Honda Accord Coupe

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Comments

  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    I am a Accord owner but the first time I saw the Accord I thought

    " is that a Accord or Mercury Cougar?"

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Yeah I can see the slight resemblance also. But as with any production car, there will be others on the road that resemble it. Hey, people think the tail of the coupe look like the Benz coupe, now thats a nice compliment.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    grndefx:

    In your post #726 you stated "I want to rest my head on the headrest while driving." Sorry, but that's neither a good idea while driving nor the purpose of automobile head restraints (THEY ARE NOT HEADRESTS). They are a safety feature meant to RESTRAIN your head from suddenly swinging too far back and snapping your neck in an accident.

    The only time that you should consider them to be headrests is when you are trying to take a nap while your vehicle is parked.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    But the rest of the car seems nice enough. It'll do better than the first one I'm sure.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    Then why are many headrests articulated, if not for offering passengers enhanced comfort?

    I'll agree that they're an important safety feature, but stating that they are not designed to be used as a place to rest one's head while driving is a bit *ahem* extreme.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    himiler:

    I'm just guessing here, but articulated head restraint designs are probably due to a few safety factors. Different body shapes place heads in different driving positions. Someone with a common type of scoliosis (forward arching spine, mostly in women), someone with a "hunchback" or an overweight person, would surely have their head further forward when they are in a normal seated position than someone without such pysical conditions. That would be a primary reason that such persons would be safer with a head restraint able to be placed further forward than the "normal" position.

    The point is that "one size" doesn't fit all bodies. The same reason that automobile seats and mirrors are able to be customized with adjustments for forward, backward, angle, height, lumbar support, etc.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    If articulated headrests are a safety measure, then shouldn't all cars be so equipped?

    "The point is that "one size" doesn't fit all bodies."

    While unarguably correct, this is not "the point." "The point" is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a headreast as a place to rest one's head while driving.

    If this really were a safety issue, there would be warning stickers on the headrests and dire notices in every car's owner's manual.
  • mantrimantri Member Posts: 1
    I'm trying to decide between leasing a LX V6 coupe or a regular EX coupe. I like the idea of the extra available power of the V6 although it seemed from my test drive of the EX that is was plenty peppy. I also like that exterior color, Desert Mist Metallic, which I was told was only availble on the LX V6.

    I don't need the moonroof on the EX and I think that the Traction Control System on the LX V6 would be nice to have. BUT, the LX V6 is more expensive than the EX.

    Do any of you own the LX V6? Any comments?
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    i own an LX V6-- 2001 tho--- i got it since the 4 cylinder didnt come in the color i wanted... honda has absolutely horrid color choices in coupes, by the way.... i'm fairly happy i went with the LX V6 over a 4 cylinder in a horrid color.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    mantri... Get what you want! Get what you can afford! Only you can reconcile the two when they conflict. (Sounds like you know, deep down, you'd rather have the V6. If you can afford it, go for it. If not, either get the I4 or buy a used V6.)
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    We have both 6 and 4 cyl 2003 Accords; my take is that the coupe being sporty by intent is better with the 6.

    The 4 is good on the highway - fast and responsive enough and very economical. But 2nd gear on this engine is weak and flat around town or when accelerating in that gear.

