Older Honda Accords

richards38 · October 2004

I think reference to the drive belt is the external belt that runs off the crankshaft and turns the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, etc.

That's quite different from the timing belt or chain that turns the camshaft.

I don't think there is any requirement to do anything with respect to the timing chain on current generation 4 cylinder Accords.....Richard

bd21 · October 2004

You are correct. There is no inspection requirement for the current 4 cylinder timing chain period! If the oil is changed regularly and the car is not raced like a hot rod, the timing chain will last the normal life of the engine. Now you have the real facts, so maybe we can move on to something new.

anonymousposts · October 2004

My husband explained the error of my ways in regards to the drive belt. Oh well, I'm a girl and don't know any better. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Besides, at least half of my post was correct.

richards38 · October 2004

Before buying my '04 Accord EX-L sedan AT 13 months ago, I sat in an Altima but couldn't get past the awful interior that looked and felt too cheap.

Seems the '05 Altima's interior is much improved but the Accord has been excellent and rates higher with Consumer Reports as well as many other authorities.

The Accord's 4 cylinder engine is about as good as a 4 gets and I prefer the Accord's exterior style over the Altima's, too. Style is so subjective that it's not really an issue except to the buyer.

The Accord is likely to have better resale value than the Altima--yes, Nissan builds great cars, but Honda and Toyota are the leaders....Richard

imidazol97 · October 2004

>Well looks of course are subjective.
Everytime I'm behind an Accord coupe I wonder why that rear end couldn't have been adapted for the sedan. It's much better looking...

>The Accord is likely to have better
>resale value than the Altima--yes,
>Nissan builds great cars, but
>onda and Toyota are the leaders....Richard
But the cost of 'required' dealer visits and the mandatory services at certain intervals, which many dealers seem to moderate to their own financial advantage, also add to the cost of ownership. Higher initial price, higher maintenance, higher resale after 12 years??? What was the cost per year?

austinman7 · October 2004

I see what you were thinking of now regarding a timing chain, reading the "drive belt" info and thinking that was it. Perfectly honest mistake -- I've made much worse!

bamacar · October 2004

What items require greater maintenance on the Accord than the Altima? Other than oil changes, my Accord 4 cylinder manual transmission requires basically nothing but air/cabin filter changes till after 100k miles. When I bought my 2003 LX Sedan, the price of the Accord was less than the comparably equipped Altima and Mazda6. The only thing cheaper was the Camry and only by a slight margin. The significantly better MPG and resale value of the Accord did not hurt the long term "value" equation either.

richards38 · October 2004

"But the cost of 'required' dealer visits and the mandatory services at certain intervals, which many dealers seem to moderate to their own financial advantage, also add to the cost of ownership."

I ignore dealer requests for excessive servicing and stick with recommendations in the owner's manual. The Accord appears to be a low-maintenance car.

A comparison of service requirements from both the Altima's and Accord's owners manuals would settle this issue. If you do that (I won't bother) it would be interesting to see the results....Richard

bd21 · October 2004

Neither Honda or Nissan requires mandatory dealer maintenance visits to keep the warranty! Car dealer's would like you to believe that visits are required though. Both cars have similar maintenance schedules consisting of fluid and filter changes at normal car standard intervals. Neither car has to ever be taken to its dealer for service or maintenance. All you need to do is keep receipts for the minimum required oil changes and your warranty will never be questioned by the dealer. The primary difference between the cars is Nissan comes with a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty at no extra charge. I have owned both cars and I currently own two Hondas. Honda and Nissan are both good cars. I would say the only real difference in price would be at resale. Honda will always bring in a little more money whenever it is sold, regardless of its age. That is just a reality. The bottom line is it just a matter of which car you prefer.

bravedave · October 2004

Does anyone know where the air conditioner filter is on a 2000 Accord SE 4 cylinder? The owner's manual does not indicate where it is, or how to change it. Thank you!

bd21 · October 2004

It is behind the the glovebox, but it is not easy to change unless you are a pretty good mechanic. I'm good and it took me over an hour. You have to take apart several pieces of the dash and you could easily break something and possibly deploy the dash airbag. I would suggest leaving it to a shop.

tld · October 2004

I was debating on getting an 05 manual transmission with the 4 cyl. I would be doing a lot of hwy driving b/t St. Louis and Kansas City and Springfield.

With the mild hills, will there be need to downshift when cruising at 75 mph to maintain speed? Also what RPM am I looking at in 5th? I wonder if the engine will drone and be too loud.

paramount13 · October 2004

The best reason not to buy an Altima:

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summaries/midine- xp_overall_c.htm

An Accord, Camry, or Galant will protect its occupants from a side impact when equipped with side airbags and side-curtain airbags, based on test results from IIHS. All midsize cars without SAB/SCAB failed miserably in the IIHS side impact tests, including the Accord and Camry.

"But wouldn't the Altima and Mazda6 score well if you bought the optional SAB/SCAB package?" Probably not. IIHS tested non-SAB/SCAB cars (2004 models) unless the side and/or side curtain airbags were standard equipment. The manufacturers had the option of supplying IIHS with SAB/SCAB cars if they did it at mfgr expense. Honda and Toyota paid the 20 grand to have their airbag-equipped cars (2004 models) tested because they knew that their cars would fare well in the tests. Nissan and Mazda elected not to test their SAB/SCAB-equipped models, and the only way this makes any commercial sense is that they either knew or suspected that their SAB/SCAB-equipped cars would not look good in comparison to the Camry and Accord.

I think Honda and Mitsubishi did the only reasonable thing by making SAB/SCAB standard in all Accords and Galants for 2005. I think Toyota missed the boat on this one. And Nissan needs to redesign the (otherwise worthy) Altima so that it doesn't crumple like a sardine can when hit from the side.

richards38 · October 2004

Can't speak for the manual, but a look at the tach at 70 mph shows engine speed on my Accord EX-L 4 sedan with AT well below 2500 rpm--say, 2250.

That's low and there is no engine noise. Best guess is that the manual trans would be similar low rpm without any engine drone at all at speeds even beyond 80 mph.

The 4 cyl. Accord is a very quiet car.....Richard

benjaminh · October 2004

tld: I'm confident you won't need to downshift for a mild hill at 75 mph. I own an 02 Accord with the manual, which has 10 few horsepower than the current Accord, and I can put it in cruise in 5th at 70-75 mph and leave it there (except for traffic) on the interstate between Louisville and Nashville. This is a road with several substantial hills, almost small mountains, and although it works the engine a little it basically can go over them without working too much.

This is still an amazing pleasure to me, because when I was a kid we had a 69 VW Bus. In that car you would have needed to floor it in 3rd (c.35 mph) on the kind of hills I'm talking about.

If you know how to drive a stick, however, part of the pleasure of owning the Accord is using its silky smooth transmission and clutch. You probably won't have to shift, but you may want to once in a while!

benjaminh · October 2004

I usually shift my 02 Accord 5-speed at c.2,000-3,000 rpms, but recently I've been playing around at shifting at 3,000-4,000 rpms for faster acceleration and more fun. But, am I trading away some engine life for this fun? 4k rpms is still more than 2k from the redline, but the engine sounds like it's working harder and I assume that it is....Any scientific studies or anecdotal stories on driving style with manual transmissions and engine life on Accords?

tld · October 2004

You will probably get some varied answers on this one. I used to have an 85 CRX SI that I raced in the SCCA. Bone stock engine using synthetic fluids. I redline this thing every weekend for five years. I sold it after 12 years, 178,000 miles and the original clutch. They are bullet proof engines.

gee35coupe · October 2004

My Civic Si cruises 80 at 4000 RPM. Similar engine speeds with my Integras that I have owned. I have never known a Honda engine to shy away from a few revs. They thrive on them.

justin · October 2004

at the same time, i had a 96 Integra GS-R and a 97 Civic HX. both 5 speeds. they both loved to rev. but at highways speeds the HX seemed like it was barely on, where the Integra was SCREAMING. kind of like my Miata.

the HX was amazing at the gas pumps

my V6 Accord at 80 isn't even really trying. i like that

pmhtv · October 2004

I own a '03 EX-L w/5-speed manual. You will not have any problems maintaining speed in 5th gear. In fact, you need to watch that you don't get going too fast which is very easy in this car. Great fuel mileage as well.

tld · October 2004

pmhtv... what type of rpms are you seeing on the hwy. Also, how about gas mileage? thnx

frankbailie · October 2004

The importance of tightening the Gas Cap on my 2003 Accord was driven home to me on a trip from London Ontario to Quebec. I filled up in London and I guess I did not turn the cap enough times. While travelling on the 401 through Toronto I lost pickup power while passing and the engine malfunction symbol lit up. I got off the highway as soon as I could and consulted the owners manual. There is a note in there pointing out what can happen if you don't tighten the cap enough. After I tightened the cap performance returned to normal and the engine malfunction symbol went out after about 100 kilometers.

lmacmil · October 2004

Engines are tested for a duty cycle far greater than the difference between 2k and 4k shift points. Have fun and don't worry about it.

bamacar · October 2004

03 Accord Sedan 4 cylinder 5 speed Manual

70 MPH - 2600 RPMs
75 MPH - 2900 RPMs

Smooth as silk. It is very quiet up to 85 MPH. Unless you get it down to 50 MPH or below, no need to downshift.

