Older Honda Accords

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Comments

  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    Wow, three different Accords from the same generation! You change cars faster than some people change their socks.

    I think you need to check your self into a local AA group, "Accords Anonymous" for those addicted.

    I feed my new car addiction every ten years or so, having it well under control. No automobile payments most of the time, however.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I just purchased a Accord EXL with Navi, 4 cyl, Love the car, but wish it had the Homelink option. Has anyone found a source for the Homelink? I wasn't willing to go the extra $$ for the 6 cyl to get the option. The car has the blank panel where it goes, and I'm sure it would be easy to install. I guess an option would be to pick up a unit from a salvage yard. I was hoping that there is a source for a drop in Honda unit. I hate to think what the dealer would charge. I also see them on Ebay, I may go that route.

    Thanks
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I had an 03 Accord coupe 5-speed manual, and 04 automatic sedan, and now have a 04 5-speed manual sedan. All were the 2.4L I4. My gas mileage on all three has been 30-31 MPG in my mixed driving and 34 MPG on the highway. My favorite has been the 04 EX-L manual sedan. The extra safety of the side curtain airbags and the XM radio put it above the 03 EX-L coupe. Although I absolutely LOVED the way my coupe looked.

    So far for April it appears that Honda will offer the lease deal and 1.9% financing up to 36 months. Not sure if the dealer cash will carry over from March but I expect that it would.

    I have had no problems with any of the three Accords (knock on wood). The only things that come to mind would be the trim around the doors on the 03 coupes would warp so that was replaced under warranty and I had to have the rotors turned on my 04 sedan with the manual tranny.

    badgerfan: I am one of the founding members of Edmunds' "Chronic Car Buyer Anonymous" Forum over in the News & Views section. We have gone through 30+ cars in the last 9 years. Some were old, some where new but I've always loved my Hondas. Any time I have bought another brand I was quickly yearning to get back into a Honda. I will continue to be loyal as long as they make cars that I like and as long as the one's I buy prove to be as reliable as my previous cars.
  • tcvb22tcvb22 Member Posts: 50
    I have a 2005 V6 Sedan and while cleaning it today noticed that the front passenger side and right rear passenger side does not have the floor mat clamps like the drivers side and left rear passenger side.

    Has anyone else found this - I'm woundering if it was done this way or if they actually forgot to but the clamps in.

    Thanks.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    Yep,. My 04 EX-L 4 cyl has a similar setup, but I thought it was the rear passenger side that had one clip. Anyways, if you mats are like mine, the one's that don't have clips, don't have holes in them, so it must have been planned that way.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    You are right and if you think about the reason is slippage. The drivers mat tends to slip because of gas petal, (clutch pedal), and brake pedal action. The clip holds the mat in place.

    On coupes the right rear seat slides forward each time a passenger gets in or out of the back; the left side is much less used. The right rear clip keeps the fllor mat in place during ingress/egress.

    cruis'n in 6th :shades: ,

    MidCow
  • tye1tye1 Member Posts: 6
    Hi,

    I wanted to vacuum out my car yesterday and plugged the car vac into the power supply and nothing happened so I turned the ignition on to see if it would work and still it doesn’t work.

    Is there something else I need to do to get the vacuum to work or is the power outlet bad – I tried both power outlets.

    PS I have a 2005 EX V6.

    Thanks
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    IIRC, Honda power outlets are not hot when the key is moved to the off position.
  • us002840us002840 Member Posts: 6
    Same vehicle - same predicament!

    If you receive any info, please provide it to me.

    Oh, one question for you.

    At night, how bright or dark are the steering wheel control lights - for the radio and other controls?

    The dashboard is superbright while the steering wheel, all lights on the steering wheel, are fairly dim and hard to see.

    Thanks in advance.
  • veasnalongveasnalong Member Posts: 21
    Mine also was fairly dim, hard to see I think due to poor design any how we stuck with it and have to live with it like that.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    May be a blow fuse. We had a penny get stuck in ours and promptly blew the fuse. Check there.
  • stalnakerstalnaker Member Posts: 72
    One of the biggest reasons to have the cassette player is if you want to hook up your MP3 player (such as an iPod) to listen to songs in your car. I have yet to see ANY of the solutions that use an FM transmitter that work very well. And if you're leasing a car, you can't really do any work to wire up something permanently. I can't think of a better way for the newer Hondas than to use a cassette adapter.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    I just picked up my 2003 Accord from my mechanic / detailer. The car had been in storage for two years. The car is absolutely beautiful, and it rides very tight and quiet. The mechanical service included: draining the fuel tank of the two year old fuel and replacing it with fresh fuel, an oil and filter change, brake inspection / cleaning and hydraulic system flush, transmission fluid change, a new battery and a general inspection of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for any damage and / or problems. In addition, the vehicle was completely detailed both inside and out! Since I paid less than $16,000.00 for this vehicle, I am very happy both with the deal, and the quality of the purchase. I took it for a little ride after I pick it up, and it operated like a new vehicle. Tomorrow night, I will head up north, on the Palisade Interstate Parkway, with a special girl friend, and we will have some dinner at one of those great places along the Hudson River. I can't wait to show her my new toy! Best regards. Dwayne
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Enjoy your "new" Accord--it's a great car.

    Having had the car examined, you now know the car is ready for use after 2 years in storage, but it's likely to have been OK to just drive the car because 2 years isn't a long time--and it's a short time when you're having fun. ;)

    One thing you should check carefully is the A/C. In years past (and probably today, too) the seals that keep the refrigerant from leaking could dry out from infrequent use and leak. So check your air conditioning and use it often. It's probably OK, but that would be my main concern with a car that hadn't been started in 2 years........Richard
  • 46jimbo46jimbo Member Posts: 12
    Another solution for connecting an MP3 player is an AUX IN plug. This is not a hi-tech solution, and I would like to see future Hondas include this. There are millions of people out there with MP3 players who are dying for a simple solution to hook them into their car stereo.

    I solved the problem myself by buying the AUX interface from Autotoy:
    http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/HONDA_AUX_INTERFACE_ACCORD_2003__2004__FOR_03_ACCORDS_an- d_0_p_200.html

    There is also the Soundgate model:
    http://logjamelectronics.com/sounsnhond3.html

    Instructions for taking apart your center console to install it are available on the net. I managed quite easily using only a screwdriver.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    Thank you for the advice about the A/C system. I will make it a point to use the A/C system. Now, I have the best of two worlds, an Accord and a Mustang! --------Question: -----I have the oil and filter changed on the Mustang every 3,000 miles or three months, which ever comes first! Is this also a good maintenance schedule for the Accord? Money is not the issue, but rather, I like to keep my vehicles in a "like new condition"! I also make it a point to burn Hess gasoline wherever possible. They seem to pump a lot of product, so I feel that I will not get, a load of problem fuel, from these stations. When Hess is not available, I will go with the major brands of gasoline. I stay away from the "off brands of fuel", because I don't know about the quality of the product. Thanks again for the advice. .... Best regards............... Dwayne
  • stalnakerstalnaker Member Posts: 72
    It looks like this doesn't work, however, if you are using the factory FM as well :( I want to have both on the new Accord that I plan to lease (XM and some sort of aux input).
  • neilheeneyneilheeney Member Posts: 5
    Purchased a 2005 EX V6 in March and immediately left town on a 1,500 mile round-trip (mostly highway miles). According to the trip computer I averaged 31.1 MPG on that trip. Last week, after my 3,000 mile oil change I took another 940 trip (again mostly highway miles) and averaged just 27.1 MPG. I was under the impression that my mileage would begin to improve after my first oil change. Any insight into why I'm experiencing this decline :confuse:
  • stacey_burkestacey_burke Member Posts: 88
    Three things that could be it....
    1. speed, did you drive slower during break in (I did)
    2. Cruise control helps my gas mileage about 2.5 mpg
    3. be sure you are in D not D3 that will cut you MPG greatly

    I have a 6 and get about 31 to 33 on the interstate
  • neilheeneyneilheeney Member Posts: 5
    1. Speed....75-77 on both trips.
    2. Cruise used extensively on both trips.
    3. D on both trips.

    I wish one of the above was the answer. Thanks.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Oil changes have been discussed here and you can read old posts to see the range of opinions that mean nothing IMO. It makes more sense to read the manual and do what Honda says--they built and tested the car, so they state the facts, not opinions.

    If your Accord is a 4 cyl., change the oil & filter every year or 10,000 miles--more often if you drive in dust storms or pull a trailer, etc. You won't hurt the car changing oil too often, but it's money down the drain to change oil too frequently.

    See if your local Honda dealer has a convenient oil change service. Here in San Francisco, the local dealer, S.F. Honda, has an "Express" oil change service open 7 days a week. It's competitively priced and there's a free cappuccino machine to enjoy while waiting (I bought my '04 EX-L sedan there--I'd recommend both the car and the dealer which have been excellent, so far).

    Honda dealers will use the recommended, 5-20 oil and replace the drain plug washer with a fresh "crush" washer that forms a leak-proof seal without over-tightening. I have no intention of using Jiffy Lube or other oil changer so long as the dealer continues to offer superior service. I'd recommend your doing the same.........Richard
  • tanya2tanya2 Member Posts: 29
    Dwayne:
    You still have a warranty on the 2003 Accord. I would have all my service done at the Honda dealer. Have you considered purchasing an extended warranty on this vehicle? You can warranty this car for 7 years or 100,000 miles. Best regards. Tanya
  • khissamkhissam Member Posts: 3
    A couple of hours ago replaced my low beams with PIAA's xtreme white bulbs. I like them alot, but they don't seem to be properly aimed anymore. Before I started installing the new bulbs everything seemed fine. But now the left light sees a little higher and better focussed than the right. It also seems a little brighter, but this maybe because they might not be identically aimed. The manual shows that i just needed to remove and install and nothing about aiming or positionig
    Does anybody have any suggestions or any experience with this type of thing? Thanks in advance for you help.

    kh
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    Guess I don't have to worry about the "play" in the accelerator pedal any more as my 4 cylinder EX Accord was broadsided today on the driver's side, and from what the tow truck driver said, it looks like is could be totaled. Thankfully all involved are fine, but I don't understand why the side curtain airbags did not deploy. All the airbag signs are in the car saying it has them, but nothing deployed. I will be in touch with American Honda on Monday. I know Honda had a recall for the front airbags not deploying, and I promptly had that fixed by the dealer. Was there also a problem with the side curtains? Anyone know?
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Where was the impact? Was it t-boned? Hit in the driver's fender? Quarter panel?
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    The most impact is at the center of the driver's door. The driver's door has taken on a "V" shape with the damage directed into the car, thus my father's left clavicle was fractured. Damage also extends from the driver's door across the length of the car to the front bumper (tire in front on driver's side is also destroyed) and yet again from the driver's door to the rear passenger door on the driver's side (It was pushed backward toward the rear so that there is no longer a space between the door and the body of the car. The door probably won't open due to this, but I didn't try it.
    I did bring up the specs on the Honda site using my "owners profile" info with the VIN number and the printout says that the EX Accord with leather comes standard with side curtain airbags. Certainly a hit like this would have warranted the bags deploying. It could have cushioned my dad's left shoulder area and prevented the shattered glass from entering the cabin. I have alot of questions for Honda on Monday.
    Thanks for asking. Have you had an experience with side curtain airbags not deploying?
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    this is a real gray area. The airbags are designed to deploy when they would save a life or prevent serious injury. It seems that the brunt of the impact was on the driver's side fender. In that case the side curtain airbags would not have deployed. How did the accident happen, what was the other vehicle, and the approx. speed it was travelling?
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    The '04 EX-L (leather) also has torso-protecting airbags that pop from the edge of the front seat backs. Did a torso airbag deploy?.........Richard
  • mastromastro Member Posts: 39
    Just bought an EX V6 and I LOVE it!!! I've got 4 kids (and another on the way!) so we also have a Suburban. I filled the Suburban up today and the station pre set the dollar limit at $65 and I hit it (ouch!).

    What kind of mileage are you V6 owners getting? My nav is telling me I'm getting 17 miles per gallon but that's the first tank and a lot of city driving. I'm wondering if the kids are going to have to do with one less Happy Meal per week.... :P
  • stacey_burkestacey_burke Member Posts: 88
    I get combined 25 to 27 and hiway 31 to 33. I think I get excellent millage 6Cly Auto
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    My father was making a left trying to go east out of a driveway across two lanes of a street when a car (a small 4 door late model Mazda) in the number one lane traveling west (lane closest to the median) drove right into him. My dad suspects the guy was above the speed limit as he seemed to come out of nowhere. (Limit is 35mph) There were no skids marks so the guy didn't even bother to brake. The Honda was pushed into a third car that was also going east. The car that hit mine continued moving and stopped when it hit some magazine racks. When I viewed the video that Honda provides at their website on airbag deployment in a side collision, it sure looks like my dad's situation.
  • cmr530icmr530i Member Posts: 278
    Nothing deployed. Thanks for mentioning the torso-protecting airbags. I was not aware of them. I will look into this as well.
  • chankaishichankaishi Member Posts: 7
    Hi,

    Does CD player in Accord 2005 plays MP3 or WMVs?
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    There isn't a direct MP3 player or plug for an iPod, etc.; however, if you burn some MP3s onto a CD, the CD should play successfully. It worked for me.

    I think WMVs are video files--your software should enable you to format music, etc. to MP3 easily........Richard
  • lastwraithlastwraith Member Posts: 350
    From what I saw online, the cd player in the 2004 and up should play MP3s, WMAs, and cd audio (obviously).

    WMVs are windows media video files and cannot currently be played back by the cd player as far as I know.
  • jay8jay8 Member Posts: 2
    is there any way to "slim-jim" the door open to a '99 accord? i locked the key inside (& i'm laid-off from work, no $, but i'm not going to tear my car up either)...don't i have to buy a key from the dealer? can a locksmith get me into my car?
    THANKS!
    :cry:
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    A locksmith will be able to break into your car but it ain't gonna be cheap!! Around Boston, they get $75 just to come out to your car. Do you have AAA? IIRC, they cover lock outs.

    Good Luck.
  • kippikippi Member Posts: 16
    I'm close to buying a new LX 4cyl auto sedan. I'll be parking it overnight on city streets (I live in an old apartment), so if there are simple things I can do to increase security, I'll do them. Honda offers an add-on security system for about $200. Their literature doesn't make it clear which security features come standard and which are added with this option. Anybody know? Any opinions whether the option adds meaningful features?
  • jay8jay8 Member Posts: 2
    no AAA. a slim-jim is risky? tearing up the 'insides' of the door?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    A slim jim is what the locksmith might use. You could also see if a local constable might be willing to slim jim it as well.
  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    Hi kippi,

    We have a 2005 EX Accord, and it appears to have the same security features we had on our 1999 model.

    If someone tries to open the door when the car is locked, the alarm goes off.

    You need to have a key with the correct computer chip to start the engine. I guess this makes it harder for a thief to break into your car and drive away.

    The extra security feature that Honda would sell could be like LoJack, which would help to locate your car after it is stolen. Personally, I would not want the car back if it were stolen. I would rather get the insurance money and buy a new car.
  • stalnakerstalnaker Member Posts: 72
    Are you sure that the CD changer in the 2005 Accord can play MP3's? I would think that Honda would advertise this as a feature! Infiniti makes a big deal about this on their G35. In fact, I was having second thoughts about leasing an Accord in May because I thought it didn't play MP3's! Can somebody verify this? Also, it would be nice to know if it can handle CD-RW discs as well.

    Thanks!
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I tried a CD-R loaded with MP3s in my 04 EX-L with 6 disk changer. I could not get it to play the MP3s. I would think that the owners manual would state something if you could play MP3s. Don"t know about the 05 models.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Does the CD you burned play in a CD player in your home? It should, and if it plays on an ordinary CD player, it should play in your Accord whether '04 or '05 model.

    In addition to playing a copy of an old CD for use in the car, I converted some midi files to MP3 sound files and burned them to a CD which plays on both a Sony CD changer at home and in the 6 disc changer my '04 Accord EX-L sedan.

    Your CD of MP3s should play in your Accord.......Richard
  • stacey_burkestacey_burke Member Posts: 88
    I may be wrong, however, I think that when you burn a cd you make it a music cd and the software converts mp3 to a format that can be played by the honda cd player (all cd players). If you were to copy a mp3 as an mp3 file I don't believe it will play in the honda player..... MP3 files take up much less space and that is why many people like to use them. My cds that I have made from mp3 can only hold about 23 songs at the max. a CD can hold hundreds of mp3s.

    Again, I'm no expert....
  • stalnakerstalnaker Member Posts: 72
    OK, it probably doesn't play MP3's then, unfortunately :( Otherwise you could get 100 songs or so per CD.
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    One fact to note is that many portable systems and some home players will not play a created CD that has not had the session closed. A copy CD routine will close the recording session automatically, but it is an option for those who use their computer to create CDs. Bottom line, to be sure tell your software to "close the session and the CD" if you want it to play in your car.
  • joe122joe122 Member Posts: 68
    It makes me sad that there are others going through the identical thought pattern after a $20,000 mistake. Hope truly does spring eternal. Like imidazo, I somehow hope for a miracle.

    The suggestion of replacing the seats with aftermarket products seems naive in my view. These seats will not contain the complex airbag assemblies (and sensors) and will therefore, compromise the vehicle's safety. One of the reasons I bought this car was because of the high government crash test rating. Such additional expense would also be prohibitive.

    Today I received a call from a manger at Honda in California. He cheerfully informed me that he spoke with my dealership and they concluded that my "seats were just fine". BTW, the weekend service manager's test of the seats consisted of sitting in one for five minutes, at an angle, with a leg on the pavement. Again, it is sad that this situation exists. Like others who have posted here, I love everything about the car...except the seats.

    I expect no sympathy for any pain or expense I must suffer. After all, "We've gone way beyond the seat issue".
  • bklynguybklynguy Member Posts: 275
    If you want a MP3 compatible CD player you may want to wait for the 2006 Accord. The 2006 Hyundai Sonata has a MP3 compatible CD player available so its possible that Honda may follow. The current accessory solution from Honda is incomplete (no support for ID3 tags listing artist/song title/folder names on a display).
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    You might become accustomed to the seats after a while longer.

    They're very comfortable for most people even if not initially..........Richard
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