Honda Accord Reliability

Joshua J. Belsky · Dec 30, 2003

I test drove a Honda Accord EX with the I4 this past weekend and I loved it.
Although it doesn't have the refinement of the Acura TSX, (which I am also
interested in) the features are all there and the price is far lower. After
my test drive, I had really been won over, and I left the dealership having
about 95% decided on getting an '04 Accord.

Then I started reading online consumer reviews, and my mind started to change.
There are *so many* negative reviews of that car. It seems that people have
been having lots of mechanical and quality problems with their 2003 Accords.
On the other hand, the negative reviews of the TSX just complain about
performance and styling, not quality. But even the positive reviews of
the Accord mention rattles and engine trouble.

Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons need
to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher percentage of
the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every consumer
review site that I checked.)

So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car. But in
those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a hose
that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months, that's
too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.

So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on their
laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read were
of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the '04
update?

I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really well built.
But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is that
what the problem is?

Thank you for your opinions.

-Joshua

stevef · Dec 30, 2003

I see your point and have noticed the same articles.

I will look closely at Camry before buying another Honda Accord, although my
99 has been great.

Not sure what happened to Honda quality.
I test drove a Honda Accord EX with the I4 this past weekend and I loved it.
Although it doesn't have the refinement of the Acura TSX, (which I am also
interested in) the features are all there and the price is far lower. After
my test drive, I had really been won over, and I left the dealership having
about 95% decided on getting an '04 Accord.

Then I started reading online consumer reviews, and my mind started to
change.
There are *so many* negative reviews of that car. It seems that people have
been having lots of mechanical and quality problems with their 2003 Accords.
On the other hand, the negative reviews of the TSX just complain about
performance and styling, not quality. But even the positive reviews of
the Accord mention rattles and engine trouble.

Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons need
to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher percentage of
the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every consumer
review site that I checked.)

So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car. But in
those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a hose
that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months, that's
too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.

So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on their
laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read were
of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the '04
update?

I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really well
built.
But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is that
what the problem is?

Thank you for your opinions.

-Joshua

Paul Cardoza · Dec 30, 2003

stevef said:

I see your point and have noticed the same articles.

I will look closely at Camry before buying another Honda Accord,
although my 99 has been great.

Not sure what happened to Honda quality.
I test drove a Honda Accord EX with the I4 this past weekend and I
loved it. Although it doesn't have the refinement of the Acura TSX,
(which I am also interested in) the features are all there and the
price is far lower. After my test drive, I had really been won over,
and I left the dealership having about 95% decided on getting an '04
Accord.

Then I started reading online consumer reviews, and my mind started to
change.
There are *so many* negative reviews of that car. It seems that people
have been having lots of mechanical and quality problems with their
2003 Accords. On the other hand, the negative reviews of the TSX just
complain about performance and styling, not quality. But even the
positive reviews of the Accord mention rattles and engine trouble.

Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely
to post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have
lemons need to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on
the road, the 2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much
higher percentage of the reviews were negative. (This, by the way,
was true on every consumer review site that I checked.)

So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car.
But in those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer
twice. The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know
has been visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose
clamp on a hose that caused the engine light to come on. I know that
this is minor, and free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As
far as I'm concerned, if a car has to go to the dealer even once in
the first three months, that's too many times. The fact that even in a
glowingly positive review, there was a mechanical problem with the
engine, worries me.

So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on
their laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I
read were of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03
addressed in the '04 update?

I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really
well built.
But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is
that what the problem is?

Thank you for your opinions.

-Joshua
Click to expand...

I now have 17000mi on my '03 Accord V6/Nav and without a doubt, it is the
best car I've ever had. I took it back to the dealer one time for a
small rattle in the passenger side visor which was quickly corrected.
Nothing but oil changes other than that. I tested BMW 330 and Mercedes
C-320 when I was car shopping and neither can touch my Accord for
commuting 100mi/day. Rock solid, comfortable, quiet, 28mpg HWY (@80
+mph), 26mpg overall for my driving and $10k less than the competition
with comparable equipment. If the car had heated outside mirrors and
lighted steering wheel buttons I would call it perfect.

twaugh5 · Dec 30, 2003

Joshua J. Belsky said:

I test drove a Honda Accord EX with the I4 this past weekend and I loved it.
Although it doesn't have the refinement of the Acura TSX, (which I am also
interested in) the features are all there and the price is far lower. After
my test drive, I had really been won over, and I left the dealership having
about 95% decided on getting an '04 Accord.

Then I started reading online consumer reviews, and my mind started to change.
There are *so many* negative reviews of that car. It seems that people have
been having lots of mechanical and quality problems with their 2003 Accords.
On the other hand, the negative reviews of the TSX just complain about
performance and styling, not quality. But even the positive reviews of
the Accord mention rattles and engine trouble.

Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons need
to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher percentage of
the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every consumer
review site that I checked.)

So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car. But in
those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a hose
that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months, that's
too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.

So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on their
laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read were
of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the '04
update?
Click to expand...

As a long time Honda owner, I must admit judging from the negatives the
quality and reliablity may not be what it once was. I can tell you, though,
that I drive an 01 Prelude with 36k troublefree miles. I run it hard --
and it just keeps on going flawlessly. Preludes were built in Saitama, JA.

A-MAN · Dec 31, 2003

Joshua J. Belsky said:

I test drove a Honda Accord EX with the I4 this past weekend and I loved it.
Although it doesn't have the refinement of the Acura TSX, (which I am also
interested in) the features are all there and the price is far lower. After
my test drive, I had really been won over, and I left the dealership having
about 95% decided on getting an '04 Accord.

Then I started reading online consumer reviews, and my mind started to change.
There are *so many* negative reviews of that car. It seems that people have
been having lots of mechanical and quality problems with their 2003 Accords.
On the other hand, the negative reviews of the TSX just complain about
performance and styling, not quality. But even the positive reviews of
the Accord mention rattles and engine trouble.

Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons need
to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher percentage of
the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every consumer
review site that I checked.)

So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car. But in
those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a hose
that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months, that's
too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.

So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on their
laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read were
of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the '04
update?

I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really well built.
But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is that
what the problem is?
Click to expand...

In all the negative posts you see, you also have to keep in mind that the
Honda Accord is one of the best selling cars in America. By sheer numbers
alone, they are bound to issue cars with more quality problems, but I would
be willing to bet the percentage is still amoung the lowest of all
manufacturers (in fact, numerous magazines make just such a reference).

I am extremely happy and have had no trouble with my '03 EX with 7,000
miles.
The Accords are made in Japan as well. Mine was built there.

Hububer · Dec 31, 2003

I was looking at Accords over the weekend, and the ones I saw were all made
in Maryville, OH. I wonder if they have a different track record than
Accords made in Japan.

Where are these negative reviews and articles? I could not find the review
on Edmunds that Joshua referred to about trips back to the dealer within the
first 90 days. In fact, of the 900 or so consumer reviews of the '03 Accord,
the average score is around a 9.2 which seem to be very good. I spent about
half an hour and could not find anything about reliability issues. If more
details could be provided where all of these negative reviews are, I would
like to read them.

Thanks

Gus · Dec 31, 2003

Joshua said:

I test drove a Honda Accord EX with the I4 this past weekend and I loved it.
Although it doesn't have the refinement of the Acura TSX, (which I am also
interested in) the features are all there and the price is far lower. After
my test drive, I had really been won over, and I left the dealership having
about 95% decided on getting an '04 Accord.

Then I started reading online consumer reviews, and my mind started to change.
There are *so many* negative reviews of that car. It seems that people have
been having lots of mechanical and quality problems with their 2003 Accords.
On the other hand, the negative reviews of the TSX just complain about
performance and styling, not quality. But even the positive reviews of
the Accord mention rattles and engine trouble.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen the reviews of the 04's, but I can tell you my experience
with the '03 Accord EX sedan w/AT. It's been flawless and a joy to
drive. Only trip to the dealer was for its first oil change, which was
no charge. Car has approx. 6,900 miles on it now. Best mileage I've seen
to date is 29 mpg and it's averaging 24.6 overall. I don't think it's
fully broken in yet, either. My last car was an '88 Acura Integra LS,
which I loved; but the new EX is a noticeably superior car. My most
frequent passengers own a VW Jetta & one of the smaller SUVs - they rave
about my Accord every time we go somewhere.

YMMV, of course.

Ric · Dec 31, 2003

14,000 miles in 03 Accord sedan 4cyl / 5 MT. Still young for a car, but I
have had no reliability issues. The car has gone back for a recall (hose
clamp?) but otherwise oil changes and car washes have been my only
maintenance.

Car starts and runs flawlessly all the time. I do have complaints, such as
minor interior noises that come and go, which are evidently a common complaint
with this model year, and an occasional sulfur smell when shutting down the
car. People have told me to switch brands, but I buy whatever is cheapest
and put up with it.

pars · Dec 31, 2003

I've noticed, since Honda started to make their car's in N.A, it's been
taking them at least 2 years to work out the bugs from their new model
releases (however, in the past the 'bugs' used to be less severe).

Compared to other manufacture, Honda seems to be more proactive at
clean-up defects in their new release. So, there's a good chance that
the 2004 or 2005 Accord will have the issues addressed, that are now
effecting the 2003 model... However, if the 'defect' is a flaw in the
design, there's not much you can do about it (e.g current Civic and it's
primitive suspension).

Personally, I'd go with the TSX for the piece of mind and the fact that
it's a better tuned car. Also, the TSX's more aggressive look is not
just show. Around here, the Honda's (or Acura) that are aggressive on
the road, are the TSX and the punks driving the slammed Civic's (who
me?). Occationaly, you might see an Accord take pole on the fast lane,
which is still tame compared to what I've seen some of these guys
attempt with their TSX's.

Pars
98 Civic Hatch

Dick · Dec 31, 2003

We have an '03 EX V-6 w/nav, and before that, a '99 EX V-6. Both cars
were/have been flawless. I couldn't be more pleased with the '03.
Probably the best car we have ever owned, which includes Mercedes.
Certainly a far cry from the old days, when for example, we bought a
new Pontiac LeMans in 1963. I had three, type-written pages of
defects written up within a couple of days after picking it up at the
dealer. We don't know how good we have it these days with regard to
car quality.

Dick

Vosnos · Dec 31, 2003

My two cents worth... I have a '03 Accord EX that has been flawless thus far.
I do, often times, hear a slight rattle near the passenger visor, but that
rattle is not constant nor pronounced when it occurs and, despite this minor
observation, it nonetheless does not detract me from the "flawless" rating I
give this car. Whenever I make it to the dealer next they assured me that the
rattle problem will be rectified. I paid $20K for this car (new) ...and
honestly, it is mind boggling when you consider the ride and reliability
evident in this car. Also, I have yet to drive a four cyclinder car that is
not turbo-charged or modified that responds as well as the Accord (it is more
responsive that most V6's I've driven). The best car I've ever owned - past
cars including so called "high end" european and American makes.

GHOF · Dec 31, 2003

Me too, loaded '03 V6 - Great!!

RR

Gordon McGrew · Dec 31, 2003

I haven't seen the reviews of the 04's, but I can tell you my experience
with the '03 Accord EX sedan w/AT. It's been flawless and a joy to
drive. Only trip to the dealer was for its first oil change, which was
no charge. Car has approx. 6,900 miles on it now. Best mileage I've seen
to date is 29 mpg and it's averaging 24.6 overall. I don't think it's
fully broken in yet, either. My last car was an '88 Acura Integra LS,
which I loved; but the new EX is a noticeably superior car. My most
frequent passengers own a VW Jetta & one of the smaller SUVs - they rave
about my Accord every time we go somewhere.

YMMV, of course.
Click to expand...

I went with a friend who was car shopping early this year. We both
thought she would end up buying another Camry but the Accord drove so
much better that she paid the extra money to buy a 4cyl AT EX Accord.
As far as I know, her only complaint was the sulfur exhaust (which I
have also heard of Camry owners complaining and I think this is mostly
a function of the sulfur content of the fuel and a very efficient
emissions control system.) Dealer replaced the cat which may have
helped a little.

Consumer Reports has the most useful reliability survey available to
the public. They indicate that the '03 Accord has excellent
reliability. (The latest model year results for all cars are suspect
since the average owner had only driven the car three months when the
survey was taken.) It is worth noting that the '02 Camry was
noticeably worse in its initial year than '03 Accord was in its
initial year. Generally, the second year of production for a Japanese
design will be more reliable than the first.

Both Camry and Accord are at the top of the class in reliability.
Can't guarantee that you won't have problems, but you have minimized
the risk when you choose either of them.

BenDover · Dec 31, 2003

The Accord is one of the better quality vehicles in its
price range. Quality is s function of management, I doubt
one assembled in Japan would be significantly better than
one assembled in the US. Not every vehicle built by every
manufacture can be completely problem free every time, that
is why they all offer a warranty, not to worry. If I were
purchasing an Accord, I would spend the extra bucks and buy
a V6 over the 4.

mike hunt

NetSock · Dec 31, 2003

The Accord is one of the better quality vehicles in its
price range.
Click to expand...

It is the best in its class.

Quality is s function of management, I doubt
one assembled in Japan would be significantly better than
one assembled in the US. Not every vehicle built by every
manufacture can be completely problem free every time, that
is why they all offer a warranty, not to worry.
Click to expand...

Broken record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...broken record...broken
record...broken record...broken record...

If I were
purchasing an Accord, I would spend the extra bucks and buy
a V6 over the 4.
Click to expand...

If you were purchasing an Accord, that would be an indication that you might
have some sort of intelligence. But since you have proven you don't have
any...stop trying to play with us...

mike hunt, your village idiot.
Click to expand...

--
'03 S2000
'94 Accord

It's just about going fast...that's all...

http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

Milleron · Jan 1, 2004

I test drove a Honda Accord EX with the I4 this past weekend and I loved it.
Although it doesn't have the refinement of the Acura TSX, (which I am also
interested in) the features are all there and the price is far lower. After
my test drive, I had really been won over, and I left the dealership having
about 95% decided on getting an '04 Accord.

Then I started reading online consumer reviews, and my mind started to change.
There are *so many* negative reviews of that car. It seems that people have
been having lots of mechanical and quality problems with their 2003 Accords.
On the other hand, the negative reviews of the TSX just complain about
performance and styling, not quality. But even the positive reviews of
the Accord mention rattles and engine trouble.

Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons need
to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher percentage of
the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every consumer
review site that I checked.)

So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car. But in
those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a hose
that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months, that's
too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.

So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on their
laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read were
of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the '04
update?

I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really well built.
But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is that
what the problem is?

Thank you for your opinions.

-Joshua
Click to expand...

My '03 EX V6/Nav spent about twelve days in the shop within it's first
four months getting a steering-fluid leak diagnosed and fixed. In
spite of that, I have been extremely happy with my car that's now
twelve months old with 9,400 miles on it. The repair was perfect, and
there have been NO other problems, not even a minor rattle or squeak.
I have zero buyer's remorse, and I recommend this automobile highly.
Ron

lcopps · Jan 1, 2004

I have a 2004 Accord and it has absolutly no rattles. If others concure
with me, it could be assumed the rattles are fixed. I also have a 5M
Navi. The manual 5 speed makes it fun to drive and the Navi from what I
have heard is the best in the industry.

Gus · Jan 1, 2004

Dick said:

We have an '03 EX V-6 w/nav, and before that, a '99 EX V-6. Both cars
were/have been flawless. I couldn't be more pleased with the '03.
Probably the best car we have ever owned, which includes Mercedes.
Certainly a far cry from the old days, when for example, we bought a
new Pontiac LeMans in 1963. I had three, type-written pages of
defects written up within a couple of days after picking it up at the
dealer. We don't know how good we have it these days with regard to
car quality.
Click to expand...

Now THAT brings back memories. This is what made Detroit such a fat
target for the Japanese manufacturers in the 70's.

Gus · Jan 1, 2004

pars said:

I've noticed, since Honda started to make their car's in N.A, it's been
taking them at least 2 years to work out the bugs from their new model
releases (however, in the past the 'bugs' used to be less severe).

Compared to other manufacture, Honda seems to be more proactive at
clean-up defects in their new release. So, there's a good chance that
the 2004 or 2005 Accord will have the issues addressed, that are now
effecting the 2003 model... However, if the 'defect' is a flaw in the
design, there's not much you can do about it (e.g current Civic and it's
primitive suspension).

Personally, I'd go with the TSX for the piece of mind and the fact that
it's a better tuned car. Also, the TSX's more aggressive look is not
just show. Around here, the Honda's (or Acura) that are aggressive on
the road, are the TSX and the punks driving the slammed Civic's (who
me?). Occationaly, you might see an Accord take pole on the fast lane,
which is still tame compared to what I've seen some of these guys
attempt with their TSX's.
Click to expand...

You've been driving about 6 months or so? (not a flame, BTW, just a much
younger guy's point of view)

twaugh5 · Jan 1, 2004

Hububer said:

I was looking at Accords over the weekend, and the ones I saw were all made
in Maryville, OH. I wonder if they have a different track record than
Accords made in Japan.

Where are these negative reviews and articles? I could not find the
Click to expand...

review
All the negativism I have seen has been on this NG. I find it hard to
believe that these are any more than isolated instances.

Honda Accord Reliability

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