Older Honda Accords

fxashun · November 2001

And it drives much better than the previous one. But the tiny looking tires and the way they have the manual climate control did not impress me.

alpha01 · November 2001

are 16inchers for the SE and XLE models and 15 inch P205/65R15s for the LEs. these are comparable to what the accords wear, I think the shape of the body/wheel wells on the new Cam may be to blame.
~alpha

canadiancl · November 2001

That was the first thing that struck me when I saw an SE in the showroom. The 15-inchers on the LE are even worse obviously. It's the height of the car that makes it look so awkward. The Camry and Accord are actually within a smidgeon of each other in all interior and exterior dimensions except height. But it does make the car look huge.

robertsmx · November 2001

I don't like the rear. The upper half looks too much like Avalon (still from the family, but an ugly duckling IMO).

And, does the new Camry bounce more than the previous generation? It seems so. I used to own the last generation of 'small Camry' which felt sure footed to drive, much like the Accord. The next generation was okay. The 97-01 generation feels like a bouncing ball to me. The suspension likes to repeat itself a few times with a smile. And just from observation (haven't driven the new Camry), looks like the new version is even 'bouncier'.

robertsmx · November 2001

I think Accord looks nice, but I like the '98-00 iteration better. The two verticals on the grill don't do justice to '01-'02 Accord, but the hood crease was an improvement, and so was the more aggressive side sill.

The biggest improvement was standard content. Looking forward to test driving the new Accord in couple of years. My '98 Accord is paid off, and will probably approach retirement age (from my home) around 2004, with about 90K miles.

fxashun · November 2001

Echoing the Echo.

Maybe I shoulda just left that out huh?

black01coupev6 · November 2001

I thought the Camry was an improvement over the 1997-2001 Camrys and the jump in HP in the 4 cylinder was much needed. The engine is smooth and the car drives pretty well. It's just the look and the interior that turn me off.

maxamillion1 · November 2001

I guess I must be used to the new Camry's styling, I went to town yesterday, and I saw about 10 new Camrys and about 12 Accords. I am getting used to the styling, especially the SE and XLE, they don't look as bad as the LE because they have 16 inch wheels, but with the LE, the wheels look like they are 14 inchers while the SE and XLE's look like 15 inchers. The reason? The very tall roof line.

talon95 · November 2001

Although it continues the tall roofline styling theme started with the Avalon, at least the Camry's roofline is integrated into its overall styling, and doesn't add the truly awkward proportions that the Avalon has. Overall, I think the styling of the 2002 Camry adds back some much needed character (more along the lines of the '92+ series) that was designed out of the totally characterless and bland '97+ generation.

I really, really disliked the styling of the '97+ generation Camry. Its overly simple, completely bland and relentlessly straight-lined appearance evoked an image for me that the final styling design document was done in crayon, labeled "Car" and is hanging somewhere on a refrigerator.

bidandsell · November 2001

First it needs a light under the hood.
Second it needs the sunroof to be an option instead of standard on some models. Keep everything else the same as 2002.

hawks1 · November 2001

1st: 16-inch wheels standard
2nd: 4-wheel disc brakes standard
3rd: Independent rear suspension
4th: 5-speed auto transmission (5-spd manual V6)
5th: Slightly larger interior - 103 cubes possibly
6th: Slight increase in HP (160 for I4; 215 for V6)

venus537 · November 2001

The Accord already has an independent rear suspension. I hope they keep it that way for 2003. It's the Maxima that went on the cheap with its rear suspension. Here's my wish list for the 2003 Accord.

1) see item 4 from post #2513. It seems Honda can finally make a great auto transmission when they go to 5 gears.
2) see item 6 from post #2513. I'm very confident that the I4 will have at least 160 bhp.
2) standard alloy wheels on the LX models.
3) don't mess around with the interior too much. It's already miles ahead of the new Altima and Camry. Get rid of the shining black column stacks. This will likely happen because Honda has done so with the new Civic and Integra (sorry RSX).
4) don't have the exterior of the sedan look so boring. Honda has no where to go but up with this (especially with the tail lights).

talon95 · November 2001

I wholeheartedly second the 5-speed auto and 16 inch wheels. And leaving the interior mostly alone. The other suggestions make sense as well. I'd add:

- a slightly larger trunk (16 - 17 cubes)
- optional stability control (keeping up with the "Joneses")
- replace prop rod with strut for hood on all models
- struts for trunk instead of springs and big hinges
- split the rear seat for folding
- actual vents on the back of the center console for rear seat passengers
- low washer fluid warning light (Canada already has this... important for snow belt)
- heated side mirrors (Canada again...)
- Jazz up the styling a little bit, but don't go "Chrysler crazy" with their over the top designs that don't stand the test of time

Finally, what is a "column stack"? Are those the column mounted control levers (directionals, wipers, etc.)?

maxamillion1 · November 2001

Suggestions I have for the 2003 model include:

1. Drop the "DX" model

2. Make 16 inch wheels standard on all models, alloy wheels on all would be nice.

3. Make a V6/5spd. manual combination.

4. The Sport coupe should have 17 inch wheels standard, and maybe they should put 17 inchers on the top of the line sedan. Nissan did it with the Maxima GLE for 2002.

