Older Honda Accords

mrbill1957 · February 2006

You really need to take the I4 for a test drive. The dealers around me allow taking a car for a weekend, a good way to test it out to see if it's for you.

I purchased an 04 I4 with navi, and have been happy with it's performance. But it's just my opinion.

BTW, I also love the navi system. It's great if you are someone that likes to do road trips. I did a trip last summer around Lake Michigan looking for lighthouses, it had no problems finding them as long as I had an address to enter. When I had no address, it was a little more challenging, I would look at the shoreline on the map and enter a destination based on the where I thought they should be. If you are just going to use the car in an area that you are already familiar with, then it may not be worth the extra $

Mrbill

jake28 · February 2006

The problem is the catylitic convertor itself. i too have a 1999 accord and i developed this problem around 110k miles. What will happen is the light will stay on for a month and then go off for the next month. Next will be the rotten egg smell. Now for the bad. Dealer cost was ~ $950. most other shops in my area (Indy) stated that the only part was available was from Honda and thus wanted ~ $950. Finally, called Midas and had the part installed for $240 out the door. (consumer reports show a problem area for the 1999 accord exhaust.)

cls2001 · February 2006

Thanks for the input. I'll test drive both but I think I'll probably stick with the V6. I'm sure that the 4 is great but I also know that at the end of the day I'm going to feel I cheated myself out of those 244 horses. And I do like the idea of the Vehicle Stability Control which only comes on the 6. Thanks again.

another_person · February 2006

If you want gas milage, there's always the hybrid v6 with nav for 3k over your EX V6 nav. same milage as the 4, but more power then the 6

btw, there's a plenty of low end torque in the 4, so either way, I don't thank you'll miss the old 6.

jaxs1 · February 2006

Don't expect impressive mpg with the V6 hybrid.
The 4 cylinder will get noticably better mileage regardless of EPA stickers. If you ever use the extra power from the V6, you will have a huge mpg difference. If you don't use the extra power, then why even get the V6?

ctalk · February 2006

I don't think the hybrid V6 is worth the extra. It is not significantly different than the V6 Accord. It does not offer GREAT mileage. Honda would have been better off offering a 4 cylinder hybrid.

mannyyunk · February 2006

Just looking for some good advice. I am about to buy a LX-V6 sedan, and I really want leather interior. My dealer has offered to install leather for $1295 extra. Right now they offered me $23,141 plus tax and tags (leather installation excluded) Realistically, how much better can I do on this quote, and is there anyway I can get a better deal on the leather? Help!! I have no idea what i'm doing and just want the best deal possible

jaxs1 · February 2006

Just get the EXV6 is you want leather that badly. Makes no sense to get LXV6 if you don't want the cloth seats.

mrbill1957 · February 2006

According to Honda, installing aftermarket leather seats in the Accord is a BIG NO NO!

Read the following link:

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/artman/publish/article_251.shtml

I cant believe the dealer would offer something that Honda says no to!! Maybe it's time to find another dealer?

Mrbill

ctalk · February 2006

It depends on how much the price difference is. On the site the LX-V6 is $25,100 and the EX-V6 is $27,300. It's a 2200 difference. Not that great.

mannyyunk: Ask your dealer to quote you a price for the EX-V6, if you really want leather. Compare the prices, and see if you can justify the extra _____ amount.

avianflu · February 2006

2000EX Leather 4-Cylinder Auto 240,000 miles driven 150 mile/day. Expected life of the fuel pump, Alternator, starter?

Water pump developed a crack and was just replaced. Don't want to be let down walking in the dark... is a preemptive fuel pump change out in order, or will it go another 100k?

Thanks for the help, this is a great place to share.

stickguy · February 2006

sounds like you got it!

these parts sould probably go indefinitely if they lasted this long. If they start acting up, replace them, but I wouldn't bother otherwise. Starters usually give some warning, and your's doesn't really get used that much!

not sure how hard the fuel pump is to get to. If it really makes you more comfortable, go ahead.

If it were me, I would be more worried about belts and hoses, so if you haven't changed them yet, something to consider. Although the time for that (and the timing belt) was when the water pump was off! Of course, if you did all that stuff, never mind!

whitecloud1 · February 2006

I have a '98 4cyl too. I agree with you, but I would have to have the manual trans. Maybe I'm wrong about the newer 4 cyl but the automatic with 4 cyl just seems slow. Of course above 70 the 4 and the 6 feel about the same to me.
By the way, that's great gas mileage you've been getting.

blackexv6 · February 2006

Get the 4cyl....they are more reliable. The Honda V6 transmissions have a lot of serious problems. Many reporting failure and lockup. I have a lot of experience with Honda V6's, great engine but poor transmission relaibility. Plus you will get better gas mileage. My 2 cents.
:lemon:

ctalk · February 2006

I believe Honda fixed the issue in 2005.

