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Older Honda Accords

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  • adamr2adamr2 Member Posts: 31
    I agree that the A/C can be shut off when I put the heat on, and that it defogs the window better when both the heat and A/C are on. But for most days, when I just want a little heat, I need to put the climate control system on, and the compressor always kicks on. Yes I can shut it off as soon as it pops on, but it is annoying, and the car gives a decent "whoosh" sound when I put it on. I just wish there was a way to get some heat with the fan, without having the compressor kick on every time. It does take away a little bit from the performance. And how good is it for the car to shut off the compressor as soon as it kicks on?
  • ahossaahossa Member Posts: 152
    Aming:I rode in 3 different I4s. Two were made in Japan and One in Ohio. They all Vibrated when stopped at a traffic light when in Drive.I went to 3 different dealers . One in Long Island where the roads are much better than here in Queens.The interior of the accord is 1000 times better than the Altima but the one I bought last week does not rattle, does not idle loudly and is very quiet when the RPM are between 1000 and 2000 in City driving and that's what I wanted. I do 95% city driving.Don't get me wrong The Accord is much better in many other ways but I am a salesman and I'm always on the road.I do not want a car that vibrates, rattles and rides rough.
  • dfong87dfong87 Member Posts: 171
    ahossa: glad you found a car you like. that's what's important. i'm impressed that you got a rattle free car. that's great. i'm totally picky about such things and drive those around me nuts looking for and trying to solve such problems. in fact, i've had friends who claim that their new car doesn't rattle only to have me ride in their car and find some for them. [yes, who needs enemies when...]

    few more comments related to recent posts:

    - i paid careful attention this morning on the way to work. there is very little steering wheel vibration at idle [stop light] for our I4 EX accord [made in Japan]. there is something there, but nothing noteworthy in my car driving experience. perhaps, i'm less sensitive to this than others or ahossa? the auto shift knob is dead motionless [in compared to the manual stick in my 2000 Civic which has a mild vibration at the stoplight]

    - i forgot to mention in my previous post to urge owners to check their tire pressure! ours left the dealer lot at approximately 44 psi each! i remedied that quickly. i'm sure 44 psi will certainly add to a rough ride. [it's supposed to be 32/30 in the EX I4]. i can't believe the dealer, however, let the car leave the lot this far off in pressure.

    - high tire pressure aside, i can see how someone might find the new accord's ride on the stiff side. as i think i said previously, the bumps are felt more than heard in this generation accord. [its quiet in an audible sense, but gives enough feedback to the driver rather than providing complete isolation] i like the feel and what they've accomplished, but it certainly is not as "cushy" as the Camry's i've ridden in (i don't care for that level of isolation and lack of "road feel.") the stiffness/transmission of feeling from a rough road through the chassis reminds me a lot my friend's 2002 VW Passat. in fact, this car reminds me a lot of the Passat. i think i give the Passat a slight edge in handling and brake feel. the brakes on this Accord are a little "touchier" than i'm used to in previous Honda/Acuras i've driven [2000 Civic, 1990 Integra, 1991 Legend, 2000 Accord, 1985 Civic...i'm sure there are more]

    - and yes, we still have one minor rattle that comes and goes. [ugh!] in my lifetime, i think i've (including experiences growing up since i'm only in my 30s and have only bought a few cars myself) only encountered two cars which were rattle free upon delivery from the dealer [1991 Acura Legend, 1979 Audi 5000]. all other cars had some minor rattle or squeak/murmur. all of them are usually fixable or liveable. i'm going to try to deduce the source of our rattle before going to the dealer. so far, i've eliminated pretty much the entire door panel by pushing here and there when i'm driving. i think i've limited the noise to either the window channel on the driver's door or the driver headrest. [its a muted rattle that isn't audible with the radio on...so its almost liveable. =)]
  • bravedavebravedave Member Posts: 100
    I do think they intentionally overinflate the tires during transport, so as to help prevent the vehicle weight from causing flat spots on the tire. The dealer is supposed to deflate the tire fo their normal PSI upon delivery. This is what a friend who works at a dealer told me. It sounds odd to me, but I'll go with it until I hear someone more reputable offer another explanation.
  • amingaming Member Posts: 119
    ahossa: Sorry to hear that none performed well for ya. HONDA you listenin. Manufacture ALL the cars the same (same models).You just lost a customer. I hope I don't get a car that vibrates like that. I'm used to expect quiet cars from honda.

    And I just can't imagine why the dealerships don't reduce the tire pressures when they get them. Don't they get a checklist from Honda telling them what to do when they "Unpack" a car.

    Can you imagine to find out that you didn't buy a car due to "problems", and the "problems" were liked to dealerships "Unpacking" a car improperly. I think I would go balistic.
  • cheddar1cheddar1 Member Posts: 21
    I've been told, whether it's true or not, that
    the new 2003 accord has a different suspension
    for better handling and less washouts on turns.
    The trade off is you feel the road more. I personally don't mind the vibration and fell cause i feeel more connected to what i'm doing.
    But others could be understandably annoyed.

    I have a 2000 accord ex v6 and have test driven the 2003 accord ex v6 and there's a definite improvemnet in handling, but more road vibration. JMTC
  • amingaming Member Posts: 119
    From what I've been reading so far in these forums, the "road vibration" could be just overinflated tires that you felt. Make sure the dealer has set the tire pressure correctly.
  • rogchengrogcheng Member Posts: 11
    Not sure if everyone knows about this site, but it has detailed technical information about the design of the new Honda Accord.


    http://www.hondanews.com/forms/honda/accord/index_text2.html?KW=acctech+currenthonda


    The suspesion new Accords have been stiffened to control body roll during hard cornering. Body roll is now nearly non-existant. I personally like it much better this way.


    As for engine vibration, the new 4-cyl uses a double balancer shaft compared to the single used on the previous generation so the engine vibration should be much more controlled. I have a 2003 EX-L manual and I notice a slight vibration on the steering wheel, very small and comparable to the 2002's, maybe a little bit more. The new 4-cylinder runs MUCH smoother, however. Maybe the steering column isn't as isolated from the engine as before.

  • maltbiemaltbie Member Posts: 31
    My 2003 EX-V6 seems more stable at high speeds (>70 MPH) than my old 2000 EX-V6 due to the firmer suspension but I can't feel much difference at lower speeds. I am still undecided as to whether the better handling at high speeds in the 2003 EX-V6 is a good trade-off for the smoother ride in the 2000 EX-V6. I am leaning towards the smoother ride, however, after I received my first speeding ticket in 15 years two weeks ago for driving 80 in a 65. I think I would enjoy my 2003 V6 more if I could drive it to its full potential, i.e. at speeds between 80-120 mph on a regular basis. My old 83 Datsun 200SX was actually more fun to drive because at 70 MPH you really felt like you were humming along. I checked my tire pressure the day I bought it and it was correct - 32 psi front, 30 psi rear.
  • rogchengrogcheng Member Posts: 11
    The 2002's DID use double balance shafts.
  • lippoldslippolds Member Posts: 39
    A ticket fot 80 in a 65! Boy, come to MA (495)and at 80 you get pushed off the road by old ladies :)
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Anyone remember "bunk" who a few months ago was pulling his hair out over whether to buy the '02 or '03 Accord? Has he reincarnated under a different handle?
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    I wonder what he brought?
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    Don't know. I remember Pat asking him to drop an e-mail, and we never heard from bunk again.

    I seriously think he was playing Devil's Advocate, though...
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    That's right. He disappeared right after pat asked him to drop her an email! It's the kiss of death!!

    Pat = Terminator? :)
  • cdavidccdavidc Member Posts: 10
    Could someone tell me where the different models of the Accord are made. I thought the EX V6 was made in Ohio but didn't know about the other models Thanks
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Accord Plants - IIRC the majority of north american units (all models/all powertrains) are made in Ohio. Honda supplements from Japan and Mexico if more production is needed.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    All USA V6 Accords are currently assembled in Ohio - because the engine plant is right next door. 4 cyl cars can come from anywhere - Japan, Ohio, Mexico...with Honda's flexible assembly system, they can convert a plant in days to make just about any model in the lineup.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I didn't think the US got any Mexico built Accords ... guess I was wrong. You can tell where the car is built by the first letter of the VIN. J is Japan, 1 is US, and 2 is Canada. My SI was built in Swindon, England and it start's with a S.
  • mike1qazmike1qaz Member Posts: 93
    Well it's finally happened. My MXV4+s are approaching the wear bars @79K. I've been doing some research and because we seldom have problems with ice or snow way down here, I'm considering a three season tire.

    Sumitomo makes a tire I'm interested in, the HTR 200. I have no experience with this manufacturer, but the Tirerack description of this tire meets most of my requirements. Has anyone in a 98-02 Accord tried these yet? I'd appreciate any feedback.

    BTW, I've enjoyed the MXV4+s. They have given me great mileage,wear,and cruising pleasure. Yes, their wet traction was not the best and they do have handling limitations and are a bit noisy on rough roads, but overall they were more than adequate.

    Like others, I'm also looking at Dunlop SP A2 and Bridgestone RE950s, but I really don't need an all-season tire. I may do some exploring this time with the Sumitomos.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I bought the Sumitomo HTR4 from Tirerack last year. I think the HTR200 has replaced the HTR4 but am not sure. They were listed as a high performance all season tire (quite the oxymoron).

    After 16K I have been satisfied. Still plenty of tread left and I figure I'll get 40K out of them easily. They were ok in the limited snow we had last year and handle much better than the MXV4 Energy Plus Green whatevers that were OEM on my 98 EXL-A I4. I only got 36K out of the Michelins and for the price, I figured the Sumitomo's were worth a try. I only paid something like $55 each with the shipping.

    Good Luck with your decision and FYI NTB is carrying Sumitomo's now so if there is one near you, go check them out.
  • mike1qazmike1qaz Member Posts: 93
    I know they are different models, but how were your HTR4s in the rain and are they a quiet tire while crusing on the interstate. I really have no need for ice or snow capability, but wet traction is a must for my area. Glad to hear about the handling prowess.

    If you get the chance, pop over to Tirerack and see if the tread design of your HTR4 is similar to the HTR200. I don't recall tirerack having any info on the HTR4 when I last visited there site. I be curious if the tread changed greatly since the HTR4.
  • mike1qazmike1qaz Member Posts: 93
    I just popped over to tirerack and indeed the htr4 tire is still there. It does have a totally different tread so I quess it will have different performance characteristics than the htr200. Thanks for the input.
  • moonkatmoonkat Member Posts: 265
    also looks good, and available at tire rack.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I checked them out on tirerack and as you said they are different models.

    In the wet, they work out pretty well. We didn't have any real rain all summer and when it started in the fall I was suprised at some slip at take off but that's gone away. I think it was all the crud coming up from the road. Overall, I've been pleasantly suprised by these tires.

    If the HTR4's are any indication of the overall performance of the Sumitomo line, I think you'll be happy.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    oh, ha ha

    Usually when we ask someone to email us, it is because they have changed email accounts and failed to update their profiles -- which is a requirement, of course.

    :)
  • cjmustangcjmustang Member Posts: 3
    Just wondering what the valve adjustment interval is for the 03 2.4 engine is. My 94 Accord requires adjustments every 15k miles. I'm considering getting an 03 model and was hoping the interval has increased since I do my own maintenance. Anyone with an 03 know? Thanks.
  • alindaalinda Member Posts: 67
    I'm guessing bunk finally decided on a car, but is still arguing with the salesperson about a $50 doc fee.

    I see customers like that character all the time. No wonder car salesmen/women drink a lot.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    $50 is cheap for a doc fee. Dealers here charge between $99-$298 and in some cases more.
  • phkckphkck Member Posts: 185
    Have been looking for a commuter car to offset the SUV gasaholic I drive.
    At first I was going to the extreme, Toyota Prius or Civic Hybrid. (too small and slow).
    Then, thought of fun small cars for use as a commuter. RSX Type-S and Subaru WRX were big contenders. Almost signed over the check for a WRX, until I decided to see how a car seat would fit in back with my daughter. Not even close.
    My wife recommended the new Honda. Tried the 4 Cyl 1st and thought this would do. But, one ride in the V6 and the decision was made.
    Bought the Silver 03 EX V6 today with no regrets. Market (supply) is tight here in KC. Was able to go $800 off MSRP.
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    $50 doc fee is VERY cheap. When I bought the RAV4, doc fee was $150.
  • phkckphkck Member Posts: 185
    The supply does seem tight in the Kansas City area for the EX V6 right now. At one store, while on the test drive the last two in stock EX V6's sold.
  • alindaalinda Member Posts: 67
    yes, yes, i know a $50 doc fee is very low. my point was that bunk is probably caught up on some other minute detail at this point, thus further hindering his purchase. now my joke isn't funny anymore. :(
  • zircon2zircon2 Member Posts: 94
    Check the most recent Consumer Report. They checked replacements tires for a 99 Accord. My Michelins are almost toast @45K. (99 Accord). CR rated a Dunlop highest, I believe, and its was well priced ($either 55 or 70). I find wet traction brutal with the Michelins, and snow traction nonexistent. I had a hariy experience driving through a snow squall last year while on a family trip. I forgot to check the weather online before leaving. My wife's 4WD was sitting in the garage while I was sliding all over the highway. Honda should put traction control in all Accords.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Traction control isn't usually necessary in most relatively low-powered 4 cylinder FWD cars. And all V6 Accords do come with traction control from 01+.

    As for the Michelins .. I had 40k on my Accord when I traded it and the tires looked brand new, still had plenty of tread left, and still had great wet weather traction. I kept em rotated every 5000 miles and that's all they needed.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus that came with my 98 Accord lasted 52K miles. When it was time to change, I couldn't believe the best rate I got on the same set was $127/piece! I went with Michelin X-One. Yes, it is T-rated but I rarely, if at all, drive past 118 mph! ;-)

    MXV4s were had very low rolling noise but didn't like rough concrete/old road surfaces. Traction was alright (we don't get much snow here anyway). X-Ones are quieter on the roads that MXV4s didn't like, but have greater rolling noise. Traction continues to be about the same. But these tires were much cheaper ($83/piece). I may have to replace them at about 90K miles (currently at 73K).
  • 836tappan836tappan Member Posts: 6
    Just bought a 2003 EX-V6. We got 2 keys from the dealer plus one valet key. The remote entry is now built into the key (not on a key fob). I'm ashamed to say I have a poor track record of losing my keys (approx. once every 2 years). What's the best way to buy some back-up keys just in case (at the best price)? My dealer said to expect to pay about $200 (per key!!) through them. Any suggestions?
  • bftbft Member Posts: 7
    I'm thinking of buying a 2003 Accord EX-V6, and was wondering how well it might do in the snow. (I would definitely put snow tires on it). We don't get much where we live, but we do enjoy driving to the local mountains to ski. Does anyone have experience with the Accord in snowy weather?
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    The MXV4's are awful tires-lousy wet and snow traction-did a few whipsy doodles with them and not really pushing the envelope. Went to X-One's and what a difference. Vastly superior wet and snow traction. When you loose traction with the MXV4's-it is all over-someone who really knows tires said the treat twists and looses contact with the road. Anyway would not have MXV4's now if they were free. Have got 70K on this set of X-One's and will probably get another 15K at least out of them.
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Can anyone with a new 2003 Accord who has the 6-disc in-dash CD changer answer the following question:

    Does the CD changer have a random selection that shuffles songs randomly from all 6 CD's, or does it randomize songs from one CD at a time? I'm hoping it's the former.

    Thanks...
  • rogchengrogcheng Member Posts: 11
    According to the owner's manual, the random play only supports single disk randomizing. It says,

    "This feature when activated, plays the tracks within a CD in random order rather than the order they are recorded on the CD."

    I haven't tried it myself, but if it does work across CD's I'll let you know. Maybe there's a trick to it. . .
  • maltbiemaltbie Member Posts: 31
    Its random on one disc at a time only.
  • bklynguybklynguy Member Posts: 275
    if you get the mp3 cd player, can you select random mode ? ( which in my case would be 148 songs )
  • crv16crv16 Member Posts: 205
    I replaced the tires on my Accord at 38k. I almost went with X-Ones, but instead found a sale on Toyo Spectrum's ($58/ea, locally). They're ok - better wet traction than the MXV4's, but a little noisier, and a lot less directional stability.

    Another thing I've noticed is that my fuel mileage went down as well. I don't know if this is a coincident, but the MXV4's are supposed to have low "rolling resistance". The cause of my MPG drop could be the switchover to "winter gas" here in the Northeast, my change to a higher rolling resistance tire, the drop in temperature, or a combination of the above.

    If I had to do it over again, I'd bite the bullet and get the X-One's.
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    I paid $160 for an MXV4 Plus-Energy about three weeks after getting our car because a screw went through the sidewall. I wanted to keep a "matched" set. Bridgestone Turanza LS-T have gotten good comments at the TireRack. You can go there and compare feedback from actual buyers on almost all their tires.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...eeeekkkkk. That's why I shied away from them as well as I only got 36K out of the OEM set. I got all four Sumitomo's for about $210!!!

    Well, Michelin is a premium brand - as such they get a premium price. Heck - even BJ's Wholesale had the MXV4 Plus for $110 a pop.

    If you're happy with em - that's what counts.
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    MXV4s again. Too noisy and bad snow traction here in MN. That's why I've been reading up at the TireRack...
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    now has the '03 Accord in its wheel selector feature. Tough fit, but the SSR GT1 looks pretty good in a 17" size...
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    Thanks for the replies. Bummer...my Dad's Mountaineer supports 6-CD randomizing and it's a neat feature. Wonder why Honda doesn't implement it? Oh, well...
  • cdavidccdavidc Member Posts: 10
    Does anyone know who makes Honda brand motor oils?
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