2006 Honda Accord LX Four cylinder from North America
Summary:
Not the quality we'd hoped for
Faults:
Center console slider is too loose. You can't lay your arm on it without it becoming unclipped and sliding forward. Had it replaced once with no change. I have driven other Accords from this same series with a tighter detent on the console, which kept it from sliding. Could not get any traction complaining about it to the dealer, so we've just had to live with it.
The fabric on the center console arm rest began coming unglued within a couple of weeks after purchase. It was replaced at the time of the detent complaint and replacement, and has been okay since.
General Comments:
We were all set to buy a Camry, but then Toyota changed the body style in 2006, which looked a$$-end-of-the-moon ugly to us, so we bought the Accord instead. It's an attractive car, but we wish now we'd have bought the Camry.
Mechanically, the car is fine, except for the brakes. We've had zero reliability issues so far. The engine is smooth, runs excellent and has plenty of power. Can't detect any suspension squeaks or rattles, and it handles great. We like the numerous fan speeds on the heat/air. Radio sounds pretty good for a factory stock setup. Have had zero unscheduled repairs. All I've done is change the oil and flush the fluids a couple of times.
On to the dislikes--
Brakes: The rotors hard spotted within about 30k miles, which causes a pretty severe front end shake upon braking occasionally. Doesn't do it all the time, probably only when the front wheels get phased just right. I haven't replaced the brakes yet, because I'm cheap and there's still some meat left on the pads (at 70,000 miles). It stops fine; the shake is a nuisance though.
Doors: The doors will. not. stay. open. while you're getting out. You actually have to be on a slight downslope for them to stand open without crashing shut on you during egress. Very annoying.
Trunk lid: It won't stay up either. Can't tell you how many times we've been bonked on the head by the trunk lid while digging something out.
General cabin comfort: Once you get all strapped in, it's a wonderful road car, however it's kind of like sitting in a bucket. Moderately uncomfortable to get in and out of, which makes it the less-than-ideal errand car. And the doors flop shut on you while you're getting in and out.
Center console slider: Comes unclipped too easily. Lightly laying your arm on it causes it to pop loose and slid forward. It's annoying. A few months after purchase, we happened to rent a nearly identical car while on vacation. It's console detent was much tighter, and worked fine. After we got home, we had ours replaced under warranty, but it's just as loose as the first one. Further complaints to the dealer were simply met by blank, stupid looks, so we've had to live with it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 5th January, 2010
7th Jan 2010, 19:49
I have also been somewhat surprised to discover that the Hyundai Sonata and Accent, as well as the Kia Forte were all more quiet and smoother than the Honda Civic or Fit. I've driven them all, and this does not agree with what I had always been led to believe about Honda being the best. The Koreans seem to be on the rise.
6th Jan 2010, 22:03
You made a good choice with Accord over Camry; the 2006 Camry is troublesome. BTW, now it's more difficult to choose one, as the Accord tail is too ugly and old fashioned too :(
I guess in a few months the Sonata would be the best one. Shame on Japanese cars going down in quality and style.