I get 28-30 in mixed driving. I get 32-36 on interstate trips. Never had a single tank below 26 MPG.

anonymousposts · October 2004

I've had two manual transmission versions of the 03+ Accords and both have delivered a consistent 30MPG in my mixed driving. I have never really gotten an opportunity to measure long-distance highway MPG because the one long trip we have taken was done in our Odyssey.

In addition, I just want to say how much I absolutely LOVE my 2004 EX-L 5-speed manual. It's smooth, the engine is incredible, the stick is a joy to use even in traffic, it's comfortable, gets great gas mileage, and I love the way it looks. I think this one is going to be the keeper.

benjaminh · October 2004

Thanks for the advice re: rpms. I told my wife we can rev it and enjoy it!

Nice to see there are a few others with manual transmissions out there. Anyone who has driven both the 98-02 and the 03-05+ generation accord with the manual who can comment on whether you can feel the 10 extra hp in the engine? The new car weighs a bit more doesn't it, so it may be that the 10 extra hp just equalizes that extra weight, or does it do something more?

I'm thirsting after an 05 or 06 LX or EX Accord manual for my next car. Will be keeping the 02 Accord, but when my 88 Olds goes to car heaven, I think it'll be another Accord for me. I pointed out a new 05 that my wife and I saw parked. I think the new taillight treatment looks fine. I asked my wife, "How do you like the looks of your next car?" She said, "It looks muscular," which seemed like a good way to put it. The new generation seems to be an upgrade in everyway. My 02 is a very nice car, but the 03+ seems like a car that's in almost as good as, and perhaps in some ways better than, a base BMW 5-series or MB E-class. It'd be more reliable than those two, that's for sure.

anonymousposts · October 2004

We owned a 99 EX 5-speed and the 03-04 does feel faster to me. My husband says he kinds misses the way the Vtec kicked in at around 3500 RPM on the 99 but the 03-04 provided more linear acceleration, is faster, and gets better gas mileage. Besides, you never know what a cold air intake will do to turn the 03+ into a "screamer" as well.

aggie1995 · October 2004

03 Accord Sedan 4 cylinder 5 speed Manual (EX-L)

70 MPH - 2700 RPMs

I get 30 in mixed driving. Highway driving at 80+ mph average speeds I have gotten about 32 mpg.

Never gotten worse than 29. Never better than 32....yet.

gpolt · October 2004

Anyone have a clue as to next year's (2006)changes? Honda typically does some tweeking in the 4th year of the run. Change in rear lens coloring on the '05 doesn't account for much.

.

fbeza · October 2004

Actually I think the all red rear lens in the '05 coupled with a rear spoiler makes quite a difference in the looks. Just my 2 cents.

fbeza · October 2004

The local Firestone Service Center manager is a friend of ours (we take our cars to his shop) and Honda reqularly sends overflows to them for the scheduled maintenance - and charges the customer dealer prices!!

gregoryc1 · October 2004

Kindly explain how a Honda Dealer can send vehicles to a Firestone Service Center for scheduled service. Does the owner of the Firestone Service Center also own the Honda Dealership? I would like to read about this story!

maxamillion1 · October 2004

should have the following...

1) some added features (I.E. maybe the LX and EX get power driver's seats, EXL gets power passenger's seat, etc.)

2) Since the 05 Sedans have new changed taillights (slightly) the front end should be facelifted for 06 and the coupe should get revised taillights...like the 04 Civic coupe did.

3) Probably some new colors too

For 07...a Special Edition model...LIKE ALWAYS..LOL

venus537 · October 2004

1. the center console storage compartment will be redone (maybe like the hybrid) that's less susceptible to squeaks.

2. the automatic's console plate will lose its black finish (i'm hoping for this anyway).

3. XM stereo will be available on LX models as this is becoming more popular.

4. available diesel model? this will make both the hybrid and diesel crowd happy.

justin · October 2004

hmmm, change the automatic console from black to what? one reason i got the Honda over the Mazda6 was because Mazda uses that silver spray paint all over the car. if they did CHROME like VW does, that would be nice

mthexuma · October 2004

The Honda Accord Diesel that sells in Europe for about the same price the gasoline counterpart sells here, gets a combined mpg of 52.3mpg! WHY WON'T YOU BRING THAT HEAR? If there are any Honda execs in this room, please bring it here! It also looks much sportier sold in Europe. If only they made the diesel hybrid! PLEASE!

richards38 · October 2004

Diesel might not pass U.S. emission control test--some of them are too dirty. That's probably why a Honda Diesel won't be brought here. Just my guess......Richard

robr2 · October 2004

Current diesel fuel in North America is high sulphur. The Euro diesel is low sulphur - much cleaner. North America is going to low sulphur fuel in 2006 IIRC so new diesels should be coming here. But the price of the fuel will be higher as increased refining is needed.

gbwonson · October 2004

What kind of mileage are others seeing on a 4 cylinder EX-L Automatic? I am just past the 3K mark and I am consistently seeing 23-24 mpgs on an urban cycle. I was expecting a little better. With the smaller gas tank this is only about a 300 mile range. I have not had the chance to get an all highway trip in to see the difference there. Does the mileage increase as the engine breaks in?

richards38 · October 2004

My '04 EX-L AT sedan 4 cyl gets 22 to 23 mpg in city driving and 33.2 mpg in all highway driving. Average has been 25 to 27 mpg for the driving I've been doing.

This mileage is almost exactly the same (not more than one mpg less) than the mileage I received from a 1991 Mazda Protegé DX with AT. The Mazda weighed about 2400 lbs vs the Accord's 3200 lbs and had 103 hp engine vs the Accord's 160 hp.

I find it amazing that the Accord is so much heavier and faster, yet is just as economical on gasoline.

No disappointment with Accord mileage here......Richard

lmacmil · October 2004

For another data point, I recently went on a 500+ mile trip in a rented 2005 Camry 4 cyl. Averaged exactly 33 mpg, 95% highway mileage mostly above 70 mph. I'm sure the 4 cyl. Accord is similar.

mthexuma · October 2004

I was reading in Honda's newsroom that the engineers are currently working for a super clean diesel engine to bring to America. While the engineers think it is possible and are trying to acheive that, the marketers are testing to see if it will sell. It's up to us to convince them. How do you do that?

lmacmil · October 2004

Diesels won't well here until there is a clear cost advantage, i.e., a large differential in Diesel vs. gasoline fuel cost and far superior mileage and no inconvenience to owning a Diesel. For most people, the $200-400 annual savings one might currently achieve isn't worth the lower performance and somewhat limited availability of Diesel fuel.

stacey_burke · October 2004

I know that I am preaching to the choir here, however, after 6500 miles I am just delighted with my accord. What a great car - not a problem and each and every time I get in I am more in love with this car....

gregoryc1 · October 2004

You can purchase diesel fuel in all service stations in my part of the country. (Example: Hess service stations)---- I would purchase an Accord with a diesel engine.

gregoryc1 · October 2004

We have a 2003 4 cylinder Accord with 36,000 + miles on the clock, and it is trouble free. In 2005, this vehicle will probably have 100,000 miles on the clock, it will be out of the 7yr / 100,000 mile extended warranty, so as such, we will trade it at that point in time. We hope that the 2006 Accords will have some improvements to the body style. A station wagon with a 4 cylinder diesel engine would be a nice addition to the line up of vehicles. We would even consider a station wagon with a gas engine. I would like to see an Accord with a power seat on the passanger side with the 4 cylinder engine. At this point in time, you must have a V6 to get that power seat.

megemba · October 2004

I purchased a 2004 Honda Accord LX Special Edition (manual transmission) in May 2004. It currently has less than 2000 miles and already has transmission problems. I started to hear noises coming from under the hood and it was difficult to put it into some of the gears. I purchased the car when I was 8 months pregnant because I wanted a new reliable vehicle for me and the new baby- Now I'm having car problems already. The dealership said that it is a manufacturers defect and are replacing the transmission I have heard from other sources that once a transmission fails, the replacement transmissions often have problems also...
This is my first brand new vehicle- and I am very disappointed.

richards38 · October 2004

Most Accords (especially the 4 cylinder ones) have trouble-free automatic transmissions.

It's unfortunate that your transmission is defective, but it's a machine that can be fixed--especially when an entire major part will be replaced.

The replacement transmission is likely to completely solve the problem......Richard

bolivar · October 2004

Trade it in April 2007, just before the 3 year warranty expires. You sure won't exceed the 36,000 mile warranty at the rate you are going.

It will not cost you a dime before then.

The only other thing I would try, is ask your dealer to give you a loaner while the transmission is being repaired. With a tranny failure at this time of a car's life, he just might do this for you.

bd21 · October 2004

Honda's manual transmissions are some of the best in the business. If it were an automatic, your concern would be warranted. There have been an excessive amount of problems with automatics, but I would not worry about getting a manual transmission replaced. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome and I would not hesitate keeping the car for many years to come, if you are not having any other significant problems. Good luck! P.S. Are you sure you have a special edition LX? If you do, it should say Special Edition on the trunk and I didn't think they made any in 04.

Older Honda Accords

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