Honda Accord Coupe

anonymousposts

The EX V6 had Michelin MXV4's. They are about $140 per tire at www.discounttire.com.

gee35coupe

Never had a problem with headroom in our 03 coupe. You'd have to be VERY long in the torso. The seat adjust up down also and I like driving at the uppermost position.

emale

you are 6'6" with the seat at the highest position...and your head isn't out the sunroof?? you must have some mighty long legs as i'm only 6'1" and my head rubs on the sunroof shade if it's closed...and i have the seat all the way down!

gee35coupe

Guess we are at opposite ends of the body type spectrum.

1st_accord

I test drove both back to back (they had a used 04 v6 coupe on the toyota lot). Solara is a nice ride with lots of room in the back. I didn't like a few things about the Solara.
 1. Looking out the back i couldn't see where the back of the car is. Even if you put a spoiler on its to low to be able to see. Makes it tough to park until you get used to size of the car.
2. I had some visibility problems with the drivers side blind spot because the seatbelt was in the way.

My visibility complaints must be taken into account that i am only 5'7".

I ended up buying the 4cyl accord coupe EX-L.

I wouldn't look too much at MSRP but rather deal with invoice pricing and go up or down based on market conditions and incentives (see prices paid and buying experience forum).

wgretzky

Hello All,

Thanks all for your opinions...I have decided on the Accord 4 cylinder coupe with leather over the Solara.

I have always driven automatic, and I wanted to buy a stick accord. Today was my second day out in my friends Civic. I heard stick is more fun, etc...

This is only my second day, but I'm having second thoughts with stick..Im just not that great at it yet. I dont really want to wear out the clutch in the new car. Ill be going out in my friends car a few more times.

What are all your opinions with 1)stick vs auto in general and
2)specific to the accord...I test drove the auto and learned it was 5-speed auto and it was a great drive!

Thanks!

Wayne

anonymousposts

I've always loved Honda sticks but copped out and bought an automatic 04 Accord when I found out I was pregnant. In short, I love the XM in the 04 but got much more enjoyment out of my 5-speed manual 03 coupe.

buffybaby1

I need some info. on the 1988 Honda Accord. I need to know what the length and width of the 88 Accord was. What I really need to know if the 2004 Civic at 175 inches long and 67 inches wide,larger than the 88 Accord. Thanks.

04accordcoupe

Stick vs. auto is a pretty personal decision ... comes down to individual preference. I've always owned manual transmission cars, and I simply enjoy driving them more than automatics (which I still drive fairly often travelling and renting cars -- biggest problem with the US is you can't rent a manual!). There are times -- stop and go traffic jams -- when an automatic is nice, but I feel more connected and involved in the driving process when I'm rowing my own gears.

I bought a 5MT Accord Coupe EX-L, after driving the 5AT Coupe. The 5AT was a great car, but I think my 5MT is more fun, 'cause I'm just a manual sort of person.

If you're just learning to drive a standard, it can be pretty frustrating, but hang in there. It's a great skill to have, and today's clutches are pretty resilient. Drop in at www.standardshift.com for a bunch of manual tranny fans and help with learning.

BTW -- I drove the Solara when shopping too, and was quite disappointed compared to the Accord. The Mazda6 was much nicer than the Solara IMO, but the Accord was my favorite in the end.

1st_accord

if you go into the used car part of Edmunds you should be able to look up your car and locate its specifications (length, width, wheel base, fuel tank, etc). Hopefully they will still have these details for a vehicle this old.

dust90

Had the wing installed on my 6 sp coupe and it will stay open anywhere from half open on up. Sounds like they didn't replace the springs in yours.

dust90

I agree with 04accordcoupe, I love manual trannys. However, it would depend on where the majority of my driving took place. If I had to commute in DC, I would probably go with the auto. Get some practice, but unless you're ABSOLUTELY sure that you want the stick, buy the auto. Nothing worse than regrets with a month old car!

wgretzky

Thanks to everyone for their help!

