Older Honda Accords

robertsmx · June 2003

TOV dynoed Accord V6 (6-speed) with 93-octane gasoline. Peak power at the wheels was 217 HP (compared to 218 HP they had obtained from 260 HP CL-S/6-speed). If we assumed 12-13% drivetrain loss, the Accord V6 would be making atleast 250 HP at that crank with premium grade gasoline (as has been claimed/rumored in the past).

As a side note, Sport Compact Car dynoed Acura TSX: 179 HP / 156 lb.-ft (between 2500 - 5000 rpm). This number also suggests a potential underrating of numbers at the crank.

discostu1 · June 2003

I'm not comfortable with the idea of buying a first-year model.

maxamillion1 · June 2003

For the sedan...not sure for the coupes...

maxamillion1 · June 2003

N

mymo · June 2003

I bought a 98 exv6 when they first came out. Paid to much but what a great car. It has 73,000 miles on it now. Bought a 2003 exv6 in Nov. for invoice. I got smarter thanks to this forum. The new car is a fine ride for the price.Was going to sell the 98 but could not bear to part with it. It is now the "Limo" of choice for the mall parking lots and the 03 for everything else.

talon95 · June 2003

After having my 2003 EX V6 for 3 months, replacing my 2000 EX V6, I rode to lunch in a co-worker's 2002 EX 4. Reminded me that despite the improvements to the 2003, the previous generation was still a mighty fine car.

uscgamecock · June 2003

I've had this car for about 2.5 mos and have to give it an overall A-/B+.

Positives: Great value, nice dash layout incl. radio/ac/clock cluster, fuel economy (27 mpg overall w/ mostly urban driving), solid build, cool looking front, nimble suspension, quiet ride, a/c and ventilation is powerful and quiet.

Negatives: Yep...I have the sulfur smell, such a nice face and a big [non-permissible content removed]...my impression of the rear end of this car has not gotten any better, the plastic exterior pieces (bumpers and molding below doors) seem to really absorb dirt - i have to use a cleaner/wax to get the dirt off instead of normal car wash soap/shampoo, front window seems to fog up more frequently than any other car I've driven, engine surges noticeably when i am stopped in traffic and air compressor turns off.

Has anyone else experienced the persistent fogging or difficulty in getting the plastic pieces clean?

mikek37 · June 2003

For the fog, do you have the recirculate button on , that is most likely the problem.

As for the dirt, the last time I checked plastic is non absorbent, do you mean attracts dirt, your car is white so it will show every single spec of dirt, pollen , bird crap, this and that, I guess thats the downside of owning a white car?

uscgamecock · June 2003

Isn't the electromagnetic spectrum amazing! Dirt and bird crap shows more on white. Insightful comment that I'm sure provided much thought to the educated readers of this board.

No, the plastic pieces do not "attract" dirt, the dirt merely does not come off with the usual sponge and car shampoo used to clean the paint surfaces.

carguy58 · June 2003

generations of Accords, current competition and comparison of interior room of 90 Accord vs 03 Corolla.

First off, my Mom just rented a Corolla and it looks your sitting right on top of the steering wheel when your driving it. I don't think the driving position on that car is very good. Probably the poor driving position contributes to the Corolla's generous backseat room.

I think with the release of the 1990 Accord as I said on another board before the Accord officially became a mid-size car. I think the 86-89 looks very compact inside. I don't think Honda should have made anymore interior room than they had in the 98-02 model(I think there was enough interior room in that model as its is.)

As far as taking the double wishobone suspension out of the Accord that would be a bad mistake. Honda had lots of customer complaints when they took the double wishbone suspension out of the Civic when a new Civic came out for the 01 model year. I even saw letters in magazines people were complaining about it. Owners of the 01 Civic were comlaning about having a rough ride in their Civic. Honda did fix it up a bit for the 02 model year but C&D totally dissed the 01+ Civic vs the competition.

Asd far as interior room in the Accord the Passat has lots of interior room but interestingly enough it looks compact on the outside. The 02+ Altima looks its size on the outside while the Camry has that tall look on the back end of the car that allows for more interior room. The Mazda 6 is about the same size as the 94-97 Accord.

synpthesis · June 2003

as opposed to the Odyssey van. I was wondering what plans Honda has for the 2005 Honda Civic. I am actually thinking of downsizing to that class if Honda will migrate some of the Accord features. Things like a double wishbone suspension, 140-160hp engine and better tires. If the narrow formed headlights were ok in the 98 Accord what informed the move to CRX type lights? Nissan's Altima? Some people actually prefer cars that go 80% of potential 80% of the time and not the classy v8s that only see an Italian tune-up 1 weekend in the year. Maybe Honda can return to the basics next time around. If you want a Buick talk to GM (oh those tail lights!) If you need lots of space, get a minivan. Let's get refinement back on the agenda.

clarence10 · June 2003

Hi,

Anyone know how much it should cost to replace all 4 brakes with and without cutting the Rotors? I have a local mechanic who wants to charge me $750 for all 4 including the Cut rotors.

I just had my Honda Odyssey brakes done and the rears only cost $240 for the breaks with the cut rotors?

Thanks

Dave

aggie1995 · June 2003

Your experience with the Odessey should answer your question about the $$. The brakes on an Accord will not be all that different.

Looks like to me $240 x 2 = $480

bburton3 · June 2003

First of all if your rotors are not warped-wheels shimmy when braking-do not "cut"/turn them-bad idea. $750 to replace pads-wooow. If you are the slightest bit handy-replacing them is a snap-took me less than an hour-more like a half hour-got the pads from autozone for $13-now have 42K on them-no squeel and have at least half left. ALso beware of the chain brake/muffler place-they try to sell you repairs you do not need and if u do go to one of these places-watch out for the guy with the popeye arms and the 16" channel lock pliers-his job is to crush your exhaust pipe and tell u need a new one.

camphor · June 2003

I want to confirm if the 2003 honda accord LX 4 door 4 cylinder has drum or disc brakes in the rear. Can somebody help me out?

mikek37 · June 2003

Honda.com

jdexter23 · June 2003

I now have 2500 miles on my 03 EXV6 and have encountered a few things. I too have a noise coming from my drivers door as described in post #10957. Also have a rattle in the comartment under the radio. I can make that one stop by simply pulling at the plastic insert, but eventually it starts up again.

The other problem I have been having is with the two finr power seats. When I am moving it back into the the position furthest from the dash, it clunks the last 2-3 inches. Has anyone else had this happen. I will have my dealer look at all these issues at my first oil change.

Other than these really minor problems, this car has been awesome.

camphor · June 2003

I already checked the website. The website said they were drum brakes on the LX 4 dr 4 cyl. On Canadian review sites though, they said that the LX 4 dr 4 cyl came with disc brakes. Which is which?

mikek37 · June 2003

I believe there are drum brakes on the LX 4 cyclinder. You are correct. Maybe Canada gets the disc's??????

03honda · June 2003

Camp: I believe the LX Accords have front disc/ rear drum brakes. Only the EX models have 4 wheel disc.

JDexter: I too noticed that my power seat clunks when approaching its last few inches. Let me know what the dealer tells you.

alpha01 · June 2003

I can only speak to the US market-only the EX models of the 4 cylinders have discs, but all V6 are so equipped, including LX.

~alpha

accord7 · June 2003

Honda has a reputation for great engineering and solid build quality. After riding in my fathers Buick, and then my daughters Geo, I think that Honda is overrated in build quality. Those two cars didn't rattle at all. None. My three Accords over the years have all rattled to some degree, and reading this board you're hearing about rattles in many of the new 03's. It's either the moonroof, headliner, window, dash, etc.. I'm glad buyers continue to buy Honda for their overall product, but I'm now a little annoyed that simple build problems don't seem to get addressed by Honda. The moonroof rattles carry on from one generation Accord to another. A car company like Honda can't build a quiet non-rattling moonroof? Or a window that fits within it's frame without unwanted noise? You know they can, they just aren't putting in the effort, IMO. Maybe they save the best for Acura.

aggie1995 · June 2003

Your fathers Buick and daughters Geo must have been fine cars. But that doesn't mean that every Buick or Geo was a rattle free as theirs. In the same vein just because you've read some complaints hear about rattles in the Accord does not mean that every Accord has that problem.

