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Older Honda Accords

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  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Thats a toughie. I was opting for the LX V6 or Ex-L with the 4 cylinder. I test drove the 4, nice and perky, then I test drove the LX V6. Just fell in love with the powertrain on the 6, but I also loved the nice perks of the EX-L, so I decided to fork over the extra 2000 grand and get the EX-V6. If you dont need the V6, get the EX-L nice car, gotta love the leather. The only downside is my leather is black, therfore getting very hot. Anyone use those beaded leather cover things, not sure what they are called, but I was wondering where you could pruchase one and how they feel on your butt. Thanks
  • akal50akal50 Member Posts: 112
    Get the V6 if you can. Sure you don't need that much power, but it's so much more fun to have it. I've had a V6 for 3 years and there's no way I can go back to driving a 4. Plus the EXV6 comes with all the goods like curtain airbags.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    It seems to just purrrr.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Anyone use them? How do they feel, advantages, disadvantages? Thanks in advance!
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Physical dimensions are different too. Coupe is shorter, narrower and lower. It also uses a shorter wheelbase.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    Thanks for updating my update. I agree with your decision and I would take the EX-L I4 over the LX V6 as well.

    The EX-L I4 is probably the best equipped car from a luxury standpoint out there at that price point. And the new 4 is a very smooth engine.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Nothing wrong with a LX V-6 coupe except for the fact they are near saleproof!

    Great cars to be sure, but a DOG to sell both as new and used.

    Compared to almost any other Honda I can think of.

    I have to wonder why they even build them anymore.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    From a resale standpoint which car would represent the best value?
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    hey guys,

    i just got a letter from honda about a faulty "multiplex integrated control unit". something to do with with locking the doors with the key and alarm not setting. anyone else get same in the mail??

    guess i'll have to schedule an appointment for the '03 coupe!
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Doesn't sound like much of a concern here.

    And no we didn't get the letter.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    No letter here either. But I also don't use the key.
  • carman54carman54 Member Posts: 14
    If anybody can help me I would appreciate it..Looking to lease a LX 2WD no extras..36 mos..15k 0 down...what should I pay?? 2003 CR-V
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    g35 and talon,

    yeah, i don't use the key either and didn't even realize there was a problem...until i got the letter in the mail. anyway, not a big deal, i'll think i'll wait until oil change time and then have it fixed...
  • synpthesissynpthesis Member Posts: 28
    a current gen Corolla the 1990 Honda Accord looks like a small car. Height, width, frame or anything. That set me thinking. Seems that the camry/accord designers have promoted these sedans to minivan class. Accord minivan! Where exactly did this trend come from? Who is responsible for these design malfunctions? Maybe corporate types can learn a thing or two from the playstation generation.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    I think they are attempting to add a little European flair. I dont mind, the design isnt half bad, kinda elegant in comparison to other cars in its class.
  • seafseaf Member Posts: 339
    It's us Americans who are getting bigger and want everything around us to be just as big so we don't feel guilty. Toyota & Honda only try to meet our demand. They've only gotten into the SUV business because there's a demand and they weren't going to let the American big 3 automakers make all the fat profit margins on these cheap-to-produce vehicles.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Apparently you have not noticed people complaining about size of TSX. It appears to be a little too tight for many. The fact is, it is slightly roomier on the inside than the 1994-97 Accord. Many call Accord too big. The fact is, it is still on the smaller side of the midsize competition. Altima and Maxima are 3-5 inches longer than Accord, and offerings from GM/Ford/Chrysler are about 10 inch longer or more.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The Accord is not the biggest but it's grown a lot over the years and I think the mid-size point is, it seems less manageable to some people used to smaller Accords.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    American Accord has grown because it had to. Fortunately, it still has not grown as much as most of its competition.
  • akal50akal50 Member Posts: 112
    It makes sense that the Accord get bigger. Just look at the average American consumer who himself is getting bigger. When 2/3 of adults are overweight, is it any wonder they think the Accord is small.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Good point. People in Japan must think the TSX ( Their Honda Accord) is relatively huge, mainly because, on average they arent as big as our population.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    make sense because unlike Japan or Europe, our streets and parking lots are designed to accommodate larger vehicles. Why cram the family into a Civic when something larger is available?
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    i actually wish that either the accord were a tad bigger...or that honda produce a real full size car. heck, they could base a full sizer off the next gen RL. i'm a big guy and i prefer to have plnety of room. the accord coupe i have now is just barely big enough for me....but i would prefer a bit more headroom (with sunroof) and a tad more rear seat legroom for tall folks like me.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    The Accord is really not that big compared to others in the class...but if you were to compare a 1990 Honda Accord with the 2003 today...the 2003 is a LOT bigger...remember, there was a time when the Accord was a compact...not a midsize.

    Then compare the 1982 Honda Accord (Gen 2) to the 1990 Accord....you see the Accord was growing even then....the 1982 model was Really small...and the style before it was that much smaller
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Not only did the Accord get bigger, most (especially Japanese) midsize sedans did also. People don't like to be squished and given the efficiency of 4 cyl motors, today generally producing 140-160 hp, it also possible to make these cars larger.
  • akal50akal50 Member Posts: 112
    Honda should have a large sedan to compete with the Avalon. Like emale said, they could base it off the RL.
  • 03honda03honda Member Posts: 96
    Does anyone know if there's a way to open front doors that are locked from the inside without having to press the unlock button. All of the previous cars I've owned I've been able to pull the handle from the inside, even when the door is locked, and the door would open. Thanks in advance.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    "Honda should have a large sedan to compete with the Avalon. Like emale said, they could base it off the RL.

    Sounds like a great idea, but could they make it price competitive with the Avalon if it was based on the RL? The RL is SO much more expensive... kinda overpriced, IMO.

    This became glaringly apparent when the Avalon was chosen as the #1 large car by CR and the RL was chosen as #2, but the RL was like $13,000 more expensive.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    hondas pretty good at platform engineering....heck they could prolly develop a larger car off the current accord platform; just like toyo did off the camry to get the avalon.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    What cars in the Accords class are bigger?

    Accord is 103 cubic feet.
    Camry is 102
    Passat is 95
    Outback is 96
    BMW 5 series is 95 (just for reference - not same class)
    Mazda 6 is 96

    Some of the U.S. cars are a tad bigger, but are they the same class?

    Bonneville 104
    Intrepid 104
    LeSabre 108
    Taurus 104
    Impala 105

    Don't confuse length with interior space!
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Most people talking about size of a car take into consideration the physical (external) dimensions of it to evaluate. In fact, the very post that started this topic was about seeing current Corolla and 1990 Accord next to each other.

    Now, interior to exterior discussion is about packaging. We could have a greyhound bus with interior of a full size car. That would not make it an efficient package, or less bulky vehicle to begin with. I feel Accord could have a larger interior than it does, by simply moving from the bulky double wishbone suspension setup (especially worse in the rear with the 5-link Watt Link Double wishbone) to space saver techniques used by most automakers (including Honda's own, Civic), like use of MacPherson struts, semi-independent rear suspensions (most European compacts take the route to improve interior space for their external dimensions) or less complex rear suspension. But that may be something many would hate to see happen in the name of increasing the cabin size (as it did with Civic).
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    I understand your theory. But you do understand that a McPherson Stru setup is primitive when compared to that of a Independent setup. In the case of the Max,the previous generation ,it us un acceptable to have sucha setup on a car that cost nearly 30k. Most automakers use the primitive setup, but we are talking about econo boxs,most , if not all relatively expense cars use the IS setup.
  • lichtronimolichtronimo Member Posts: 212
    compared with our '97. Part of this is physical reality and part of it is perception owning to the higher cowl and beltline of the '03.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    mike37,

    having struts doesn't mean the suspension can't be fully indepedent...

    anyway, i'd hate to see honda get rid of the double wishbone front and multilink rear in the accord. i think their setup outclasses virtually everyone elses in the same price range...
  • according2meaccording2me Member Posts: 236
    I have one of the "J" Accords referenced on page 546 of this forum. I just returned from a 1400 mile trip to the Ozarks and it didn't miss a beat. It was comfortable, safe and very enjoyable, especially on the undulating, twisting mountain roads on the way to/from Branson,Mo.
    I averaged 30.55mpg for the trip with the best being 35.81mpg for the flat interstate part @70mph and the worst being 29.17mpg on the mountain road (YAAAHOOOO) part.

    Upon returning home, we were 15 miles shy of 100K miles so I made a special trip to Sonic and that did it. It now sits in my driveway displaying 100000. Hopefully 1 of 3 such milestones with this vehicle.

    The only items replaced to date were front brake pads(68K) and tires(81K), along with the routine fluids and filters. It has never been back to the dealer for any warranty work or service packages to date.

    It may be the luck of the draw, but my previous Accords have been J's and with this type of service, my future ones will be also. Even though the engine and transmission are identical, I much prefer the Denso assessories to the U.S. supplier provided alternators, AC compressors, etc.

