Honda Accord Coupe

cstiles

I think what Warney means is that these two cars are very different beasts. The difference in HP/torque between the 2.4L I4 and 3.0L V6 is very noticeable, and the 6spd takes more concentration and practice to drive smoothly due to the power sent through the front wheels. I love my 6spd, but it's possible to induce torque steer if you're not paying attention. Thankfully, it's not nearly as bad as the torque steer I've experienced in the TL 6spd, Saab Viggen, or even a Maxima with 6spd.

I still feel the 6spd coupe would benefit from a limited slip differential, like the CL Type-S coupe used to have. FWD architecture can only handle so much power since you're asking the front axle to do a lot (steer as well as accelerate).

The 6spd could also stand for stickier tires than the stock Michelin Pilot all-seasons, IMO.

warney

Hi MidCow:
I had only a short drive in the V6 6-speed and owing to the more powerful engine and my lack of experience at shifting/accelerating after shifting I comment on the different feel.
Both models are benchmarks in refinement.
Warney

drewwynn13

I hard wired my ipod to my factory 2003 accord coupe stereo. I was wondering if there is anyway for me to change the display from saying CD-C to IPOD on the stock stereo.
Thanks,
Andrew

akl88

how much was your purchase of a Honda Accord w/ NAVI? Which dealership did you buy it from in Houston?

midnightcowboy

I got it from John Eagle Honda. The price is a long story, but I got what I felt was a good deal. I got roof rack, bike rack, window etching,tinting, wheel locks, fog lights, premium floor Mats and splash guards. I was buying right before the $150 price increase but I had to pay part of the transportation to ship the 6-speed w Nav black from Corpus Christi. Russell Smith Honda was actually a couple of hundred less but they weren't willing to work with me on paying trnaportation cost. The cost was a couple of hundred below invoice, but the add-ons weren't dicounted as much. John Eagle is a president's level and the level of service and quality of delaership was the absolute best! Anyway ,I was told and it makes since that only 14% of the Accords are Coupes. And of the Coupes only about 5% are 6-speed. For a somewhat limited car I got a good deal! Since I bought apparently dealers that have made their quote are getting a $600 additional allowance per Accord.

Good Luck,

MidCow

abfisch

Can someone comment on leg and headroom in the coupe versus the sedan. I am 74" and there is not adequate leg room for me in the driver's seat. I was wondering if the coupe has longer seat travel.

Thanks.

abfisch

qbrozen

i can say that, at 6'5" (77"), I found the EX coupe to have ample room. Headroom was a bit tight, but my arms are long enough that I can tilt the seat back quite far and still reach comfortably. I find leg room to very rarely be an issue in a vehicle with an 8-way power seat. I didn't try one without a power seat, but I wouldn't be surprised to find that a manual seat proves to be a poor fit. only vehicles I seem to be able to fit in with manual seats are trucks.

akl88

I knew it you bought it at John Eagle Honda. I heard they got the President's Award. So that's what made me think you bought it at Eagle. But yeah I live close to john Eagle (about 10 minutes) so that will be very convenient, if I do buy an Accord EX V-6. Thanx midcow

cstiles

I'm 6'4" with long legs (36 inseam), and have owned an '03 6spd coupe for 2+ yrs. The front seat space is excellent, and I find them very comfortable for 4+ hr trips. I generally keep the seat all the way back, but even that's not totally necessary. I could inch the seat up a bit and still be okay. Headroom is close due to the sunroof, but as the other writer said, you can slightly tilt the seat back and it's no problem at all. The telescoping wheel also helps a lot. These seats are very comfortable and well designed. After 2+ yrs, they still look great. The location of the stick shift is also exactly where I want it. No worries.

gpk

I just bought a LX Coupe auto tranny and I love it.
I just didnt think that I needed all the power. I am moving up from a 97 Accord Coupe and the 2005 is lightyears ahead of it.

gouldn

I wanted to say hello to this newsgroup.

After much research I decided on a V6 Coupe EX AT with Nav. I had been looking at Acura's and Subaru GTs, but decided that the Accord offered a better value, and didn't use premium gas. I paid $24825 + ttl in Fremont CA.

I commute 90 miles a day (r/t) in the famous SF Bay Area traffic, and this car is a very comfortable ride for this nasty commute! The seats are very comfortable. My trip computer shows a 28MPG average, which is a pleasant surprise for such a fast car.

Does anybody have any online sources for genuine honda accessories (such as the all-weather floor mats, etc). I have a hunch that I could save some money by avoiding the dealer for these.

I love this car ... but then again I've only owned it for three days!

blane

gouldn:

Congratulations, you bought a great car at a good price.

You can buy genuine Honda accessories for very favorable prices by clicking on the H and A Accessories ad at the top of this page.

2000sienna

It all depends on your body proportions. I'm 6'5" (with 34" inseam) and find there's not enough headroom with the sunroof, which takes away 2.5" of headroom. It's just enough that the hair sticking up on the top of my head brushes against the ceiling. It's not serious but it is enough to annoy me to the point of looking at the LX instead, and get an upholsterer to do leather seats for me. If I had 36" inseam instead of 34" I'd be in fine shape. I really wish Honda had made the sunroof an option on the EX.

jacquelyn40

Hello All,

I am currently considering buying a 1999 Honda Accord from a private party. The car has about 73k miles on it, and was recalled for transmission replacement. It's never been in an accident, and it's been very well maintained -I have all of the car's paperwork and history. For the first couple of years it was taken care of at a honda dealership, now at an independent dealership that specializes in hondas. I just had the car checked yesterday, the tech said the new transmission is fine and the car is in great condition with one acception -the rear main seal is leaking and needs to be fixed or replaced (I don't know which), and the car is in need of an oil change.

The seller is asking 8k, which I am definitely not willing to pay. I was thinking more like 5k, especially b/c of the transmission. However, I don't know how to talk them down or what to say... help!

Lastly, I am already hesitant about buying the vehicle b/c of the transmission problems, and now with the rear main seal leaking I'm not sure what to do. How much will a repair like that cost? And is it really worth it for me to invest in this vehicle knowing it's past history?

gee35coupe

V6 or 4 cylinder? What color? I'll assume it's a V6 since you mentioned the transmission issue. $7-8k is already cheap if it's a V6 at that mileage. If you want to pay $5k you are gonna have to go back to the previous generation, or go down to a higher mileage LX.

qbrozen

Actually, I'm exactly the same as you (maybe i'm like 34.5, though, i'm not positive). I just tilt the seat back further. Its not ideal, but it works. I wound up buying a 350z instead, and that is an even tighter fit.

As far as buying the LX, that lacks the power seat, does it not? I think you'll find this will affect you more than gaining the sunroof room makes up for.

drcitrus

I'm new to this forum and have just read the last 12 months of posts. I currently drive an 03 Acura CL. It has 45K miles and I've just replaced the A/T (under warranty). This has spooked me, I think...

When I bought the CL, I seriously considered the 6sp manual they offered. Well, no more CL--no more 2-door Acuras at all! I drove a EX V6 6M coupe yesterday and loved the way it drives. (I also have an 05 EX V6 A/T Sedan, BTW.)

The Acura is coming up on 3 years old and see above. It will soon be out of warranty, and they are not extending it. I'm ready to move on to (or more correctly, back to) a manual transmission.

I appreciate that the Honda Coupe doesn't have some of the amenities of the Acura, but the price more than compensates for that.

So here's the questions Coupe Fans: are there any chronic defects to this vehicle? What's the worst thing about the car? Is there another car you wished you had more seriously considered (e.g. Acura RSX)?

Thanks for any input you might offer.

qbrozen

personally, i think you should buy an extended warranty from Acura. It would probably be cheaper than trading it in after just 3 years (depreciation hit).

midnightcowboy

DrCitrus,

I just went through the same decision process you are going through. I wanted a manual shift transmission, good performance, good mileage and relaibility. The contenders I got down to seriously were: G35 Coupe, TL 6-speed, RSX- Type S, Accord Coupe 6-speed and Nissan Altima SE-R 6-speed. I wanted Bright Red (Milano Red, Code Red, New Formual Red). But the color as only offered on the G35, RSX and SE-R.

I ended up getting a Nihghthawk Black 6-speed Accord Coupe w/NAV and I am very happy with my decision.

What am i missing that I want. I would like skid control (on TL), automatic lights (not on TL or Accord), Xexon lights ( TL) and heated mirrors ( TL).

My cost with everything I all the options I put on including a Borla exhaust was still about $5000 less than the TL aand I got 2.9% 60 month financing.

I am pleased with the shifting, performance and mileage and the key question and answer If I had it all to do over again would I make the same decision? answer: YES

Oh!, I had an Acura GSR before and it was an awesome car. I would have looked more seriously at the RSX-S except the crimson red displays are hard to read. If they were clear black on white it might have been a differnet story.

crus'n in 6th,

MidCow the Manual Shift Man

P.S.- After having said all that gbrozen is probably right keep the CL . They fixed your transmission once and it is likely that it will not need repair again. But you can get an extended warranty if that is of concern.

P.S.S.- The Honda Accord uses regular gas and has very low insurance rates also!

blane

drcitrus:

I've had my 2004 Accord EX V6 Coupe with Navigation for a little over a year now and love it. I know of NO "chronic defects".

I'd say that the "worst thing" about the car is that when the doors are locked, you must use the pushbutton to unlock them electrically. The doors won't open with a pull of the inside handle unless you press the switch first. I consider that to be a potential safety hazard in an emergency (such as if there were no power to the switch due to a water submersion event).

The odds of that occurring are infinitesimal, so don't concern yourself.

redthang_01

I just moved to the area and looking to avoid those nasty prices by going to get maintenance and repairs done by the dealership.

Does anyone know of any solid and affordable repair shops that focus on Honda cars?

gouldn

Thanks for the H&A link above ... I've ordered all season floor mats and the trunk liner.

I now want to upgrade to 17's ('05 EX V6 AT only has 16's). Any good ideas on finding somebody who has the 6-sp who wants to swap up ... and I would buy his/her 17's? What are other people doing for a good looking (not boy-racer) set of 17's?

jacquelyn40

The car is a Silver 1999 4 cylinder Accord LX with 73k miles. Like I said, she can provide me w/all of it's records and it seems to be in good condition. However, I just found out it has seapage in the rear engine seal and b/c it's not under warranty it will cost $750 to fix. The seller agreed to knock the price down from $8k to $7250, but I still think this is a little much b/c of the recalled transmission replacement... am I wrong?

Oh, and lastly, because the transmission replacement was a done at the dealer as a "one time good will" job, it's not under any kind of warranty -this worries me.

pimpin8ez

Hey my Honda Accord Coupe 04 has that same noise. I took it to the dealer about 5 times. After the 5th time of taking it in I just said, forget about it. Honda of Marina Del Rey in California could not fix the problem. They added insulation around the "A-Pillar" but no luck. They changed the front visor. The noise isn't that loud but I think you'll have to live with it.

One note some other person in Canada said they had that same noise and the Honda dealer replaced the whole windshield. It sounds like a lot of drama but it might be helpful to look into that.

-S

gee35coupe

It's still not gonna go for $5000. As far as the transmission...that's no different than buying a car that has the original transmission in it. It won't have a warranty either. It would have just as much of a chance to fail as that one.

drcitrus

Thanks for the feedback on the Coupe.

Meanwhile I am/will be leisurely dropping in on the Honda/Infiniti/Nissan/Acura dealerships to check out what they are offering--just as I did 3 years ago when I bought the CL.

I drove a V6 EX and the 4-banger manual; the latter isn't underpowered at all, but when you are used to a Six...

One of the (many) things I like about the CL is the relative simplicity of the A/C & sound system controls--more straight forward and less busy than the Honda's.

I did write to Acura asking them if they would extend the drivetrain warranty as a matter of customer good will.

As I said to one of the salesman, some of the motivation to buy a new car comes from how I feel when I get back into my old car. So far, the major motivation is the 6-speed...and waiting to see what Acura will do.

Thanks again.

2000sienna

LX has the 8-way power seat. EX has seat controls on door (I think) and has adjustable lumbar. Plus seat heater.

I got my LX yesterday. Love it thus far. Really glad I didn't get the EX, 'cause I don't want to feel claustrophobic for the next ump-de-ump years.

blane

2000sienna:

Congratulations on your new vehicle.

I'm curious to know why you believed that you would have felt "claustrophobic" in the EX. Please clarify that.

The EX seat controls are at the lower left side of the seat, not on the door.

gee35coupe

Maybe the sunroof cut into his headroom?

whatever3

I have a new '05 V6 6-speed MT coupe. It's a lot of fun to drive. However, I've noticed a couple noises coming from the car recently and I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered these:

1) I hear a high pitched whining/whistling sound from the engine when accelerating and sometimes when maintaining a constant speed. I'm assuming it's the engine because I seem to be able to replicate the sound sometimes when the car is parked and in neutral.

2) I've noticed that the driver's window seems to creak when rolled all the way up. If I crack the window just a tiny bit the noise goes away. (Probably wouldn't have noticed if the cabin wasn't so quiet.)

Sylvia

I see that you posted your question in the Honda Accord Problems & Solutions discussion where it will be answered.

We'll keep the discussion here to the features, attributes, etc. of the car.

Thanks!

2000sienna

Exactly - the EX ceiling was about a half inch too low, and so the hair on the top of my head brushed on the ceiling. It made me feel like the car was simply too tight. With the LX I am comfortably clear. I don't really care that much for sunroofs, anyway.

I suppose if I quit using Rogaine I wouldn't have this problem :-)

Had it not been for the sunroof, I probably would have gone with the EX. It certainly would have made finding the right car easier!

whatever3

The Michelins that come standard on the '05 V6 coupe with 6-speed MT don't do justice to the car. Been looking at getting higher performance tires. Don't want something too noisy since one of the things I like about the car is how silent it is (except for the crappy Michelins). Would love to get the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S but they don't come in right size. Also been looking at the Avon Tech 550's.

Has anyone put on new tires that they really like and do justice to the engine and tranny?

cstiles

Sylvia---I beg to disagree. I drive an Accord coupe and frequently come to this particular forum. I rarely go to "Accord problems" because 90% of those posts relate to the sedan and not the coupe. I disagree that we should not be able to discuss issues like this on this particular board. I would not have seen whatever3's question had he followed your restrictions, and would not have had the chance to respond to his question. Sometimes the Edmunds hosts are a little too quick to pull the Big Brother trigger, in my humble opinion.

cstiles

Yes--the two things I immediately did with my 6spd coupe was to upgrade the tires and also the stereo speakers. Both changes have helped a lot, in my opinion.

I still use the stock Michelins in the winter since I live in Illinois, but in the summer I use Firestone Firehawk summer directional tires. I have P-Zero Nero's on my Audi A4, and although those are decent, they are also all-season patterns. The Accord coupe definitely benefits from summer tires. With the Firehawks, the ride is just about the same, and the grip is much better.

For what it's worth, I also replaced the door and rear speakers with Boston Acoustic speakers, and they also made a dramatic difference in stereo quality. I left the tweeters in the instrument panel alone since it's hard to get to those.

Good luck!

cstiles

Whatever3---my MT accord is a MY 2003 with around 17K miles on it. I have not experienced the whining sensation that you describe. It does not sound normal to me. Fortunately, my car has had no problems to speak of.

My side windows also do not creak at all. I have some minor creaking along the head panel (especially in cold weather), but overall no issues with the windows.

Good luck although I'm no help here.

Sylvia

The title of a discussion sets the expectation for the person as to what it can/will contain. Part of our job is to help direct and keep discussions on-topic.

Sorry if you don't like the suggestions when we make them, but that's what we are doing - helping people find the BEST place to post where they can find similar / related issues without having to hop from board to board or discussion to discussion.

gpk

I have had my Accord now for 3 weeks now with 650 miles. I was wondering when I can expect the mileage to increase? And the engine seems sluggish at times. I have the 4 cyl. What is everyone experience?

akl88

...the EP-R5 17" alloy wheel, in other words, the Silver Star Wheels (it's the wheel honda gives out that has 5 spokes and it has a grey/dark/steel/silver hue to it. It is also found on the Acura TSX) I'm getting a Honda Accord EX V-6 Coupe at the end of May. Anyways, in your own opinion, which exterior color will suit these wheels best? (IMO I choose Graphite Pearl)

BTW I test-drove a Honda Accord EX V-6 at John Eagle Honda in Houston and it was great experience. Love the acceleration, and the handling and brakes and the Accord I was driving had the Silver Star wheels; it makes it very nice. VERY luxurious IMO.

Here is a picture of the wheels if you don't know what I'm talking about:

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/exterior_accessories.asp?ModelName=Accord+Coupe

lk0418

I have recently been having problems with my 2000 Honda Accord LX Coupe, ULEV engine. I took the car in for the 60,000 mile service and was told by the dealer that I needed to have the head gasket replaced. I took it to my local mechanic to get a second opinion. He recommended the same thing and it was replaced. My car is still having problems and it appears that I need a new engine. There is oil in my radiator and radiator fluid in my oil. My mechanic does not understand why my car would be having such a large problem when it is only 5 years old. I am looking for anyone who may have had a similiar problem or if there were any recalls related to this model. The car has had all the regular maintenance's and has approximately 69,000 miles. I thought I was buying a car that would last a lot longer than this.
Please help!!!!!

Claires

You might want to post about your problem in the Honda Accord Owners: Problems & Solutions discussion.

Claires, Host

skarlad

I'm looking to get a 2005 ex coupe with navi. Should i purchase it or lease it? price wise, which would be smarter and better? any more info, like what ppl are paying, would help too. thanx

plethysmo

Your mileage should increase with more temperate weather. In Seattle, mine is 26 in winter and 30 in summer ('03 V6). If you live in Phoenix however, it may get lower in summer due to A/C use. In Midwest or NE US or in Canada, it may be as low as 22 in the winter and rise to 30 in summer.
Your mileage should increase with a driving mix that includes more 'cruising' at speeds between 45 and 65 mph and decline with more city stop and go and 80 mph freeway driving. Your mileage should increase when the trip length increases. Consider the first two miles of every trip "cold" engine driving where your mpg will be much lower.
On a previous vehicle my overall mpg went from 20 to 24 when my job moved from 8 miles away to 26 miles away.
Your mileage should increase if you follow efficient diving techniques and regular maintenance, such as maintaining proper tire inflation pressure, and decline if you do a lot of hard accelerations and frequent braking.
Your mileage should increase about 1 mpg over the first 20K miles due to engine break in, based on my experience with the 03 V6.
If none of these changes raise you vehicle's mileage within the EPA estimates for it, then a mechanical checkup is appropriate.

linhvule

I have a 2004 accord coupe 6 speed that come with the HFP package. The car is incredible, good handling, fast. I have raced with a 1996 corvette and burned 6 cars behind.
With HFP package help the handling of the car so much. Making fast cornering, the car stick to the road. I paid 36,000 for the car because its come the nav and HFP package.
I love the car. When I take on the road, other drive on the road stair at my coupe. The navi
is so cool with voice command. I don't think I will get lose driving with the navi unless I don't
update the software. The accord coupe 6 speed with HFP package is a sweet ride. With 36,000 dollars I could get a BMW 325ic but whether have the 6speed. 325ic is nothing compare the accord 6 speed, the accord is alot faster.

cstiles

Doh!!! $36K?!?!

I spent $24.5K for my '03 6spd Accord coupe (w/o NAVI), plus $900 for sticky summer tires and aftermarket wheels. Car handles great, is quick, and I love this car. Personally, I'm not a fan of the tacky FHP package, although the alloy wheels are nice. It's a free country so to each their own.

$36K opens the door to many nice alternatives to my fine Honda coupe, plus you may get a few thousand dollars back in change....

G35 coupe
WRX STi
Mitsu Evo
Pontiac GTO (05 version with 400HP)
350Z
RX8
Mazdaspeed6
pre-owned M3
pre-owned S4
pre-owned Corvette
etc. etc.

qbrozen

good grief. That MUST be Canadian dollars. (???)

fitguy

I had a '03 EX Coupe till just recently, my third Accord and the best of the 3. 32K miles with 0 problems. The only flaw: I had the cloth seats which were only avail. with the manual seat (power height adj. only), and even at 5'9" the seat needed more adjustment points fore & aft for long trips (I like to "tweak" the position occaisionally). I drove the RSX and it was too stiff for my tastes. Only reason I traded it was to go back to a sedan as kids were getting kind of big to be crawling in/out of the back. Great car, I miss it.

fsubran

Hello all! I am a new 05 accord coupe V6, 6 speed owner (Gosh I love my car!) there are very few things i wish my car had and one of them i have no clue why they stopped. On every single coupe model (even the current sedan model) there is a chrome frame around the windows. Now i am not a huge fan of tacky things, i just think that little amount of chrome really sets off cars (like on 325cis). Why does this new generation of accord coupes not have this trim? Does anyone know? also i want a spoiler and heard that when you buy them from honda it gives pretty good directions on installation... has anyone installed a spoiler by themselves?

Claires

Fsubran, congratulations on your new car! I hope you'll also post in the Honda Accord: Prices Paid and Buying Experiences forum to help out other folks who are thinking of buying an Accord.

blane

fsubran:

My congratulations too. It's a great car.

Regarding your question about chrome trim, you would have to ask Honda's designers in Japan why they choose to make design decisions. (They are not likely to discuss such matters though.) Clearly, nobody in this forum has such answers.

Regarding spoilers, the HandA Accessories link at the top of this page is a good source for parts. Here is their link to spoiler installation instructions:

http://www.handa-accessories.com/accord/03-2drwing.pdf