400,000+ Accords sold annually. Each vehicles probably has lets say 5,000 individual parts. Even at a .0005 defect rate if each problem vehicle has 25 defects that means up to 40,000 vehicles could be affected by problems.

The Accord is a great car that is still designed and built by error prone people and machinery and robotics that are not built to 100% quality standards.

The small issues that the Accord faces are still molehills in light of the manufacturing problem mountains of quality problems that many other brands face.

But if a manufacturer is going to build the first trouble free car, I'll bet Honda is the one to do it.

Just trying to put it all into perspective.

dindak · June 2003

While I think Honda does make good cars, maybe some of the best, I also think their quality is a bit over rated. That's not to say it's bad or anything, it's just that other brands are just not that far behind. I also think Honda has been cutting corners a bit lately on some new products.

Sat in a new deep blue Accord coupe on the weekend, very nice!

mikek37 · June 2003

I would like to know where they are cutting corners?

And two, which companies are catching up?

robertsmx · June 2003

As long as others are still 'catching up', I don't see issue with Honda quality.

BTW, 87K miles on my 98 Accord EX, and not one rattle.

badgerfan · June 2003

Maybe dindak is talking about the styling-especially the front fenders, there really are no corners on the front fenders anymore! :-)

anonymousposts · June 2003

My 03 Coupe has been excellent. Had to have the trim below the windows replaced but that's no big deal.

mikek37 · June 2003

Ha.. :-)

lenscap · June 2003

Honda builds some of the best cars around. You want to talk quality? Look at the problems Car and Driver had with their first year in a $35,000 A4:

1. Surging transmission that got worse
2. Noisy/screeching windshield wipers
3. Dim headlights even with the brights on
4. Broken left-rear seatbelt pretensioner
5. Replacement of rattling dome light
6. Refusal of engine to rev above 5000 rpm and malfunction in the engine-management system which could not be diagnosed despite spending three days at the dealer

rockenbach · June 2003

Thanks in Advance - I am considering a 1997 Accord. It looks good and the single thing my mechanic found that is faulty: the power door locks - the owner tells me: "yea, all those 97's seem to do that". This was of course, after my mechanic discovered the problem. Is this a common problem? Is it expensive to repair? Are there any other problems on 1997's with 61K on them???? the price is 8800.00 TIA.

gregoryc1 · July 2003

I don't know what you are talking about when you state that the Honda Accord has rattles. We have owned and / or leased a 1997, 2000, and now a 2003 Accord and none of them have had any of these problems. Our 2003 Accord has a moonroof, and it does not rattle. All the vehicles have been very quiet and smooth. The 2003 Accord has 10500 + miles on the clock,(since Feb 10th), and the engine idles very smooth, very powerful acceleration and no exhaust odor that some people are talking about. We also have a 2000 Honda Civic that is trouble free. -----Just my opinion. ----Greg

bburton3 · July 2003

Was a manufacturer paid fix on the balance shaft seals-some have blown out-now expired. You might want to get this fixed if it has not been done on this car-dealer can check to see if the repair has been made by looking up the vin#. Also this auto (assume it I4) has an extended emissions warranty to 150K-means honda will replace free of charge anything that malfunctions in the emissions system. Would suggest replacing the valve timing belt and all other belts at around 100K and this would be a good time to have the balance shaft seal fix done.

Had a self induced tranny problem-think failed to put enough atf in it-tranny ok but a sensor failed-am now replacing that myself. Have 156K on mine-no problems with it other than the tranny speed sensor. No door lock problems-should use liquid graphite on them once a year.

paulzass · July 2003

My name is Paul and I work for a large dealer group in Cincinnati. I oversee all Internet sales and other e-commerce. I will say this about the quality of Honda. I was told that last month 95% of our service business for the Honda Store was Regular Maint. 95%! You find me another manf that has that kind of number. I have worked in several dealerships and I am here to tell you that there is not one of them with that kind of number. What does that say? These cars are built for quality. Another thing to point out here. Look at the cost to own numbers. Look at the depreciation numbers on a Honda then look at a Chrysler (say). You will be amazed. People ask me why that is. 2 reasons. #1 - American manufatures over price their vehicle so that they can show huge discounts. #2 - They just don't last 200,000 miles as often.
GOD BLESS
Paul

dindak · July 2003

"95% of our service business for the Honda Store was Regular Maint."

Must have been a real good month as I know as good as Hondas are, they aren't that good.

tedescm1 · July 2003

I’m considering the purchase of either an Acura TL or a Honda Accord. Which one has a smoother and quieter ride?

jdexter23 · July 2003

For those of you that have the slight window rattle from the drivers door (on the 03), I found a temporary solution until you can bring it to you dealer's attention. I found that by tapping the power window down button (ever so slightly) just to relieve the pressure on the window seal, the noise goes away. Hope this helps.

-JD

aggie1995 · July 2003

My dad has a 2000 TL and I have a 2003 Accord EX-L.

IMO: The TL has a quieter & smoother ride. But not by much. The Accord feels stiffer and more buttoned down. But that should be true since the current TL is built on the old Accord platform.

The Accord has the nicer interior and creature comforts like the dual zone climate control. The leather in the TL feels more plush.

There is about a $3000-$4000 premium for the TL over the Accord. For my money the 2003 Accord is a better buy than the 2003 TL. However, if you wait for the new redesigned 2004 TL it should be substantially better than the current car. But the rumor is that the price is going further upstream to make room for the TSX to fill the $25-$30k price range. So if you wait for a 04 TL you might be looking at paying $8000 more than the top of the line Accord.

FYI: Accord EX V6 (non Navi) is selling all over the place for invoice = $23,600 Navigation adds about another $2000

carguy58 · July 2003

Yes I like Honda's and would not buy one just because of reliability. My parents have owned GM cars forever and only had 1 lemon. Their cars have been historically problem free. My Dad has had Chevy Lumina's and Ford Tarus's for company cars and none of them really had any problems. He has a Chrysler Sebring that has loads of miles on it. The Domestic Big 3 have caught up. The Germans have just gotten worse. Mazda, Hyundai, and Nissan are probably are just as reliable as Honda or Toyota right now. Just about everyody has improved except VW, Audi, and Mercedes. Saab and Volvo have made good strides as well. Even Mitsu(though still not as reliable as Honda, Toyota, Nissan or Mazda)has made strides. With that said Honda still makes a good quality car but then so does everybody else. I am an Acura owner and have never had a problem with my car but I would consider other makes if making a car purchase in the near future.

venus537 · July 2003

i took delivery of an accord ex v6 sedan yesterday (traded in my jetta). this will be my fifth accord.

unless you wait until the new TLs to come out, this is the car to get between the two.

indydriver · July 2003

OK, OK, I've read all the reviews, watched this board for a while and love the passion of all you Hondaphiles. I have a true appreciation for this company's roots as I was a big Honda motorcycle fan in my youth. Now, I'm actually considering buying a Honda automobile. I'm just starting to become conversant with the models and options and interested in hearing your opinions on "must have" options on this car. 4 or 6 cyl? Manual or auto trans? LX or EX? Is the leather good? Do I buy an '03 or wait for '04's to come out? Are dealers discounting Accords?

Paulzass-I need to speak to you offline. Please email me at indythompson@comcast.net.

mikek37 · July 2003

Considering name, I would reccomend the 6 cyclinder. Decent gas mileage, highway I average around 31-32 mpgs, mixed driving with AC I can get about 22-23 mpg, not bad for a 240 hp engine. The leather is nice for the amount you pay for the car. The automatic dual climate control is a nice perk.

As with everything, it depends on your budget. If you have the money why not get the best Honda has to offer.

PS: Discounting is a word Honda doesn't understand.

edmund2460 · July 2003

This is a meaningless statistic and can't be considered in isolation without looking at the location and number of Honda owners in the vicinity and the age distribution of the cars. A;so you can't amke comparisons to other model shops without first making comparisons between your shop and other Honda shops.

tprice · July 2003

Have you ever cancelled a deal before taking delivery? I'm to take delivery of a EXL, 4 cyl, 5 speed tomorrow. I really wanted 5 speed and could only get in the 4 cyl (was not looking to get a coupe). I traded in a 7 month old Si which is/was a great car - I just think a sedan is better for me at the moment. Now I'm thinking I wish I would have done the V-6 (like the wheels a little better + dual power seat, homelink, side curtain air bags, etc.). I added gold package, fog lights, splash guards and premium mats to the one I'm getting. Since I've not actually taken delivery could they just cancel the paper work - title, loan papers, etc? Jusy curious if anyone had the buyers remorse hit before delivery and then cancel - I would stay in the same dealership just go to the V-6. I liked the 4 cyl 5 speed a lot better than the 4 cyl automatic. If it doesn't work I will be plenty happy with what I'm getting - will just always be wondering "what if" every time I see a V-6 go by!

dindak · July 2003

If it's a good dealer they should let you change the deal so long as you are still buying from them.

jcroberts · July 2003

A con for the 2003 Accord was it's "missing key features." Might anyone enlighten me as to what these key features be that are missing. I have an 1999 Odyssey and I had a 1987 Accord. I think the 2003 has all that I could want except for a cassette with the CD player. Thank for your comments.

dudleyr · July 2003

Keep the 4-cyl 5 speed. If you trade cars every 7 months you can just get the V-6 next year, and maybe then it will have a manual tranny. ; ^ )

anonymousposts · July 2003

jcroberts: I said the exact same thing when I read the review. It's fine that they think the Accord is missing key features but kinda lame they failed to mention what those key features were.

tprice: I went from a 2002 SI to a 2003 Accord coupe and although I LOOOOVE my Accord, there are times when I really miss my SI. It was such a great trip car if you were by yourself or with only 1 other passenger. Had lotsa glass to see out of.

Have you signed paperwork on the new Accord? If so, then you are really at their mercy. But since you are buying another car from them and haven't actually driven the other one off the lot they should be willing to work with you.

aggie1995 · July 2003

4 or 6 cyl?
This depends on what you are used to. If you have always driven 4s then the i-VTEC 4 is perfect for you. It is an amazing engine. It isn't a barnburner 0-60 but it will cruise all day at 90 mph.
If you have always driven 6s then the lack of torque will annoy you in the 4 cyl. The 6 gets great mileage on regular unleaded. Nearly as good as the Nissan VQ engines (IMO).

Manual or auto trans?
Manual is available only with the 4 cyl or V6 Coupe 6spd. I like manuals so that is my choice. The autos are both 5spd units. However if you regularly eat, drink, talk on the phone, play with the radio, then get an auto....it will be safer for the rest of us.

LX or EX?
How important is $1500 to $2500 to you because that is about the price diff.

How important is leather, CD changer, sunroof, 4 wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, Elec Brake Force Distr, Climate control, Heated Seats, 8 way power seat, 16" tires... because these can only be had wih the EX trim.

Is the leather good?
Yes for the Price. Very durable leather but not Lexus like in any way.

Do I buy an '03 or wait for '04's to come out?
No significant changes to the 04 except side curtain airbags.

Are dealers discounting Accords?
Yes if that means coming off teh MSRP. If that means rebates like the Big 3 then no way.

hydra2 · July 2003

I think the "missing features" alluded to were:

1. skid control
2. heated mirrors
3. compass (non-navi)
4. trip computer (non-navi)
5. split folding rear seat?
6. power seat issue? Not sure if it is driver or passenger or even if it really is an issue
7. curtain air bags unavailable on lower trim lines.

All of these missing features except #1 & #7 are none safety related. #1 is offered on camry, but I think only in their top of the line model pushing 30 large list price. It is also offered on passat, but few other family sedans seem to hit the street with it even if it is "offered" I think the Altima is one example of this. #7 the curtain air bag issue is one most people feel honda will rectify by offering them more freely, if it hasn't done so all ready.

The compass and trip computer are included or made superfluous by honda's best of class navi system. Many buyers might want them without having to spring for the navi, however.

The accord is such a great car at such a great price that none of the other missing features are seen as deal breakers by most shoppers.

Older Honda Accords

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