Over the weekend, I had a 1.5hour lesson with a local driving school...I drove the 5-speed ok.

I think i will go with an Auto, however...EX-L 4 cylinder for few reasons:

1)have to drive rush-hour traffic every day
2)I still feel more comfortable in Automatic
3)Higher resale value for Auto

Ive got an appointment with the dealer on Tues at 7:00pm!

Thanks again to everyone for their help!

Wayne

kimmer

Hi, I'm new to these forums and have read several with interest. I am trying to decide between the RX8 and the Honda Accord V6 6-speed coupe. Yes, they are different cars, but my essential criteria are concerns about oil/engine maintenance with the new RX8 and fuel economy (is it that BIG a deal for average driving distance annually?) versus the Honda which has the same horsepower, wonderful tranny & gold historical maintenance. The RX8 fits me like a glove and drives like stink. I am moving out of my 1990 Integra, which has been nothing but outstanding in performance & maintenance (it's almost a family member!). Want to keep this new car for a long time and a great time, so would appreciate your comments. Thanks.

cstiles

I've driven both cars and own the Accord 6spd. These cars couldn't be more different. The RX8 is a limited production, focused sports car...high revving rotary, rear drive, 50/50 distribution, <3000lbs, basically a 2+2 but the rear seats are tiny, little luggage room, and it's primary focus, as you said, is to "drive like stink!" The car is a blast, but if I lived where the weather was poor, I don't think this is a 4 seasons car. The RX8 is more like an S2000 or high performance Miata with a fixed roof and backseat for kids. It's competition is more the G35 coupe or 350Z.

The 6spd coupe is fast in a straight line, has a smooth and powerful V6, is nose-heavy and compromised by front wheel drive (but benefits from it in snow), is significantly heavier, can truly seat 4 medium adults in comfort, has a big trunk, and is not a true sports car due to all season rubber and a suspension designed more for comfort rather than slalom speed. The interior of the RX is pretty snug compared to the Accord, which is more of a boulevard cruiser that can also hustle. It's far more practical than the RX8, IMO, but not nearly as fun to drive, even with the manual. I put summer tires on my Accord and it has improved the handling, but the suspension is still pretty soft. The RX8 has been criticized for poor MPG, and the long term reliability of the rotary is more questionable compared to the Honda powerplant.

The 1990 Integra was based on the Civic platform, and doesn't really drive like the new Accords, which have a more substantial feel. Definitely drive the two since both have pro's and con's. Good luck with your decision!

lmacmil

This should be a relatively easy decision. Gas will cost about $430/year more for the RX8 (assume 5 mpg worse mileage, 12K miles/year, $2.10/gal). You can do the math on that. The rest gets down to what kind of driving do you do and how often do you need to carry extra people or luggage for two or more. I've got a boring 8 mile commute, 4 miles west and 4 miles south. In my area, there just aren't many opportunities to take advantage of sports car handling. We get lots of snow, so RWD isn't going to be too good in the winter either. I also think the Accord will hold its value better if trade-in is a consideration down the road. Ultimately, only you can decide which is best for you. Good luck.

gee35coupe

They planned to sell 30k per year. I don't think they are building that many 6 speed Accords.

plethysmo

cstiles

I think we're arguing semantics here. Compared to the raw number of 6spd Accords, the RX8 is not "limited production." However, given the tight market focus of the RX8, and compared to the broad focus, history, and target market for Honda Accord coupes, the RX8 is definitely a limited production car. It's future is also uncertain...Mazda had to think hard whether to even develop it following reaction to the concept car version. With a potentially limited production cycle, I would argue that it is limited production...

lmacmil

In the automotive world, 30K annual production is definitely small volume. Most suppliers aren't even interested in that small a volume.

gee35coupe

30k on this list.
http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsedan.asp

Many are not thought of as "limited production". Limited production sounds like the Civic SI (15,000 units), S2000 (5000 units), or the NSX (less than 2000 worldwide).

30,000 units is like all over the place.

cstiles

Autoweek magazine posted their 1st-quarter update (6,660 miles) on their long term RX8. Two concerns---poor mileage (16.8 mpg) and the twin rotary is burning about a quart of oil every few weeks. In spite of the two significant concerns, they described the car as a blast to drive, aka the "9000-rpm Viagra."

One other interesting note...Mazda will debut a 276-hp, 265-lb-ft MazdaSpeed Mazda6 for a mid-2005 release. The car will have 18 inch wheels and all wheel drive, powered by a twin-turbo
2.3-litre, 6speed FOUR CYLINDER engine. That's a lot of torque for a 4-banger. If they can bring that car to market in the $24K~$26K range, watch out. Thank goodness we are starting to see some interesting options out there.

Okay, so much for the Mazda's...let's get back to the Accord coupe...

jomabu1

This is a double post from the Accord vs TSX forum.

After debating the Acura TL, TSX, Accord and Accord Coupe, I bought the Accord coupe. I really loved the TL but couldn't justify the cost at this time. I liked the TSX especially with the 6spd manual. Practically I liked the Accord 4 door for it's room and price factor.

After driving the V6 coupe tonight, I thought it represented a good compromise between all the cars. The engine and ride felt like the TL 6spd. The manual transmission felt smooth and almost as sweet as the TSXs'. The rear seat room was about the same as the TSX. As my son is 3.5 he can get out of the car by himself allowing me to get the coupe. Also the highway milage seems equal to the TSX. I prefer the firmer ride of the 6spd vs the Accord. I was awed by the cars acceleration.

Also swaying me was the the deal I got. $23,583 before TTL. Probably could have gotten another $250 off if I wasn't so tired. I bought the car here in Northern California.

Thanks for your input!

anonymousposts

There's no way the Mazdaspeed 6 would be less than $26,000. A loaded 6s is $26,000. Add the complexity of twin turbos and AWD and I don't see any way Mazda could sell the car for less than $30,000. The only way they may be able to keep cost down is to make it a strippo model with no roof, no climate control, etc.

ejsj

Jomabu - I am interested in the Accord Coupe and also live in Northern Calif. What dealer did you use?

jomabu1

I bought my car from Hansel Honda in Petaluma. I went back and forth with the 4 door Accord and the Acura TSX. After driving and being blown away with the coupe's peformance, I made the deal. Also the V6 coupe gets higher highway mpg than the Acura TSX manual. Visited the dealership for a couple of months while making up my mind and worked with the same salesman. The coupe was on the lot for a couple of months. Marino Red with the beige interior is the colour. There is a $1,000 factory to dealer incentive on the V6 coupe vs $500 on the 4 cylinder. The colour wasn't my first choice but wasn't too keen on the other choices anyway.

My sales mans name is Andre. He was easy to work with and good natured. He knew that I knew my stuff. I offered Invoice minus $1,000. Got invoice minus $750. Probably could have gotten my offer but my wife just wanted to make the deal and be done with it. I highly recommend Andre. The finance dept wasn't too pushy. I added the clear nose protector and body side moldings.

Hope this is helpful.

jomabu1

ejsj, one other thing.

I see you were contemplating the Volvo S40. I also looked at it but the back seat was worse than the Accord coupe and the car cost more.

The Jetta will be replaced next year and it's reliability is suspect.

Acura of Concord has had three used Acura TSX's listed in the paper the last couple of Sundays. All of them were automatics. I think they were asking $24,888 +. The lowest milage one had 1,500. At least two of them had black interiors.

Where do you live? I live in Petaluma. Hope this is helpful!

lmacmil

Apart from looking pretty classy, why is the black on black color scheme so popular? The exterior shows every water spot or spec of dust and the interior is hotter than hell on a sunny day. I just don't get it.

cstiles

Okay, I agree that $24K for the Mazdaspeed 6 is wishful thinking! However, an out-the-door price in the mid $20's is possible, and probably necessary, to sell this car. Remember it's a 4 banger, not a V6. I think it would be hard for Mazda to justify a 4 cylinder Mazda6 for $30K, even with twin turbos and AWD. You're starting to creep into some heady competition (Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T and sniffing range of a 3.0Q, WRX STi, EVO, Saab/"Saabaru" 9-2X Aero, etc.). With incentives and dealing, $25-27K is doable. In any case, this provides Mazda with an interesting car that should get Honda to take notice.

