First off, i'm just over 5400 miles and was wondering about the oil change...dealer said 7500 miles for first change. Manual says 5000 (for us DC folks). I tend to believe the manual. Also, I want to use synthetic, but 5W20 synth seems to be non-existent. Any thoughts?
I get the clunk too, but it's more of an RPM surge and lunge. Only when it's cold and I go in reverse...as soon as I touch the brakes the engine surges, the gas pedal lets loose, and I lunge backwards. ABS check???
The best fix I found is to let it warm up 30 seconds and then back out. NEVER had a problem when warmed up a bit.
If you still have the problem, just back into your parking spot so you can throw it into drive when leaving! EASY FIX! haha
For those with a vibration at idle...is your AUTO climate control on? That engages the compressor which creates a nice drain on the I4 and hence...the vibration. My EX idles smooth as butter. Shifts smooth as butter too.
Kudos to Honda for that powertrain...nice combo.
What is Acura thinking? $26,900 for a TSX? But I digress....
I wouldn't extend to very long intervals until further break-in miles are driven.
In my travels on the internet, I've read where some recommended waiting until 10K before switching to synth, while others switched at 1K and said they had no adverse effects.
I waited to 10K and then switched to M1 5w30. My engine neither uses or leaks any oil to date. (~92K miles)
BTW, has anyone seen the M1 5w20 on the shelves yet? I'll probably stay with the 30W product anyway.
is honda spec 5w20 fully or partly synthetic? ford is also now recommending 5w20 in almost all their vehicles...but i believe their specificantion is semi-sythetic. anyone know for sure about honda...?
Guys, took my car to the dealer today; while I was waiting to have a tech listen to the sound I test drove a brand new ex-v6 on the lot, this car did the exact same sound and I pointed this sound out to the salesperson.
Their explanation... The transmisson fluid drains to the pan after it sits for several hours. After about a minute the transmission will warm and build up enough fluid pressure. Once the car makes the initial clunk from upshifting from 1st to 2nd it won't happen again unless I park the car for a long period of time.
I will keep this short. I am trying to determine my next car: Mazda6, Accord, Camry / Solera, or Avalon. THe list was alittle longer (Acura TL,Saab 9.3) but they fell to the waste side..Premuim Gas yekes. I have been reading all the different boards for the past 2 months. I have also been researching the different cars for atleast the past 4 months. I am now more confysed then when I first started. The Mazda6 group says the only issue with thier new car is the sunglass holder and the heated seat not getting that warm. The Toyota forums is all over the place with issues. The Accord forum will note 1 issue while somebody says it's either not true of problem has been resolved.
All I would like to know if possible is what are the main problems with the 2003 Accord and are they either fixable or livable.
BTW Im not here to slam any 1 car just want to select the best for my family. Thanks in advance. Happy Holiday to all.
Buy what you like. The Camry, Accord, and Mazda6 are all great that appeal to different audiences. You will have about the same chance of getting a lemon in any case according to those folks that do the real checking. So that leaves you to take the test drive, check the amenities, and work the deal.
As far as the Camry and Accord vs. the Mazda6 and complaints...Well they sell 30,000 of the Accord/Camry a month. They have not sold that many Mazda6's....yet. Additionally the CamCord type may fit the demographic of people who would get thier gripe on the internet. If you'd check most of the internet car buying sites the Accord is usually one of if not the most requested cars.
Just saw pictures of the 04 Solara. I can see where they tried to go with the styling but if they were shooting for a home run to the right field they ended up with a single to left.
my '03 v6 coupe has just a little over 2k miles and the only problems i have had so far are mostly with interior rattles...one was in the rear shelf and that was fixed. the other rattles are intermittent and come from the dash area up around the windshild and also the glove box. i'm gonna get these looked at when the car goes in for it's first oil change. only problem other than rattles has been outside temp sensor. the other day it was reading 64 degrees when it was really 90!! will have that checked at first oil change also...
otherwise car is fun to drive...and other than the rattles seems well built.
Anybody know if the 04 Accord will offer side head curtains on more models than the EX V6? We're in the market, but don't want to get either an automatic or a V6, but definitely want 4 doors and side head curtains.
"Anybody know if the 04 Accord will offer side head curtains on more models than the EX V6?"
Well, anything's possible, but the model year after a major new introduction usually doesn't offer changes any more significant than a couple of new colors. So I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.
I wouldn't expect any change that major until the mid-model refresh, which should be 2006 if Honda follows its current pattern. But I'm only guessing, so I could be wrong.
If you're willing to spend lots of time at the VW shop, think about the Passat. OR, get V6 Accord and never have to worry about buying a turbo timer and ignition coils.
The car is great, still in break in period so i havent had the joy of vtec-ing yet, but the car is just super smooth, and the tranny is top notch... i'm happy.
I would love to see the '04 have the head curtain airbags option in more than just the EX-V6 model. I've mentioned in the past about this issue here, but people like us seem to be the minority. I guess most people aren't willing to pay a bit extra for some safety insurance. So when is the 04 model coming out? And when is the new model year features announced?
I'm still crossing my fingers though. Anyone know of an email address to contact Honda about this request? I bet if more of us take a proactive role in it then it would be possible sooner. Every email a company receives represents a lot bigger share of the actual market.
It's possible that they might be available before the 2006 update, but you will need to wait and see. Otherwise there are lots of choices:
Acura TSX VW Passat Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry with optional side curtain airbags (if you can find one with that option that isn't also loaded with so many other options that it ends up costing more than an EXV6 Accord.)
Depeding on your region, its very possible to get side curtains on the Altima and Camry at reasonable cost- Almost all of the XLE 4cylinder, and XLE V6 Camrys I saw at my local dealership (Freehold Toyota, NJ) had side curtain airbags (though the XLE V6 models are top end like the EX V6 that you mentioned). I also a few LE V6 models with equipped with them. Though I didnt see them, the dealer said he has sold a few LE 4cylinders with the curtains. Maybe not a base model, but XLE 4cly are available with alloys for just over 23K MSRP, and easily 20.5K out the door.
Anyone know what changes may be on tap for 2004? I think I read somewhere that the V6 sedan may also get the 6-speed manual transmission. Also, might there be more exterior/interior color combo choices? Black interior needs to be available on more exterior colors. Any salemen/dealers out there who might be able to answer these questions?
The side curtain availability is really disappointing because I don’t want the V6 or leather, so I’m hoping Honda will give the side curtains as an option for 2004, otherwise it will probably be the Camry or the Altima. I wrote a letter to Honda about this, but I don’t know what good it will do. Does anyone know on what date the 2003 accord was officially announced ? This will give us a time frame on when to expect any news for 2004 models. Thanks
I feel like I'm seeing more and more cars equipped with some form of side airbags these days. Just wait a month or so when IIHS releases details and video footage of their newest round of crash testing. I say, by 5 years time, any family sedan worth mentioning will have curtains and seat mounted bags standard, at least in front. ~alpha
The latest camry's side crash protection is actually not very good, I think 2 or 3 stars in the NHTSA tests. Don't know if it's a bug in their design or they just overlooked something.
Real world salesmen may say that side curtains are not popular because most consumers are not well informed about it. Most people think regular side airbags protect the head, which is wrong, they only protect a basketball sized area around the forarms, and their effectiveness is questionable. While side curtain airbags have been shown to protect from serious injuries in side collisions.
Where is a source that shows any significant improvement over regular side airbags or no side airbags at all? Aren't side curtain airbags most usefull in rollovers (that are rare in normal passenger cars)? There are cars with very good side impact safety ratings without side curtain airbags.
Are you talking about the new side impact testing which IIHS has been conducting ? I called IIHS, and they said that they don’t know when they will release the results to the public and that now they are only sharing the results with the manufacturers. Also they said that their side impact tests adjusts for the height of SUV bumpers, compared to the one conducted by NHTSA, which is based on height of car bumpers.
Most people won't pay extra for the air bags. That's what I mean. The salespeople will tell you that the cars that they have with them sit for a while if the airbags are an extra cost option.
Seaf- You're right- the current Camry w/o Side Curtains scores 3 stars for driver, 5 stars for rear passenger. Just so you know, SOME, but not all of the "regular" seat mounted side airbags DO protect the head. Most, like you said, are designed to protect the thoracic area.
Jsjmala- Yes, those are the ones I am talking about. A recent WSJ article stated that the results would be released relatively soon. I would hope by early summer, if not sooner.
S852- It is my understanding that curtains are very beneficial in side impacts where there is a chance that occupants' heads could hit the another car/pole etc, such as in a T-bone crash where an SUV strikes a sedan.
If you're willing to spend lots of time at the VW shop, think about the Passat. OR, get V6 Accord and never have to worry about buying a turbo timer and ignition coils.
If you're talking about a Mexican Jetta or Brazillian Beetle, you have a point.
If you did a little research, there isn't any need of a "turbo timer" on the 1.8T as it's light pressure turbo. And the ignition coils are being replaced for free. In one year and 18,000 miles, I've visited the dealer for only routine maintenance.
I had a similar experience in the former '96 Accord EX (4 cyl/auto) we had over a 6 year period (except for the A/C recall and a new exhaust system).
There's a reason for the 1.8T being on Wards 10 best engine list "frequently" since 1998.
There's no need to slam the Passat. I just wish the Accord had head air bags across the line. There's no reason that a person who can't afford or doesn't want the V6/Auto combo should be a sacrificial lamb to see if head air bags actually do something useful. At least offer them as an option.
Same goes with side mirror defrosters. And projector headlights. And lighted steering wheel controls. And gas shocks for the hood and trunk. And turn signals on the side of the body. And attractive sheet metal. And a 4/50 warranty.
Honda made it quite apparent that the Passat was the model upon which the Accord was going to be based on. Then they left out some key features.
What they did do right was classy-up the interior. While I haven't sat in one, the new Accord looks very slick inside. The instrument cluster looks nice, the new Nav system look ultra-cool, etc. And they put in some engines with some real cahonas (would be REAL nice to have the V6/manual combo).
Try this out, blow a red light. Make sure a gigantic gas guzzling SUV knocks you square on the side, then tell us (after your head is done bouncing around the cabin, acting as if its a basketball against your window/pillars) if SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS would have made a difference.
I'm shocked that you feel that way! (laced with sarcasm, given you are a salesman.) Seriously though, wait til America watches Dateline NBC when the IIHS tests air.
gee- how old are you? you thinking sounds ancient. If everybody thought like you, we'd all be driving cars without seatbelts.
I friend of mine was struck by a 2001 Lincoln Navigator, directly on the driver side. He didnt exactly walk away, but his head was stil attached, and the only major complication he suffered was a broken ankle. THe car he was driving had dual side curtain airbags. They definitely helped him out.
I'm 32. And actually I have never been in an accident I had no control over. I have actually been in a couple that I "let" happen. But as far as I'm concerned when it's your time I don't care how many airbags you have. You are gonna die.
I few mph more on the Nav and it wouldn't have made a difference. I saw a Lexus GS that had been T-boned by an SUV. Hit it so hard the passenger seat deformed the passenger door. I don't think airbags woulda helped that guy.
That's like saying "Why do we have hospitals, medication, or even asprin? If God wanted my head to ache, then damn it, let it ache!"
Technology, be it medical or mechanical, helps humans live longer. The average life span 100 years ago was probably around 60. Now it's in the mid 70's (I think). While this doesn't have much to do directly with air bags or side air bags, it DOES contribute to it.
Being T-boned by any vehicle is going to cause damage. But having my head hit an air bag rather than glass or shattering glass seems just a bit less damaging - maybe the difference between a concussion and a bad headache. No, it's not going to save me from a locomotive crushing my car. But it will help me the majority of the time.
My cousin refuses to wear seatbelts, stating "Well, if I drive off a bridge into the water, I don't want fumble around trying to unhook the seatbelt and drown." Now, the last time I saw/heard of a car drive off a bridge into a river and be stuck in the car because of a seat belt was the first episode of Smallville.
Now that I have two young kids at home (now 2 1/2 and 1 years old), I am going to buy with safety as one of the top priorities. And safety includes active (ABS, Traction Control, etc) as well as passive (air bags, crush zones, etc) restraints.
You have a point. I suppose, if we are talking 50+ mph, I dont care if you drive a hummer, you are going to get severely hurt, if not killed. The Nav struck my friend at about 35 mph, his car was totalled, but he lived.
What kind of accidents have you let happen? Bumper cars at the local fair? JK
The main difference between a 2003 and a previus 2002 is that in 2003 the 5 speed asuto transmission wasi ntroducred as well as higher horsepower 4s and 6s. Big big difference!
Actually what would really protect occupants is to raise the standards for getting a driver's license. Get these incompetent drivers off the road. And while we're at it, we should outlaw driving while talking on a cell phone. There are too many people who can't seem to talk and drive at the same time.
But if someone being a jerk and trying to force me into another lane at say... a merge. Depending on what car I'm in I'll hit em. Of course now I drive Lexuses so that's not gonna happen. But in my 1987 Civic Wagon those big black bumpers were tested a couple times.
As far as the curtain airbags...Since most cars on the road don't have them and they were deemed safe until now, I don't feel the need for them. ABS either but marketing has made it near ubiquitous. Airbags are next.
I was at the local Honda dealer and they had zero 5-speed Accords on the lot to test drive. They said they could get one but there was no demand for them in general. Is this fairly common?
Last June, I was making a left turn in my 2001 SAAB 9-5. I had the arrow, but a 4000 lb caddy blew through the red-light at about 60 MPH. Hit the B-piller. The passenger door was pushed in 18", and (of course) the window shattered. In my case, I am certain that the side airbag helped me....it shielded me from the glass. If my wife was in the car, it may have saved her.
Oh...I walked away from the crash. Car was totalled.
Comments
I get the clunk too, but it's more of an RPM surge and lunge. Only when it's cold and I go in reverse...as soon as I touch the brakes the engine surges, the gas pedal lets loose, and I lunge backwards. ABS check???
The best fix I found is to let it warm up 30 seconds and then back out. NEVER had a problem when warmed up a bit.
If you still have the problem, just back into your parking spot so you can throw it into drive when leaving! EASY FIX! haha
For those with a vibration at idle...is your AUTO climate control on? That engages the compressor which creates a nice drain on the I4 and hence...the vibration. My EX idles smooth as butter. Shifts smooth as butter too.
Kudos to Honda for that powertrain...nice combo.
What is Acura thinking? $26,900 for a TSX? But I digress....
In my travels on the internet, I've read where some recommended waiting until 10K before switching to synth, while others switched at 1K and said they had no adverse effects.
I waited to 10K and then switched to M1 5w30. My engine neither uses or leaks any oil to date. (~92K miles)
BTW, has anyone seen the M1 5w20 on the shelves yet? I'll probably stay with the 30W product anyway.
Newly changed 2003 Accord V6 EX or
2003 Acura TL which the model is changing in 2004
Their explanation... The transmisson fluid drains to the pan after it sits for several hours. After about a minute the transmission will warm and build up enough fluid pressure. Once the car makes the initial clunk from upshifting from 1st to 2nd it won't happen again unless I park the car for a long period of time.
kirbstoy "The New 5W-20 grade - Good or Bad for your engine" Apr 14, 2003 3:54pm
The Mazda6 group says the only issue with thier new car is the sunglass holder and the heated seat not getting that warm.
The Toyota forums is all over the place with issues.
The Accord forum will note 1 issue while somebody says it's either not true of problem has been resolved.
All I would like to know if possible is what are the main problems with the 2003 Accord and are they either fixable or livable.
BTW Im not here to slam any 1 car just want to select the best for my family.
Thanks in advance.
Happy Holiday to all.
As far as the Camry and Accord vs. the Mazda6 and complaints...Well they sell 30,000 of the Accord/Camry a month. They have not sold that many Mazda6's....yet. Additionally the CamCord type may fit the demographic of people who would get thier gripe on the internet. If you'd check most of the internet car buying sites the Accord is usually one of if not the most requested cars.
Looks like a SC-Tib-lara.
my '03 v6 coupe has just a little over 2k miles and the only problems i have had so far are mostly with interior rattles...one was in the rear shelf and that was fixed. the other rattles are intermittent and come from the dash area up around the windshild and also the glove box. i'm gonna get these looked at when the car goes in for it's first oil change. only problem other than rattles has been outside temp sensor. the other day it was reading 64 degrees when it was really 90!! will have that checked at first oil change also...
otherwise car is fun to drive...and other than the rattles seems well built.
Well, anything's possible, but the model year after a major new introduction usually doesn't offer changes any more significant than a couple of new colors. So I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.
I wouldn't expect any change that major until the mid-model refresh, which should be 2006 if Honda follows its current pattern. But I'm only guessing, so I could be wrong.
I just got a white 6 speed, v6 Honda Accord. The dealer had two of the same color, with the same options... i negotiated to $25,100 before ttl etc..
the sticker on mine was $27,500... car + mp3 + spoiler (spoiler looks good on the coupes)
The car is super fast, the drive reminds me of my brother s2000... no kidding -
How do you like the car so far?
