"However, am just curious, haefr, if there WAS such a leak, what would the symptoms be? how could I detect it myself? The car runs fine, the engine very smooth."
Given that, I, too, doubt you have an internal engine leak. Still, I'd suggest you get the car in to the dealership sooner rather than later. A 1/2" loss in hot coolant volume measured against a reference mark is too much in several days. Check your transmission fluid level, too - the transmission cooler is located in the bottom tank of the radiator. It's possible, though improbable that coolant is seeping into the transmission fluid cooler. Honda automatic trannies are a world apart from other ATs. To check the fluid level, warm the car up thoroughly, park it on a level surface, and shut the engine off. Remove the yellow handled dipstick, wipe it dry with a clean rag, reinsert it FULLY, and only then remove again and check the fluid level on the transmission dipstick. If it reads substantially above the top "Full" mark, you may well have diagnosed where the coolant has gone.
Thanks, haefr. I will try doing it tomorrow, If my wife lets me have the car... Only problem is, the transmission fluid level was OVER THE TOP LINE (or rather, DOT) when I checked it, soon after we got the car... About 1.2" above the top mark. But then I checked the fluid level with the engine RUNNING, unaware that on the Honda you're supposed to check this with a warm engine off.
So I don't have much to compare with, but if the coolant has been seeping into the Transmission, I am sure I should have the level WAY up above the top mark.
Sometimes Honda will reimburse you for towing if it is caused by a warranty related problem. They don't have to, but they frequently will for customer relations purposes.
I just picked my 06 EX Navi over the weekend. I know that there have been some complaints that the OAT gauge is inaccurate. As in the case with my 03, it usually read about four degrees high. Anyway, it looks like Honda actually listens to some of the feedback, as the gauge in the 06 is user adjustable +- 5 degrees. I rolled mine back a few degrees, and now it's dead on with the airport ATIS. They have made a lot of nice changes for the 2006 model.
Was wondering if anyone might know if and where galvanized steel might be used in the 2006 Accords. I'm considering a 06 sedan V6, 6 speed and my dealer didn't have an answer regarding this at hand. Concern is that I do live in a high road salt area. Thoughts on rust and late model Honda's from your experiences?
And to whomever answered my earlier question on seat heaters, thank you.
I live in Illinois and am considering the 2006 Accord EX v6 (leather?) or the LX v6. No other options except maybe a sunroof....
My question is 2 fold.
1. What is the target price I should be looking for for these 2 models?
2. If I were to lease, what should I look for as far as: MSRP + Dest - Selling Price - Residual Value - Money Factor - Target Lease Payment for 48 mos -
Any other information I should be concerned about?
I seem to remember something being mentioned in the 03 or 05 literature saying either the use of galvanized steel, or some plating/dipping process they use. I only saw it in the literature, and could not find anything on-line.
You may want to take a close look at the literature to see if something is mentioned on the 06.
Living in Wisconsin, I also share your concern with rust.
I have been reading posts to this site for about six months. I find them to be very interesting and helpful. This is my first post, and would like some information. I have a 2003 Accord LX Sedan with 61,000 miles. I have the original brakes and tires (almost all highway miles). I have never done any brake work myself, although consider myself fairly mechanically inclined. I would like to hear from someone who has replaced their pads and rotors, and tell me if it is reasonable for me to do myself. I ordered the Haynes repair manual, and expect to use it for guidance. Bottom line: Is this something I should do myself, or take to the dealer? Thanks to anyone who gives advice!
I've always heard that Honda brakes are like any other. My experience with brakes,(non Honda)says that disk are easier than drum and that aftermarket pads for Honda wear longer than OEM. I had a gas station replace pads for me on a '98 Honda.
Thanks for the info on tire ratings, my new Michelin tires are rated "T" -- 118MPH...a heck of a lot faster than I ever plan to drive my 4-cylinder. Found out another reason to like the Honda...it traverses these snowy/icy roads a lot better than the 2002 V6 Ford Escape I also have. Must be a lot in the transmission 5 speed vs the Ford 4 speed.
Doing brakes yourself should be easy enough. The only tricky part (and takes longer) will be the rear drums - but with a repair manual even that should be easy. Before you start find yourself a shop that will turn the rotors and drums. Also ensure that you have all of the tools needed BEFORE you start. Fight the temptation to go with some sort of "special" pad/shoe formulation. An Accord doen't need anything other than "standard" brake pad/shoes.
Gotta be REAL careful dealing with drum brake return springs. If one of those puppies flies off before it's properly hooked, it can cause some severe hurt. Rotors do not need to be turned unless there's brake pedal vibration indicating actual warpage. For whatever reason, Honda's irresponsibly skimpy on the Accord's brakes. 149' to stop the car from 60 mph is ridiculous. (Motor Trend, Dec. '05 - the Honda Accord's braking was the worst tested, even compared to that of the Hyundai Sonata!)
I am considering buying a 2006 Ex-V6 accord with a manual transmission. I am unable to test drive one currently, as our dealership does not have any in stock, but i will be going out of town in the following weeks, so that will change. I have a few questions that hopefully can be answered...
1) Does anyone know what the 6spd v6 revs at when at 60mph? or at 80 mph? I currently own a 4cylinder 5spd, and it revs at 3000 at about 80mph. I'm debating what the difference is between the 6spd manual, and the 5 speed automatic. In fact, does anyone know what the automatic revs at at the same speeds??? Just curious if there's a major difference there...
2) Does anyone have any pictures of what the carbon fiber trim looks like in the ex-v6 sedan???
3) Where are you able to adjust the climate control fan speed on the models with navigation??? Do you have to access the navigation in order to do that??
4) It says that on the 6spd coupe and sedan that it has an upgraded audio system with 60 more watts. Is there truly a difference there????
Thank you biker4 and haefr! Again, I read the posts all the time, and knew that when I had a question I would get some good advice. Since I have 61,000 mi., I figure that I should go ahead and put new rotors on as well as pads. I have on a few occasions felt a "shuddering" while hard braking. Assumed rotors were warped, but doesn't do it all the time. New rotors about $50 each, pads $50, so for $150 I can do all for about same price as just pads from the dealer. I assume that the rear drums are ok, just do the front for now. If you think I should skip the rotors, let me know. Thanks again for the responses.
Yep, it is. So-called "document fees" are strictly free money to the dealership anyway. People pay this outright larceny without blinking an eye on a car purchase, but would rightfully scream bloody-murder if the clerk at a checkout counter or a physician added in an extra $5.00 as a receipt printout or written Rx fee.
I just purchased a 2005 LX 4 cylinder Accord sedan. Any suggestions on improving the sound proofing in the car. I often feel like I experience the sound you get when someone puts a back window down and the sound drums inside your head.
Hi, I see you have posted in both discussions I suggested that you check out - let me say again that those are better resources than here for you to get some help. Each discussion's entire purpose is to speak to the questions you are asking.
I suppose Pat believes I've used up a lifetime of complaints about our (purchased new) 2004 EX Accord's terrible seats, but invited me to come back if I had a resolution. Here's how we resolved it:
History: Initially we tried everything we could think of and every reasonable thing recommended by others, to no avail. We adjusted the seats every way we could, we tried various pillows on the seat platform, lumbar area, pillows on both at the same time, pillows under the thigh area - we did it all - little pillows, big pillows, folded towels, etc. The Honda factory rep looked at the car and said it was unsafe to do any upholstery work to the seats themselves as it would interfere with the air bag deployment on either seat, or the air bag sensor in the passenger seat. I suppose the culture at Honda Customer Service doesn't allow for complaints about design deficiencies either, so even after several letters and phone calls, I'd say the best we ever received from them was indifference bordering on arrogance. The factory rep told me others had complained about the hard seats, but that's just the way they were. Too bad for us. It sure was frustrating.
