left leg gets bored. I have enough room to move it all around, but my favorite position is leaning it up against the door with my foot flat. Oh well...I'll get used to it.
-mdbaker1
2003 EX V6 Sedan in Satin Silver - purchased 9/11/2002 in Leesburg, VA
P.S. Soon I'll have a website up that chronicles my trials and tribulations with this early production vehicle.
I love the new '03 Accord, but my budget matches the i4 cyl. (auto. trans.). Living on Long Island, climbing hills is not an issue, but highway-speed entrance and passing are big!
My question is "Can a v6 guy find happiness with an i4?"
The interior quality, was near flawless imo, the steering and road feel were much smoother then the previous gen, and I believe Honda has a winner on its hands, and can easily knock the camry down to recapture and keep the #1 car sold in america title. I plan to wait for a second year model, possibly for a 2005 model depending on individual circumstances, but the car is one of the best I have ever driven. (even liked it better then a friends 325I BMW!
The additional safety features like side curtain air system in additional to side air bags makes this year's model even safer. Ride and handling seem to be better and the response can be definitely felt. Sorry to see that the 2003 doesn't stop as quickly as the 2002, but maybe that will improve as the year goes along.
The 5 spoke is better looking and polished on face with texture on spoke inserts. Anyway, not a killer but another way Honda leveling the playing field to give folks a reason for 4 banger--which is nice car.
INKY
I was hoping to try one of these out when they arrived this winter.
Can anyone confirm this? Talk to any dealers that are expecting to see this stye?
All my son's friends (college age) are wowed by the car. Luxury car, they say. So the car does appeal to the younger generation as well as to those of us who are 40 somethings.
The car came off the truck last night, and they sold all three for that price, what were they thinking, $900 off MSRP, I would have paid MSRP.
Well time to play. If anyone is looking for a good deal in Orange County or LA, drop me an e-mail.
Msnowdon@socal.rr.com
Michael
the dealer was right AND wrong about the exl with navi...it IS available, but the probability of the dealer ordering one in their allocation IS slim. if you want one, you will probably have to order it "from scratch", and the dealer will ask for a non-refundable deposit to ensure that the car isnt kept in stock if you back out. the order will take approximately 6-10 weeks from your order date.
Honda had to make some choices regarding features to differentiate the TL from the Accord, and my guess is that this is the reason that the Accord doesn't offer stability control.
The car came off the truck last night, and they sold all three for that price, what were they thinking, $900 off MSRP, I would have paid MSRP.
Well time to play. If anyone is looking for a good deal in Orange County or LA, drop me an e-mail.
Msnowdon@socal.rr.com
Michael
WRONG! This is my fifth Honda, and one, a 97 Civic LX, has a split rear seat (must be a domestic product).
BTW, my sisters 2002 Camry SE also has a split rear seat (must be a domestic product).
p.s. the camry(buick) could be mistaken for a domestic...lol.
"Did i read that correctly NO folding down rear seats"
Sorry I should of clarified i meant 60/40, I find a one piece doesn't really come in handy if you want someone to sit in the back!!!!???? And BOWKE please spare me your IGNORANT PERSONAL ATTACKS, it has no place here!!!!
Actually it doesn't. It's just cheaper to produce. Take the Camry, Altima and Maxima for example, all split folding designs, and all of their chassis are rigid as heck. The one-piece folding seat is just a Honda quirk.
5MT 5AT
DX $23,800 $24,800
LX-G $25,000 $26,000
EX-L $28,500 $29,500
LX V6 NA $29,000
EX V6 NA $32,500
LX price is up $2,000 (8.3%), EX-L up $1,200 (4.2%) and EXV6 up $1,400 (4.5%). Damn, those are big jumps.
Didn't notice any difference in the list of features from the American model. Sedan goes on sale Sept. 30th, coupe in November and 6-speed coupe in early 2003.