-Craig
I'm still crossing my fingers though. Anyone know of an email address to contact Honda about this request? I bet if more of us take a proactive role in it then it would be possible sooner. Every email a company receives represents a lot bigger share of the actual market.
Otherwise there are lots of choices:
Acura TSX
VW Passat
Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry with optional side curtain airbags (if you can find one with that option that isn't also loaded with so many other options that it ends up costing more than an EXV6 Accord.)
~alpha
~alpha
Real world salesmen may say that side curtains are not popular because most consumers are not well informed about it. Most people think regular side airbags protect the head, which is wrong, they only protect a basketball sized area around the forarms, and their effectiveness is questionable. While side curtain airbags have been shown to protect from serious injuries in side collisions.
Aren't side curtain airbags most usefull in rollovers (that are rare in normal passenger cars)?
There are cars with very good side impact safety ratings without side curtain airbags.
Jsjmala- Yes, those are the ones I am talking about. A recent WSJ article stated that the results would be released relatively soon. I would hope by early summer, if not sooner.
S852- It is my understanding that curtains are very beneficial in side impacts where there is a chance that occupants' heads could hit the another car/pole etc, such as in a T-bone crash where an SUV strikes a sedan.
~alpha
If you're talking about a Mexican Jetta or Brazillian Beetle, you have a point.
If you did a little research, there isn't any need of a "turbo timer" on the 1.8T as it's light pressure turbo. And the ignition coils are being replaced for free. In one year and 18,000 miles, I've visited the dealer for only routine maintenance.
I had a similar experience in the former '96 Accord EX (4 cyl/auto) we had over a 6 year period (except for the A/C recall and a new exhaust system).
There's a reason for the 1.8T being on Wards 10 best engine list "frequently" since 1998.
There's no need to slam the Passat. I just wish the Accord had head air bags across the line. There's no reason that a person who can't afford or doesn't want the V6/Auto combo should be a sacrificial lamb to see if head air bags actually do something useful. At least offer them as an option.
Same goes with side mirror defrosters. And projector headlights. And lighted steering wheel controls. And gas shocks for the hood and trunk. And turn signals on the side of the body. And attractive sheet metal. And a 4/50 warranty.
Honda made it quite apparent that the Passat was the model upon which the Accord was going to be based on. Then they left out some key features.
What they did do right was classy-up the interior. While I haven't sat in one, the new Accord looks very slick inside. The instrument cluster looks nice, the new Nav system look ultra-cool, etc. And they put in some engines with some real cahonas (would be REAL nice to have the V6/manual combo).
-Craig
I'm included in that catagory since I doubt they add much to an already safe car.
gee- how old are you? you thinking sounds ancient. If everybody thought like you, we'd all be driving cars without seatbelts.
~alpha
I few mph more on the Nav and it wouldn't have made a difference. I saw a Lexus GS that had been T-boned by an SUV. Hit it so hard the passenger seat deformed the passenger door. I don't think airbags woulda helped that guy.
That's like saying "Why do we have hospitals, medication, or even asprin? If God wanted my head to ache, then damn it, let it ache!"
Technology, be it medical or mechanical, helps humans live longer. The average life span 100 years ago was probably around 60. Now it's in the mid 70's (I think). While this doesn't have much to do directly with air bags or side air bags, it DOES contribute to it.
Being T-boned by any vehicle is going to cause damage. But having my head hit an air bag rather than glass or shattering glass seems just a bit less damaging - maybe the difference between a concussion and a bad headache. No, it's not going to save me from a locomotive crushing my car. But it will help me the majority of the time.
My cousin refuses to wear seatbelts, stating "Well, if I drive off a bridge into the water, I don't want fumble around trying to unhook the seatbelt and drown." Now, the last time I saw/heard of a car drive off a bridge into a river and be stuck in the car because of a seat belt was the first episode of Smallville.
Now that I have two young kids at home (now 2 1/2 and 1 years old), I am going to buy with safety as one of the top priorities. And safety includes active (ABS, Traction Control, etc) as well as passive (air bags, crush zones, etc) restraints.
-Craig
What kind of accidents have you let happen? Bumper cars at the local fair? JK
As far as the curtain airbags...Since most cars on the road don't have them and they were deemed safe until now, I don't feel the need for them. ABS either but marketing has made it near ubiquitous. Airbags are next.
Oh...I walked away from the crash. Car was totalled.
Hooligan, I think your slam on the Passat was not based on anything current.