5. Keep the independent suspensions.

6. Make side airbags, side curtains, and ABS standard on all models.

7. Increase interior space.

8. The I4 will probably make 160 hp or more, so make the V6 220+ hp.

9. Have the Navigation system as an option on EX models.

10. Keep the 5 speed manual on the I4 models, don't do like Mitsubishi did with the Galant.

11. Keep the interior the way it is, have any of you seen the new CR-V? That interior is cheaper than the Altimas.

12. Keep prices about the same, no higher than a $1000 price increase.

13. Heated front seats and mirrors should be standard on the EX with leather and EXV6 models.

14. Maybe a memory driver's seat for the top of the line EXV6(I doubt it)

15. Rear air conditioning vents.

16. Keep the hand brake where it is, don't put it on the floor. (Toyota Camry XLE)

17. Make the styling better, don't make it look like the Camry this time.

18. One touch power moonroof on models equipped with the moonroof.

19. Auto up/down front windows w/ key fob and key operated front windows and sunroof down features.

20. Pinch protection for all windows

21. Grap pull out door handles. They look very luxurious.

22. Adjustable rear headrest for all passengers

23. Keep map pockets in all four doors, and have seatback map pockets remain as well.

24. Keep that large center console under the radio.

25. Needs a better sound system with Am/Fm/Cass/CD6/VSC/RDS with about 150-200 watts.

26. A 60/40 split rear seat for all models.

27. A power driver's seat should be standard on all models.

28. Trip computer with all the functions and steering wheel radio controls.

29. Passenger's side rear view mirror tilt when in reverse.

30. Triptonic type automanual transmission.

31. HOMELINK standard on the EX models.

32. Fog lights standard on the EX models.

33. Xenon headlamps standard on the ExV6 models.

I know, some of this is just too much to ask, but hey, at least I can dream.

zorglub · November 2001

Ok,

I was in the market for a good family car. Camry was out of the question due to its ugliness and price. VW Passat was nice, but expensive, and I had such a bad experience with my Golf (talk about a real piece of s...) that VW was really not a option. The Nissan is nice but too pricey right now, so I got an auto, 4 cyl, Accord EX. The price was right $20,710 before T&L ($200 over invoice), and the car has all the amenities I was looking for. It also handles like a Honda (a big plus), and hopefully will be as reliable as my Civic (135,000 miles, $200 in repairs). Last but not least, I still love the current design, which in my book, is still very much current.

Anyway, a happy new Accord owner.

venus537 · November 2001

"Finally, what is a "column stack"? Are those the column mounted control levers (directionals, wipers, etc.)?"

Yes sir. I meant to type "stalk". Sorry.

talon95 · November 2001

Oh, "column stack" was a typo?

I just thought I was being clueless, as usual... ;D

robertsmx · November 2001

I drive a four year 'old' '98 Accord EX (four cylinder). And love it. Bought it in October '97, and have about 63K no-trouble miles on it.

The only problem... fixing squeaky moonroof by lubricating the rubber seals, every 6-7 months.

flavolvo · November 2001

I have noticed that the new Accords with the red exterior only come with the tan interior. What's with this?? Clearly, the gray interior looks much better with the red ext. I had a beautiful '94 red wine Accord with the gray interior - why did Honda have to mess it up??

black01coupev6 · November 2001

When I bought my 01 Coupe I saw a red coupe with black cloth interior.

robertsmx · November 2001

Naah. I'd much prefer black with red. Tan is okay too. May be it is the preference thing.

My car has black exterior with grey interior.

black01coupev6 · November 2001

I like darker interiors but I had no problem with the tan interior in my 99 sedan. At least it was cooler.

ickes · November 2001

I always find the best Honda gossip at Temple of VTEC (TOV). They have a new model matrix that summarizes info on upcoming models. Its probably where the '03 Wagon picture came from. Anyway, their new matrix says the '03 Accord will include a 6spd manual Type-R. Wow!

I don't think it will be much different size-wise as I read an interview with Honda's head honcho Wards that the car would have the same hard points as the fifth and six generation cars to save retooling costs. It will probably go "up" like a Focus, Camry or Echo to increase interor volume. Hopefully they don't go cheap and replace the double wishbone front suspension with struts.

brown33 · November 2001

I am considering a V-6 accord EX or LX. I just wanted to know if the V-6 took premium gas. Also, is the V-6 quieter than the 4? I test drove the 4, and found it to be somewhat loud, not quite as smooth at the 2002 camry.

Thanks.

black01coupev6 · November 2001

The Accord V6 does not require premium fuel. And yes, the Accord V6 will be quieter than the 4 cylinder. However, I did not find my 99 4 cylinder loud at all and I know that they made the Accords quieter for 2001.

lsc · November 2001

This was at Grand Honda just outside Chicago. Now they raised it to $23000. I guess they did very well selling them.

I wonder if the 2003 Accord will have changes similar in nature to the 2001 Civic.

fxashun · November 2001

But they really dropped the ball on the rear.

ickes · November 2001

I agree about the back end of the Civic. It looks low-rent compared with the rest of the car.

I would hope that they re-content the exterior of the '03 Accord. Notice how the Civic exterior has more chrome (not much, but a nice accent) and a mesh "H" for the grill, as well as chrome trim rear end. The Civic also has a metal "H" in the steering wheel hub. Looks more expensive.

fxashun · November 2001

If it comes out with looking like a large Civic with a more updated rear I wouldn't be disappointed but I would rather a version of the wagon previously posted.

jfavour · November 2001

I think most Honda's have only average to bad original equipment tires. I have an Accord LXV6 and the Bridgestones on mine aren't very appealing. I agree with many of the other previous wishes. A 5 speed auto would be great, as it would improve the performance and MPG. I would rather see an evolutionary design than a copy of the camry and taurus' rounded shapes. A bit of chrome here and there would be okay. I like the current size and don't really want one much larger. It is getting too close to a large car as it is.

ickes · November 2001

The tires on our '01 EX are Michellin MVX4-E's. They're loud and expensive ($160).

dtownfb · November 2001

In the next generation Honda, i hope they get rid of the current "tilt" steering column and return to a true tilt steering wheel. Or at least add the telescoping feature to it. Love the 2001 Accords but the steering wheel rubs against my legs making it dangerous in emergency situations. Other then that it's a beautiful car. I just hope they don't screw up the 2003's.

fxashun · November 2001

The Michelin tires on the Accord are loud but they wear like crazy for OEM tires. I kinda liked the ones we had. I put a set on my LS.

black01coupev6 · November 2001

I'll trade a little loudness to be able to go 50,000 miles between tires.

claywaterfill · November 2001

I will be in the market for a mid size sedan next spring. I was going to get a new Sonata or possibly Galant. The reason I was swaying toward Sonata is I wanted the most features for the price. With 3 kids there's always something to buy! I don't care about resale because we will keep the car a long time. The car will be primarily (probably 90% of its miles) a commuter to work and back as the mini van is used for family trips and most errands. My question is this: with the new Accord coming out for 2003, what do you think a LX may go for by next spring? There are 2002 LX models advertised in the paper here for about $17,200 now. I was wanting to keep my purchase in the $15,000 to $16,000 range. I know $17,200 is close now, but you have to draw the line somewhere. I ask because the 2001 Camrys were going in the 15's last spring to clear out for the new model. Do you think Honda will do the same; or, do you think their popularity and automotive magazine hype (like C&D for 12-01) will keep dealers from having to deep discount? I would be perfectly happy in another sedan, but I know if I bought a Honda my 5 year old would learn to drive with it in 10 years!

jjpcat · November 2001

I live in CA and have closely monitored Accord price for the past 10 years. Honda has never given any big rebate (more than $500) on Accord. During 93 and 97 (last year for the previous 2 generations, respectively), the lowest price for LX was basically the same as what it was in 92 and 96. In another word, they held the price for the last year of a generation. Remember, this generation is selling much better than the previous 2. Based on that, I guess the best price I could get for LX w/ auto in SF bay area this year is $16999. You shall be able to do $500-1000 better if you live in LA.

However, watch out for DX and its associated VP variant. I can get a VP this year at $15300.

black01coupev6 · November 2001

The LX is the most heavily discounted Accord model because it's the highest seller. I think a 5-speed Accord LX would be down close to $17,000 and the auto could probably be gotten for $17,500. Invoice on an LX 5-speed is $17,445. But then again Honda dealers started heavily discounting the CRV when the new model came out. And with the recent sales competition of the Altima and new Camry rebates "might" happen. But like jjp said, the highest Honda rebate I've seen in the recent years is a $250 rebate on all Accord 4-cylinder 4 doors last year.

I think a better option would be buying a pre-owned, maybe even certified pre-owned (you get a no-cost extended warranty for 100,000 miles). Honda has one of the highest rated certified pre-owned programs and you could easily get a 1-2 year old Accord with low miles for $16,000.

claywaterfill · November 2001

Team Honda near Six Flags has an ad for the 2002 Accord LX with auto for $17,188. Lanier Honda always seems to advertise the best prices after another dealer drops a price and Curry Honda says they'll beat ANY other price from anywhere. With the new Camry and Altima this year, I was wondering what the thoughts are on them going lower. I'm not leaning hard toward Galant, I just like the way they look and they too sell for $14,999 (with pwr features, auto, air, CD) at more than one Mitsu dealer in the Atl area. With all due respect I would not even consider used. I'm sure you can find a fine car on the used car lot, but I have no intentions of buying somebody else's problems. Maybe a Starmark Mercedes, but not a Certified Honda. I have a used car now, I want a new one. That is why Sonata is my front runner now. More features than Accord LX with a much lower price and the famous 100,000 mile warranty. I am, however, aware that the Accord is probably the best mid size car on the market, so I would buy one if the price were more in line with what I was wanting to spend.

ickes · November 2001

Watch the resale values on the Sonata. They;re not giving that warranty without reason. Although, the new Sonata is attractive.

claywaterfill · November 2001

I agree on resale. Would not even consider getting rid of the Sonata for at least 4 or 5 years because of it. That's not my concern--I'm looking at price now. Any other ideas on Honda lowering prices next spring to clear the way for the 2003 model, though?

ickes · November 2001

About all Honda typically does to discount a soon to be updated model is the "SE" version - packaging the most popular options at a cost between an LX and EX.

fxashun · November 2001

then it's used. I will never again buy a new car. If you learn what to look for you should have no problem buying used.
But to each his/her own of course. Because it takes people that HAVE to buy new to keep the makers in business and to give me something to drive in a few years.
Buy what you want is really the most important thing. An Accord is not a Galant is not a Sonata snd the buyer of each one of them have their own reasons for doing so.

ickes · November 2001

About all Honda typically does to discount a soon to be updated model is the "SE" version - packaging the most popular options at a cost between an LX and EX.

sobers · November 2001

1/2 year old accord with extended warranty thru Certification is a very good option. I might not again purchase a new car ! When there are so much attractive certfied cara vailable on the same lot !!

ickes · November 2001

has an eight car test of V-6 family sedans. Accord squeaks past the Camry and Altima based upon all around goodness.

claywaterfill · November 2001

I was wondering, why are the same people who discount Hyundai's 100,000 mile warranty as a gimmick just to sell cars so positive about a certified Honda also warranted to 100,000 miles? I'm not picking a fight, it's just I've read posts from some of the people here on other boards trashing long warranties as not being a reason to buy a car.

ickes · November 2001

are not necessarily a reason not to by a car. They do suggest however, that there may be an issue with consumer confidence in a car's long term reliability. The extended warranty is simply a means to alay those concerns.

Besides, Honda's factory warranty may be pretty typicall 3/36, but the dealer would happily sell you an extended one if you like.

An extended warranty for a "certified" used car addresses the same issue. Not only do you worry about whether the car is a piece of @#$% to start with, but what the dough-head original owner might have done to it, which hasn't revealed its ugly expensive head yet.

dtownfb · November 2001

I don't think they discount Hyundai 100,000 warranty but the reputation of Hyundai is not very good. That reputation is based on previous models of Hyundai. And that is all they have to stand on .....for now. That is why they offered that warranty, to get people back buying their product. It seems to be working. But and this is a big BUT....If for some reason in a year or so, they have to start make free repairs to transmission or the engine, they will be in trouble financially. Not only from the cost of the repairs but also lack of sales. Who knows? maybe they have improve the quality of their vehicles so much that the warranty is simply a security blanket for the owner and will never get used. You can''t tell that in only two model years. Long term reliablity is developed over many years even decades.

I have to admit Hyundai has nice product. Not as good as Honda or Toyota. Not quite but definitely better then Chrysler and Ford and pretty close to GM. If nothing else they are forcing other manufacturers to step up their warranty (like Chrysler, VW and Ford Focus). So it is a win-win situation for the consumer.

You have to understand many people on this board get very passionate about their cars and like to think they bought the "best" car (sort of like politics and religion). The "best" is hard to define. It all depends on oyur needs and since we have 270 million people in this country, there are a lot of different needs.

claywaterfill · November 2001

It was just funny to me that's all. Does anyone else have an opinion as to whether Honda dealers will offer deep discounts on Accords this spring to clear out for new 2003 models? I remember Toyota selling 2001 Camrys in the 15's last spring to clear out for their new 2002 models. The Accord LX with automatic is advertised at $17,188 now--do you think it may drop a little more as time goes by considering the competition from the new Camry and Altima?

black01coupev6 · November 2001

on a new car you know how it's been treated (never buy the demo though). With a used vehicle you don't have the same guarantee. Clay, since I know how important that warranty is to you that's why I brought it up.

The Camrys they were offering for $15k were more than likely CE 5-speeds. But since it is the 98+ Accords last year Honda will offer special financing and you should be able to get one for close to, if not under, invoice.

Older Honda Accords

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