I bought an 2005 Accord, and have had no problems with the transmission.

blackexv6 · February 2006

News to me. Where did you find that out? You probably don't have enough miles on your car yet for problems. Check out the +05' Odyssey forum...there are people complaining about transmission problems there also.

ctalk · February 2006

I read it in the forums. I forgot where though.
I just checked for 2005 Honda Accord recalls, there seems to be none relating to the transmission issue.

Well, I hope I don't have a problem. I know a few friends with Accord V6 models that have no problems.

I hope my car is fine, like theirs

blane · February 2006

Not so. The V6 Accord transmission concerns were only with 2003 and early 2004 vehicles. The specific VINs are shown here:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=624

My 2004 has been absolutely perfect for the past 25K miles.

hawkeyeohi · February 2006

06' Accord LX SE 4 cyl. - the other night I went thru a drive-thru and my window wouldn't go down. It would start but stop like it was stuck. I tried all of them and the same result. (and no, the window lock switch wasn't on). The next morning the same thing, but that afternoon they all worked fine. I got to thinking that maybe it was from the snow we had had combined with the night temps in the teens.
Well, this morning I tried them and all worked except one. I got out and messed with the rubber seal at the bottom of the window (on the outside)and it was stuck to the window. I pealed it back off the window and it worked fine.

I'm going to ask the dealer about this but I seem to remember reading where Honda had gone to seals w/o the inside felt to save money. If there is no felt I can see how the seal would stick to the window.

whitecloud1 · February 2006

Good point about reliability. I have the '03 V6. I had the recall inspection and my car is doing fine so far, but I still keep my fingers crossed. My experience with every 4 cyl I've owned has been that they're easy to service and the sporty feel of manual transmissions. When I talk about slowness, it's only because I've driven rentals and every one of those had auto. Maybe because of the manual transmissions I was spoiled, but the acceleration in those seemed poor.

jpnewt · February 2006

DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT install aftermarket leather in an Accord. Your side air bags located in the seat will not work in an accident!

don57 · February 2006

Other than the mapping capabilities, what other capabilities does the navigation system provide? The only Accord I could find with navi did not have the software installed yet.

robr2 · February 2006

I've had windows freeze up on every vehicle I have ever owned including Hondas going back 15 years. It happens.

gee35coupe · February 2006

We had one and I found the transmission hunted too much for me.

thegraduate · February 2006

I have driven the 2002 Auto 4-cyl (same engine/auto as the 98). The new ones have significantly more pickup in the midrange, and is helped even more by the 5-speed auto (vs 4-speed).

I can't complain one dime about my 4-cylinder, except that my fuel filler door needed a slight adjustment (wouldn't open at first-fillup! That was quickly addressed (60 sec. fix).

blackexv6 · February 2006

Thanks for the info. I sincerely hope you have luck with your car. Accords are great cars for the most part (I have a few complaints).

FYI my car passed the 2nd gear coloration inspection. I am going to dig up the paperwork to see what failed on my transmission. I doubt it was related to the second gear issue. The trans was slipping in all gears - maybe torque converter?

blane · February 2006

don57,

Who told you that the vehicle "did not have the software installed yet"? They didn't know what they were talking about. The system comes from the factory with the Navigation DVD in its drive. No software to install.

Other than "mapping capabilities", Navigation-System-equipped Accords, at a minimum, do the following with voice (yours) control: temperature, fan speed, heat, air conditioner, vent, defogger, XM radio channel and AM/FM station selection, audio volume, CD track, trip computer, etc. There are a couple hundred commands. Check the list in the Navigation System Manual at your dealership.

qbrozen · February 2006

my reply is the same as robr2's. Occassionally, the windows have frozen up on every vehicle I've had. The dealer can do nothing about ice forming around the seals.

durbs68 · February 2006

Just a quick report on my first year: I am nearing one year ownership on my first Honda. I have 13,000 miles and for the first time in my car buying experience (7 cars) I don't have any regrets for choosing the Accord. Usually after one year, I wish I had gotten something different. I average around 28mpg in mixed driving. The only thing I can say I wished maybe I had is the 5 spd manual. My son is 5 and I hope this is the car he learns to drive in. The only additional service needed was to repair a tire with a nail in it. Otherwise it's been 5,000 mile oil changes and washes once a week.

