Honda Accord - 2003 Redesign

chryslervan1

The Nissan Maxima is the competitor with Accord and Camry. My friend sold their 1990 Accord and got a NEW 1999 Maxima. After having Honda quality, he was very upset with squeeks, rattles, and mechanical problems of the Nissan Maxima.
In 2001 he traded the Nissan Maxima in on a 2001 Honda Accord. There were no buyers waiting in line to buy the Maxima as was the case with the Accord so he had to trade in the Maxima.

snowdon

Where are you located? What type of deal did you get?

Michael

prettywilly

This has been one of the best two years IMO for the Japanese car companies, with the relese of the Altima, the 6, redisigned Accord, Camry, and the soon to come Galant. Its going to be a Civil War!!!

whotheman

Nissan would tell you the Altima is competing with Accord and Camry, not Jettas and Corollas for sales. The Maxima is a competitor to V6 Accords and Camrys only, and a value position against the Acura TL and 3-series.

Maxima is losing sales to Altima because its a better car, at a lower price.

chryslervan1

Altima, Galant, Maxima (and Mazda 626) sales are so much lower than Accord and Camry they pose no threat. The Korean offerings (Daewoo Leganza, Hyundai Sonata and XG350, and Kia Optima) are considered a joke by most people. There are no serious threats from Europe or the USA unless one considers the Ford Taurus.
However, the Taurus is listed in a different category by the EPA as a "Large" car. Ford needs to hire Honda engineers to make the Taurus a serious competitor again.

diploid

"Camry outsells Accord 264,000 to 222,000 thru July!"

Toyota sells to fleet markets, Honda does not. Camry is a new model, sales through July are of the current Accord.

"Honda CR-V on pace to sell 150,000 this year."

Odd how you don't compare this to RAV4 sales. CR-V outsells it 2:1.

"Honda Pilot sells 5300 in first full month. Toyota Highlander almost 10000."

Pilot is in huge demand. Honda can't produce them fast enough.

whotheman

They're not Ford! 90% of their Camry sales are to retail customers.

The CR-V does double the Rav4 sales. I was making a general point, about the CR-V's success. Toyota couldn't make the Rav4 larger, then it would cost sales of the higher-profit Highlander, which is also selling all that are produced.

I thought they would make and sell more Pilots. Maybe after 6-12 months, they will. People constantly compare the Pilot and Highlander, thoughthey AREN'T comparable. That's why I put Highlaner sales.

implicit

To say that the Altima is not a main competitor to Accord and Camry is insane. Your idol Honda Motor Co sure does think it is. Infact they are shaking in they're boots because of the Altima.

Notice how every review on the Accord out right now talks about the Altima just as much as the Camry if not more and Charles bland or whatever his name is can't keep his mind off Nissan and the Altima. I have never read him mention the Camry once! It's always "Are ponies are healthier then Nissan ponies" or "Once you drive the new Accord you will forget everything about the Nissan Altima" YEAH RIGHT!

SCARED SCARED SCAREDY SCARED SCARED!

maxamillion1

...why? Well, it's larger than BOTH of them, it's got either more or comparable horsepower, and it has features that are comparable with them both. What the Altima lacks is true refinement, which Nissan themselves chose not to give to the car. The Accord V6 and Camry V6 models ONLY compete with the Maxima somewhat, because the Maxima isn't available with a V6, as someone stated earlier. Also, the Altima is roomier (slightly) than the Maxima, so if the Maxima competes, the Altima obviously has to.

maxamillion1

The Jetta nor the Corolla compete with the new Altima, heck, the Passat is even smaller than the Altima.

talon95

...that the Maxima isn't available as a 4?

coolguyky7

I think so.

snowdon

I doubt we will see any discounts, any thoughts on cars that come out the first week of September.

Michael

4wdisfun

Any 03 Accord Pics. I have been told that the front resembles a Kia Rio and the back a Mercedes. Thx.

diploid

The headlights are similar in shape to the Altima from an angle, but head on, it's very similar to the Civic. The only thing it has in common with the Kia Rio is the small grille.

parker19

if a new accord coupe v-6 will go for around 24 ... do you think its worth it to buy an acura cl for just a few more thousand

talon95

... you can find styling elements of so many other cars in any new car. For example, uptopic I posted a link to a picture of the Mazda 6 in which its roofline was a dead ringer for a Chevy Cavalier. I found another in which a side view had a unflattering resemblance to an Olds Achieva.

Another less than flattering comparison... every time I see a 2002 Lexus ES300, the roofline reminds me of the Daewoo Leganza. I'm sure that's what Lexus was going after.

maple49

Altima is a better car than the Maxima? The Altima is a nice car but it is in no way better than the Maxima. You lost all credibility on that statement.

inky4

Yes, Altima interior is cheapo deapo--but overall a better value than Maxima.
Anyone know when actual MSRP and invoice information will be available for new Accord?
INKY

diploid

maple- Have you SAT inside a Maxima? I think the Maxima's exterior isn't as attractive as the Altima's, but the interior is the complete opposite.

maple49

Altima is cheaper but one can argue it is not a better value. Taking price (and looks) out of the equation, the Maxima is a "better" car. As far as looks, I think the Maxima and Altima both look good on the outside but the Max wins on interior layout and materials.

Yes, I sat in a Maxima and as crazy as it may sound I even drove it. It is a very nice car.

Kirstie_H

Please remember that this is the 2003 Accord redesign topic. The clue is in the discussion title

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

whotheman

"Taking looks and price out of the equation."

All forum readers let out a collective.....

"Huh?!?"

When you compare one car to another, you compare all aspects, including looks, and ESPECIALLY PRICE!

I've test driven both. The Altima is a better car, AND a better value. The end.

Would anyone pay sticker for a 2003 Accord that looks like that?

Kirstie_H

Perhaps because there's a wide variety of different tastes across a vast US population? One man's beauty is another man's beast (see: Pontiac Aztek).

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

maple49

Disagree. Cars, like all purchases are based on perceived value. Cost and looks are only two components. I feel the Maxima is a better value even considering the $2-3K difference in price.

I believe the Maxima is a better car than the Altima. I also believe that the 2002 and definitely the 2003 Accord will be a better value and probably a better car than the Altima.

I'm glad you like the Altima. It is a nice car. Doesn't change the fact that it is not as refined as the Maxima or provide the complete package of the Accord.

The Accord will be had for below MSRP after a few months. Better get used to the looks of the Accord. You are going to see a lot of them very soon.

Kirstie_H

Cost and looks are indeed usually factors... but, they are generally weighed against other value items, such as reliability, safety and resale.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

crv16

I get so tired of people saying "Honda ripped off _fill in manufacturer here_" when it comes to styling. When it comes to sedans, you could name just about any two cars, and find *something* similar.

I think the Accord is a natural progression of the theme. It's a clean design - I'll say "timeless". Mercedes is a good example of a manufacturer whose cars look good 5 or 10 years after they come out, because they haven't fallen victim to faddish styling trends.

The Altima is a nice looking car too, except for the rear taillights. They are a deal-killer for me. I don't want to be driving a car that looks like some 17 year old's rice-mobile. The interior is awful, too.

Kirstie_H

ahem. Please refrain from using the word "rice" unless we're talking about eating Merci.

kirstie_h
Host

machiavelli

I definitely agree with crv16 on the Altima - the rear tail-lights ruin the car. The Accord is much more "adult" looking. Maybe if I were 18 I'd like the Altima better.... It needs a coffee-can muffler, 3 foot tall rear wing, etc etc to go with those "r-word burner" tail-lights.

whotheman

Couldn't have made it worse. Timeless? Ain't got time for ugly!

philbert

So far, I've read four reviews of the 2003 accord - LA Times, USA Today, AutoWeek, and Edmunds. The first three reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

AutoWeek: has the Accord on the cover, with the words "Practically Perfect" next to it.

USA Today: "Almost unbelievably classy and competent, surprisingly fun." "There are nits to pick, but the overall package probably is the nicest mainstream car on the market."

LA Times: "Wow," my driving partner said. "It's not often you get a thumbs up from a Mercedes driver when you're in a Honda" (refering to the 03 accord).

The Edmunds.com article, while noting some positive aspects of the car, is decidely less enthusiastic about the car.

Not sure what edmunds was thinking, but the fact is that out of the four reviews of the accord (written by people who have actually DRIVEN and SEEN the car) that I've read, edmunds is the only one that isn't overwhelmingly positive.

chryslervan1

And has been for decades.

samari7

and went beyond my expectations. Of course, none of us have driven it and that is the proof of the pudding as it was. Anyway, based on what we can read the accord trumps the Acura TL and CL in most categories except for Xenon headlights (which I hope will be added to the Accord in future models ) I think it would be silly to buy an Acura tl or cl unless you have to have the super tight suspension of the 'S' type ( which made my guts shake when I drove it)
This same analogy holds up, but to a lesser degree in the Altima Vs. Maxima debate. I won't repeat the obvious points made so far about cheap and plush interiors. The Maxima will be on the 110" wheelbase of the Altima (which is a few inches longer than the current Max.) for the'04 redisign of the Maxima which will probably come out in April of '03. Wait till then. In addtion, to the longer wheel base it will have the side curtain airbags and the addional aluminum parts eg, trunk, hood and suspension that the Altima has. This is important because a lighter suspension improves the unsprung to sprung weight ratio reuslting in a better ride. Also the the new Maxima will have as the current Altima already has independent rear suspension. Another big plus.
The key is to wait for these redesigns. The same is true for the Audis. The new A4 has more aluminum and re-engineered suspension and is in some ways superior to the A-6. And so it goes.
Back to the Accord. I can't wait to drive it. I was thinking of buying more upscale,I-35 even rear wheel drive e.g., G-35, or even in a stretch the Lexus GS 300 (which should be redsigned in '03). I own a '92 Accord EX with 120,000 miles and it still runs like a charm, and now I am going to give the '03 Accord at least a test drive...and some serious consideration.

orcinman

...and that word is "Yuck".

s852

The 2003 Accord seems better in most ways than a 2003 TL, but of course when the new 2004 TL comes out it will certainly have everything the Accord EXV6 has, plus extra luxury features, a bigger engine and, hopefully, much better quality interior materials like real wood and much richer leather than an Accord this time.
Hopefully, the styling will also be better.
If the new TL has much better styling than the 2003 Accord sedan, it will sell well if the price premium is not too high.

inky4

Wow, we hate or love this one. I like the 03 Accord and cannot wait to drive the EX V-6 when it come in the next month or so. I do think the 3.2TL will suffer immediately until the next gen comes out. As a 02 TL owner selling myself I want to sell soon. Funny thing Acura sold more TL's last month than ever.
INKY

machiavelli

The '04 TL will be out soon, probably in the Spring of 2003. In the meantime, a loaded EX-V6 Leather, Nav, etc.. Accord is probably a better value at this point. When the new TL comes out, it will be back on top again.

jguo

I like the 03 accord too. Seems like those people hate it never intend to buy it in the first place. No great loss for Honda.

inky4

Check out edmunds long term altima update test.
funny how a guy can drive the altima long distance and not like it but say what a thrill it is around town. Accord is the best overall package for 03 and looks less expensive than a fully loaded 03 Altima. I guess the raw performance and torque of the guzzling Altima are attractive but I guess I just need to drive the new Accord myself. The driver from Edmunds drove the Altima to the Accord test and appears very much unimpressed with the Accord.
INKY

machiavelli

"funny how a guy can drive the altima long distance and not like it but say what a thrill it is around town.."

Nothing unusual at all about that. I imagine a Viper would be a great car to drive on a sunny summer afternoon, but would be a pain to drive 600 miles cross country. Probably a lot of cars fall into that category.

With all this talk about the 2003 Accord - I wonder what the talk was back in 1998 when the previous gen Accord came out? Were people disappointed, etc..?

diploid

Like any sports car, it's inherently cramped.

We're talking about a rather large mid-size sedan here, whose purposes are for driving and running errands, not a car that's reserved for sunny afternoons.

townhall9

Speaking strickly on the topic of looks - 03 Accord is bland/plain ugly. I may be in the (older than 30) age bracket (my guess) Honda is targeting, but, in my opinion, this car is for "old folks". I still require that, in addition to a variety of other important points, my car is "easy on the eyes". I wish Honda well, but I will not be buying another Accord anytime soon.

pda97

Oh, yeah baby....the 03 Accord is TRULY UGLY. At least Honda is consistent in drawing up "uninspiring" automobiles. Honda should send its designers to Europe to study for a couple of years or something. BUT....what a fantastic engine though ! And not offering the 6 sp manual in the sedan is just DUMB ! But then again, it's just another example of Honda's arrogance. What a shame.

whotheman

They obviously know how to sell Accords. I just feel that the 240HP is useless without a manual tranny, to me. The 5-speed auto is a great compromise for those who don't/won't know how to drive.

The Mazda 6 and Altima are going after a younger, sportier market with their manual/V6 sedans. Honda shows it's conservative, Toyota-esque colors with the new Accord. I'll pass it, in my stick Altima 3.5!

pda97

Oh, yeah baby....the 03 Accord is TRULY UGLY. At least Honda is consistent in drawing up "uninspiring" automobiles. Honda should send its designers to Europe to study for a couple of years or something. BUT....what a fantastic engine though ! And not offering the 6 sp manual in the sedan is just DUMB ! But then again, it's just another example of Honda's arrogance. What a shame.

machiavelli

Honda is in the business to make money. Spending a fortune to certify a V6, 6 speed sedan for the 1,000 to 1,500 people who might buy one, out of the 400,000+ Accords Honda will sell this year is DUMB.

jguo

No Kidding about the waiting lists. The nay-sayers of course will complain that Honda artificially limit the supply. I mean, after all, how many people in their right mind is going to buy such an ugly car, right?

My only worry about the Accord is the EX-V6 will again have a long waiting list.

machiavelli

Actually - I don't think they are artificially limiting supply, but if there is a waiting list for a product, it is priced below market. Demand is exceeding supply. If the Ody (for example) were $1,000 or $2,000 more they would probably still sell all they can build, but there might not be a waiting list. Demand would go down somewhat.

p.s. I don't think you'll see waiting lists for Accord, at least not for the 'mainstream' LX-auto. Maybe for some of the more limited models, like the V6, 6-speed coupe.

silverk21

Has anyone heard what the pricing of the '03 coupe will be? I have read that the accords will top out at around $27,000.

whotheman

And THOSE 25k people would be new-to -honda buyers, since they have never had that option of buying such a sedan from Honda. So I feel it would be a wise investment, to broaden the appeal of the commuter-mobile Accord.