    Put on some nice rims on the LX-V6 and you've got a really nice car for the price of a 4-cyl EX.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I honestly can't say that I find a weak spot in 2nd gear in my 03 5-speed manual 4 cylinder. I'm sure it's not as fast as the 240HP engine but 0-60 times for the cars have been as close as .5 seconds.
  • midnight_stangmidnight_stang Member Posts: 862
    I imagine he's talking about an Automatic, not manual.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    The shift program of the i-4/auto uses 1st gear just enought to move the car then quickly engages 2nd, catching 2nd at a low rpm/low torque point. This is the culprit for the laggardly 2nd. Given the fuel economy expectation for this car, it's easy to understand why Honda programmed the shift points as such.
  • accord_xaccord_x Member Posts: 2
    I have been getting only 22-24 mpg on the highway driving between 65-80 mph at times with the AC on with the V6 6-speed manual. Even when the AC is off for the whole tank and I drive slower (all highway miles) I still only get 24 mpg. What highway mileage are you other V6 MT owners getting? The car was supposed to get 30 on the highway.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    How many miles do you have on the car? If the car is still relatively new then wait until the first oil change to see if MPG improves. If it doesn't then check your tire pressure.
  • jcihakjcihak Member Posts: 60
    I have a 2003 EX V6 Auto and have been commuting with it for 1400 miles - 30% town, 70% rural roads. I've been getting better mileage with each tank:
    1st tank - 22mpg
    2nd - 24 mpg
    3rd - 25 mpg
    4th - 26 mpg
    5th - 27 mpg
  • over55over55 Member Posts: 3
    3500 miles, the Nav system says (I haven't done a manual check yet) :
    26-27MPG around (rural) town - 12 mile drive to work with 6 traffic lights, average 35-45MPH.
    29-30MPG driving to the "big city" all freeway @70-80MPH
  • accord_xaccord_x Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the info.
    I now have 6000 miles on the car. The "Maint Req'd" has just begun to flash, so I will get my first oil change soon. I hope that the mileage improves since that was one reason for getting the car. I will have the tire pressure checked as well thanks again.

    Another question: does anyone know how to hook up a PC to the Honda's onboard computer?
  • simplemantoosimplemantoo Member Posts: 1
    For a 2003 4 Cyl EX Accord Coupe with leather vs. the 6 Cyl EX Accord Coupe?

    Looks to me that there are only a few 2003 EXL 4 Cylinders out there left.

    Honda stunned me today when they continued offering the 2.9% Financing on the Accords and cancelled the 1.9% on the Civics. Thought it would be the other way around.

    So what is everyone paying for EX Accords these days??
  • snowfulsnowful Member Posts: 53
    I'd also like to know how to hook up a pc to the onboard computer. I've asked this in several forums and have never gotten a response. No one seems to know what the pc explansion slot is all about.
  • yazyazooyazyazoo Member Posts: 20
    I have a 2003 Accord coupe and i read on some reviews that it has passenger 4 way power seats. I don't have it. Should I have it?
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Only the EX V6 Accord sedan has the power passenger seat.
  • jrp6977jrp6977 Member Posts: 87
    I was checking out an '04 EX V6 5 spd coupe the other day while getting my 2000 EX V6 serviced and noticed some problems with the interior of this, and every other coupe I've seen.
    First of all, the head liner is now made of a very cheap looking material that looks like it belongs in an entry level Korean car. This material is also found on the sun visors, that themselves lack the quality feel of previous Hondas. I found that the visors required more effort to move and did not flip smoothly like previous Hondas. Also, the top of instrument panel is made up of far more pieces than is normal Honda practice and don't seem to fit as well as they should. The large number of pieces makes me wonder if the likely of squeaks and rattles occurring is higher now. The materials look high quality though.
    Also, the plastic trim on the steering wheel around the radio controls and cruise control does not fit flush to the leather on the wheel as it is supposed to.
    When looking at a comparable '04 Solara SLE, with its Lexus-like interior, I didn't notice such problems.
    I can't help but wonder, is Honda loosing its touch?
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    Smart-looking dash started creaking at about 9k when going over road imperfections and in the mornings. Creak's not there later in the day when it's warmer.

    Interior materials are supposedly benchmarked against VW. Compared with the 6 gen Acccords we had, the headliner does feel coarser and harder to keep clean. Steering wheel parts, as you noted, don't line up as well as desired.

    While the new Accords are definitely a notch higher in concept and design (vs previous Accords), build quality based on my personal experience has slipped. We have two 03s and both have the Honda-uncustomary creaks and rattles.

    Looking at the Accord ledger, its flaws aren't enough to offset its value. Wish they weren't there, but against current car offerings the Accord appears to still be ahead.

    I'm hoping the Koreans push the envelope so it pushes Honda.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I was in a loaner IS300 and there was fewer soft touch surfaces than in my 1987 Corrolla FX-16.

    I can't think of any soft touch in my new SI. My 2000 was better than that and my 1993 Civic EX was better still.

    But it's a compromise. The 04 Accord EX-L has every feature my $53,000 (when new) 1994 Lexus has except the RWD V8. In some cases even more stuff. Heck, the EX-V6 only has a 10hp deficit from the 4.0 V8. You gotta cut the corners somewhere cause $53,000 in 1994 is a lot more money than $23,000-$27,000 today.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    gee35coupe... You wrote, "I was in a loaner IS300 and there was fewer soft touch surfaces than in my 1987 Corrolla FX-16."

    The metallic pedals should've given you a clue that the IS300 is not about luxury look or feel. The IS300 appeals to a different demographic, just like the Acura TSX (based on the European Accord). I own two IS300s. I wasn't looking for soft surfaces (or soft suspension).

    The Lexus ES300 is definitely about luxury, look and feel. The former TL platform appealed to different segments in base and Type S models. The new TL drops base and moves line more toward Type S, but trying to keep luxury.

    The American Accord is geared more toward pleasing the vast middle than appealing to any particular demographic. It tries to be as many things to as many people as possible.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    You would still expect a certain level of luxury in any Lexus. If Toyota could add soft-touch surfaces to a 1987 FX 16, they could certainly upgrade the interior in their $30,000-ish IS300. The IS300 is a blast to drive but it's easy to see how they kept it at the price point it is.

    Just as for the options you get in a $22,000 Accord you have to expect that there will be some compromises. While there are more pieces on my 04 dash than there were on my 99 or 01 dash the materials are nice, the look is nicer, and you get alot more for your money. In 2002 only EX V6 Accords received climate control, let alone dual climate control, no LED gauges in any Accord, no heated seats, no side curtain airbags, only 16's on the V6 coupe (V6 sedan & others had 15's), no telescopic wheel, no 5-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed coupe version, ABS is now standard, etc. All of this for a negligible price increase. The Accord, for all intents and purposes, is a better car than the one proceeding it.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    sacrificing quality for using and putting R&D money into making better interior materials in their cars?

    I don't think the Koreans are going to push Honda. VW has a better shot at pushing Honda but with their lackluster quality they can't.

    I do like the interior better than previous Accord's but if at comes at a price at sacrificing quality I don't think making the interior materials of better quality is worthed. Honda has always made vehicles that were solid reliable, had class, and were good value for your money. I think Honda has lost class in its exterior styling and is trying to cater to too many audiences at once. The quality of recent with the Civic losing its double wishbone suspension and the 03 Accord teething problems makes me wonder if Honda has lost its touch with great build quality of its cars. The Accord is still a good car for its money though. The Civic I think the 1996-2000 model was more to my liking than the current model is. The 01+ looks ok but the interior was deconted and the styling dropped off a little bit from the previous generation.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    There were "teething" problems then too. Not to mention the ugly pattern on the cloth seats. They promply changed it for 1999.
  • yazyazooyazyazoo Member Posts: 20
    I just bought the coupe and noticed that the sunglass holder always seems to be stuck. I press it to open and then I have to tap the back to get it open. I read someone else had that problem when it was warm. I wonder if it had been resolved?
    Also the center console seems to slide forward to easy! When a passenger is rididng with me and they put their elbow on the center sliding console they will sometimes move the console thus affecting my driving position of my arm. I was wondering if there was a lock on it?
    Other than that I love my car. One month and 1500 miles. The V6 is so smooth!
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Take it to the dealer and see if there are any adjustments they can make.
  • dust90dust90 Member Posts: 169
    Test drove an 04 EX-L coupe today with the 5 sp MANUAL tranny. I loved it! Quiet, smooth and plenty peppy for a 4 cyl. I originally wasn't going to go for the leather, but when you condsider that it includes, heated seats, pwr drivers seat, XM Sat radio and auto HVAC, I decided to opt for the leather. Made them an offer, but have to wait for owner of dealership to get back from WVU football game to see if it is accepted or not. They had two of the EX-L's equipped with the 5 sp manual tranny, one blue and one red. I opted for the blue.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I had an 03 EX-L 5-speed coupe. Loved it. Hated to part with it but I had too. I am enjoying the XM on my 04 EX-L sedan though.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    anon,

    did you ditch the '03 just to get the XM?? :)
  • dust90dust90 Member Posts: 169
    Anony, I think both the sedan and coupe are good lookers. And yes, I'm looking forward to the 3 month trial of the XM radio. Won't have to be hassling with the CD's as much!
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    no emale ... although the XM is an added bonus the main reason for the swap from the coupe to the sedan is the upcoming arrival our first child. As much as I tried to justify keeping the coupe I just couldn't. So I bought the next best thing :)
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    Anonymousposts--seems like I remember you knew some sales figures... Do you happen to know the ratio/percentage of 7th generation sedans sold vs coupes?
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Best I can remember the Accord coupe accounted for 80,000 (20%) or so sales of the Accord.
  • zhengyingzhengying Member Posts: 11
    How often you guys change oil?
    dealer suggest every 3000mi, but owner's manul said 5000mi, C&D review even mention once 10000mi going to be fine. confuse!
    btw, what kind of oil is better?
    thanks lot!
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    you change that oil every 4000 miles or so ... of course you'll have to periodically re-set the required maintenance light on the honda, which i think is set to go on every 7500 miles-- not quite sure why honda has that light anyway. am i nuts?
  • dust90dust90 Member Posts: 169
    I go by what the manual says, but mostly because of warranty concerns. I use Mobil 1 synthetic in my Honda because I run her a little harder than my wife runs her Camry, and I use Castol in it. Any of the major brands of oil will work just fine. Changing oil every 3000 miles is archaic and the biggest waste of a natural resourse! The service departments make a ton of $ from this old wives tale, plus they try to sell you some other service when they have your car in the service bay.

    Todays fuel injected, computer controlled engines don't suffer from oil dillution like the old carburated engines did. The fuel/air mixture is perfectly controlled. Go research on the BMW forums. Those cars have a service computer that analyzes the length of trip, number of starts, etc., and many of those owners report oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or more, depending on their driving conditions. Also, folks who are using an oil analysis to determine oil condition are easily going 10,000 miles between oil changes!

    A good thing to remember is that if the guy who trying to sell me a service is making $ from that service, his opinion may be biased. C&D doesn't make $ by giving out service tips.
  • midnight_stangmidnight_stang Member Posts: 862
    Just took my girlfriend's 03 Coupe 4 cylinder EXL in to the dealership today. Problem was occasional grinding, and constant "grabbing" of the front brakes with very little pedal pressure. Turns out, they have a service bulliten that says these vehicles need the rotors turned, new pads, and I think it got new calipers too (gotta check the receipt). Good thing it was all covered under warranty, and we were just thinking it was taking it's time to fully break in. (car has only 6000 miles). If you have any of these symptoms, I recommend you get it checked out, you may be in for some replacement brake parts.
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    do you have any details on that service bulleten, so that a person could use that as leverage when they take their car in.
  • midnight_stangmidnight_stang Member Posts: 862
    "Front Brake Noise or Judder"

    Service Bulliten 03-069

    Symptom:
    Front brake noise or judder when braking:

    Probably Cause:
    Front pads have caused a variation in the brake disc thickness (i.e. scoring)

    Corrective Action:
    Refinish front brake discs, and install new pads.

