Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Comparing 2005 and 2006 models, quite a few improvements were made to the 2.4L I-4 for the 2006 model year. Drive-by-wire (DBW) replaced the previous 'throttle cable' setup, which results in smoother operation and enhanced throttle response. The 2006 version gained a minor power boost (6hp) and both hp and torque peak at lower revs.
The minor design 'refresh' in 2006 made an already attractive sedan look even better, IMO. The 2003-2005 tail lights look a bit droopy and dull, while the 2006 was fresh and sporty looking. If I was in the market right now, a 2006-2007 Accord would be at the top of my short list!
I may have one suggestion that could help to broaden your search a bit. If you can live without the EX's power moonroof, there were two EX-look-alike models sold in 2006 and 2007. I have always referred to both model years as the SE, but the 2006 model in particular is often called the LX Special Edition, Special Edition or LX-SE. By 2007, SE seemed to stick.
The 2006 SE adds the following features to the LX sedan-
16" alloy wheels (identical to EX 4-cyl)
4-wheel disc brakes w/ Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
6-CD in-dash changer
Steering wheel audio controls
Body-color side sill
Carbon-fiber interior accents
A 5-speed manual was standard on the SE both years, so there are some manual transmission examples out there. From the either side, they are a dead-ringer for the EX thanks to the sharp-looking alloy wheels fournd on both trim levels!
A 2006 SE stickered for $1725 less than an EX sedan and the power moonroof standard on the EX was the most significant difference. The EX also added heated side mirrors, security system, Aluminum interior accents (vs. carbon fiber), illuminated power window switches and ambient console lighting. The EX driver's seat also has a manual lumbar adjustment and the height adjustment becomes power (vs. manual on LX and SE). EX and SE both have side-impact and head-curtain airbags standard!
So an SE 5-speed manual might be worth considering if you don't manage to find an EX that works for you....
If you totally strike out at finding an Accord 4cyl 5-speed, you should take a look at the 2004-2005 Acura TSX as an alternative. The '03-'07 Accord sold here was designed specifically for the North American market. The rest of the world had a slightly smaller, more athletic Accord instead...and that verison of the Accord was sold here as the Acura TSX! 200hp, 6-speed, rock-solid reliability, great styling,
The LX-SE is a nice idea, although I really do want the EX's sunroof if I can get it. I live in Minnesota, so summers are short and you want to make the most of them. In the winter, the heated side mirrors would be well-used.
As for the TSX, yes, I'm familiar with it and enjoyed driving one, but the engine seemed to rev a bit high in 6th gear and the car really reminded you of how bad our roads are. Gas mileage isn't as good as the 5-speed Accord, it requires premium gas, and a comparable year would be significantly more expensive.
The 2006 Accord 5-spd 4 cyl really hits a sweet spot as a used car -- safe, fuel-efficient, relatively fun to drive, reliable. That's why nobody wants to give them up!
and I have a neighbor with a 2006 or 7 5 speed Accord (can't recall which model though, but sure it is a stick). Other than that, not something I see very often.
Other than an annoying CEL that just came on, no problems with it, and I most likely will keep it for a long time yet, probably passing it down to my daughter at some point to use in school.
one of the best things about it? No crappy Honda AT to fail prematurely! So no real worry keeping it well past 100K. Though I only have 62K on mine now.
I did not realize they made so many mechanical tweaks for 2006, but honestly, i doubt you would really notice them or miss them if you got a 2005. The taillights on the 05 also IMO were the best looking, since they got rid of the white band for the back up light. I never though the 2006 rear matched the front on that car.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I believe the EX has partial power (height only, and 6 way?). The EX-L has full 8 way power. much nicer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There is nothing wrong with this car, but she sold it to us for $3,500 because she knew we wanted it for my poor old step-dad. His ’92 Accord EX just passed 300k miles and it’s going to need major engine work soon. He lets my mom get a new Grand Cherokee or Explorer or whatever she wants every three years and he drives the same thing over 70 miles round trip every day for more than a decade.
I’ve been driving it for the past week or so and hiding it at my house so we can surprise him but driving it is making me REALLY want another Accord! My last one was a ’99 EX 4-door 5-speed, also Taffeta White.
But there are a few minor quirks that annoy me and I want to fix them if I can- that’s where you guys come in!
1- There is no beep when you leave the key in the ignition and open the door, even if the key is in the OFF position, it makes no sound at all. It should be making the normal Honda ‘key-in-ignition’ sound, right?
2- There is no chime to warn you when you leave the headlights ON even after you often the driver’s door and remove the key, it doesn’t make a peep. It should be making the little ding-dong sound like other Accords, right?
3- To be blunt, the audio system is pretty crappy! =( Honda has a habit of putting weak stereos in all but the very highest trim line. If I’m not mistaken, the LX has a 120-watt system and the EX has the same thing??? Even on the 2011 models, you just get a 160-watt, 6-speaker system on the LX, LX-P, SE, EX and EX V-6. Only by choosing the EX-L or EX-L V6 do you get the 270-watt, 7-speaker system! Is there some sort of connection between leather fetishists and audiophiles that I’m missing?
Anyway, being serious, the reception of radio stations is really the issue. I know that the antenna is embedded in the rear window, but is there any way to boost the signal or improve it in any way?
Those are the only issues and they’re all relatively minor .did I mention that I got it for $3,500? Hehe
Do you mean the 1998-2002 version? I had a 1999 EX 4-door 5-speed in Taffeta White and I loved that thing! It looked just like this one-
99 Accord EX 4dr
As for the current model being best viewed from the interior- have you seen the ergonomic nightmare that is the current Accord's interior? There are so many buttons that I don't see how elderly folks that I often see driving them can figure out how to operate anything??? Maybe they're driving around in silence, with no A/C or heat and that would explain why they don't use turn signals and forget to turn their lights on....
I'd say the 2008+ is best viewed with a tarp over it, or a bag over your head....it's what we'd refer to as a "double bagger"!
There has only been one other generation of Accord that I absolutely hated- the '94-'97 models. I had a '96 and it was truly a 'lemon' and had some major issues. But I was stuck with it for three long years and a lady ran a light and nailed me in the right rear corner- my heart was racing, adrenaline flowing but even then I started grinning knowing that I was finally rid of that thing!
My '99 EX 4-door 5-speed was perfection compared to the model before it! I adored that car and I was heartbroken when I rear-ended an Impala on I-75 stop-and-go one evening during rush hour and it was totaled. It was almost seven years old and had 232,000 miles on it- didn't burn a drop of oil, was always ready to rev to the redline if I wanted to scoot and it had one of the best manual shifter and clutch combo I've ever experienced. The original clutch made it past 165k, which amazed me. But it was a helluva car...
With that said, I will never, ever, bring my vehicle to a Honda dealer for service again. When it was new, and I was naive, I did bring it to the dealer. What did I hear every time? Yup, "you need...". Yeah...no,just change the oil like I asked, wash it and give me my keys. I found a local garage, with a gruffy old owner who feels if a car needs something, fix it. He told me that if he serviced the car according to the manual, I should just drop off my paycheck to him every week! He just shakes his head at dealer garages. But, it is true, that IS where they make most of their money.
Oh and another thing. I feel that one of the reasons that my car has lasted so long (85,000 miles) is that it is an LX model and doesn't have all of the extra stuff that strains electrical systems that many of todays cars do.
Probably could ignore it, but the light bothers me, and it won't pass inspection at the end of the year anyway. SO, getting it fixed. First problem though in 5.5 years and 62K. Other than the rear brakes of course.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Its not the most interesting or exciting car on the road, but its been very reliable and reasonably economical to operate. I have been following the maintenance minder and maintenance schedule and I've used Honda parts, so it should last a long time to come. I did the trans fluid at 60k with Honda MTL, coolant at 30 & 90 with Honda anti-freeze, and I use Honda filters when I change the oil (with Mobil 1). I do have a K&N air filter now, though. I even got the Honda replacement wiper inserts.
The next thing up is tires. I am thinking of getting the HPF 17" wheels (or Acura TSX 17") and a performance oriented 215/50R17 for 3 seasons and put snows on the old wheels. I am hoping that will help me whine less about the car being dull.
might just do it at my next oil change. which at this pace could be next year!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
In 2006, I jumped ship and bought my first non-Honda vehicle, a 2006 Mazda3. While shift-quality never approached the level of near-perfection of most Hondas, I adapted and it didn't really bother me. Eventually, around 40k miles, it started grinding going into 3rd gear, especially so on the 2-3 upshift. I took it to the dealer and they gave me a loaner to drive for the day (a base model 2008 Mazda3 5-speed) and I realized how much easier it shifted than my '06. The dealership said the issue was normal wear and/or due to aggressive driving (I'm an insurance agent, we're almost as wild behind the wheel as librarians). But I digress...
I did some research and found a lot of other manual drivers online who had similar issues, to varying degrees, on Mazdas and most other makes as well. Many of them tried switching to synthetic gear oil and the vast majority were pleased with the results. I switched to Red Line MT-90 and it did wonders for the shift quality and the 3rd gear grinding issue. It's been over 40k miles since I switched and it's still doing great!
I highly recommend it to anyone having issues or planning to drive their car well past 100k! While I used Red Line MT-90, no major stores carry it (in most areas) and it has to be ordered online. Royal Purple synthetic manual transmission fluid/oil is available in some auto parts stores and is top-notch quality. Just thought I'd share.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
At ~62k the tires are finishing up. I scored some Acura TSX 17x7 wheels off eBay and will be installing 215/50R17 tires. I am hoping those upgrades (tires/wheels/sway bar) help the car feel a little more lively. Now I just have to figure out what 3-season tires I want; the stock rims (or 15" steels) will have winter tires.
I exclusively use Mobil 1 0w-20 with Pur 1 synthetic oil filters, and change at the maintenance minders reccomendation - about 8 or 9k. Not sure I am going to change the brake fluid anytime soon. I am pretty easy on brakes so the fuild never gets hot - it should last indefinately. I am almost more worried about contaminates getting in when it is changed than I am about older fluid. In some of my past cars I never had any brake issues until shortly after the fluid was changed - VW Scirocco to name one.
Mrbill
anyway, had they evap valve solenoid (which was actually a fairly large size box) replaced. Took a return trip, since the CEL came back on as soon as I got home. Turns out that when the old one failed, something shredded inside, and some debris got into the line and was blocking the airflow, so the computer flagged it again. Took off the line and blew it out, and seems to be fine now.
Also seems to shift smoother, but that could all be in my head. The real test will be how easy it is to get into reverse (occasionally that could be balky), but that might not have anything to do with the fluid.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The brake fluid is a closed system. No water can escape. The brake fluid and water together are called an azeotrope IIRC: water in the fluid lowers the boiling point of the fluid. So if brakes are used hard and the fluid in the caliper or wheel cylinder gets hot enough, the combination boils causing loss of ability to compress the fluid and apply the friction material--loss of braking--just like an air bubble would do if the brakes weren't bled. When the fluid cools, the bubble of water vapor condenses back into the fluid.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You realize that was a 3 year old post and no significant complaints since? My '07 Accord has 62,000 on the original pads and rotors.
Oh and the Acura TSX wheels I got off eBay came today. I have a truck from work tonight so I will have to wait until Friday or Monday to get them on the car. They have 3 pretty okay looking Avid A4 tires with 1 really sorry looking one. They description said the tires are shot, but they should get me to the shop to get new ones mounted.
Yokohamas are good tires at a reasonable price. I put BFG advantage tourings on my Acura TL (same size as my accord) from BJs and they are very good.
always good to read reviews at tirerack.com, even if you don't order from them (some people like to, I prefer to buy local)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm a BIG fan of Dunlop SP Sport Signature tires and I've had them on Mazda3 for the last 52k miles and they've still got some life left in them. For your car, they run $94 each at Discount Tire, but there's a $40 Dunlop/Goodyear rebate if you buy a set of 4, so that's really $84/tire. They come with a 6yr/60k mile treadwear warranty. They also improved ride quality without sacrificing handling. The ones for my car are closer to $140 each! My 17" wheels/tires look good, but they also cost a ton to replace...be glad with your 15" ones!
Dunlop is owned by Goodyear, so Goodyear stores also sell their products. If you don't have a Discount Tire nearby, I'd start calling a few Goodyear dealers and have them price a set of Dunlops. Goodyear also owns Kelly Tires and most Goodyear shops sell them as well. My sister has had Kellys on her '04 Explorer for over 60k miles!
Good luck and hope this helps!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I hope you can tell us what fixes this.
My 06 EX-L w/navi manual came with Bridgestone Turanza EL41s. I have about 94k miles and there is still good tread left.
I'm thinking about the Michelin Primacy MXV4s when I replace these because they are so highly rated.
Paying more for a tire seems to be a better deal if you are getting almost twice the miles as cheaper tires.
Of course any new tire will use slightly more gas than a well worn tire and will not feel as direct. Can't get around physics - taller tread is just squirmier. That seems to be the case so far but only slightly), but hard to really tell as most of my driving the last two days has been in a rain storm. I will give more details after a few weeks of driving with them.
Can say they are excellent in deep water - no hydroplaning like I had been doing in my well worn 41's.
I'm prepared for a slight drop in mileage, although it has always been stellar... even when new.
I am looking forward to some quiet though!
Looking forward to your feedback either here or the tire and wheel forum.
(others were not so fortunate: I saw 4 major Interstate accidents during this late March storm).
Pricey? Yes. I'd buy 'em again.
ez....
Another problem could be that the clutch needs adjusting. There should be about 1/2 inch of free play before the clutch starts to engage. You could also have bad brake fluid in your hydraulic system (I much prefer the cables from the old days - KISS). I had a bad slave cylinder in a corolla once, but it gave problems most of the time not just 10%.
Start with the simplest things first - try shifting slower.
The clutch is great on this car, but 1st to 2nd is notchy on occasion. I may trade it, because I can't handle intermittent issues like this...lol