    I'll celebrate this milestone with all new fluids and filters. Hopefully I'll continue with these great results for quite a long time, but I do miss having the extended Honda transmission warranty. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed. Only time will tell.
  • jmessjmess Member Posts: 677
    Hopefully they learned their lesson after they screwed up the Civic with struts.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    according2me,

    if they aren't denso, then who supplies the a/c comp and alternator for the north american built accords...?
  • bburton3bburton3 Member Posts: 185
    IMHO one of the big selling points for Accord is the incredible suspension system. Now some people can't tell the difference between a Camry and Accord-fair enough-but I can. Am a traveling sales rep and always have to drive thru winter storms here in the tundra of WI-would hate to face winter weather without my accord. I really appreciate Honda handling when I have to rent some detroit iron and have to herd it down the road. If u want bigger-buy a buick but leave the honda suspension alone.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Rentals are typically base models and abused. Not really a good indicator of what a car is really like. Many Buicks do have very soft suspensions though.
  • briansbluetoybriansbluetoy Member Posts: 50
    My Exv6 has 5k miles. Just an awesome vehicle, even by Honda's standards. They got the value, comfort, feature set and performance right on the money.

    I am having a strange rattle near my left ear. Sounds like the window or door is loose. I put my hands up there to apply pressure and it does not stop. I began to pull the rubber gasket that seals the headliner and the body to take a look. Saw the curtain air bag and put the gasket back. I am not willing to tackle that one...

    Anyone had similar noises?
    brian

    (btw, I can get it to duplicate when hitting the center-line reflectors on the road (it does rattle when on rough road, just easier to duplicate on the reflectors)
  • briansbluetoybriansbluetoy Member Posts: 50
    I am starting to hear a high pitched whine at about 40-50mph with the radio at low volume. I can change or stop the noise by letting off the gas.

    Anyone notice that one before I take it in?

    Still its an awesome vehicle.

    brian
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Did you check to see if the noise may be coming from the Headliner, or maybe even the moonroof. It might even be the mowhawk windshield clip. When you hear the noise, press and or hold a part of the vehicle, if the noise doesnt stop, press something else. I had a creaking noise from the rubber gasket around the door, it was cured by some silicone spray. I have a rattle from my moonroof, but I was able to fix that for about a week, but its back again.
  • according2meaccording2me Member Posts: 236
    I believe the U.S. supplier for the alternator is Delphi. Not sure about the compressor and other components. My I-4 has Denso alternator and compressor.

    If your VIN starts with a 1 take a look and let us know.
  • ian2ian2 Member Posts: 168
    BMW uses struts in all four corners, IIRC, and look at how those cars handle! The RSX has struts in the front and it still handles well, not to mention safer in a frontal crash.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    I guess it really depends on the car, but you make a valid point ian!
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Double wishbone has inherent advantages over struts, mostly superior camber control. This is the ability to keep the tire nearly perpendicular to the road, maximizing the amount of tread on the road throughout the wheel's travel up and down.

    With struts, the camber angle changes as the wheel moves up and down, resulting in less tire contact.

    Yes, BMW uses strut suspensions and their handling is considered to be among the best. That's mostly a matter of their direction on how to tune the suspensions, not because struts are superior.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    yeah, noboby's quite figured out how BMW is able to do what it does with struts! also of some interest is how a few vw/audi models do well with a beam type rear axle! go figure!

    according2me,

    i checked under the hood but didn't see any markings on either the alternator or compressor. i'll have to look tomorrow when there is more light...
  • sschilfsschilf Member Posts: 63
    When did the Accord lose the splitting (30/70, 40/60, etc) back seat? To me, this action has removed the Accord from the family car segment! I mean, if you have a baby seat in the back (family car), you cannot get to the trunk! That's useless! Is this a faulty design? Any plans to reintroduce the splitting back seat? Isnt the Acccord a family car????

    As a result, I may have to scratch this car off of my list....

    Thanks
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    In your situation (w/baby seat) there is still a way to get to the trunk, but not from the inside! ;-)

    If that is a must have, Accord is not your kind of car. My 1998 Accord has full-seat fold down as well (no 60-40 split).

    I won't call it a faulty design or an oversight though. I've never noticed it because I always use the trunk lid to get an access to things in the trunk.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Most people don't mind the extra 30 seconds it takes to get out of the car and get in the trunk vs. being able to fold half of the seat down. Some have said that a car is safer without a split-folding rear seat. I don't care either way.
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