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Also, tires have a break-in period as do other moving parts, and after a couple of thousand miles, the car's ride will soften a bit--the firm ride is preferable to the floaty ride of the Camry I tested, so I like the way the Accord rides.
If you get the EX with leather (EX-L) there is more than just the leather to consider: standard side curtain airbags (an absolute must!!!!!!) and the superb, power driver's seat, XM radio, and automatic climate control--all desirable features that are part of the leather package. Go for it!.....Richard
7300 miles on odo
Going to Destination (300+ miles)
30% stop & go city
70% highway at 80+ mph
Average MPG = 30
Coming from Destination (300+Miles)
100% highway at 85+mph
Average MPG = 32
Both directions had 300+ lbs of passengers and 100+ lbs of luggage.
This car performs flawlessly at highway speeds.
Thanks!
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The car had under 2000 miles on it at the time, so mileage is likely to improve as the car breaks in.
I'm pleased by the excellent mileage considering that the Accord is a 3200 pound car with plenty of power........Richard
Has anyone read the latest issue of C&D? The Honda Odyssey took first place, however, one of the complaints was the rough "sporty" ride. This is usually the only complaint Honda ever gets about their cars. Why wont they listen to the consumer and work on the ride quality.
For one, many consumers don't automatically equate a "firm and sporty" ride with a "rough" ride. There is definitely a difference. Second, because the car that provides this soft ride that you clearly treasure so much already exists. It's called the Camry. A softer ride is part of the Camry's personality. A firmer, sportier ride is part of the Accord's personality. Some people prefer one, some prefer the other. Leave a choice out there for those of us who don't want the soft ride.
As for me, I don't want a car that rides like a Camry... I prefer the firmer, more controlled ride provided by the Accord. I'm sure that many Accord owners agree with me. I strongly disagree with your suggestion that Honda is failing to "listen to the consumer"... they probably are, but Honda's target consumer doesn't want a softer ride.
Your statement doesn't "upset" the die-hard Accord fans... we simply don't agree with your assessment. Keep in mind that the "standard of excellence" for ride differs widely depending on your preferences. That's why there are so many cars on the market, with so many different levels of suspension tuning for ride and handling. And personally, I don't want to sacrifice what I consider a near perfect ride on the Accord to satisfy someone who's looking for a soft ride in all the wrong places. Other choices are available that should meet your standards for a softer ride.
And finally, if the Accord's ride is SO rough, why is it given the same score for ride as the softer riding Camry by those mavens of automotive comfort, Consumer Reports? They do mention that the Accord's ride is firmer, but they don't consider that to be a disadvantage. They use words like "absorbent" and "supple" to describe the ride... these are hardly words that indicate a rough ride.
So the Accord may have a "rough" ride based on your standards, but many other consumers have different standards than you do.
I agree and like the sportiness of the Accord, however, Honda sacrifices the cars ability to handle potholes, expansion joints, etc. The Accord's suspension cannot handle Eastern Pennsylvania's rough roads (potholes)from harsh winters & salt. My Accord is awesome on freshly paved highways, very quiet and excellent handling. Take the car through the city where roads are in poor shape and you'll see. I guess if you live in a warm climate with smooth roads than the choppy ride is a moot point.
"Second, because the car that provides this soft ride that you clearly treasure so much already exists. It's called the Camry."
Contrary to what you think, I prefer the Accord's styling, 240HP V6, and interior over the Camry. I am not interested in a pillowy soft ride...just a car that can absorb rumble strips, grooves in the road, etc. The Accord is a great car overall but for every day usage & 4 hour trips the ride needs to be more accomodating.
"That's why there are so many cars on the market, with so many different levels of suspension tuning for ride and handling."
I disagree. For under 25k, the Accord is the only sedan option out there with an excellent reliability record & resale value.
You assume incorrectly, my friend. I hail from Wisconsin, with harsh winters and potholes galore. I live in the Milwaukee area and work in Milwaukee, as well as having friends and relatives there, so I have plenty of city experience. And based on this experience, I continue to stand by my earlier comments. Again, our difference are a matter of our perceptions. Im my opinion, my Accord is fine for everyday use and for 4 hour trips.