    Vehicles Affected:
    2003 Accord 2-door
    L4 - FROM VIN 1HGCM7...3A000001
         thru 1HGCM7...3A027433
    L6 (a/t only) - From VIN1HGCM8...3A000001
    thru 1HGCM8...SA036251

    2003 Accord 4-door
    L4
    Ohio built - 1HGCM5...3A000001
    thru 1HGCM5...3A101162
    Japan built - JHMCM5...3C000001
    thru JHMCM5...3C081070
    Mexico built - (VIN Begins with 3HG) - ALL
    V6
    1HGCM6...3A000001
    thru 1HGCM6...3A101604"
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    If you want a "sweet running / efficient engine" over a long period of time, change your engine oil and filter EVERY 3,000 miles.---- Engine oil cleans, seals, cools and lubricates component parts. Clean oil performs these tasks efficiently. Dirty oil DOES NOT!---- You will hear other opinions on this subject. The "Book of Honda" is only a guide. Only the vehicle owner knows the type of service that the vehicle sees on a daily basis.---- Vehicle maintenance must reflect vehicle use!---- QUESTION: ----Why take a chance? An oil and filter change at a Honda dealership is about $22.00. An engine installed in the vehicle would cost a lot more!!!!!!!!!! If you keep the crankcase clean, you will have a "sweet running engine" for a VERY long time. Naturally, the choice is yours, since you will be paying the maintenance and the repair bills. -------Just my opinion. -----Greg
  • prebmwprebmw Member Posts: 23
    I want to thank midnight_stang for the information concerning the brake TSB. I had taken my Accord in a couple weeks ago for the very same problem. They could find nothing wrong. I called back today and gave the TSB number, my vin fits in the range listed, and I have an appointment next week. Again, many thanks. I don't suppose that you have information about window rattles?
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but I have a question for you.

    I understand your last post about oil changes, but the 3000 mile interval is what was recommended about 10~15 years ago. My 92 Civic listed a maximum interval of 5000 miles.

    However, my new Accord has a maximum interval of 10000 miles. Since the max interval has doubled, you wouldn't even consider moving up to say, 5000 miles?

    I'm seriously not trying to dismiss your recommendation but it seems like something about the engines have changed, hence the recommended interval doubling. Yet you still recommend the 3000 mile mark.
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    Two sides here the 3000 miles oil changers and the by the book 5000/10000 mile changes

    For arguments sake lets say everyone is a "severe use" driver so even the Honda Book says do oil changes every 5000 miles.

    And lets say that unless you plan on keeping the car for 200,000 miles

    3000 Mile Changes
    ------------------
    66 oil changes @ $24.95 = $1648

    5000 Mile Changes
    ------------------
    40 oil changes @ $24.95 = $998

    7500 Mile Changes
    -----------------
    26 oil changes @ $24.95 = $648

    10000 mile changes ("normal use")
    ------------------
    20 oil changes @ $24.95 = $499

    10,000 Mile Changes with Synthetic
    ----------------------------------
    20 oil Changes @ $42.95 = $859

    The $650 difference between the 3000/5000 mile chnages may be worth the risk to some of us and not worth it to others. The $1148 difference between the 3000/10000 mile changes is also an interesting point to consider. But I can't get myself to go 10,000 miles on regular oil regardless of what Honda says.

    What would a new engine run $3500 ?? But that is a crapshoot. You have to first keep a car long enough to find out and there are som many other factors that could break down well before the engine.

    My recommendation is to go with 5000 mile changes with regular oil if you drive less than 15,000 miles per year. And go with synthetic oil and 10,000 mile intervals (with a premium filter) if you drive closer to 25,000 miles a year.

    Good Luck.
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    I do 5k oil changes with full-synthetic oil. my dang oil changes cost me about 35 ea doing it myself...

    If it were conventional, I definitely would run every 3k, but Amsoil guarantees the oil they sell is good for 7500 miles.... 5k is fair for me.

    Haven't yet found a 5w-20 conventional oil, and I think it would be relatively difficult to make since conventional oil has many different sized molecules, unlike synthetic. I don't really think I've seen a 5w-20 blend yet either, but I'm sure that's not far off with Honda and Ford doing the 5w20 thing.
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