I believe Nissan also announced a high performance (250HP?) version of the Altima, for the 2005 model year. Hopefully Honda will also continue to push the performance envelope. (Good to see that the hybrid Accord will be coming to market ahead of the Camry this year.)

Another interesting possibility would be a MazdaSpeed version of the Mazda3. Imagine that in the low $20K range.

gee35coupe

Not quite in the same league.

Additionally the WRX is smaller and strippo but still carries a MSRP in the mid-$20's. A Mazdaspeed6 will have to have an MSRP of at least $30K or it will suffer severe decontenting.

austinman7

I have temporary custody of my son's car, a 1998 Accord LX coupe 5-speed manual, and it's due for its 90,000 mile service. I was trying to figure out where the air-conditioning filter is so I could replace it myself. The owner's manual (p. 236) doesn't show or tell where it is, and says to have your Honda dealer replace it, so maybe it's not an easy job.

Have any of you replaced your air-conditioning filter? Could you give me some guidance? Any help would be appreciated.

The reason I'm asking is that my own previous car was a Camry, with a filter that was easy to replace and cost about $31 on-line, compared with about $70 at the dealer. I was hoping to save a similar expense with the Accord.

My present car is an '04 Accord LX sedan, which I like very much. But every time I drive my son's car, I have to admit I get more fun out of it. At 90,000 miles, it's still very tight and corners much better than the sedan.

whitecloud1

I think that A/C filter would be below the glove box, if the LX has one. I think you have to remove the glove box to get at it. I also think that for '98 it was only on the EX.

austinman7

The owner's manual says to replace this filter every 30,000 miles, so I'm guessing the LX has one as well as the DX, but I'll soon find out.

I probably should have Googled around a little before asking this question. If anyone's interested, I came across this very helpful website:

http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/cabinair.shtml

By coincidence, it uses a 1998 Accord for its example. It takes a bit of doing, and a ground wire for the air bags is nearby, so I may pass on this and let the Honda folks do it. Hopefully the filter cost won't be as outrageous as the Camry's.

whitecloud1

Great site. A couple years ago I inquired with one Honda dealer, who swore I didn't have one in my '98 EX-4 Accord Coupe. I asked another and he said it would cost around $120. Not stinking yet, and still have good airflow. I'll probably take mine in for the work, but I usually don't trust shops for items like this. So, thanks for the link.

anonymousposts

austinman: The manual in your son's Accord is probably contributing to it's fun-to-drive personality. Additionally, the 98 Accord coupe had stiffer spring settings than the sedans. Tires could also be a factor. Honda isn't known for putting the most performance oriented tires on their cars. They go more for all-season long tread life type tires. Maybe you oughta throw a nice set of aftermarket springs/wheels/tires on your Accord. It would probably change the entire character of the car.

austinman7

Yes, absolutely, the manual is a fun factor. And yes, he insisted in '98 that the coupe was set up sportier than the sedan, and he was right. It's not really a sport sedan, but in my opinion, it comes close, at least in the handling department. The seating position is lower than in my '04 sedan, contributing to its go-kart feel.

He replaced the steel wheels with some Honda alloys he found on Ebay from someone with the same car who was buying different alloys. It's his car, though, so I won't be doing any more to it in the way of springs, etc. I just have temporary custody while he's overseas. The tires are Bridgestone Turanza El41. Don't know how those rate as performance vs. boulevard cruising.
It's merino red and he has kept it waxed and cleaned -- looks good as new. I'm very impressed at how tight and rattle free it as at 90,000 miles. Very solid car all around. And the I4 is surprisingly peppy with the manual. I would guess those of you with this model car would want to hang onto it -- lots of fun for the money.

My days of wanting to drive a manual all the time were in my youth, far behind me now. But I do enjoy this car every time I take it out.

islanddriver

At 75 mph, on a bend, my 2001 honda got out of control. I was about to shift had to grab the steering, yank it to middle of road, then noticed dashboard lit up..the car had shut off. Restarted and drove to work like a jelly. Any similar incidents. Have been reading about the 1993 honda ignition switch problems...

htownpimp786

Just wanted to know whats a good deal on a Honda Accord EX V6 Brand new 2004 black on black coupe!

I looked around texas, and around houston, the msrp is 26,990. The final price im getting right now is 24,250 DRIVE OUT! Is that good? Should i look for more? thanks

anonymousposts

As long as you are happy with the deal then go for it.

whitecloud1

The price is good if you like the car. One thing some people forget is that your color choice and options might not be around later.

aggie1995

That's a good price. Go for it.

scipio

Are there any good aftermarket trannys for the Accord V-6?

shortystuff822

I was told 22,989 for an accord ex v6 coupe because its the end of the year and the cars considered used now!

lmacmil

They are not used but they will be 1 year old in a month or so when the 2005s come out.

atlantabenny

Having the 03 V6 coupe, it's easy to be curious about next-car options. The RX-8 is probably the closest upgrade in terms of price and general appeal. So, oldest son and I visited the Mazda dealer in Alpharetta GA while Miata-hunting (pre-owned, for a project car).

Salesperson got a red automatic for us, and he rode in the back during the drive. The interior had many interesting details, and it projected high quality except for the maplight cluster, which looked almost economy-car class.

With 3 grown men in the car, I stepped on it to see how much pick-up it had. Mazda has done a great job programming the tranny for the low-torque engine; it quickly and smoothly downshifts for almost instant acceleration. On 2nd or 3rd, I saw a silent 6000 rpm on the tach just changing lanes and passing slower cars. The Accord at this rpm would be like riding a runaway bull.

Ride was very supple and quiet with the 18 inchers, and the car lived up to its handling reputation on Alpharetta's curvy back roads.

The RX-8 would be a perfect 2nd car or a 40-mile daily commuter. As a business car, its operating cost/mile (15-19 mpg, expensive 18 inch tires, etc.) is probably too high for folks like me.

But in all, outstanding concept and execution. In the showroom, the appealing Mazda6 wagon in Sepang Green and the solid new Mazda3 seem to say that Mazda has made a comeback.

carguy04

Has anyone seen pics of the '05 Accord Coupe yet? I imagine Honda has only made minor changes to the taillamps and wheel designs. I am hoping they also have revised their color options and combos for the interior and exterior. Any comments anyone?

maxamillion1

The coupe will probably remain the same, with maybe a difference in the taillights and the new hubcaps for LX/LXV6 and rims for EXV6 like the sedan.

The REAL facelift will not come until next year (06).

The Civic went through a similar transition.

dunbar42

I'm also in the market and have driven a few V6 coupes (auto and manual) and drove an RX-8 manual recently. Overall I think it's a great car. It has good power (not much torque) phenomal handling WITH good around-town ride quality. Actually it's amazing a car that handles this good (I scared the salesman) can soak up pot-holes so well. But, and it's a big caveat, the highway ride is awful. I took it on the I15 and the cars was bucking up and down like electric bull. And those low-profile tires send a lot of noise into the cabin. It's the same problem I have with the Miata, it's TOO MUCH of a sports car to be my daily driver.

The V6 Accord Coupe is more of a luxo-cruiser that's still fun enough to charge around an off-ramp.

lmac

I have had an off and off rattle on passenger side of my coupe. The rattle comes and goes. It appears to be centered around the rear passenger window / roof. Had it in once to dealer but since it is not full time they couldn't find it. Any ideas?

awhite

True that it is. However, when clean that is one sexy looking car. I just traded my 02 black coupe in for an 04 silver cpe, only because the sales rep said that the lighter cars a slight advantage when trading in, more people prefer them.