Complete Press Release http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/020914-1.htm
Manual - Retail $15,800 | Invoice $14,228.42
Automatic - Retail $16,600 | Invoice $14,947.32
Accord LX
Manual - Retail $19,200 | Invoice $17,238.77
Automatic - Retail $20,000 | Invoice $18,002.68
Accord LX S-SRS
Manual - Retail $19,450 | Invoice $17,508.43
Automatic - Retail $20,250 | Invoice $18,227.34
Accord EX
Manual - Retail $21,600 | Invoice $19,440.49
Automatic - Retail $22,400 | Invoice $20,159.40
Accord EX-L
Manual - Retail $22,900 | Invoice $20,608.72
Automatic - Retail $23,700 | Invoice $21,327.63
Accord EX-L NAVI (Available Nov 02)
Manual - Retail $24,900 | Invoice $22,405.99
Automatic - Retail $25,700 | Invoice $23,124.89
Accord LXV-6
Automatic - Retail $23,000 | Invoice $20,698.58
Accord EXV-6
Automatic - Retail $25,800 | Invoice $23,214.76
Accord EXV-6 NAVI (Available Nov 02)
Automatic - Retail $27,800 | Invoice $25,012.03
You also said, "I'd wait til at least Oct 2nd so you don't get taxed on it for the next 6 mos." Sorry to sound dumb, but I don't understand what you mean. Please explain.
Also, you mentioned the "Herb Chambers Group." I'm not familiar with them. Are they a Boston dealership? Do you have any contact info (email, phone, etc.) for me?
Maybe the manufacturers think that American drivers are that much better. (Or maybe it's something else they think is different over here. Argh ;-)
"and what component was added into Accord design to eliminate the need of stability control?"
EBD, or electronic brake-force distribution, does NOT eliminate the need for stability control.
stability control is a computer system that uses gyros, brakes, steering, and engine timing to correct a vehicle's yaw...or sideways movement.
say, for instance, you take a corner too quick in an acura. the car will naturally understeer and push forward without turning. the car's sensors realize this, and use brakes, engine timing, and steering damping to correct the problem...FAR more advanced than EBD. this is why only the luxury brands use it for now...too expensive to keep mid-priced cars competitive.
I've bought my last 2 cars from Chambers. They are a huge dealership group with 3 Honda stores. I stopped by one location recently and they had about (40) 03 Accords in various guise. My buying experience then was ok but not without the usual issues with paperwork, etc. My salesperson was great, I had issues with f&i.
I'm definately ready to deal right now, so it would be great to hear from any and all on these boards who have recently worked out a deal. (I'm looking for a 36 month/12k mile lease.)
http://users.starpower.net/mdbaker1/exv6main.htm
Eventually, I'll turn it into a full website (when I get the time). Having a newborn limits that luxury considerably.
Enjoy...
-mdbaker1
i cant remember who posted it, but they said that heated seats were one of the differences from honda to acura...he/she was mistaken...all accords with leather interior have heated front seats.
having stability control is one of those things that prices VW out of the market. nice to have, but when you have a passat thats too small for the mid-size class, and costs more than the rest...well, you see the differences in volume. honda wont overdo it just to keep up with a car that has only 1/3rd of its volume. VW is almost a non-player in hondas technology decisions.
You need stability control in Europe as well as diesels, and Honda and Toyota are getting creamed there, they were late to offer it as well as a car that had style and it has cost them. We in the US do not need stability control in the way they need it in Europe, high speeds and wet weather are common and stability control plays to that much better, Price is also a very big concern here. People will pay $3000 more for the Accord over a Taurus, but if you start throwing stability control and other standard equipment you raise the price to a point where people are not willing to pay the difference and will buy the Taurus. Or you are competing with the Passat which commands the price point over the Accord and you need to offer its equipment levels, as well as its interior build quality and materials, and the little things that make is so nice.
People perceive the Accord is going to be less trouble some than the Taurus and Honda banks on that, even though you can look at the 5 year JD power reliability survey and see that the Taurus is just behind the Accord in problems after 5 years of ownership, (The most trouble free 1997 midsize car is the Chrysler Cirrus, go figure)
Also remember that stability control that Honda uses on the Acura's and Most Toyota's use is not as a comprehensive system as what BMW, MB, VW or even Ford's Advancetrac use. Once you hit the brakes in a Honda/Nissan/Toyota system the system disengages, while on the latter systems the system will still attempt to pull you out of the skid. GM uses both system, but is switching over to the second one, I was surpassed to find out the new system on the Euro Accord and 2003 MDX will still not be a true system, as Nissan, and Toyota are slowly switching over, Honda must have a reason for it that they are not telling, could also be why they are so profitable. :-) The market will dictate options will be around, which will change and which will go away.
I think Honda will still be a top selling car, but there is finally real competition out now, With the Nissan Altima, and the New Mazda 6 (that will have both a Wagon and hatchback and may offer AWD) and you can bet Honda will be watching how those sell, Honda knows what changes will take place in the Accord next year. They are worrying about the 2005 model year now. The new Accord is a great car, but the competition is starting to make some great cars as well. All this will make the next Accord that much better.