sciman10 · February 2006

I am considering buying either a 2006 Accord EX V6 or a 2006 Camry XLE V6. Today I drove both as well as the 4 cyl models. It seems to me that the Accord V6 and 4 cyl models are much rougher riding than the V6 and 4 cyl Camrys. Am I wrong or is there an explaination why? I presently own a 1994 Accord and just lost a 2000 Camry V6 in an accident. Both of these have a softer (?) ride than the 2006 Hondas. I like the interior look of the 2006 Accord EX V6 more than that of the Camry but would like to learn more about its handling features compared to the Camry. Is the Accord's rougher ride due to its different type suspension? BTW I have had three Accords (1987, 1992 and 1994) and have been happy with all three so I know Accords are great cars.

anonymousposts · February 2006

The Accord is tuned to drive more firmly than the Camry. If you are used to driving Hondas the difference between the 06 and previous models shouldn't be that large though. Maybe it's the 17" wheels that are new for 2006. Does the dealer have any 05's with 16" wheels? That might make a difference. Or the tire pressure might be too high which would make it feel more rough than it is with proper inflation.

atlantabenny · February 2006

Well, for one the current gen Accord has firmer seats that add to the overall ride sensation imo. Our previous Accords (a '98 and '99) seemed softer riding - because of softer seats - by comparison, but Honda's suspension tuning for either generation feels very similar to me.

Toyota's philosophy is evidently slanted towards a quiet, pampering ride and nothing's wrong with that. However neither it nor Honda has captured the quiet but competent handling formula of BMW/MB (driven a '96 C220, '98 528 and '00 323 as reference).

My 2000 Solara rode quietly but with 4 occupants would wallow alarmingly on Georgia 400's gentle dips. On the same road, my wife's 2003 EX-L feels very composed but I'd have an almost harsh sensation coming from the seats.

Between a new-body 07 Camry (not '06) and an 06 Accord, I'd probably go for the 07 Camry SE (sport variant). From what I've read, that Camry has suspension tuning plus strengthening braces for an Accord-like drive.

jaxs1 · February 2006

If you don't like the ride of the Accord, then you should get a Camry or other soft-riding car.
Some people like soft rides and some people like firm rides. Some people buy Accords and some people buy Camrys and since price is usually pretty close, many choose based on a preference to how they ride or handle.

bolivar · February 2006

You are correct that Camrey and Accord have a very different ride. Because that is how they are designed.

Buy the one you prefer.

blackexv6 · February 2006

If you are concerned about the ride quality then buy the Camry. Take both cars on concrete roads (not blacktop) and you will see the difference, it is quite apparent. The Accord's road noise and choppiness is very prominent - road drumming. The Camry is much more quiet and refined, yet firm.

Did you check out the '07 Camry? Toyota re-designed the car and will be out in March. This car may offer the combination of quiet ride and interior styling that you are looking for.

Personally, I am looking to trade my '03 Accord V6 in for an '07 Camry. I use the car 100% highway and the roads are concrete. You need earplugs when driving the Accord.

blane · February 2006

Your concerns may be related to the brand, model and inflation pressure of your vehicle's tires.

I personally prefer the Accord's much more responsive ride to the Camry's Buick-like handling deficit.

jaxs1 · February 2006

I'm not sure the Camry ride could be described as "firm" at all. It is softer than an Accord and even an Accord doesn't exactly have a Porsche ride.
The biggest problem with the Camry is the steering. It is super numb and feels more like a remote control rather than something that's actually connected to the wheels and road.

canddmeyer · February 2006

My Accord has better steering response than my former Camry or my father's Camry, albeit with a firmer ride. While most of it is suspension related, the tires also make a difference. I was recently in a rental Camry that rode like a Limo, but come time to make a turn the car understeered so badly I found myself repeatedly putting in too much steering input and overcorrecting. I chalked it up to the Continental Conti-trac tires. Nice ride, but horrid handling characteristics.

I must add that the Camry was MUCH quieter in the cabin than my Accord which seems to resonate all the road noise.

gee35coupe · February 2006

But then again with the XM blasting out all the time, I don't hear much of anything.

ken972 · February 2006

I think some of it has to do with the oem michelin tires. The older they get the firmer the ride seemed to get. I have bridgestone turanza LSV's on my car and it rides alot nicer now. Other have switched to goodyear comfortreads with good results.

chevymalibu · February 2006

I hope perfect timing for you. We bought a 2004 accord exl and a 2005 camry (both 4 cyls). We had two 1994 camrys before getting these new cars. The accord suspension is so hard and you feel every bump. the wife hates it. My camry is so smooth over bumps and the ride is way better in the city. As for the accord, I think it's a great car and will last/reliable but the ride is very hard. the tires (mich) are load as all heck. The camry has bridgestones (ahhh, firestone subsiduary) but they are okay at 12K so far. I am still paying both off but wish I never bought the accord. The wife didn't like the boring interior of the camry (got to agree with her) but she has a very sporty accord that rides like a tank. It handles/steers better than the camry but we hate the accord overall. Never again will I buy an accord. Are all hondas fit with tight suspensions?? does any engineer or designer ride them?? if you run over a pebble, it feels like a boulder. Sorry accord lovers but don't get it if you like a comfortable ride. On the highway, it's better but it doesn't make up for the majority of city driving most do.

gee35coupe · February 2006

They are more comfortable with the control you feel with the Accord over the pillowy ride of the Camry. Just because it's not your cup of tea doesn't mean that the other point of view is wrong. The excellent resale on the Accord you hate will show you the someone will be happy to take it off your hands.

minamora · February 2006

Where are the shift points (e.g. 40 mi/h for 3rd-to-4th transition) for this particular model and trim? I'm trying to optimize for fuel efficiency, and these data don't seem to come up immediately in google.

thegraduate · February 2006

Personally, I am looking to trade my '03 Accord V6 in for an '07 Camry. I use the car 100% highway and the roads are concrete. You need earplugs when driving the Accord.

Honda has added more and more interior insulation with its minor redesigns in 2005 (rear end, slightly updated interior), and again in the 2006 model. My 2006 is quieter than my father's 2005, and even quieter still comapared with the 2003 he had. Drive a new Accord, you may be surprised that it's quieter, you might not, but I could tell a NOTICEABLE difference.

thegraduate · February 2006

Where are the shift points (e.g. 40 mi/h for 3rd-to-4th transition) for this particular model and trim? I'm trying to optimize for fuel efficiency, and these data don't seem to come up immediately in google.
The minimum shift points I have found have been about 30 mph for the 3-4 upshift, and 42 mph for the 4-5 upshift. This is on my EX Accord (its an automatic, is that what you wanted?).

mrbill1957 · February 2006

I've seen numerous posts with people complaining about their 03-05 Accords having noisy Michelin tires. My 04 EXL has Michelin tires, and they seem to be some of the quietest tires I've ever had. The only tire noise I hear is when I'm driving on grooved concrete pavement, and then it's minimal.

Does the noise appear after you put alot of miles on the tires, or are they noisy from day one? If it does take a few miles, do you keep rotating your tires? I (X) then (II) rotate my tires, alternating every 6k miles.

I only have 8K on the car so far, (bought on year end clearance in 05, and stored it this winter) so maybe the problem has yet to come.

Mrbill

blackexv6 · February 2006

Honda has added more and more interior insulation with its minor redesigns in 2005 (rear end, slightly updated interior), and again in the 2006 model.

Where did you find this out? Or is based upon test drives?

If this is true than I got ripped off. I know the LX models are noticeably quieter due to the balloon tires, no sunroof, & cloth interior (absorbs some noise). I drove an '04 LX 4cyl for a day as a loaner and it was significantly quieter.

blackexv6 · February 2006

The OEM Michelins are quiet tires. The '03-'04 Accords are noisy, especially the leather models with the sport tires. I have a set of Toyo Proxes TPT's and they are very noisy compared to Michelin MXV4.

If anyone needs to replace their OEM tires on EX models, don't fall into the trap of buying V rated tires (i did). Unless you drive over 120mph buy standard touring tires they are cheaper and less noisy.

haefr · February 2006

"(ahhh, firestone subsiduary)"

Uh, I think you have it backwards. Bridgestone acquired Firestone a decade or so ago.

mrbill1957 · February 2006

The '03-'04 Accords are noisy, especially the leather models with the sport tires

I do have an 04 EX-L, with 16" MXV4 Plus tires. I'm not sure what you mean by sport tires? Non OEM tires? I thought the other complaints were with the OEM tires?

Although I find them quiet, I also suspect they do give a harsher ride then other tires. Too bad that there isn't some sort of side by side comparison of the ride of tires. I would rather give up some treadwear and handling for a softer tire. I just don't find myself pushing a car to it's limits as I did when I was young.

Thanks,
Mrbill

Older Honda Accords

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles