Older Honda Accords

miamirocks · March 2003

Hey I agree w/ you. If you can save a few dollars why not, they are yours. This should help:

BTW, they made a mistake w/ my inception and gave me a refund of $11.00 (overcharge of the tag and title) so really my inception was 576.

As for the montly payment to be exact I pay $369.89. Our tax rate is 7% so w/o taxes it would be 345.69 a month.

So you're getting a good deal too! Go for it and enjoy the car. And of course what's great about leasing in 3 years we get the newer one (hopefully w/HID's).

Keep us posted.

cwd200x · March 2003

Thanks for the web site. It's good to know additional sites when shopping on line.

lacarbuyer · March 2003

I, like many of you, do not like the 2003 Accord's rear end. I hope the 2004 Accord has a redesign on the taillights. If a redesign will be done, does anybody know when this information would be announced? If there is no redesign I may have to settle for the 2003 Accord or spring for a 2004 Acura TL.

Thanks

carguy58 · March 2003

I would say 2006. Honda did a refreshening of the last generation Accord in 2001 so that would mean 4th year of a body style they do a refreshening.

atlantabenny · March 2003

My bet is that the taillights' outboard shape (upward slant cutting into the rear fenders) may not change since it involves a fender re-stamp. Too bad it's probably the single most defining (as in Buicky) part of the rear. Then again, if Honda reckons that they'll increase sales and profits from a major taillight redesignm they might just do it.

Based on previous generations, Honda is likely to change lens color (white strip to red strip or even back to amber ?), or the inboard end-tips near the license plate, or the bumper shape.

ickes_mobile · March 2003

It hasn't been Honda's practice to do major redesigns. Although controversial, the rear styling doesn't seem to be hurting sales. However, as the curved portion of the tail light shape is part of the trunk and bumper, it may be less costly for them to update that at the half-cycle freshening. I'd think it would be similar to the change to the front end from 98-00 to 01-02 or the rear end change on the 94-95 to the 96-97. Assuming a five-year cycle is maintained, 2006 is when this would happen.

according2me · March 2003

reading this thread and I have to agree with the low cowl being a better design. This, to me, was part of the makeup of what made the Accord special.

The tall greenhouse/low cowl was great for visibility and gave the Accord a very different feeling from other makes. The low cowl, tall greenhouse,large taillights,and the rear glass bending into the "C" pillar were defining styling cues for many generations of Accords.

I'm disappointed that Honda has abandoned many of these traits. I hear others saying that the new style is "growing on them". I don't agree.

I also don't believe the higher cowl is an inherently safer design.

I'm glad that Honda hasn't changed the underpinnings of the Accord and hope they never will. I bought my first new Accord in 77 and have been a Honda fan since than, but I will definitely sit out this generation.

ray_h71 · March 2003

"What type of bulbs did you put in? Also how is the otuput, I have heard that they may be brighter , but the biggest downfall is they dont light up the road as well as the stock headlights. ANy blueish hue to them."

mikek37, I put these in my 2003 Sonata. One of them burned out within 2 months. (And, yes I was very careful NOT to touch the glass with my fingers - the filament simply fused into a neat glob at the base of one of the internal glass supports.) These were electrically rated at 55 watts to protect the wiring, but they were advertised as having the light output of 85 watts. (probably a thinner filament to achieve greater light output at a 55 watt draw - which might have also played a role in the one bulb's premature failure...) While both bulbs worked, I -thought- the actual light output was a bit less, but this may have been a function of the blue tinting, too. Anyway, once one of the bulbs tanked, I just put both original halogen bulbs back in. They may not be as "cool" looking, but I suspect they'll last a lot longer. On my '96 accord, it still had the original halogen low and high beam bulbs at the time of its demise this past November.

bigzheng17 · March 2003

There are not much can be done about this, the water will get to the mechanism, especially if it rains. Only solution I can think of is to buy a can of those lock de-icers, cost a few bucks, but should do the trick. Another thing there is a leychain thingy use two AAA battery to heat a metal slip, which you can insert into keyhole to melt the ice, looks quite neat, but never tried it.

Oh forgot to mention, just buy a cigrette lighter, when you have a frozen lock, burn your key with it for a few seconds, and insert key, works like a charm.

maxamillion1 · March 2003

I was taking my uncle to church on Sunday, and I realized just how great my Accords are for viewing. I have absolutely no problems with sight when driving my Accords, glass is everywhere, and the seating position is just right. I don't sit up too high, but I don't feel burried under the dash either. But my Accords are 1991 and 1992 models. I wonder if the new design will be a problem for me, so far it hasn't been.

volvowner · March 2003

kglane -- Re. your question (#9365) on whether to get the 4 cyl or 6, I had the same question as I went in for a test drive of the '03 Accord. I've always wanted more performance than I could historically get from a 4 cyl, preferring turbos and 6 cyls. However, I decided to test drive the 4 cyl first, to determine whether it had enough power for me without first being swayed by any experience with the 6 cyl Accord.

The 4 cyl performed better than I ever imagined it would. Not only did it have the acceleration I need to merge quickly onto freeways, it was fairly effortless and had power to spare. Beyond that, it just left a hard-to-describe impression of, I don't know, substantialness. It didn't have that feeling and sound of a small engine straining to meet the demand that's characteristic of so many 4s. I didn't even test drive the 6 cyl... obviously it's faster and probably smoother, but I'll take the 3-6 mpg advantage along with all the performance I need.

It's also important to keep things in perspective. When I was making my decision, I thought back to my first car, a 1984 Nissan 300ZX. It was one of the faster cars of the time, and had enough horsepower to move me rapidly wherever I wanted to go. Know what, it had 160 horsepower! Not only that, I'll bet the torque curve is better on the Accord's 160 horses than on my old Z. I have no need to accelerate any faster now than I did when I was in college, so I decided to stick with the 4. There's been tremendous inflation in the horsepower game to the point that the numbers have really gotten ridiculous (300+ on some cars ???), but that doesn't mean we need to buy into it. No regrets so far, my EX-L is a well-balanced car with great ergonomics, quality feel and a fantastic seat.

Good luck with your decision... you can't go wrong either way.

outrun · March 2003

While both bulbs worked, I -thought- the actual light output was a bit less, but this may have been a function of the blue tinting, too.

The bulb-type "Xenon" bulbs do produce less light. Most of them actually tint the bulb blue, resulting in less of the color spectrum being released from the bulb. This results in less visible light, which is why they are actually dimmer than normal halogens.

True Xenon HID lights produce a much broader spectrum (some call it "natural" light), which is why these appear much brigher and crisper.

It wasn't your imagination.

The best replacements for halogens (without getting HIDs) are the "super white" type bulbs. Anything with the word "Xenon" probably sucks.

-Craig

rhard49 · March 2003

I seem to have a constant sulfer smell in my 4 cylinder EXL. I've switched gas brands but no change anyone else its only got 800 miles so far.

1997montez34 · March 2003

I felt the same way. The 4-cylinder Accord is perfect for those who commute in traffic, where the V-6 is a waste. I have been very satisfied with the 4. And FYI, my previous car was a DOHC Monte with 215hp, and our other car is a '95 Maxima.

mikek37 · March 2003

I previously posted this in the Honda Accord Problems thread, but I just wanted to be safe and post it here too because this thread gets a bit more exposure.

I have been experiencing the following problems:

A) Creaking noise that resonates from the driver side passenger window/ upper left windshield. The same noise is also heard on the passenger side window/ windshield. I browsed the forum and have heard this complaint from the following 03 Accord owners:

Martylaw, Bultman2,Sharyl, Mings98,4ztc524 and maxhonda 99.

Wonder if any of you guys have had this problem solved? If so could you help me out.

Also, Ronsteve and Auburn it seems you were having troubles with your moonroof. I am experiencing a rattling/clacking noise also. Did you guys have any luck.

I appreciatte all your help guys!!!

stretchsje · March 2003

I know my comments are late, but almost all new cars have a high cowl. The benefits are those mentioned earlier. Do you get used to it?

Yeah.

Until you drive a car with a low cowl again and realize how much better it is. I noticed that when I went from my '6 and drove a friend's Protege- liked the view much, much more, even though I wasn't complaining to begin with.

bhubb · March 2003

I have also been experiencing the same problems as post 9409.
Also, I have a ringing noise, kind of like a chain rattiling that appears to be coming from the passengers side in the back seat area.
I did solve the rattling noise in the moon roof. If you pull down the headliner trim at the back of the roof, you may discover, as I did, the headliner has come lose from the roof. There appears to be 4 or 5 velcro tabs that attach the headliner to the roof and on my car, these have come loose or unglued from the roof support, allowing the headliner to bounce against the roof bow. I have put some foam rubber in the area and will have my dealer fix next week when I go in for my 15K service.
I would also really appreciate a fix for these problems. I love this car, but don't expect noises in a Honda! So far, the dealer has been no help on this.

Thanks!

mikek37 · March 2003

Thanks guys for responding, I do appreciatte it. One question bhubb, do you mean the lining in the rear where it meets the rear windshield, is this where that clanking metal sound was coming from. Or do you mean the lining which attaches itself to front windshield. Auburn , thanks for the tips, I am going to give it a try tomm morning, that is if it doesnt snow. When will this winter end?

martylaw · March 2003

The creaking noise that seemed to come from the front of the windshield reportedly was caused by a rubber bushing at the front corner of the hood. They applied some silicone grease, and it stopped. That was in January. The sound may have returned a bit. I will check it out, and probably have the dealer apply some more grease or, preferably, see if the bushing can be replaced.

As to the low cowl, I have gotten used to it, and have no visibility problems. I really enjoy the car (graphite EX v6 Coupe). I am kind of curious to see if premium fuel really makes a difference, as indicated in previous posts, and may try a tankful. I had read that Honda said horsepower would be 250 on premium fuel. That seemed kind of farfetched, but an earlier post presented a logical explanation.

ray_h71 · March 2003

"Oh for those of you who like to use their parking/emergency brake in winter-when these things freeze-what a PITA-but just pull off the wheel and place spot or heat lamp a few inches away from the brake drum and it will do the job."

Good point, bburton1, but there's another issue involved here. Even cars with four-wheel disc braking systems usually have an auxilliary drum system for the parking/emergency brake. It's cast in as part of the rear brake disc rotors. During normal driving operation the discs are warmed by action of the pads during braking. Once the car is parked and the parking/emergency brake is set, the emrgency/parking shoes are set firmly against the relatively warm parking drums. But, as these metal parts cool down in really cold weather, that drum tries to contract around the unmoving, tightly set shoes. It could contract enough to permanently warp (along with the disc rotor, too) or even crack. Though I like to set my brakes and not rely strictly on the transmission's parking pawl, it might be a good idea not to set the parking/emergency brakes really tightly in severe weather after several miles of stop-and-go driving. On an incline, cut the front tires into the curb to hold the car.

isellhondas · March 2003

You have it backwards. Honda would be willing to build a whole lot more LX V-6 Accords if they would sell better!

A lot of dealers don't even order any of these because they are such slow sellers.

Most people who think they really "need" a V-6, want the loaded EX model.

In eight years, I think I've sold maybe four LX V-6 Accords and I sell a lot of new Hondas.

webexplorer · March 2003

I have a 03 Accord and it seems that the left front pillar is blocking the driver's view when trying to make a left turn. Is this because of the low cowl design, or the pillar design? I didn't have this problem in my 90 Accord which has a MUCH better view. Any ideas ?

thel · March 2003

I'm pretty sure they are drums back there. How much of an ordeal would it be to do it myself? What is involved? Thanks for any info.

maxpower02 · March 2003

My wife almost hit someone because the left pillar blocked her view of the crosswalk. The side curtain airbag is stored there, so I guess that's why the pillar is so wide. You have to watch when you make left turns and entering crosswalks. BTW, I'm sick of snow, my'03 EXV6 is again covered with snow! Grrr! 14 days till spring!!

according2me · March 2003

Get a Haynes manual($15) at pepboys/autozone, the procedure is in there. Shoes are a little more difficult than pads, but not extremely so. Also, if this is your first time, grab a friend that's done it a couple of times already. Pay attention as to how the springs and levers come apart and think SAFETY,SAFETY,SAFETY.

webexplorer · March 2003

Are you saying that this problem was not in the lower trims without side-curtain airbags ? If that's the case, then I really regret getting an EXV6 since one of the selling points of ExV6 is that it is safer car. Now it seems like it is a safety hazard to own it. I also had an incident where I almost hit the curb while trying to turn left. To me, this is a desgin flaw.

redkey1 · March 2003

Anyone know how much it would cost to add dual exhaust to the 4cyl accord coupe or if even you can do it? I really like the more agressive look that the dual exhaust of the v6 gives you but am not willing to pay msrp for it. Price diff between the 4 and 6 cyl is almost 5k because the 4 is going for invoice.

alpha01 · March 2003

One of the very few things I did not like about the Accord (03) in my 30 minute test drive of it (and subsequent rides in a friend's) was that the A pillar felt very close to me, and that it was raked in stuch a way that inhibited my view. The model I drove was a 4 (no airbags).

~alpha

webexplorer · March 2003

I didn't notice this problem when I test drove the 03 Accord since this is my first new car. I guess I was simply overwhelmed by all the positive reviews, my faith in Honda, and the neat features it has. I doubt I'll get used to it. I'm somehow stucked now. I feel like bring it back to the dealer and change for another car, any advice? Thanks.

outrun · March 2003

My '02 Passat has somewhat thick A pillars (all Passats have side curtain airbags, front and back). I do find myself looking in front and behind the pillar every once in a while to see if someone is standing there when I'm making a turn.

I also think that it provides a GREAT deal of safety to the interior compartment. First, it houses airbags. Second, it's most likely stronger than a thin pillar, providing more a more rigid structure.

-Craig

jud95accord · March 2003

I have also noticed the pillar is thicker than in my 95 Accord. About two weeks ago I was making a left turn into a parking lot and almost jumped the curb (I didn't see it). I guess we have to adjust the way we look out the window when driving.

pj23 · March 2003

Take a deep breath. The A-pillar width is not what I would consider a "problem", especially when you can move your head around a few inches to compensate for any area of less-than-ideal visibility. I know I do it all of the time. I would think any driver would.

And no, you can't take the car back. But why would you want to? All cars have A-pillars. And I haven't noticed them to be any wider in the Accord that in other cars. But that's me. And the width of the pillar isn't any different from one trim level to the next, because the curtain airbags do not deploy out of the A-pillar, only the C- pillar and roofline. Check out the photos on the Honda website.

So if you feel that the A-pillar interferes with your view, just learn to move your head a little.

webexplorer · March 2003

Thank you all for the posts. I guess I'll need to learn the 'watch-carefully-and-turn' habit to adjust to it. BTW, was the 02 model having the A-pillar design as well ?

masroz · March 2003

I have a new 03 Accord EX with 4600 miles and have recently developed a bad rattle(s)in the interior. I can't seem to locate it, but it sounds like it's coming from either inside the shift lever console. Has anyone experienced this?

s852 · March 2003

If it is a consistent interior rattle, then any good dealership service department will be able to find it and fix it. If it comes and goes, you may have problems.

peter7777 · March 2003

I believe that the left A-pillar on the 03 Accord may be displaced further to the right than it was in previous years. This design feature is not limited to the Accord. I test drove the Lexus ES300 and noticed the same thing.

Are there any mid-sized Japanese sedans that have wide angle visibility? I thought that this was one of the great features of the Accord, Corolla, and others from the mid-90s.

martylaw · March 2003

I too have noticed a visibility problem in making some left turns. You do have to move your head a bit, to look down. Another thing I noticed is that, because of the raked styling of my coupe, the bottom of the side windows are angled down. That actually gives you a little more visibility outward, but it is hard to judge whether you are straight in a parking space, because of the angle of the bottom edge of the window. (Does that make sense?)

libn314 · March 2003

A likely culprit is the CD compartment lid. Hold your hand on it and if the rattles stop that's it. Honda has redesigned the entire compartment on the early '03s and will replace it under warranty.

martylaw · March 2003

I too have noticed a visibility problem in making some left turns. You do have to move your head a bit, to look down. Another thing I noticed is that, because of the raked styling of my coupe, the bottom of the side windows are angled down. That actually gives you a little more visibility outward, but it is hard to judge whether you are straight in a parking space, because of the angle of the bottom edge of the window. (Does that make sense?)

bodble2 · March 2003

The (rather large IMO) side mirror of my CL gets in my line of vision too when I'm making a left turn. It is annoying but I've learned to duck my head left and right like Doug Flutie trying to look past 6' 6" linemen for open receivers.

akal50 · March 2003

I think people are making a big deal out of the A-Pillar. I've sat in plenty of cars where it was a lot worse, one of which was the Lexus ES300. I think people are just used to having such great visibility in a Honda. The thicker A pillar makes the car safer which I think is a worthwhile concession. How hard is it move your head a little? Besides, I've noticed the same problem in my 2000 Accord. Sometimes the A pillar does block my view. So I move my head. Yes, it's annoying but it's not a big deal and certainly not enough to make me want to return the car.

aming · March 2003

Awhile ago in one of the forums we talked about the background colors of the radio display (light background w/ dark letters and dark background w/ light letters). I visited a dealership yesterday and saw that the LX had light background and the EX had the dark background.

I'm not sure if this will hold true for all cars and countries...

Cheers..

wsc2 · March 2003

My new 03 Accord LX 4cyl MT is the latest in a long line of Accords I have owned in the last 20 years. Never do I remember having my vision blocked so badly by the A pillar as in this car. It is especially unnerving when making a left turn into a street with an island in the middle. My view of the tip of the island is blocked during about 70% of the turn, and shifting back and forth to keep it in view is not acceptable when there are so many other things that have to be looked out for while making the turn. Other than this I love the car, and have experienced none of the steering wheel vibration that others have complained about. In fact, when at a stop, I sometimes feel obliged to look at the tach to make sure it's still running.

pj23 · March 2003

I've noticed that I cannot look into the rearview or side mirrors and keep my eyes directly on the road in front of me. But then again, I don't need to see what is going on in the mirrors the entire time I am driving. I need only routinely check them. Nor does one need to focus exclusively on looking to see what is beyond the A-pillar. One needs only to move one's head a bit, check what is beyond the A-pillar, and then make the turn, cross the intersection, etc. It is not possible to see all things at all times. I'd also argue that it is not necessary.

Perhaps I just think that this is much ado about nothing. Driving styles and habits have to conform to the car being driven.

ray_h71 · March 2003

Add Hyundai Sonatas to the list, too. Probably the "price" we pay for a stronger cabin "safety cage". Hopefully none of us will ever be involved in a rollover, bit if any of us are...

outrun · March 2003

Don't tell me Honda cheaped out on the optional side curtains. They SHOULD run from the A all the way to the C.

At least only the EXV6 drivers have to worry about this, since they aren't available on any other model.

-Craig

peter7777 · March 2003

akal50 Mar 7, 2003 11:13am

The thickness of the A-pillar is not much of a problem for me either. Rather I'm wondering about the relatively small angle between the line from the driver's head to the A-pillar and the line from the driver's head directly forward. That angle was so small in the Lexus ES300 that I became a bit claustrophobic. The Accord seems better but I'm reserving judgement until I've had a chance to test drive it. So far I've only sat in one at the auto show.

akal50 · March 2003

I agree with pj23. I think people are making a big deal out of a minor issue. Yes, it's inconvenient to have to move your head, but isn't it worth it if it means your car is safer? Compared to most cars, the Accord still has great visibility. wsc2, did you drive the last generation Accord? I have one and I think it's just as hard to make left turns with this car as it is with the 2003 model.

bklynguy · March 2003

This issue may not even apply to me since I'm thinking about getting the EXV6 with the Navi, but I'm curious why Honda is producing 2 different LCDs when one clearly fits better with the lighting of the new Accord ( light letters/numbers on a dark background ), is the "better looking" LCD available only on the EX or can it be found on all trim lines ?

isellhondas · March 2003

Well, the first time I drove a 2003, I noticed they were thicker. It didn't take me long to get used to this however.

Funny...I'll bet the same safety focused people who demand five star crash test results and great rollover protection are the same people complaining?

Sometimes you can't win!

Older Honda Accords

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles