Honda Accord Future Models

dewey

It is official, Honda and BMW will introduce diesels in the USA sometime in 2007. Coincedentally the same date when lower sulpher diesel will be available.

Please refer to the website link on post #53.

blane

Diesel PARTICULATE EMISSIONS are unhealthy for living things and the exhaust STINKS.

dewey

"Diesel PARTICULATE EMISSIONS are unhealthy for living things and the exhaust STINKS"

The new diesel with low sulphur will be a big improvement! So tell me do gasoline emissions improve living things? :confuse:

Exhaust stinks----my family still owns a 83 MB300d and it is amazing how many people ask us for the priviledge of buying our stinky car!!! Our diesel is so durable we intend to keep it for future family generations--God save our planet!!!

jrp6977

A good refined diesel would actually be a better choice for most people than the much touted hybrids. Hybrids are great if you drive mostly in big cities, but if you make long trips or have mixed driving, a diesel might be a better choice.

otis12

Diesel costs more than premium gas here in northern NJ, a good 10-15 cents/gal more. That would seem to cancel out the higher MPG benefit of diesel. I'm already hearing that diesel prices will increase next year, when the low-sulfur diesel hits the market. Low-sulfur diesel is long overdue here in the USA. IMO, I think diesel cars will remain a small % of the car market. Tho if there ever were another gas shortage, diesel supplies should remain available and those diesel car owners would continue to motor along. Back on topic, what do we know about possible new engines for the '06 refreshing?

mhaines

OK, enough talk about diesels, I want to know more from the person who posted this message. Anyone know anything else about the 2006 model?

bklynguy

* front/rear changes

* VSA - the Camry & Altima already have stability control

* TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) - required by the government, it would be great if it was direct (with actual tire pressure readings) but I have a feeling it will be indirect.

* LED tail lamps

* hp increase (10 hp) for both engines ,
engine displacement stays the same so I'm not sure how they got the increase

otis12 said in an earlier post that he read a published report that the 06 Accord would get a 6-spd automatic. Personally I find that hard to believe but you never know. I've read that Honda has a 6-spd automatic in the pipeline but I think the RL/TL would get it first. otis12 if you read this, let us know where you got this info, thanks.

* MP3 compatible CD player/changer - The new 06 Hyundai Sonata comes with it standard. I also read that the 06 Altima may come with it.

* HIDs - The Altima has it.

* Auto headlamps - The Camry & Altima have it.

Of course nothing here is official (yet) and is subject to change. OK, you all can continue your diesel discussion.

claudius753

Diesel may cost more, but there is the increased MPG, so they seem to cancel each other out. However, most diesel is made from petroleum sources at the moment. If some biodiesel can be systematically moved in to replace diesel, it will not only be renewable, but it will also keep prices more steady because we can make biodiesel domestically. Idealy I would like to see shifts toward biodiesel, ethanol, and hybrids. Hydrogen is still a good few years away, but thats for another topic...

As for a diesel Accord, Europe has the 2.2 diesel that Honda made. Previously they bought thier diesels from another manufacturer (Isuzu?). Now Honda has spent some money for R&D on this diesel, I don't think they will keep it just for europe. Also, I have read an article where a Honda exec said Honda is firmly commited to bring diesel technology to the NA market. Since they already have the 2.2 in the Accord, it would seem most logical that this would be the first diesel they brought to the US rather than design and engineer another for a different application.

MY 2006 probably won't bring diesel, but I definatly think there will be a drastic change in the looks of the Accord. The last report on new vehicle sales showed Accord below the Camry and even the Corolla. I agree that the engines will probably be the same with perhaps a modest 10hp increase. The new Civics will be arriving MY06 with most likely more power, so Accord will need to step up a bit to keep separate from Civic. I think the Civic will get a 5A so maybe a 6A on the Accord to again keep it a bit more upscale from the Civic, but I don't really think so.

I hope the interior stays the same. The Accord has an extremely nice interior, but the exterior is not there. In fact, the tail lights aren't what bothers me, its the headlights and front fascia. If the exterior looked more like the TSX, then it would be flying off the lots.

Kirstie_H

Let's talk about the possibility (or wish for) a diesel version over in our Honda Accord Diesel???? discussion.

bklynguy

I wonder how drastic the change to the 06 Accord will be ? Maybe drastic enough that some people (even some 03-05 Accord owners) won't recognize it at first until they take a better look. Maybe some people will even think it's a new Honda/Acura model or another make. I wish Honda would release a "spyshot" of the front, I wonder if its similar to the TSX / TL front ? The styling was the only real negative for us (and maybe the lack of stability control), I hope the 06 corrects this. Ironically, we were supposed to buy an Accord in 1986 but then decided to buy a Camry instead. We may end up buying an Accord twenty years later.

blane

Honda will NOT make any "drastic change" after only three years of production of the seventh-generation Accord. Tooling and design just cost too much to amortise over such a short period. They have been, and will no doubt continue to be, on a four to five-year cycle.

2nd generation 1982-1985 4 years of production
3rd generation 1986-1989 4 years of production
4th generation 1990-1993 4 years of production
5th generation 1994-1997 4 years of production
6th generation 1998-2002 5 years of production
7th generation 2003-200? ? years of production

bklynguy

I'm sure the Accord is still on a 5-year cycle with the next-generation Accord arriving sometime in 2007. Perhaps I should have said that the change will be drastic compared to the previous MMC (regarding the exterior). Based on the "spyshot", the 06 Accord will get a rear-end similar to the current Accord coupe / Acura TL / new Civic. OK, lets start singing "We are family".

Of course until Honda makes the annoucement, nothing is official (yet). Perhaps "substantial" would be a better word. Lets put this to rest for now, ok.

ghostbuster23

Blane, I think you're talking about a full redesign, which this won't be. Every 4/5 years, Honda comes out with a brand new Accord, following the pattern you listed above. But in between these complete redesigns they freshen up the look of the car to keep it competitive. Generally, they make minor cosmetic changes, a few technological updates, and a little power boost.

The 96-97 Accord is slightly different than the 94-95, for example. The structure stays the same, they just update it a little bit.

bklynguy

blane thinks I'm talking about a full redesign which I'm not. From what I've read as well as what I heard from someone I know who works for a Honda dealer, the cosmetic changes will more extensive than the last MMC. I don't think there was as much (if any) negative comments about the styling of the last generation as the current generation. We'll see what happens.

dermit

Does anyone have any insider information as to when the 06's will be for sale? I am looking at 05's now but if I knew when the 06's would be available...

bklynguy

I don't have any insider info but based on history, the first 06 Accords should arrive in Sept. We're in the market now for a new car so we're hoping for a early intro like June or July.

2728zimmern

I talked to the general manager of a dealership and he expects them in september. Unless they sell their current inventory of accords sooner than expected. Than it will be earlier.

blane

2728zimmern:

Your dealership will receive their first delivery of 2006 models on the manufacturer's schedule, not based upon dealer inventory. Dealers cannot deliver new model-year cars to buyers any sooner than Honda's official release date, and won't receive them until a few days before that date.

bklynguy

http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/irep13e_20050513.htm

According to the report, Toyota will introduce the next generation Camry (MY2007) as early as Feb. 2006. I keep reading that the 2006 Accord MMC will more extensive than normal (despite what some people/Honda dealers say). It's highly possible that Honda knows the specs of the new Camry and that may explain the extensive changes/upgrades. I'm sure Honda wants to keep the Accord competitive with the new Camry until the 8th gen Accord arrives in 2007. I've read that some current Avalon features like HID headlamps will become available on the new Camry.

I'm sure Honda wouldn't mind if the 2006 Accord beat the Camry in sales (even if only for a few months). We'll see what happens.

2728zimmern

I wasn't emplying the dealers inventory! Honda has only produced so many of the current model and they obviously plan on releasing the 06 until there is very little inventory (meaning total production of the 05s) left. If their sales rise and they sell more sooner, they might have an ealier release date. That is why you are correct in saying dealers won't know until a few days before it happens.

biker4

The assembly line will run full tilt until date X (probably late July), then they retool the factory (two weeks) and then the 06 will be coming off the line at full tilt again. Date X has already been chosen - there's a lot of long lead items that must be lined up for that date and it's probably not subject to much variation. Whatever the dealers have on the lot or pipeline will not affect the launch date of the 06 by much at all.

catalkir

Sounds like I'm in the same boat as a lot of poeple, I'm excited about the new Accord and its place in the market. However, my recent experiences with Honda's customer service is quickly ending my love affair with this brand. Its really disappointing since I already have an Accord, my wife has an Odyssey, and I mow my yard with a Honda mower! I don't know if Honda has just become complacent in the market or what it is, but they definitely have made us mad. I guess its like insurance, you never know what you have until you need it.

biker4

I thought the whole point for buying a Honda is to never find out what customer service is like.

catalkir

In my mind, that's the only reason I am still considering an Accord, hoping it will never need to go to the dealership or me ever having to call American Honda again. I know its naive of me to think saving one customer from leaving their brand is worth their time, but thats too bad, I have a lot of car buying purchases in my future. And those out there with kids in daycare and its financial burden, well, I'm finally free this fall!! Yippee, new cars for the whole family!!!!!

thegraduate

Believe it or not, I saw the redesigned 2005 Odyssey 2 months before its release. I found it at Brookwood Mall in South of Birmingham, Alabama. If you will remember, the Ody is built east of Birmingham, in Lincoln (near the Talladega Superspeedway) so apparently these guys needed a fresh pair of underwear and this store carried their brand. The Midnight Blue Odyssey I saw was completely spec with the exception of missing all H badges.

robr2

As I said before - they know exactly what they are doing. Trust me, nobody is driving the new, super secret, new generation Blahmobile in public before introduction unless they want you to see it. The idea is to generate interest prior to launch.

thegraduate

I agree with you robr2. That is the point I was trying to (though didn't efficiently do so) make. According to my friends at my local Neil Bonnett Honda, the Odyssey was the most secretive Honda project they had witnessed.

rluke

I agree with you about the interior. I think they did a great job. I've always wanted to see a couple of minor changes however. I've most recently owed a 2001 Passat and will be anxious to see the 08 Accord. Two things I've disliked about Honda interiors is the AT shifter always seemed too tall. I like the shorter shifter found in VWs, it looks more stylish.
Another thing is that Honda moonroofs don't open entirely into the ceiling as do VWs. I'd love to see those changes in upcoming models. I know they're minor, but that would make the cabin nearly perfect.

annek

I am curious about the rumors saying that the 06 Honda Accord is going to get traction control/vehicle stability assist. Are the rumors that it will get this on the 4 cylinder or only the 6 cylinder?

I don't want to pay the extra gas money for a 6 cylinder. You can get vehicle stability control on a 4 cylinder Camry now but you have to special order it. Otherwise, my understanding is that vehicle stability control is available on V6 Camrys only.

I know that the 06 Hyunda Sonata is offering it on their 4 cylinder version.

I am trying to decide whether to order an 05 Camry with this feature or wait until the 06 Accords come out and see if they are on there. Of course, I won't get as good a price on the 06 Accords but we keep our cars over 10 years so I want to make sure I'm buying what I want.

It's also possible I'm too concerned with this vehicle stability control feature. Maybe it's only needed on more powerful V6 engine cars? I've just been reading a lot about it and it seems like a worthwhile feature. I don't like the automatic door lock feature of the Toyotas, but I'm told they can disable that feature. I don't think it makes sense to have someone locked in the car . In case of an accident, people need to be able to quickly get the person out without looking for something to break the door or window with.

bklynguy

I have no idea if VSA will be limited to V6 Accords, the EX 4/V6 or standard on all Accords. Maybe Hyundai's decision to make it standard on all 06 Sonatas will influence Honda to do the same. There have been studies conducted that indicate that vehicles equipped with stability control are less likely to be involved in accidents. SUVs would benefit the most, but even 4 cylinder vehicles (which make up most of the European market where stability control is more widely available) would benefit. In the next couple of years, it should be standard on the Accord, Camry and others in the mid-size family segment.

http://www.drivers.com/article/671/

srobak

It is available on the 05 v6 accord only.

midnightcowboy

VSA is not available on any 05 or earlier Accords. You are thinking of traction control only being available onV6 2005 Accords.

What the 06 models have and do not have is still in the speculation stage and has not been confirmed. Honda is very tight on realizing information until a car model is actually available for sale.

annek

Does anyone have a good guess when the 06 models will be released? Are we talking September? I don't know whether to wait to see if 06 4 cylinder will offer Vehicle Stability Assist or not.

midnightcowboy

Maybe as early as late August, but early September is a good bet!

bklynguy

Accord sales are down 23% for the month of May (compared to May 2004). I wonder if the MMC will be enough to change the bleak outlook for the Accord.

claudius753

Has anyone seen the spy photos of the supposed next generation Camry? I hope Honda gets it right this time, because Toyota seems to now realize that most newer cars are reliable and have started to put some money into styling instead. Especially since its speculated that the redesigned Camry will debut early 06 as a 07 model, near to when the MMC on the Accord will come out.

The thread with pics is on this board under Toyota/Camry/Next Gen Toyota Camry 2006

I think that new (maybe?) Camry is nicer looking than the current Accord. Now, if we got the euro market Accord (NA TSX) it would be a tough choice...

anythngbutgm

Euro-Accord would be blasted out of the arena for being too small compared to the Camry, Altima, Galant, etc... The next Camry looks pretty sharp in the photos, Honda needs to really step up the styling on the next gen Accord. And add the 6-speeder to the sedan next time, Please!!! :mad:

jeninmarin

I am looking to buy an Accord soon, although I may be able to hold out until the new models are released.

Does anyone know if they may be changing the colors available for the 2006 models? If so, any ideas what may be available? Is this information something Honda may release early, or like everything else will it have to wait until later?

Also, if the new models are not available until September, when is it they will usually release information about the exact changes to expect for 2006?

blane

The information that you are seeking may be dribbling out some time in August.

bklynguy

Honda won't give us any info until the official intro. Toyota introduced 2 or 3 new colors with the Camry's MMC last year. I saw a 2005 Odyssey in "Slate Green Metallic" (like light gray, maybe similar to the Camry's "mineral green") a few weeks ago and wonder how that color would look on the 06 Accord, hopefully with a gray interior. Another new color for the Accord could be "Ocean Mist Metallic" (a shade of blue). The red is still our # 1 choice (it would be silver, but we don't want a black interior)

snakerbill

I hate gated shifters too, but the thing that really gets me is that the shifter has no detent for the most used position, also why cant Honda make the door lock handle open the drivers door when pulled instead of having to find the unlock button. It is crazy. Also, I think it is really nice of Honda to hire the handicapped, but I wish they would not asign the blind people to the color choices and interior combinations. I have a red 05 EX V6 coupe and it has a silly light color interior, I want a black interior with red trim. Even Ford offers this. Wake up Honda. Offer interior color choices with any exterior paint the owners want.

blane

snakerbill:

I agree with you about disliking gated shifters. I don't care for the one in my wife's 2002 Subaru Legacy. I'm very happy about the linear shifter in my 2004 Accord though. It definitely has a detent, maybe not as notchy as you might prefer, but a detent nonetheless. I know exactly where "D" is without looking. It's just click, click, click and I'm there (from "P").

I emphatically agree with you about not having the ability to unlock a locked door by just pulling the inside handle. I believe that it could be dangerous in an emergency, such as a submersion incident.

My Desert Mist Metallic (tan) exterior goes beautifully with the beautiful Ivory leather interior. Different strokes for different folks.

If Honda were to offer custom options, instead of their offering specific packages, the resultant higher prices would reflect the additional complexity on the assembly line.

temj12

I like red and wanted a red 05 until I saw the interior color. I agree with you; it does not look good.

bklynguy

I think eventually the Accord (as well as the Camry) will get the gated shifter. It appears to be the trend in the industry. I'm glad the red sedan has the gray interior.

midnightcowboy

I like the way the current 6-speed Honda Accord Coupe shifts. The only gated shifter I ever considered was a Ferrari and that, unless very old and very used, was beyond my price range.

cruis'n in 6th - NO GATES for me :shades: ,

MidCow

1000hours

Gated shifters are such a cheap and tacky gimmick. The only thing they are good for is fooling people who don't know how to shift a manual into thinking that they bought a "sporty" car. Can anyone tell me the benefit of a gated shifter other than aesthetics? Probably not. I hope that Honda does not stoop that low with the Accord... Save that junk for a Mazda or Mitsubishi.

srobak

Gated or not - counting notches or clicks hasn't changed in an automatic - either in the center or on the column - since the beginning of time.

1 notch - reverse
2 notches - neutral
3 notches - drive (top gear (may vary with imports that have pushbutton o/d)
4 notches - next lowest gear

Anything beyond that is redundant, and with this, you should pretty much be able to jump into any car and shift just by notches. Been doing that since I was a kid.

theman6969

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000080&sid=a5E74A0eS330&refer=asia

June 14 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co., Japan's third- biggest carmaker, said it plans ``substantial'' modifications to its Accord model in an effort to reverse a sales slump that may lead to the company's first U.S. sales decline in 12 years.

``We're planning some fairly major refreshes coming this year,'' John Mendel, Honda's U.S. sales chief, said in an interview today. The changes will address what customers view as the current Accord's shortcomings, including exterior styling and engine power, he said without elaborating. The latest Accord is about halfway through its four- to five-year model life.

In its attempt to boost U.S. demand, Honda is trying to regain share in a market that has accounted for 43 percent of its global sales. Accord sedans and coupes, which made up 25 percent of Tokyo-based Honda's total U.S. sales so far in 2005, fell 9 percent to 143,304 this year through May. Honda's annual U.S. sales haven't fallen since 1993, the longest growth streak in the market.

``Accord is Honda's symbol in this market. They'll do what they have to to protect it,'' said Jim Sanfilippo, executive vice president of Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc. in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. ``It doesn't cost much to bend the sheet metal a little differently to improve the looks, so that's an easy option.''

Falling Sales

The drop for Accord, as well as the Civic -- a small car that is Honda's second-biggest selling U.S. model -- cut the company's U.S. sales 0.7 percent this year through May to 565,948. Civic sales are down 15 percent this year, in part because Honda has reduced production ahead of the release of a redesigned version due in about three months.

bklynguy

The MY06 Accord is getting "substantial" modifications.

snakerbill

Grey is good with Red, but Ivory is not so good, and I hate the fake wood, the black interior has aluminum trim that is much better looking. I did not want a lot of color choices, but if Honda offers only two interior colors, the choice should be either one with any color exterior they offer. I am glad to hear that there will be major changes to the 06 Accord as a little more power in my V6 would be nice, and if they have good sense, they will make the front and rear suspensions adjustable for caster and camber as well as toe. Did you guys know that the front suspension of the Accord is NOT adjustable for anything but toe? I had a 05 Accord which pulled to the right big time, and the dealer could not correct the problem because the only way to try to make it stop pulling to the right was to unbolt the front cradle, and shift it to the right. This did not help and theygave me the run around about the pulling being normal until I finally gave up and traded that 05 for another 05 at a loss to me. Honda zone also was not very interested in my problem, and did nothing that I asked them to do,. I guess this is ample proof, that no matter how good a Honda is, if something was done wrong at the factory you are stuck with the problem. Not everyone has the ability to swap cars the way I did, but that first Accord I had was a chore to drive as it wanted to head for the ditch if you did not keep both hands on the wheel, and if there was a side wind you may as well stay home. I still cant believe Honda treated me in this manner, and I will make sure I never buy another Honda without a LONG test drive. I just never expected the problem I had, and never expected Honda to be so nasty about it. A few words to the wise, if you look to buy a Honda check for alignment before driving home with the new car, as any problem cannot be fixed by the dealer. They tried, but gave up when the cradle shifting did not work. Bad business.