Again, I think the results from Consumer Reports speak volumes. They even specifically praise the Accord's ride on bumpy roads. What you call a rough ride is not viewed that way by me (again, NOT from a warm climate with smooth roads) nor by those testers who tend to favor ride.
"I disagree. For under 25k, the Accord is the only sedan option out there with an excellent reliability record & resale value."
Well, there are few cars that are perfect for everyone... every car presents some compromises based on your preferences. I guess you've found the Accord's compromises for you.
Sorry that I don't agree with you, but I simply don't. That's the bottom line.
Honda recommends 26psiF/26psiR for my 89 Accord. I tried to increase the pressure to 30psi to see if I can get a better gas milage out of it. The first thing I noticed right away was the ride was rough and stiff. So I keep 26F/26R for now.
Honda recommends 32psiF/30psiR for my 03EXV6. I keep it that way.
The other day when the outside temp soared to 90F, I noticed the ride a bit rougher than normal on a 50 mile trip. I checked the front tire pressure. It was 38 psi on both tires. The heat increased the pressure by 6 psi. That's probably why I felt the ride rougher.
I am experimenting 30F/30R for the hot months.
Someone who feels the Accord is just "a bit firm" might find they like it more with a slight adjustment of the tire pressure. However, you are correct when you say someone who wants a softer ride will not be happy with the Accord even if they do check/adjust the tire pressure.
not sure why Honda should change its designs to meet NON-Honda buyers....does that make good business sense?
the dealer fixed my Civic though. i haven't had the Accord in to the shop for rattles yet, that is why i was hoping to see a TSB i could take TO THEM so they can't act all stupid like service departments often do with regard to rattles.
but yes, when i was driving a Jetta, the Accords that were out (98-02) were, in my opinion, overpriced Corollas from the outside and overpriced Civics on the inside.
that changed in 03 when they gave it some STYLE
i just drove the Accord about 50 miles this morning. coming from my Miata, it is FAST! (i have the V6)
But I have faith that once I get around to tinting my windows and I find a suitable set of 17" wheels for my Satin Silver 04 sedan (fog lights, front chin spoiler, and rear decklid spoiler) I will enjoy looking at it just as much.
4-cylinder - 110,000 miles
6-cylinder - 105,000 miles
This is for both the normal and severe schedules... it's one item that doesn't change. And that's the only recommended maintenance item for valves.
There are probably minor differences here and there, but I believe it's safe to say that the Camry and Accord are in the same general area regarding maintenance intervals and costs.
I guess my bigger concern would be... if the dealer is lying to you about this, what else is he lying to you about? Or if he's not "lying" but just misinformed, what else is he misinformed about?
It's hard to go wrong with either car. However, if you decide to go with a Camry, I might consider a different dealer if I were you.
In choosing between the Accord and Camry, the biggest issue will be the ride--these cars are quite different (LX or EX Accord vs LE Camry). The Camry is very soft-riding and the Accord is much firmer.
I prefer a tighter ride, so bought the Accord. But if you like a floaty ride, go with the Camry........Richard
I'll have to check my chem books on this one. We have a local (Cincy) tire francise touting nitrogen for the cars. They wore out advertising free alignment so they switched to free nitrogen,but only for customers.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Sorry---I don't have a photo to submit. And yes, I recommend this accessory; it is a dealer-installed feature---at a price. However I negotiated mine as a 'loyalty-discount'---having bought a '95 Civic from the same dealer---as well as having had my car serviced exclusively by the same dealer. Best of luck.
Good luck!
I think this applies only to the passenger's side air bag. I don't believe that the front air bag on the passenger side turns off, although being dual stage, it can sense a smaller person and/or a lower speed crash and deploy at a reduced setting.
So I'd just make sure that your son is properly belted at all times, and the front air bags should adjust accordingly in the hopefully unlikely event of a crash.