I noticed when i test-drove an '03 EX V6 sedan last summer that even after a thunderstorm cooled the air temp from about 86 F (and the Accord's sensor read that as 90 F) down to 71 F within 10 minutes, the Accord gauge DID NOT BUDGE from 90 F-- even after 45 minutes in the car......
the accord's outside temp guage does seem pretty pathetic compared to other vehicles i've owned. my other ride (2002 ford s-crew) has outside temp and it is always spot on. don't know what the problem is with the accord.
Steve, you may have something wrong with yours. Mine is very accurate. I took a 700 mile trip in mine last night and it varied from 72 to 55 degrees, just as was being reported on the radio. It's obviously not accurate in stop and go or very congested traffic, which is due to the sensor location. If yours sat on 90 and you could personally sense a dramatic drop (10 degrees or more) in a 45 minute time, have it checked out while under warranty.
emale--do you know where the sensor was located? I think my friend's explorer had it's temperature in a place that kept it more accurate in traffic and stop&go.
Hi All, My 2003 Accord has about 8,000 miles on it and recently went in for its second oil change (the first one was complimentary at the dealer, the most recent one was done by a friend of mine who owns an independent shop), however, now the Maint Req'd light is flashing every time I start the car... how do I get it to stop doing that, especially since the car's had all the proper maintenance.
I just turned mine off today with 8100 miles on it. Before you turn the key to start the engine, push down on the tripometer reset button which is in the lower right corner of the speedometer and tach. Hold it down for about ten seconds after the engine starts and the idiot light shoud not relight for another 8000 miles.
Is it TRUE that all Accords use a same oil filter size?
I found the answer. It is TRUE. Last week the wife brought the car in for its first oil change (3500). Today I looked at the service invoice. The invoice indicated an oil change for an Accord 4 cyl when the car is an V6. I was worried about the car had a wrong filter part.
I thought I would love the Nav. I am directionally impared, and just moved out to the suburbs, so I was primed to depend on it. I do think its a good system. However:
1. It can get confused sometimes. When its confused, it may tell you to go in the opposite direction. If you don't already know where your going, watch out.
2. The entire isle of Manhattan is not officially mapped and is considered "off road". On top of this, the system seems to get confused by the tall buildings and has shown me heading east onto 5th Avenue when I'm heading west onto 8th Avenue. OK, most of Manhattan is a grid, but this still would have been useful to me.
3. I have not found that the enter the name of a place feature works very well at all. I seem to need the address,even for such basics as Home Depot. OK, maybe the store here is new -- but it should pull up the 15 Home Depots within 20 miles, not try and send me across the country or pull up related names like the Home Store Depot. This flaw requires advance planning.
4. The talk to it feature is going to need some practice, thats for sure. Currently, no matter what I say or how I pronounce it, the nav will tell me the time or do something similarly unexpected. I'd be a lot happier if it said "say again" which its supposed to use when it doesn't understand.
5. It doesn't do malls at all. Ok this should be a non-factor in most cases, buts its still a flaw.
Don't get me wrong, the nav *is* useful, and as I get more familiar I'm sure I'll get more out of it. I already like it. I just don't love it.
i'm not sure where the accords or trucks temp sensors are located. but i'd imagine they are both somewhere in the front bumper area ahead of the radiator.
anyway, i had a specific instance this past summer where the outside temp was approaching 95 and the accords temp readout never went above 80! i just need to get off my lazy butt and take it in and have it checked.
btw, on another subject...oddly enough now that fairly cold weather has set in...the rattles i've had have disappeared...strange indeed!
Most cities have an "Official" temp for the day at one particular location. In DFW the "official" temp is at DFW Airport. During the summer months it would be an official temp of 104 degrees. My Accord would read 112 degrees.
The most that other radio info or TV info varied on the temp was 1 degree + or -
My temp gauge is well off that mark. Especially as it got cooler at night fall the outside temp was actually 85 degrees at night and my temp guage would still read 97.
as a weather forecaster for the government...i'm in a particular situation that allows me to tell whether my outdoor temp reading in the car is accurate or not. and unfortunately the accord is often wrong! guess i should quit bitching about it and have it checked out...
devil's advocate - Did you check your temperature at DFW at the same time??
Here in Boston, the official temp is at Logan Airport which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. In the summer, it can be 10-15 degrees cooler there than 15 miles away in the burbs. Further, I drive by a bank sign that typically on hot summer days will register over 110 degrees and it'll be only 90 according to the "official" weather.
I'm not saying there isn't a problem, but unless you can really measure what it should be...
Interesting...when I drive from Burlington to Barre (guessing that 05401 means what I think it does!) the temp gauge drops constantly and consistently, even changing as I hit a hill top or valley. 03 EX V6.
As to whether it's accurate or not...when none of the local channels ever report the same temperature, and none of them are ever close to what weather channel reports, how can anyone know what is the "real" temperature? I do know this...when I turn my car on in the morning, the temp shown is always the same as the thermometer in the garage - tells me it's the same as one other thermometer, at least once a day!
I've been considering buying a 2003 or 2004 Honda Accord sedan and they are basically the same design with what I believe is a serious flaw.
I originally went to a Honda dealer and was very impressed with the Accord. A few days later, I came across an Accord of the same design on my way home. I decide to focus on the clarity of the brakes lights and turn signal lights from the viewpoint of a car following the Accord. The turn signals were fine, but I had difficulties seeing the brake lights on that mid-afternoon, sunny day. I later found another Accord of the same design and also had difficulties seeing the brake lights.
I made another trip to a Honda dealership and focused on this issue. Here's what I found: The center brake light that is inside the car, just behind the back seat does not have a problem in terms of visibility. The other two brake lights on the extreme sides of the car are almost invisible on a sunny day. If it's cloudy or if it's dark, there's no issue. However, on a bright, sunny day, I found it extremely difficult to see those light due to the design of those lights which seem to have a reflector built-in that actually blocks the brake lights' visibility from behind. I have focused on the brake lights of other cars and even earlier models of the Accord, and I have not found any other car that seems to have this problem. To make things worse, I have seen two Accords (2003-2004 design) whose center brake lights did not go on when the car braked!!! I discussed this issue with a manager at the dealer and he suggested that I get a spoiler (with a light on it). I do agree that this is a great way to ensure that you are seen braking during a sunny day by the driver following you so he/she doesn't rear-end you, but adding a spoiler will cost a few bucks.
Has anyone else noticed this problem? Again, in my opinion, these lights are difficult to see only on bright sunny days; I've seen these lights on cloudy days and at night and there's no problem. Did Honda goof?
I called Honda part department inquiring about the filter size. They said they switched to a universal filter, smaller and better than the original bigger filter. I did remember the original filter is bigger. Yes, I checked the owner manual and I was surprised the V6 is only 0.2 quart more than the 4. The oil dip stick is at a full mark. So I am happy.
DW loves her navi system. It has passed every test she has thrown at it. Tall buildings in Chicago don't seem to confuse it. When she deviates from route planned by system it reroutes her and announces the turns, the side of the the street and the final destination. She has programmed a dozen different addresses, but I don't know if these include malls, since she seems to be able to find her way to them with the greatest of ease without navi help.
The system is much better than anything we looked at in other makes and we looked at a lot.
I love the trip computer function. It's nice to have all the trip info on one screen. The bar for instant mpg grabs your attention, once you realize what it is. The choice to manual or auto reset at refuel is also a nice touch. The history button is also a nice feature. I also spend a lot of time playing with the conversion feature on the calculator. DW also has made great use of the calandar/schedule function.
..... Nav systems now, are worth around $400/$500 at trade time and this is reflective across the board, whether its an expensive 740iL or a not so expensive TL ...
I recently took my Accord in to have the temperature gauge checked out due to my concerns over the wide deviations in readings relative to reported temps, etc. as many others here have reported. Diagnosis was that it is working fine, that it really comes to to the location of the sensor, etc.. I was provided with a Service Bulletin titled "Outside Temperature Indicator Logic Explained." I'm sure your dealer will provide you with the same info if you take your Accord in for the temp gauge concerns. It gets into a lot detail as to why the swings, how it calibrates, sensor location, etc.. Bottomline is that is there is alot of room for the temp reading to be + or - and be acceptable per there tolerance, it "is what it is." We have had a lot of cars with outside temp gauges and have never run into this before so find it more than a little frustrating. Perhaps they will relocate the sensor or otherwise reengineer on future models. Still very satisfied overall .. just one of those little annoyances.
should be located in front of the radiator. if you go to handa.com or one of those honda sites that sell the add-on sensor, they have the online install manuals as well, would imagine they are in the same area.
Test drove an Accord Coupe w/ 5sp manual today. Loved it - it was quiet, rode well and had plenty of pep. This one was an EX-L, and I originally didn't want the leather, but when you consider that with the leather, you also get the Sat XM radio, heated seats & auto HVAC, I think I'll go with the leather. Great car. I made them an offer, but the real holdup is what they are willing to give me on my trade. This was Sat and owner of dealership was at WVU football game, but I think(hope) they accept my offer. This car is a real sweetheart!
And there's another thing that's standard on the EX-L 4 cyl. sedan and most likely on the coupe, too: side, head curtain airbags which recent studies show are a very protective. Head, curtain airbags are an option on other EX Accords, but they're included with leather. That's one reason why I bought the EX-L--good way to rationalize that extra luxury, too!.....Richard
I haven't noticed a problem in seeing the brake lights on other Accords, but I have really only seen 2 other ones in front of me in traffic since owning one myself. Maybe I just make it a point to pass them.
I did notice the brake lights were smallish and at the very edge of the car, and the lights located on the trunk didn't light during braking--those only illuminate with the headlights. I just thought it was distinguishing.
If I were really concerned I would toss a couple of extra-bright bulbs into those locations.
I am pretty sure the answer is NO, but it surely doesn't hurt to ask at least.
On the new TL, Acura provide 3 months of free subsription to all owners. Do they have anything similar for our Accords? Due to the price and mkt segment difference, I guess this is not the case on a Honda???
But all last summer I worked at DFW Airport so I should be getting as close to the announced temp as possible.
I'll probably live with it based on what the dealer told post #12563.
ISELLHONDAS what do you think? Am I starting to sound like one of those ingrates who can't just be happy that I have a car that is head and shoulders above the competition in terms of luxury, style, features, performance and will provide me years of reliable service? But instead I'll complain about a temp guage that gives me the temp outside the climate controlled setting of the car I'm in. Besides I'm sure that the knowledge of the outside temp has added significant meaning to my life. And now Honda has ruined that for me!
just FYI - my outside temp gauge seems fine. i actually see it change temps before my eyes depending on where i am. i only wish i could see the gauge and the odometer at the same time!
venus:
i agree, the TSX feels more Euro than the Accord. but for me, like i said, i had the only Euro style car worth owning under $30k i wanted something different.
i think i am getting my windows tinted soon. all of my silver and gold cars in the past looked great with this tasteful "onyx" tint - going to do it on the Accord too. it will make the chrome around the side windows stand out more too. everytime i look at the car, it gets better and better....especially from the side/rear angles. the front is typical Honda....neat headlights though.
It seems as though despite all the complaints that have been logged here at Edmunds, Accord reliability (for the new generation 2003) has dropped only slightly, according to Consumer Reports, from 'Much Better than Average' to 'Better than Average'. For those who recall, the 2002 Camry dropped from the previous generation's 'Much Better than Average' to only 'Average' (for 2003, it has since returned to 'Much Better than Average').
This info comes from CR's "2004 New Car Preview" issue.
"just FYI - my outside temp gauge seems fine. i actually see it change temps before my eyes depending on where i am. i only wish i could see the gauge and the odometer at the same time!"
Drove about 15 miles from San Fran yesterday and temp ranged from 56º to 59º. Checked the "official" area temp on the internet after returning and it was 58º so it's accurate so far. I agree that the temp should show with the odometer.....Richard
I got an '04 Maxima SE as a rental while my '97 is in the body shop after being rear-ended. It was a really tough choice - lets see there's a Sebring, Malibu, Grand Am or Maxima to choose from.
Wow - this thing moves like a bat out of hell. Very quiet and comfortable to drive. Bad tan interior color however, and I don't like the Amber gauges. May have to consider a used one in 11 month though insteat of an Accord EX-L 5spd. manual. Any opinions>
Just when I thought I'd convinced myself that I should consider buying an Accord, I discover all these message boards about "Accord Transmission Problems" and "Accord Problems, Part 2", etc.
I'm really dismayed to find that this car with the sterling reputation for quality & reliability apparently has so many "issues" (or bugs, I guess you might say).
I've have the opportunity to ride in friends' '03 Accord and I'm impressed with how substantial and spacious it is. I'd like the gas mileage offered by the 2.4/5 speed auto combo. And the Accord is way more contemporary than Taurus and better looking to me than the '04 Malibu (yes, even the rear end). But, man, all these complaints (including those in the NHTSA online database) have me wondering.
I know it's kind of a general question, but...any words of encouragement? Or should I follow my instincts and go back to Taurus?
Remember what you read here or elsewhere on the net tends to be the worst of the worst. Even the NHTSA data is misleading as the current 7th generation launch has had many fewer problems than the 6th generation in 1998. Besides, even the problems that have come up are probably less than you'll have with the Taurus or Malibu.
Did you not read my post#12574 from today? Consumer Reports rates the Accords predicted reliability, for the new, current generation model introduced for the 03 MY, as "Better than Average". Boards like this can easily skew perceptions- as a society, we're a lot more likely to [non-permissible content removed] and bellyache than laud the products we purchase.
hooray! finally someone who figured out what why email address symbolizes! (although, since it sounds like you're from Vt., that gives you somewhat of an edge....)
i actually now live in Maine (outside of Portland), but BTV will always be my favorite place on the planet!
my new honda accord suddenly breaks on the high way due to the charger failure. how could could this happen for honda accord in one week? I bought it becuase of its very good reputation. Now I doubt it, Here is the details: I bought my new honda accord last Monday evening. When I was driving on a high way last night, suddenly all the meter indicators on my accord went to zero. After two or three minutes, my honda headlights went off and then the car slowed down in the darkness. Since I was in two lane highway with enclosed both sides, I had to slide for a while to find a tiny spot between ramp and high way and had my car parked. Then I called the towing company and they told me most likely it is due to charger system failure for the battery. How could this happen for a brand new honda accord in less than a week? I called the dealer for help in providing me a tempory car for job commuting and they just ignored my inquiry. I feel bad about honda now.
I was looking at Honda's website and when I selected an exterior color I was only given one choice for an interior color. For example I liked the Green but would want it with the gray interior. Is there any flexibility?
The reliability rating for the current Accord (based on 03 model year) is Better than Average, still ahead of the Taurus, which has been in the current design for what? 7 years now?.
If Honda also offers 3 months of complimentary Subscription of XM to Accord, how to I get it activated? Should my dealer give me some registration code for it??? Please let me know how is this work as I could not find such info in any documentation come w/ the car.
"Taurus, which has been in the current design for what? 7 years now?.."
Well...that's just the point. It has a seven year track record. The Accord was all new for '03 and I'm getting the impression that it takes Honda a few years to work the bugs out of its new designs, just like GM & Ford.
As for Consumer Reports: I have become extremely skeptical of their stats & methodology, having been burned so many times...GE kitchen appliances being one nightmarish example...by buying what they said was "Better than average" in reliability. That's why I'm doing so much other research, instead of just taking CR's word for it.
What's bothering me even more about Honda are posts like jasondd2 (#12584, above). It sounds like Honda and its dealers tend to blow things off, just like Detroit.
Thanks to all for their input...I'm still thinking it over.
Sorry, I haven't bought my 04 Coupe yet - still negotiating price, but the salesman informed me of the 3 month free trial. So, I would call the salesperson who sold you the car. I don't know if Honda offers the free trial or if the XM radio folks offer it as an incentive to get you to subscribe. One would think that if your car was equipped with XM, that you would be furnished with information on how to subscribe - at least an 800 number to make inquiries.
by all means do your research. but don't base a car's overall reliability on maintenance boards. not buying an accord based upon reliability seems like a stretch.
almost all cars these days are fairly trouble free, but how their designed and engineered is a different story.
if you test drive both an accord and a taurus and you don't find there's a day and night difference between the two cars then you should probably get the taurus.
i wait with anticipation on what you decide to get.
Comments
emale--do you know where the sensor was located? I think my friend's explorer had it's temperature in a place that kept it more accurate in traffic and stop&go.
My 2003 Accord has about 8,000 miles on it and recently went in for its second oil change (the first one was complimentary at the dealer, the most recent one was done by a friend of mine who owns an independent shop), however, now the Maint Req'd light is flashing every time I start the car... how do I get it to stop doing that, especially since the car's had all the proper maintenance.
I found the answer. It is TRUE.
Last week the wife brought the car in for its first oil change (3500).
Today I looked at the service invoice.
The invoice indicated an oil change for an Accord 4 cyl when the car is an V6.
I was worried about the car had a wrong filter part.
1. It can get confused sometimes. When its confused, it may tell you to go in the opposite direction. If you don't already know where your going, watch out.
2. The entire isle of Manhattan is not officially mapped and is considered "off road". On top of this, the system seems to get confused by the tall buildings and has shown me heading east onto 5th Avenue when I'm heading west onto 8th Avenue. OK, most of Manhattan is a grid, but this still would have been useful to me.
3. I have not found that the enter the name of a place feature works very well at all. I seem to need the address,even for such basics as Home Depot. OK, maybe the store here is new -- but it should pull up the 15 Home Depots within 20 miles, not try and send me across the country or pull up related names like the Home Store Depot. This flaw requires advance planning.
4. The talk to it feature is going to need some practice, thats for sure. Currently, no matter what I say or how I pronounce it, the nav will tell me the time or do something similarly unexpected. I'd be a lot happier if it said "say again" which its supposed to use when it doesn't understand.
5. It doesn't do malls at all. Ok this should be a non-factor in most cases, buts its still a flaw.
Don't get me wrong, the nav *is* useful, and as I get more familiar I'm sure I'll get more out of it. I already like it. I just don't love it.
i'm not sure where the accords or trucks temp sensors are located. but i'd imagine they are both somewhere in the front bumper area ahead of the radiator.
anyway, i had a specific instance this past summer where the outside temp was approaching 95 and the accords temp readout never went above 80! i just need to get off my lazy butt and take it in and have it checked.
btw, on another subject...oddly enough now that fairly cold weather has set in...the rattles i've had have disappeared...strange indeed!
temp sensors on outdoor signs, banks, etc can be off as well
the temp on the radio/tv typically is the temp at a weather station, airport, et al.
The most that other radio info or TV info varied on the temp was 1 degree + or -
My temp gauge is well off that mark. Especially as it got cooler at night fall the outside temp was actually 85 degrees at night and my temp guage would still read 97.
as a weather forecaster for the government...i'm in a particular situation that allows me to tell whether my outdoor temp reading in the car is accurate or not. and unfortunately the accord is often wrong! guess i should quit bitching about it and have it checked out...
Here in Boston, the official temp is at Logan Airport which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. In the summer, it can be 10-15 degrees cooler there than 15 miles away in the burbs. Further, I drive by a bank sign that typically on hot summer days will register over 110 degrees and it'll be only 90 according to the "official" weather.
I'm not saying there isn't a problem, but unless you can really measure what it should be...
As to whether it's accurate or not...when none of the local channels ever report the same temperature, and none of them are ever close to what weather channel reports, how can anyone know what is the "real" temperature? I do know this...when I turn my car on in the morning, the temp shown is always the same as the thermometer in the garage - tells me it's the same as one other thermometer, at least once a day!
I originally went to a Honda dealer and was very impressed with the Accord. A few days later, I came across an Accord of the same design on my way home. I decide to focus on the clarity of the brakes lights and turn signal lights from the viewpoint of a car following the Accord. The turn signals were fine, but I had difficulties seeing the brake lights on that mid-afternoon, sunny day. I later found another Accord of the same design and also had difficulties seeing the brake lights.
I made another trip to a Honda dealership and focused on this issue. Here's what I found: The center brake light that is inside the car, just behind the back seat does not have a problem in terms of visibility. The other two brake lights on the extreme sides of the car are almost invisible on a sunny day. If it's cloudy or if it's dark, there's no issue. However, on a bright, sunny day, I found it extremely difficult to see those light due to the design of those lights which seem to have a reflector built-in that actually blocks the brake lights' visibility from behind. I have focused on the brake lights of other cars and even earlier models of the Accord, and I have not found any other car that seems to have this problem. To make things worse, I have seen two Accords (2003-2004 design) whose center brake lights did not go on when the car braked!!! I discussed this issue with a manager at the dealer and he suggested that I get a spoiler (with a light on it). I do agree that this is a great way to ensure that you are seen braking during a sunny day by the driver following you so he/she doesn't rear-end you, but adding a spoiler will cost a few bucks.
Has anyone else noticed this problem? Again, in my opinion, these lights are difficult to see only on bright sunny days; I've seen these lights on cloudy days and at night and there's no problem. Did Honda goof?
Yes, I checked the owner manual and I was surprised the V6 is only 0.2 quart more than the 4. The oil dip stick is at a full mark.
So I am happy.
Thanks.
The system is much better than anything we looked at in other makes and we looked at a lot.
I love the trip computer function. It's nice to have all the trip info on one screen. The bar for instant mpg grabs your attention, once you realize what it is. The choice to manual or auto reset at refuel is also a nice touch. The history button is also a nice feature. I also spend a lot of time playing with the conversion feature on the calculator. DW also has made great use of the calandar/schedule function.
I hope this help ...
Terry.
I did notice the brake lights were smallish and at the very edge of the car, and the lights located on the trunk didn't light during braking--those only illuminate with the headlights. I just thought it was distinguishing.
If I were really concerned I would toss a couple of extra-bright bulbs into those locations.
i wonder if i dropped the ball by getting the accord. i love my accord but i wonder if i would of been even happier with the tsx.
On the new TL, Acura provide 3 months of free subsription to all owners. Do they have anything similar for our Accords? Due to the price and mkt segment difference, I guess this is not the case on a Honda???
But all last summer I worked at DFW Airport so I should be getting as close to the announced temp as possible.
I'll probably live with it based on what the dealer told post #12563.
ISELLHONDAS what do you think? Am I starting to sound like one of those ingrates who can't just be happy that I have a car that is head and shoulders above the competition in terms of luxury, style, features, performance and will provide me years of reliable service? But instead I'll complain about a temp guage that gives me the temp outside the climate controlled setting of the car I'm in. Besides I'm sure that the knowledge of the outside temp has added significant meaning to my life. And now Honda has ruined that for me!
venus:
i agree, the TSX feels more Euro than the Accord. but for me, like i said, i had the only Euro style car worth owning under $30k
i think i am getting my windows tinted soon. all of my silver and gold cars in the past looked great with this tasteful "onyx" tint - going to do it on the Accord too. it will make the chrome around the side windows stand out more too. everytime i look at the car, it gets better and better....especially from the side/rear angles. the front is typical Honda....neat headlights though.
This info comes from CR's "2004 New Car Preview" issue.
~alpha
Thanks,
Doug
Ditto for me on both items.
Wow - this thing moves like a bat out of hell. Very quiet and comfortable to drive. Bad tan interior color however, and I don't like the Amber gauges. May have to consider a used one in 11 month though insteat of an Accord EX-L 5spd. manual. Any opinions>
I'm really dismayed to find that this car with the sterling reputation for quality & reliability apparently has so many "issues" (or bugs, I guess you might say).
I've have the opportunity to ride in friends' '03 Accord and I'm impressed with how substantial and spacious it is. I'd like the gas mileage offered by the 2.4/5 speed auto combo. And the Accord is way more contemporary than Taurus and better looking to me than the '04 Malibu (yes, even the rear end). But, man, all these complaints (including those in the NHTSA online database) have me wondering.
I know it's kind of a general question, but...any words of encouragement? Or should I follow my instincts and go back to Taurus?
~alpha
beedublu,
From CR 2003 Cars (April 2003)
Taurus:
Reliability White dot
Satisfaction Half-Black dot
Depreciation Black dot
Accord:
Reliability Full Red Dot
Can't argue CR.
My 2¢: buck-for-buck there is no more fully realized car then the '03-'04 Accord.
i actually now live in Maine (outside of Portland), but BTV will always be my favorite place on the planet!
Here is the details:
I bought my new honda accord last Monday evening. When I was driving on a high way last night, suddenly all the meter indicators on my accord went to zero. After two or three minutes, my honda headlights went off and then the car slowed down in the darkness. Since I was in two lane highway with enclosed both sides, I had to slide for a while to find a tiny spot between ramp and high way and had my car parked. Then I called the towing company and they told me most likely it is due to charger system failure for the battery. How could this happen for a brand new honda accord in less than a week? I called the dealer for help in providing me a tempory car for job commuting and they just ignored my inquiry. I feel bad about honda now.
~alpha
Well...that's just the point. It has a seven year track record. The Accord was all new for '03 and I'm getting the impression that it takes Honda a few years to work the bugs out of its new designs, just like GM & Ford.
As for Consumer Reports: I have become extremely skeptical of their stats & methodology, having been burned so many times...GE kitchen appliances being one nightmarish example...by buying what they said was "Better than average" in reliability. That's why I'm doing so much other research, instead of just taking CR's word for it.
What's bothering me even more about Honda are posts like jasondd2 (#12584, above). It sounds like Honda and its dealers tend to blow things off, just like Detroit.
Thanks to all for their input...I'm still thinking it over.
almost all cars these days are fairly trouble free, but how their designed and engineered is a different story.
if you test drive both an accord and a taurus and you don't find there's a day and night difference between the two cars then you should probably get the taurus.
i wait with anticipation on what you decide to get.