Resolution: Fast forward 12 months, 4931 miles in the Honda, and several long test drives in various other vehicles. With all other options exhausted, 7 weeks ago we left that Honda at a Toyota dealership and drove off in a brand new 2006 Toyota Avalon. When it comes to seat comfort, this Toyota is everything the Honda should be, but isn't. Granted, we're not comparing apples to apples here, but the Avalon is not that much more expensive than the Accord, and boy is that Avalon comfortable. The Toyota rides like a dream, goes like a rocket, doesn't shake at idle like the Honda did, and has a big, beautiful, panoramic, unobstructed forward view, because there's no A pillar issue like the Accord has. And did I mention the Toyota has really comfortable seats ;-)!!! And get this - for us, insurance on a 2004 Honda Accord is about 20% MORE than on a 2006 Toyota Avalon. Same company, same coverages, same deductibles. Our Honda days are over now, and we're Toyota people. I'd sum up our personal experience with this metaphor: The Avalon is to the Accord as silk is to burlap. It's like driving a Lexus while getting a $15K discount. This is just one more reason why it appears Toyota, not Honda, is going to become the worlds largest auto company in the very near future. Happy days are here again, and our backs and butts are so pleased with those Toyota seats! Woo Hoo!! Break out the champagne!!
One more thing: Everyone should enjoy their ride, and for the majority of you who are reasonably happy with your Honda, I'm happy for you. While we had a very unpleasant and expensive experience because of those Honda seats, my wish is for safe, reliable and enjoyable journeys in whatever vehicle each of YOU choose to drive. When you see two people motoring along in a Blizzard Pearl (metallic white) Toyota Avalon, looking really comfortable and with smiles as wide as the car, please wave - that's us!
Just wondering, have you tried the Camry, before upgrading to the Avalon? If comparing apples to apples, Camry should be the one to compare the Accord to.
Diff'rnt strokes fer diff'rnt folks. With my 250+ lb. girth, I appreciate a firm seat. Glad to hear you arrived at seat-comfort nirvana with your Toyota Avalon. As to Toyota becoming the world's biggest automaker, it's certainly a possibility (perhaps even a probability), but, who cares other than Toyota's board of directors and stockholders? Honda's sufficiently entrenched and atuned to its afficionados' desires that it has no trouble selling every car it makes, anyway. Obviously, the same can be said of Toyota, too. Hypothetical question: would either company consistently continue belting out their respective winners if not for the other company pushing the envelope?
I solved the "seat problem" on my 2003 Accord. I place a large white soft pillow on the seat of my leather Accord. The seat is now VERY soft on my rear, and in the process, I get a little more "bounce in the seat" when going over bumps! This works for me! ----- Best regards. -----Dwayne
Congratulations!! I'm really glad you're happy and I hope you will join us in the Toyota Avalon 2005+ discussion. Most of the participants there feel just as you do about their Avs.
The answer to this is simple. The 2006 Accord SE is the best value for your money. They upgraded the LX with about $2000 worth of extras but at a wholesale price. The end difference between the LX and SE is about $700. The reason they cant match the deal to another type of car may be something as simple as residual value. I am not 100% sure about why, I do not work in the financing department. I just smile and accept it because I am able to give my customers more for their money and they drive away happy.
I wanted to write about my experience with Honda's firm seats. I originally had a 2004 Honda Accord LX 4-cyl sedan. The seats on the sedan were very comfortable for me. I was able to go on extended trips with no problems. I traded my '04 sedan for an '05 Accord 4-cyl coupe and within a week had terrible back and neck pain. I originally thought that it was the headrests being too forward for me. I tried adjusting the seat in every which way possible but ended up back at the dealer within two weeks of purchasing the car just wanting to get rid of the car! I couldn't drive to work in it!
At the dealer, I test drove a sedan and the seating was fine but when I got in the coupe, I was in pain. I really didn’t want to go back to a sedan because after having driven the coupe, I liked the way the coupe handled much better than the way the sedan did.
My dealer referred me to an auto upholstery place that they used to see what they could do to help. Initially, the upholstery placed cut two pieces of the foam they use in the seats and just placed it on top of the seat. I drove for about 10 days with either one piece of the foam or the two pieces of foam, to decide which felt better for me. It was amazing that as soon as the one piece of foam was laid on top of the seat and I sat on that, I felt instant relief. As I said, I drove with the foam for 10 days and decided that I only needed one piece. Apparently, as I am short (5') I needed to be raised just a tad so that the lumbar support on the seat and the way the seat is shaped hit my back in the right spot. I am very happy to report that I am highly enjoying my car now! This fix was not expensive ($175) and the dealer paid for it. I really couldn’t believe what a difference there was in the seats between the sedan and coupe.
I hope that this information might help someone in the future. Sorry that the seats did not work for you in the Accord but am happy for you that you found a car that is comfortable for you.
I have an 05 EX 4cyl sedan and want to tint the rear windows. (Back doors and rear window) Any advice? I will take it to a professional who had done my tint on another car before. Anything to watch for with the Accord? I thought I had read something here before but can't find the posts. Thanks.
I originally acknowledged that the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord were different cars.
While it is true that the previous model Toyota Avalon was built on the Camry platform, that is not an accurate statement with the current car. Beginning with the 2005 model year, the Avalon is all new, and has it's own platform and engine. Look for the future Lexus models to be built on this platform.
The seat issue for us was not just hard seats, and was not apparent in a test drive shorter than one hour. When we drove the Avalon, I explained to the Toyota salesman that we wanted to take the car on a VERY long test drive. He threw me the keys and said "see you when you get back". This is a REALLY nice car with really comfortable seats. If you are enjoying your Honda, I am happy for you. Everybody should like their ride - we're now enjoying ours!
I chuckled when I saw your post. Actually, I ordered a 1977 Buick LeSabre Coupe 29 years ago, which I still have. (Technically, it's a 2 dr. sedan) It's in pristine condition and it has VERY comfortable seats. With only 153,000 miles on it, I now drive it only during the Summer months. I never had the valve covers off the 350 Oldsmobile engine in it! It's probably the best car I ever owned, which is partly why I can't bear to sell it, even though I have had plenty of offers.
From Edmunds comparison test (link below) it's on a stretched version of the _current_ Camry platform. I guess since it's stretched still leaves it the Camry platform.
"Redesigned from the ground up, the Avalon now rides on a stretched version of the current Camry platform. Its sheet metal is crisp and modern, yet unremarkable next to the Chrysler 300's. The Toyota looks like a pleasant car, but not a fast one."
...I too was going to observe that the base for the new Avalon is nothing more than a stretched version of the current Camry, not that there is anything wrong with that. The engine is not unique, either, though not currently offered in the Camry...will probably be in the new '07 Camry, about to debut at the Detroit show next month.
Properly limiting your options on an Avalon can put you in a car that feels significantly more plush than an Accord EX; HOWEVER, many people were / are paying in the mid $35k range for the new Avalon, and at that price, I think sanity takes a vacation.
As noted endlessly here and elsewhere, between Honda and Toyota you "pays your money and takes your choice" - there are distinct diffferences and some similarities, and the differences are well known. Having owned many examples of both, no one who makes one choice over the other gets any argument from me...
My description is that the car looks like it has been blown out to make it look bigger while it's sitting on a chassis and wheels that are small. Sort of like the Toyota wagons/vans early on were. They were on a sedan chassis.
Just shows that nothing is perfect for everybody because one of the reasons I bought a 2004 Accord EX-L was that the seats are so comfortable. I don't drive much, but did take a long trip shortly after buying the car--8.5 hours each way and my usually aching back felt great.
I'd suggest that anyone complaining about seats give them some time to feel better. A friend bought a 1998 Accord when it was new and complained about the driver's seat for a month or 2, then stopped complaining. Now, 7 years later, he thinks his Accord driver's seat is wonderful. Give yourself time with a car before trading it for the wrong reasons.
I drive my '95 Accord every day. Then on weekends I'll take my wife's '05 Accord.
Both are EX, both have leather seats. The '95 is MUCH MUCH MUCH more comfortable, and it feels like the seat is "built around your bottom part", while the new Accord's seat looks FLAT and feels like a bench...
Sorry, folks... I don't know if it's because the '05 has the seats heated -- which the '95 has not, but I truely think Honda could have done a better job designing their leather seats (or is it in the fabric too?)... No matter how sporty a car is, your precious [non-permissible content removed] deserves good, comfortable cushion. Especially on long drives.
While you could pay $35K+ for an Avalon with all the fluff like laser cruise control and airconditioned seats, one doesn't have to. The base Avalon, the cloth seat XL model, stickers for $27165 with destination charge. You can get a $2500 discount on this model, putting the drive-away price well under $25K - and in base form it has most everything a person "needs" - 268HP V6, 5speed auto, AC, PS, PW, cruise, power driver seat, rear defogger, CD player, etc.
I am considering an 06 Honda Ex coupe with 4 cyl and 5MT..will the handling and driving dynamics be any different than the sedan or is suspension the same? any known defects or issues with this model?
For about the same price, I can an 05 Mazda6 hatchback with the V6--has anybody compared the Accord to this model and what decision did you reach?
the Mazda is more versatile, but maybe not as reliabe and has significantly lower gas mileage.
"I have never had an oil related problem. All that 3000 mile crap is just that... crap."
Same here, and I agree 100%!
Fortunately or otherwise, with the 2006 models, oil change interval is now dictated by the car! It tells you when the oil life has gone down to 0%, at which point, it is time to change oil! I'm hoping that every oil change will last at least 7500 miles or more, depending on one's driving conditions and habits.
I now own a 2006 Honda Accord SE, but with my previous 2003 Accord LX, oil change was every 9-10k miles!
That 3k-mile oil-change-interval crap is indeed a crap -- and a dealer-perpetuated fraud.
I put new Goodyear Assurance TripleTred's on my '03 EX-L manual yesterday (also did a 4-wheel alignment). The ride seems to be a little smoother/more comfortable. I am really pleased with this car. It still looks and drives like new at 61K miles with plenty of meat left on the original brakes. It continues to average over 30 mpg in mixed driving and 34-36 on long trips. At over three years old, the navigation system is still better then anything I have been able to find in the aftermarket for our CR-V (portable or in-dash).
Comments
Given that, I, too, doubt you have an internal engine leak. Still, I'd suggest you get the car in to the dealership sooner rather than later. A 1/2" loss in hot coolant volume measured against a reference mark is too much in several days. Check your transmission fluid level, too - the transmission cooler is located in the bottom tank of the radiator. It's possible, though improbable that coolant is seeping into the transmission fluid cooler. Honda automatic trannies are a world apart from other ATs. To check the fluid level, warm the car up thoroughly, park it on a level surface, and shut the engine off. Remove the yellow handled dipstick, wipe it dry with a clean rag, reinsert it FULLY, and only then remove again and check the fluid level on the transmission dipstick. If it reads substantially above the top "Full" mark, you may well have diagnosed where the coolant has gone.
So I don't have much to compare with, but if the coolant has been seeping into the Transmission, I am sure I should have the level WAY up above the top mark.
I will be back with some info. Promise.
Must have started that option in 04.
Mrbill
And to whomever answered my earlier question on seat heaters, thank you.
My question is 2 fold.
1. What is the target price I should be looking for for these 2 models?
2. If I were to lease, what should I look for as far as:
MSRP + Dest -
Selling Price -
Residual Value -
Money Factor -
Target Lease Payment for 48 mos -
Any other information I should be concerned about?
Thank you.
Kevin
You may want to take a close look at the literature to see if something is mentioned on the 06.
Living in Wisconsin, I also share your concern with rust.
Mrbill
My experience with brakes,(non Honda)says that disk are easier than drum and that aftermarket pads for Honda wear longer than OEM. I had a gas station replace pads for me on a '98 Honda.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
I am considering buying a 2006 Ex-V6 accord with a manual transmission. I am unable to test drive one currently, as our dealership does not have any in stock, but i will be going out of town in the following weeks, so that will change. I have a few questions that hopefully can be answered...
1) Does anyone know what the 6spd v6 revs at when at 60mph? or at 80 mph? I currently own a 4cylinder 5spd, and it revs at 3000 at about 80mph. I'm debating what the difference is between the 6spd manual, and the 5 speed automatic. In fact, does anyone know what the automatic revs at at the same speeds??? Just curious if there's a major difference there...
2) Does anyone have any pictures of what the carbon fiber trim looks like in the ex-v6 sedan???
3) Where are you able to adjust the climate control fan speed on the models with navigation??? Do you have to access the navigation in order to do that??
4) It says that on the 6spd coupe and sedan that it has an upgraded audio system with 60 more watts. Is there truly a difference there????
Thanks alot for the help
Chill
Regards,
Webby
This sounds crazy. Don't you think?
What is the range or price I should be looking for when buying this car? Thank you
Best of luck - let us know how it turns out.
History: Initially we tried everything we could think of and every reasonable thing recommended by others, to no avail. We adjusted the seats every way we could, we tried various pillows on the seat platform, lumbar area, pillows on both at the same time, pillows under the thigh area - we did it all - little pillows, big pillows, folded towels, etc. The Honda factory rep looked at the car and said it was unsafe to do any upholstery work to the seats themselves as it would interfere with the air bag deployment on either seat, or the air bag sensor in the passenger seat. I suppose the culture at Honda Customer Service doesn't allow for complaints about design deficiencies either, so even after several letters and phone calls, I'd say the best we ever received from them was indifference bordering on arrogance. The factory rep told me others had complained about the hard seats, but that's just the way they were. Too bad for us. It sure was frustrating.
Resolution: Fast forward 12 months, 4931 miles in the Honda, and several long test drives in various other vehicles. With all other options exhausted, 7 weeks ago we left that Honda at a Toyota dealership and drove off in a brand new 2006 Toyota Avalon. When it comes to seat comfort, this Toyota is everything the Honda should be, but isn't. Granted, we're not comparing apples to apples here, but the Avalon is not that much more expensive than the Accord, and boy is that Avalon comfortable. The Toyota rides like a dream, goes like a rocket, doesn't shake at idle like the Honda did, and has a big, beautiful, panoramic, unobstructed forward view, because there's no A pillar issue like the Accord has. And did I mention the Toyota has really comfortable seats ;-)!!! And get this - for us, insurance on a 2004 Honda Accord is about 20% MORE than on a 2006 Toyota Avalon. Same company, same coverages, same deductibles. Our Honda days are over now, and we're Toyota people. I'd sum up our personal experience with this metaphor: The Avalon is to the Accord as silk is to burlap. It's like driving a Lexus while getting a $15K discount. This is just one more reason why it appears Toyota, not Honda, is going to become the worlds largest auto company in the very near future. Happy days are here again, and our backs and butts are so pleased with those Toyota seats! Woo Hoo!! Break out the champagne!!
One more thing: Everyone should enjoy their ride, and for the majority of you who are reasonably happy with your Honda, I'm happy for you. While we had a very unpleasant and expensive experience because of those Honda seats, my wish is for safe, reliable and enjoyable journeys in whatever vehicle each of YOU choose to drive. When you see two people motoring along in a Blizzard Pearl (metallic white) Toyota Avalon, looking really comfortable and with smiles as wide as the car, please wave - that's us!
The Accord is somewhat 'sporty'. With somewhat 'stiff' suspension and firm seats.
A Camry is a floaty, softly sprung car with seats the same.
The Avalon is just a bigger version of the Camry.
This should have been apparent in test drives.
I really should not post this, this discussion was covered extensively when you first brought up the hard Accord seat problem previously, months ago.
Enjoy the Avalon.
happy customers = customers for life
At the dealer, I test drove a sedan and the seating was fine but when I got in the coupe, I was in pain. I really didn’t want to go back to a sedan because after having driven the coupe, I liked the way the coupe handled much better than the way the sedan did.
My dealer referred me to an auto upholstery place that they used to see what they could do to help. Initially, the upholstery placed cut two pieces of the foam they use in the seats and just placed it on top of the seat. I drove for about 10 days with either one piece of the foam or the two pieces of foam, to decide which felt better for me. It was amazing that as soon as the one piece of foam was laid on top of the seat and I sat on that, I felt instant relief. As I said, I drove with the foam for 10 days and decided that I only needed one piece. Apparently, as I am short (5') I needed to be raised just a tad so that the lumbar support on the seat and the way the seat is shaped hit my back in the right spot. I am very happy to report that I am highly enjoying my car now! This fix was not expensive ($175) and the dealer paid for it. I really couldn’t believe what a difference there was in the seats between the sedan and coupe.
I hope that this information might help someone in the future. Sorry that the seats did not work for you in the Accord but am happy for you that you found a car that is comfortable for you.
Lea
While it is true that the previous model Toyota Avalon was built on the Camry platform, that is not an accurate statement with the current car. Beginning with the 2005 model year, the Avalon is all new, and has it's own platform and engine. Look for the future Lexus models to be built on this platform.
The seat issue for us was not just hard seats, and was not apparent in a test drive shorter than one hour. When we drove the Avalon, I explained to the Toyota salesman that we wanted to take the car on a VERY long test drive. He threw me the keys and said "see you when you get back". This is a REALLY nice car with really comfortable seats. If you are enjoying your Honda, I am happy for you. Everybody should like their ride - we're now enjoying ours!
From Edmunds comparison test (link below) it's on a stretched version of the _current_ Camry platform. I guess since it's stretched still leaves it the Camry platform.
"Redesigned from the ground up, the Avalon now rides on a stretched version of the current Camry platform. Its sheet metal is crisp and modern, yet unremarkable next to the Chrysler 300's. The Toyota looks like a pleasant car, but not a fast one."
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=105147/pageNumber=5
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Properly limiting your options on an Avalon can put you in a car that feels significantly more plush than an Accord EX; HOWEVER, many people were / are paying in the mid $35k range for the new Avalon, and at that price, I think sanity takes a vacation.
As noted endlessly here and elsewhere, between Honda and Toyota you "pays your money and takes your choice" - there are distinct diffferences and some similarities, and the differences are well known. Having owned many examples of both, no one who makes one choice over the other gets any argument from me...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I'd suggest that anyone complaining about seats give them some time to feel better. A friend bought a 1998 Accord when it was new and complained about the driver's seat for a month or 2, then stopped complaining. Now, 7 years later, he thinks his Accord driver's seat is wonderful. Give yourself time with a car before trading it for the wrong reasons.
Both are EX, both have leather seats. The '95 is MUCH MUCH MUCH more comfortable, and it feels like the seat is "built around your bottom part", while the new Accord's seat looks FLAT and feels like a bench...
Sorry, folks... I don't know if it's because the '05 has the seats heated -- which the '95 has not, but I truely think Honda could have done a better job designing their leather seats (or is it in the fabric too?)... No matter how sporty a car is, your precious [non-permissible content removed] deserves good, comfortable cushion. Especially on long drives.
any known defects or issues with this model?
For about the same price, I can an 05 Mazda6 hatchback with the V6--has anybody compared the Accord to this model and what decision did you reach?
the Mazda is more versatile, but maybe not as reliabe and has significantly lower gas mileage.
thanks for any advice
John
Same here, and I agree 100%!
Fortunately or otherwise, with the 2006 models, oil change interval is now dictated by the car! It tells you when the oil life has gone down to 0%, at which point, it is time to change oil! I'm hoping that every oil change will last at least 7500 miles or more, depending on one's driving conditions and habits.
I now own a 2006 Honda Accord SE, but with my previous 2003 Accord LX, oil change was every 9-10k miles!
That 3k-mile oil-change-interval crap is indeed a crap -- and a dealer-perpetuated fraud.
ramida