Honda Accord Coupe

brydymond

I can't decide. I don't really need the 4 doors, as I can use our CR-V for that. I just can't make up my mind. There are not a lot of coupes on the road in Canada yet or at dealers for that matter so I have not seen it in action...

bjvjs

bjvjs

The new Accord Coupe taillights and rear are amongst the coolest in the business. As good as the Audi A6 or Mercedes coupe. However, I am going to wait and see what the 04 Acura TL or CL look like before I make a choice. I like the Infiniti G35 coupe but there are no dealers in the Toledo, Ohio area

bodydouble

Have you owned a coupe before? If you have kids, then you'd find a coupe an inconvenience in the long run even if you have another vehicle as the designated family transport module. There are bound to be times when you have to do pick-up/drop-off and 2-doors are a pain in that regard. That's the main reason I'm shopping for a sporty 4-door to replace my CL-S.

brydymond

Accord?
Mazda 6?

aming

Since bodydouble is an Accord fan, my guess would be he gets an EX- V6 with navi ... oops navi not available in Canada. So..just the EX-V6 with fog, spoiler, DVD entertainment centre (for the kids or the kid that resides in him or the adult to watch day of our lives), 17" wheels, exhaust tips, nose bra. How does it sound so far bodydouble???? Topped up with premium fuel of course.

bodydouble

but I'm actually considering an Audi A4 3.0 Quattro automatic. However, I might trade in the wife's '02 Accord in a couple of years for an '05 EX-V6 though! (Might add the fog and low-profile spoiler. But no DVD (too expensive) nor 17" wheels (wife wouldn't notice the difference!).

aming

wife wouldn't notice the difference!

not too loud...she might hear you..hehehehe

aming

Quite a bit of price difference between the Accord and the Audi bodydouble. Is it that much better? ($13.5K)

bodydouble

I'm upgrading from a CL-S to the Audi, so the leap is not as great. Probably still couldn't quantitively justify the price difference, but I figure maybe it's time to experience the much-ballyhooed German car ownership experience!

anonymousposts

Unfortunately a good percentage of the German car ownership experience is spent at the dealer. So make sure whatever dealer you buy from has a nice customer lounge

bodydouble

Even Agent 007 had to switch back to Aston Martin!

martylaw

I was wondering if a magazine would do a comparison test between the Accord Coupe and the Mercedes CL Coupe. Check the current issue of Motor Trend. The photos in the article really highlight the similar looks of the two cars.

anonymousposts

I read that article. The Accord more than held it's own considering the price difference between the Accord and the CLK. But of course most people who want a CLK WANT a CLK and won't even look at an Accord.

bodydouble

I too thought that was a silly comparo other than to fill the curiosity quotient. I mean, no prospective MB buyer is going to be swayed into buying an Accord no matter how good the Accord is.

anonymousposts

Maybe it was done more so to show the Accord's competence than anything else. It's a wacky comparo but I expected more bias towards the Benz.

martylaw

I think that the manufacturer of the lower priced car always likes to see articles comparing it to a much higher priced car - it's just good marketing. I don't know how such articles get planned, or planted, but I suspect that what happens many times is that a manufacturer introducing a new product invites all the magazines to an intro where they provide other competing make cars for comparison. Hence, if you read enough car magazines, you can often notice the same locations and comparable cars. Each magazine gets to put their license plate on the same car, for photographic purposes. Think about it. The initial articles that appeared comparing the Acura CL to the BMW Coupe. Acura could only benefit from that, because of the price differential.

While the Accord Coupe does not really compete with the CLK, the visual similarity is striking, from certain angles. But considering the quality you get with the Honda, and the horsepower - The Accord at 240 hp was actually more powerful that the current CLK 6 cylinder - 218hp, or so, I think, the Accord comes off well. I think the real issue is that the Accord is now positioned to compete against certain Lexus models, i.e. the IS300 and ES300, as a near luxury car, and Lexus doesn't offer a coupe in that price range.

This post is getting too long, but I think I will look at the Accord Coupe and the G35 over the weekend.

anonymousposts

but it doesn't compare to the Accord. The Accord doesn't compare to the IS300 because the IS is RWD. The ES300 comes in at around $35,000 so the Accord can't really be compared to it either. So at $27,000 it looks like the closest competitor to the Accord Coupe would be the Solara SE V6 5-speed but IMO the Accord would be the uncontested victor of that comparison.

My significant other is in love with the G35. It's gonna be fun making fun of his $34,000 car with a $20,000 car interior. But he would leave me in his dust so I guess it's a trade off.

bodydouble

I see you have downgraded the G35 from a $25,000 interior to a $20,000 interior!

martylaw

Drove the G35 Coupe and Accord V6 Coupe back to back this weekend. The G35 Coupe seemed to have tremendous acceleration and a really throat (and loud) exhaust roar. The interior design is a bit angular and quirky. The seats are very nice, though, and the power seat mechanism can just about put you through the roof. A nice touch is that the instruments move with the adjustable steering column. I liked the styling when I first saw one on the road, but, on reflection, think it is a little overwrought and chunky, especially at the rear 1/4, where the C pillar meets the rear fenders. I don't know if it will age well.

The cabin of the Accord Coupe, which I drove next, did not seem as wide or substantial as the G35; the design of the dash seemed much simpler, but I think it is a better design. In driving it, it seemed so much quieter, that it didn't seem as fast as the Infiniti, but it probably was actually almost as quick. The handling was nice. I think the exterior is elegantly simple, and it is really growing on me.

The G35 was about $37,000 list with a preferred package, and a seventeen inch wheel package, and more. At $26,000, the Accord Coupe is, I think, better looking, and as enjoyable to drive.

I also looked at a friends Acura CL S type today. It's a nice car, and the interior has a luxurious look and feel to it. But I think I would go with the new Accord, as it is a newer platform, and this styling is more striking.

hhomer

I bought a G35 in May because of the speed, handlind and the DVD Navigation (I get lost everywhere) But, if I could exchnage by "G" for an Accord, I probably would. For $10K less, and the same features, I am almost regretting jumping on the G35 at first glance.

bjjones2

Is it me, or does the New Accord coupe look like a Mercury Cougar? Take a look a both cars from all angles and it looks as if they are practically the same car. The designers did a great job with the Accord's interior, but I think they could have done a better job on the exterior. In fact the previous generation Accord coupe was more distinctive and stylish in my opinion.

anonymousposts

Looks are subjective. Some think the rear resembles a Benz, some think the front end resemble a Chrysler ... it's all in what you want the car to be. To me, it's a nice looking car regardless of what it resembles to other people.

bodydouble

There is a bit of the Cougar in the profile.

miamicrv1

Actually I think from the side it looks alot like the new Alfa Romeos. I thought the interior was very attractive and the exterior typical Honda. Meaning somewhat bland with mass appeal. I for one am more concerned about the continuing quality question associated with buying Japanese or German cars for that matter made in the US, Canada or Mexico. There is no doubt in my mind that Japanese cars built in Japan are better quality.

wale_bate1

Just curious: any hard evidence you can point me too to solidfy that suspicion? I only ask because I've been curious in the past, and can find nothing out there, other than some anecdotal stuff from a few owners and a number of people who have uncles with problem cars (deficient by marriage?)!

dfd3

Hey Folks!

Been reading the various posts concerning these two cars. Foo the record, I have owned a 94 Accord Sedan, 93 Acura Integra, 00 Accord Coupe, and still have our 99 Accord EX V6 Sedan. Now granted, I have not driven either the 03 Accord Sedan or Coupe. I joined the ranks of Infiniti owners in April 2002 when I purchased my G35 Sport tuned suspension-equipped sedan. This car is the first and only Nissan product I have ever owned, but after 7 months of G35 ownership, I still look forward to each and every time I drive this car. It is simply amazing.

The comparisons that have been posted here are missing the mark. All one must do is go and drive a G35-coupe or sedan, does not matter. And I am talking about far more than 0-60 times (which I was amazed when reading the V6 6 speed comparo in the recent Motor Trend issue. 6.22 seconds is FAST for an Accord). The G35 is a drivers car. Don't mean to sound snobby, but the Accord is not. This is the first RWD car I have driven in a long time and believe me, it makes a huge difference. Handling, braking, acceleration are amazing. Flame me if you must, but remember, I own both cars. I drove my wife's 99 EX V6 yesterday and had forgotten what a huge difference there was. All I am saying is before you dismiss the G35, go for an extended test drive first.

anonymousposts

dfd: A G35 with similar options as the Accord will be somewhere around $7,000 more. Taking that into consideration the Accord doesn't really compete with the G35. And while it may not be as much of a "driver's" car as the G35 in driving dynamics the interior of the Accord is definitely where I would rather spend my time. No matter how great the G drove I would always look at the interior and think about the Accord I coulda had that was just as fast and was almost $10,000 less.

miamicrv1

Hey... whose flag is that anyhow?... the statistics do not support my theory on varying quality...but what's new about that. Clearly, the sub system providers in the US and Canada literally cannot meet the same levels of precision as their Japanese counterparts. Having owned both Nissans and Hondas built in Japan, Tennessee and Canada...there's no doubt in my mind that in Japan they build a car the same way they would want to buy one...with excellent fit finish and a crispness that defies statistical measurement.

anonymousposts

That's a blanket statement. I personally have owned Honda's built in the US and Japan and haven't had problems with any of them. My 99 Accord sedan built in Japan even has the same sunroof squeak as those built in the US. And even if the cars built in the US aren't as good as those built elsewhere that would fall back on Honda quality control more than anything. They have been building cars here since the 80's which was well before they earned the title of being one of the most reliable/durable cars built.

robertsmx

Honda has been making cars in America since 1982, not from 4-5 years ago. Over that time, they have moved from... just another automaker to 'Honda'.

My point is, they didn't do it by getting cars only from Japan. It is all about quality control.

miamicrv1

I understand what your saying...but back to the basic question...do you think that Hondas made in the US and Canada are as well put together as those made in Japan?

dfd3

Anonymous:

Please do not misunderstand me. I am not bashing the Accord - I have owned and still own one. I fully concur that the G35 is a substantially more expensive vehicle. What I am saying is that the driving experiences are totally different. As you probably know, two of the major mags declared the G35 the winner in comparos with multiple sport sedans, including the BMW 3 Series. While I will not engage in the 3 Series vs. G35 debate (good grief, let's not start that again), I will point to the fact that the Accord is not being compared to the German kings of the hill like the G35 has been. Who knows, maybe the 03 Accords are substantially improved. But I can tell you from vast personal experience that the G35 is a much better drive than previous Accords, albeit at a higher price.

I also don't get the G35 interior bashing. The leather is better than previous Accords and while there are some cheap-feeling plastic parts, I do not find the interior on the whole inferior to other Japanese cars. Is is BMW or Audi-quality, no. But it is certainly not bad.

In the end, I am not urging all to hop on down to their local Infiniti dealer and buy now. I am just agreeing with you that you really cannot compare the two cars.

robertsmx

Two of the three Hondas I have owned were manufactured in the USA (1998 Accord) and Canada (2000 Civic). The Accord has about 75K miles now, and is about as flawless as it could get. Civic has little over 20K miles with absolutely nothing wrong. Yes, the trunk lid doesn't fit as nicely as I would like, but thats it.
I can't complain about quality control problems with cars made in the USA or Canada.

bodydouble

Japanese-built cars have better fit and finish quality. Mechanically I haven't noticed any difference.

diploid

dfd3 - You're absolutely correct. The interior is not that bad. However, for the price that it's selling at, it should be better. The 3-Series doesn't just win comparison tests on performance numbers alone.

anonymousposts

The G35 also came in 4th in a comparison test. The Accord Coupe may not have been compared to the 3-series but they did do a comparison between the Accord Coupe and a MB CLK 320. Not bad company for a $27k-ish Honda. I know the G35 doesn't compare to the Accord in the traditional sense due to the Accord Coupe being a FWD family sedan with 2 less doors and the G35 being a RWD built from the ground up to be a sports sedan/coupe. But when you think about it there is really nothing on the G that can't be had on the Accord to justify the price difference. Especially when you consider the G35's interior is more on the level of a $25,000 car instead of a possible $37,000 car.

miamicrv1

I know it's a little out of place on this board.... but I stopped by to see the new Nissan Murano at our local dealer. I'll be test driving it tomorrow. I think even you sedan fans will be enticed by this beauty. It's so far beyond anything Honda or for that matter Infiniti has to offer you'd be amazed. The interior alone will make you forget about the Accord or the G35

maxamillion1

the Murano is out already?

miamicrv1

Our dealer has 6 or 8. I only saw the copper one I mentioned. It seems that there are a number of posts at freshalloy.com that indicated Honolulu dealers have received their shipments as well. But really, based on looks, it beats anything by Honda, Lexus, Infiniti or BMW in the SUV arena. I suspect the ride will not disappoint either

diploid

miamicrv- You might want to bite your tongue...the Infiniti version of the Murano looks even more futuristic/edgy/stylish/whatever you wanna call it.

bodydouble

I just picked up the December C & D and 2 new SUVs really look good -- the KIA Sorento on the value scale (actually the vehicle, regardless of price, is pretty darn good), and the Lexus GX470 on the luxury scale. I think the GX470's got nice proportions and really classy styling. I know it is closely related to the 4Runner but it makes the 'Runner look like an Aztek in comparison.

robertsmx

So far, we have discussed resemblance between CLK's rear to Accord Coupe's, but yesterday I had an opportunity to compare two Acuras (CL, '97 TL) and the Accord coupe from the rear. They have a family resemblance. The Accord's rear is very similar to TL's, escept on the "outside" where it is sharper and a little "curvier". The shoulder line in TL ran on the side, in Accord, it ran just a few inches higher (on the top).

This was the second Accord Coupe I have seen on road, and for some reason, it looks smaller than the 98-02 Coupe to me (more "compacted" may be a better word, if possible).

PS. On Murano, I'm not really a fan of the style. May be that will change when I see it in person. I also see strong resemblance with PT Cruiser in the rear.

bodydouble

I don't care much for the Murano styling either, inside or out.

But any truth to the rumour Nissan will offer a "Rita Murano" edition?

midnightcowboy

You know i have had RWD and FWD and the difference is not as much as the owners would like you to think. Let's see I currently have a RWD 5-speed IS300 Lexus, but I am serious thinking about getting the 240 hp Accord 6-spped Coupe. Tje CL 6-speed was a blast to dirve and the Accord 240 hp auto felt good. Will try the 6-speed shortly.

You need to compare the G35 with equal performance cars. The only one close was the integra and only if it was a modified GSR or a Type-R

miamicrv1

Test drove the Murano today...it is one beautiful, high performance SUV. Cost is amazing low. After driving this I can't imagine paying the extra money for the Infiniti and with Canadian gas prices what they are ... who can afford a V8.

bodydouble

You live in Canada?

diploid

miamicrv - I actually caught a Murano driving around NJ before its official launch. It's definitely one of the better looking SUVs on the road.

I'm starting to see some Accord coupes on the road, but several sedan sightings have already occurred. I definitely think the additional body kit and foglamps on the coupe complement it very well. But as already noted, the rear spoiler is not a requisite add on as the coupe looks good enough without one.

ultima

I've driven both... I'm sorry, there is no way I would ever include the Accord in a comparison to the G35. More power, upscale looks, interior is far from cheap, performance driving experience, etc. Well work the additional money.

Please DON'T get me wrong. Anyone who surfs these boards knows I LIKE the 2003 Accord Coupe (hate the sedan... boooooring), but it's just not in the same class as the G35 -- throw the G35 COUPE into the mix, and you're talking about a completely different driver being targeted here.

Again, the 03 Accord coupe is a nice car -- its just out of its league when it comes to G35... Additionally, while I like the tail lights on the new Accord, Honda forgot about a more significant redesign of the front/side... Still looks a bit cookie-cutter to other cars out there.

Very nice, dependable car for the long-run... Just wish Honda designers would be a bit more daring with their designs.

Though I don't trust their cars, I thought Chrysler had some of the best "exterior" designs in the 90s. Now... I'd have to say Nissan/Infiniti are leading the pack in "exterior" design.

I'm still puzzled why Honda was so conservative with the 2003 Accord -- just a little more creativity in "exterior" disign and I think Honda would own 100% of the mid-size sedan market.

1932caddy

Just drove the EX V6 again and the driver side bolster seemed to narrow the seat more than I remembered from my first test drive!!??? Had a light jacket on and drove about 15 miles. The sales man said that was normal for the coupe. Other than that the car didnot pull as some have said. Also very quiet all the way to 90 on the interstate. Did hear some tire noise but it was light and acceptable. Drove the Mazda 6 last nite and while it was fun ( auto ) I like the Honda better. Am waiting to see the Nav which on the other Accord post some have said we may get them before Jan 03. Comments here if you know any new info.