Older Honda Accords

mikek37 · March 2003

I am not sure if I can agree with your comments. I own the 03 V6, which was made in the states, and my car exhibits none of the problems posted. I dont think its safe to make the generalization that accords manufactured in japen are put together better then those from the states.

venus537 · March 2003

in terms of assembly quality, i could tell. anybody who's familar with my postings knows i'm a staunch defender of hondas, so i don't make theses comments lightly.

gee35coupe · March 2003

And I have seen panel tolerances all over the place. But the Honda lot isn't the only place I've seem this discrepancy. Honda isn't alone.

moolman · March 2003

Anybody see any Accords with a 26MPG for city driving. I was at the dealership getting my car fixed and saw one. It was a v4 and it was for sale, I saw a demo that was 26mpg before and thought maybe they messed with it since it was ULEV and most v4's in cali are SULEV.

Alex

maxamillion1 · March 2003

Those are the manual transmission models right? I know the automatic is rated at 24/33 while the manual is rated at 26/34.

outrun · March 2003

A v4 engine is only available in a motorcycle. The Accord has an I4 and V6.

-Craig

chrisg20 · March 2003

Hi,
I am looking at a 2003 Accord. Right now it is between the EX 4 cylinder manual and EX V6, auto transmission. I drive 35 miles straight highway each way to work, so I really am looking for good gas mileage. But, at the same time, I want the car to have "pep". I currently drive a Jetta V6 200 HP and it's great, but gas mileage stinks (20/gal hway). Any thoughts on which is better for power, and gas mileage?
Thanks for your help- I appreciate your input.

abc246 · March 2003

This is an easy one. I4 with 5 speed for mpg and V-6 auto for power. If you really like the power of the VW you should buy the 6, however the Honda I4s are great engines and with a manual you get a lot of usable power.

My SUV was in an accident (99 Blazer) with a much bigger truck and now I am looking at the Accord to replace it. I had a 92 Accord before the SUV. However, reading these posts nearly broke my heart. My Blazer has some of these problems and I cannot deal with ANY of them again. The one I really hate is the dash squeak/rattle when the temperature is near or below 0 degrees F. Sounds like a small problem, but this winter was cold and I drove for a month in those temperatures. I hate any noises like that. To find the new Accord does the same thing is keeping me from buying it. Lucky for these message boards. I don't think Honda will fix problems like this because they are design/material related.

outrun · March 2003

Most cars are going to exhibit some kind noise, either a squeak, groan, rattle, or what have you, at 0 degress F (that's about -18 for you Canadiens). Most libricants, such as those used in door hinges, will start to loose their proper lubricating properties at these temps (groan). Other materials will become brittle, or shrink, etc.

Things relating to the dash are especially tough. Before starting the car, everything is cold. Once the car warms up and heat is flowing through the vents, certain pieces heat up, while others remain cold. This results in pieces not fitting exactly as they are then both are the same temperature, resulting in pieces moving around slightly when hitting a bump (squeak) or certain engine speeds vibrations (rattle).

And in cars like the current Accord, the Camry, and even my Passat, all these are more noticable since the cabin has become so quiet during normal driving.

-Craig

accord7 · March 2003

I would like to see some pictures of the car with the decklid spoiler. Let us know where they are posted. Thanks

atlantabenny · March 2003

Test-drove the Mazda6 6-cyl auto today; need to have my replacement car next few days.

Deciding between the M6 and the Accord V6 coupe - with this major observation: Accord V6 has instantaneous throttle response while the M6 has lag. Not as satisfying for point and squirt driving. 0-60 & 30-60 mph acceleration both feel slower than the Accord's.

However the steering feel, size and pedal controls are excellent. Feels very nimble. Very nice steering wheel too. I'd choose it over the Camry and the Altima based on overall execution.

gee35coupe · March 2003

I drove a 6i 5 speed right after it was introduced. Loved the car. Drove like a dream. The ball on the 5 speed is near perfect. One of the best test drives I've ever been on...Twice.

But...Dealers weren't dealing (Jim Ellis in Marietta) and Honda dealers were. So I bought an Acord. I couldn't see myself going MSRP deep in a Mazda. As far as the V6, I don't have experience there. But I hear it has to be revved for power so that may be the lag you mentioned. The new Accord V6 is supposed to be like buttah. I haven't driven one but they sure sound nice when you start em up.

dudleyr · March 2003

The 4 cyl 5 speed (manual) at 34 mpg on the highway (this is actually 43.5 mpg on the EPA test before they do their usual 22% recuction - this is because people used to complain that they couldn't reach the EPA mileage numbers). If you drive the car at reasonable speeds (65 or so) you should get 40 mpg on the highway with the manual tranny. This is amazing for a car of this size. As far as power the 4 has plenty. It has about the same power to weight ratio as a late 70's Corvette, and will go 130 mph+ if you want it too.

Kirstie_H · March 2003

Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat. Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability) against other Town Hall members.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

Hope to see you there!

moolman · March 2003

In my local Honda dealer Stockton Honda, they had a demo, the sticker was blank on price, it just said "not for sale" It was a fully loaded V6, spoiler, DVD entertainment, steel tips, wood trim even thought it's suppose to have silver since the interior is grey, etc, etc, and it was a stick, that why I was confused, it was a v6 manual which aren't sold I guess and the city MPG was 26.

Alex

dudleyr · March 2003

Was that a V-6 Sedan with the manual tranny? If so wow! Where was this? What was the highway mileage - do you remember?

bamacar · March 2003

How could any V6 get 26 on the highway in an Accord? The coupe V6 6 speed only gets 20/30. Are you sure it was a V6 and not an accessorized EX-L 4 cylinder with 5 speed manual? Was it a 5 or 6 speed manual?

fredvh · March 2003

Could anyone give me the exact RPM at exactly 70 mph with the Accord I4 w/auto trans?

umyaya · March 2003

Anyone see it? I'm famous now!

chrisg20 · March 2003

I did not know they reduced the fuel economy by 22%... is this done with all cars?

It seems the 4 cylinder manual will get me somewhere between 33-37 mpg (a big difference from my Jetta-- 20/mpg highway!)

moonkat · March 2003

umyaya:

uhhmm.....can you give us a clue....?

atlantabenny · March 2003

"But I hear it (the M6) has to be revved for power so that may be the lag you mentioned."

Right, and one can probably work around this with the nifty manumatic (up to downshift, down to upshift), but most of the time I would just stay in D so the M6, ultimately, won't work.

Not also sure about resale strength, and this is a factor in upgrading every 3 or 4 years.

Looks like I'll be negotiating for the Accord Coupe V6 next few days. Would have loved the RX-8 to be on the shopping list too but it'll still be a few months for that nice "4-door coupe."

moolman · March 2003

I'll go back to the dealer to confirm but the reason I specifically remember it as a v6 is because I was first looking at the accessories and my car is a exv6 in graphite pearl, the car there was also the same color and I was looking at the stainless steel tips and it had 2. Reason I know it had 2, I was under the car trying to see how they put the things on with the bolt. The car was fully loaded with all the add-on accessories. It could of been a manual with dual exhaust then, well, the sticker did say "not for sale" and some other things. But I do remember it having a 26mpg for city with dual exhaust.

Alex

webby1 · March 2003

Does anyone know what the proper pressure is for the Accord Coupe? The Honda label and manual indicates 29 PSI front and back but the dealer keeps putting 35PSI claiming the tire manufacturer suggests 35PSI

carman54 · March 2003

I was recently quoted a price of 18,000 for 2003 LX 4 dr and it seems like a good deal. I test drove it and it rides so smooth and it feels like a car twice the price. My only concern is the driver seat seems too low for me. I adjusted it as much as possible, but I was still uncomfortable.. I would like to know your thoughts on the car.

nfjimc · March 2003

Have been driving my 2003 EX for a couple of weeks now and so far I love it! Question, the manual says that the anti-theft lamp on the dash blinks for 15 seconds or so indicating that it is setting and then lights, once set. Mine never stops blinking. Is the manual incorrect or do I have a problem?

talon95 · March 2003

Follow the Honda recommendations rather than the dealer's. The auto manufacturer determines the correct tire pressure based on the weight distribution, suspension tuning and other aspects of the car. The tire manufacturer can't possibly know the details of the exact application of the tire, so its pressure recommendations are usually limited to maximum pressure. So in this case, Honda definitely knows best.

carguy58 · March 2003

As far as Honda making cars in America everybody acts like a its a new thing or something. Honda has been making cars in America for a long time. I have my Acura thats made in America and its been fine. People have reported problems with Accords with Accords made in Japan on these boards I believe. The only issue I think is the rattles which are getting on Accords owners nerves.

18,000 sounds like a good deal on an Accord LX 4 cylinder. The MSRP in New Jersey is 20,460. I'm not sure if the MSRP is different in other states.

As far the Accords exterior design is concerned the Coupe is much better looking than the sedan but I thought the last generation Accord Coupe was better looking myself. Honda did what Mitsubishi did with the Eclipse a few years ago: took the sportiness out of the design to give it the Accord Coupe a fuller look. I'll be shopping for a new car in 6 years. The next Accord comes out in 2008 so I hope the Coupe and Sedan are more sportier. I still say the best looking Accord was the 96-97 body style. The 98-00 and 84-85 bodystyles were very good looking too. 92-93 was a pretty looking body style too.

sinjin_dog · March 2003

2003, LX Manual, returned 30.0 mpg and 31.4 mpg, mostly (80%) on local driving.
So, I can believe 22% reduction. The engine is still breaking in, only 1300 miles on it.
By the way, this engine really rocks and I am glad I did not buy SUV.

jonesok1 · March 2003

Honda has now acknowledged that it has determined that some 03 EXV6's have a problem in the design and or manufacture of the area under the A-Pillar that causes a popping/creaking sound when starting,stopping, or turning. The area where this sound comes from is welded and enclosed, and cannot be repaired by any techniques known by the dealer as of this date. Honda admitted this is the same problem as discussed by Gotribe on this board, who received a new replacement vehicle.
If anyone else has experienced this popping or creaking sound from the left pillar, please respond as I am investigating how many others may have or have had this problem.

outrun · March 2003

Or is it any Accord built in the US (since all EXV6s are built here)?

-Craig

own4h · March 2003

jonesok1 · March 2003

That's hard to say at this point. I would suggest that ANYONE with any 03 Honda Accord respond if you are having similar problems with popping/creaking sounds coming from the front chassis when stopping, turning or starting, particularily if it was built in the U.S. You can determine this if the first number of the VIN is 1.

own4h · March 2003

I replaced my 1998 V6 auto with a 2003 EX-L I4 5 sp manual, I have 7000 miles including a 4000 mile trip with 5 adult/luggage. I also live in area with cold winters and snow.
1) Handling Lighter EX-L handles better, more nimble. Like everything but tires, which be upgraded when worn.
2) Braking EX-L slightly better for same reasons.
3) Power 0-60 no difference, but thereafter V6 has more grunt. Passing EX-L surprising good, good power in mountains, but works harder than the V6 that seem to run effortlessly.
4) Fuel economy, EX-L wins hands down whether you drive them hard or not.
5) Ride 2003 big improvement
Having owned an Accord for 5 of the 7 generations, I can say that the 2003 is by far the best, with the technological progression most impressive.
I do feel for the people on this forum who have encountered problems with their 2003. I can understand their frustration. But having none of these problems myself, I can also say the to generalize these problems as indications that Honda has abandoned quality control is both reakless and irresponsible.

dudleyr · March 2003

If you go to the EPA web sit you will find this statement about the 22%. Remember that to get back to the original number you have to add 28% (just like if you buy a 100 dollar item for 25% off it is $75 then to figure the original price you add 33% to get back to $100)

"NOTE: To make the numbers in the Fuel Economy Guide more useful for consumers, EPA adjusts these laboratory test results to account for the difference between controlled laboratory conditions and actual driving on the road. The laboratory fuel economy results are adjusted downward to arrive at the estimates in the Fuel Economy Guide and on the labels seen on new cars, light trucks, and vans. The city estimate is lowered by 10% and the highway estimate by 22% from the laboratory test results. Experience has proven that these adjustments make the mileage estimates in the Fuel Economy Guide correspond more closely to the actual fuel economy realized by the average driver."

FWIW I have always been able to match the actual highway mileage (not the reduced consumer version). You just have to keep your speed reasonable and constant, and do only highway driving with no stops - of course this really only happens on long trips.

cg38 · March 2003

I owned 2 honda accords. First was 1996LX I-4, second is 2000EX V-6. I wanted to get '03, either EX or EX V-6. Read a lot of these posts, anyone have luck getting the creaking noise fixed yet or other problems mentioned? I am disappointed to read all these problems 03s seem to be having. My other 2 accords are/were great cars, just routine oil change/mileage checks. Never had to take either back for warranty work. Gun shy now about getting an '03. Really shocked to hear about vibration problems with I-4. My LX had the 4, could never tell engine was running and NEVER had vibration problem at all. Really hope they work bugs out, may wait to see if problems are solved or wait to see how '04 is.

dudleyr · March 2003

Try an Accord before you discount it for the vibration problem. I test drove one and could not tell it was running (4cyl manual tranny). It is an extremely smooth engine. The steering wheel may vibrate a little under certain conditions (a/c compressor comes on etc.) but it is not like a diesel truck or anything - very slight.

The problem is if you focus in on something you tend to really notice a problem that you otherwise might not notice.

mikek37 · March 2003

Thats a good point. People , in general (including myself), tend to notice or dwell upon something when we constantly think about. The vibrating, if you are looking for it, you will find a slight vibration.

lorraine6 · March 2003

I bought my 2003 Accord in October of 2002. This is my 1st Honda. I have had the car into the dealer 3 times for repairs. Then engine light came on (not because of the gas cap) 4 times in one month. The 1st visit the Idle Air Controller Valve needed adjusting. At this appointment I complained of a bad "rotten egg" smell. The next visit was because of the engine light and bad smell. The dealership then ordered a new converter for the car. On the next visit they replaced it. I thought that had fixed the smell problem, but it returned. I'm going to the dealer again tomorrow. Mine is the 4 cyl. Anyone else with similiar problems? If so, how did Honda resolve it?

tracguy · March 2003

You stated you had the sedan and you installed th foglights. Do you need to cutout the front fascia to mount the lights? I would appreciate the picture if you could post it.

moolman · March 2003

Here's a link to a petition I started:

http://www.petitiononline.com/03Accord/petition.html

I'm pissed now. Since day one my 2003 Accord does not always start right. It doesn't start smooth but putters or makes some other awkward noise before starting. My dealer even heard the sound but said it was normal and just give it a better crank. This is not normal for any car, we have to resolve this now or we'll have major repair bills later when our warranty runs out.

Please post this on other Honda sites and other V6 owners, we need to get this resolved. Especially since Honda hides TSB bulletins, we'll never know if there is a fix unless we complain.

I'm going to wait for about 25 legit signatures on the petition. After I verify each signature is an owner of a 2003 V6 accord, I'm going to file a complaint with the BBB for aribitration, like it says in our warranty booklets. That way I have a stronger case, if I can show them 25 others who have the same problem to the BBB.

Alex

own4h · March 2003

Honda used to make Civics and Accords. Then added Prelude CRX SI etc. Then Acura. Lately its added 4 SUV's lines plus the Odyssey Van. They added many US, Canada, and Mexican plants and subcontracted more of the compnent parts to increase the North American content of the vehicles, all to the benefit of the North American economy.
While initially these plants were state of the art yielding better than average reliability, the recent streak of record sales volumes, especially SUV and vans volumes, have stretched the plant production to the limit.
The new plant expansions and modification have resulted in more modular assembly whereby unlike old production lines, used capacity for 1 line(poor selling Civics) can be quickly converted to a better selling other line (great selling Odyessey).
I believe that alteration of these plants combined with Model changeover has resulted in a great engineered assembled with some substandard production problems, creating inconvenience for some of the initial buyers. Later produced cars seem to be better produced, so I think the majority of the bugs are cleared up, and there should be clear sailing ahead.
Having said that, for those saddled with the problems, the resolution of the problems should be the first priority of both Honda and their dealers. These initial problems must be resolved expediently and those inconvenienced should be compensated accordingly. A company can be excused for initial startup problems if both the dealer and Honda work together to fix them completely, quickly, and honorably.

ileung1211 · March 2003

I thought i am the only one. that creaking noise from the driver side is driving me nuts. i had it for a month now, visited the dealer 3 times. just had the left front speaker replaced. it was a defective speaking making popping noise AND they found a broken clip AND a piece of small loose wire inside the door

Jonesok1, how did Honda acknowleged the problem?

the service adviser and the tech couldn't figure out the problem. they said something about the sun heats up the panel, then the parts will have better fit. the noise will go away.

I was like "WHAT............"

Thats' why i am here browsing this site

What is our next step?? i will do anything!

gee35coupe · March 2003

Just as with the transmission problem just give Honda time to find out what the problem is in the first place. They have shown in the past that they take cusomer satisfaction seriously and that they will correct it. Since there seems to be an issue with some of these early Accords I'm sure Honda is working on it. You have a choice. Give em a little while to find out what's wrong or you can huff and fume and run your blood pressure up and....end up giving them a little time to find out what's wrong.

bburton1 · March 2003

This is H2S or hydrogen sulfide and is caused by sulphur in the crude oil/gasoline. Sour crudes have sulphur-a friend used to be a jet mechanic in the AF and could tell by smelling the jet exhaust if the fuel was "sour" or not.

So if some dealer switched out a cat cause it was making bad smells-wow. Try changing your gasoline brand-and it ain't like it is a problem-just your little honda has a bit of silent flatulence-a sbd. Wish all i had to worry about was smelly exhaust-course I don't usually stick my nose up my exhaust pipe except when I have to replace it.

according2me · March 2003

end all of your driveability problems and $$$ lights. I recall you used your extended warranty to have some evaporative and other emission parts replaced. Just curious if the O2 sensor was the real fix.

emale · March 2003

guys,

i very recently leased an '03 v6 ex coupe. so far the car has been a delight except for a slight lack of headroom because of the sunroof.

anyway, i do have a couple questions. do any of you guys (even sedan ex v6 owners) that own this car think the throttle is a tad touchy? also, i've noticed that when you are accelerating at a decent clip the 5-speed autobox upshifts nice and smooth, but when you only have light throttle application it's upshifts feel kinda "lurchy" for lack of a better word. the car i'm leasing does this, and a different one i test drove also did this. any of you notice similar?? thanks...

mikek37 · March 2003

I experience the same lurching sensation when softly accelerating. I believe it is the design of the Honda trannies. My girlfriends civic 01, has the same feeling to it. I guess well just hav eto get used to it. Oh by the way, the throttle is quite sensitive because its electronically controlled. Give it a week or two and you'll be used to it.

bburton1 · March 2003

Well two different Honda dealers replaced various elements of the evap system including switches around the carbon cannister. I think the first round of problems was a leaky gas cap which I replaced myself and the CEL quit illuminating-interesting to note the tech on this one was really good-took my own shop manual and the guy really knew his stuff and still replaced the wrong stuff cause after replacing the evap switches-cel happened again till I replaced the $5 gas cap.

The next set of problems were addressed by a different dealer-replaced some more of the evap system-still did not work-did some reading and convinced the service manager to replace the O2 sensor-that fixed the problem. Very interesting getting this repair done-the service manager I usually worked with was on vacation and his boss took over-well the boss absolutely refused to even consider replacing the O2 sensor-was within 1K miles of being out of warranty-waited till regular service manager was back and got him to replace the O2 sensor. If it were up to the boss I would have not gotten this fixed and would have to replaced it (the O2 sensor) out of my own pocket-that is over $200 for the part alone.

Again the O2 sensor problem was evident by the engine stumbling when cold-way too rich and gas mileage declining from 30 to 27 mpg-spend almost all of my time on hwy at 79 mph.

The only complaints I have about my 97 accord is a way too noisey engine-all the techs say NADA PROBLEMO. Oh and from reading the posts in this news group I have discovered that I have had a engine vibration problem for over 20 years and did not know I had a problem.

bburton1 · March 2003

The current CR (Consumer Report) magazine has an excellent article titled something like, "How to Avoid the 10 Most Common Dealer Tricks". They have some really good advice-most of the problems appear to be around financing-well worth reading even if you are not in the market for a vehicle.

Older Honda Accords

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles