22nd Apr 2001, 23:44

Lee here.

I kind of did the test as promised. I decided not to run the tank dry completely as I don't want to risk clogging up the fuel pump and/or injectors with any crap in the tank.

But, I did run the tank as low as I dared. I've managed to get 50 miles out of the tank when the light came on. Again, when I refilled the tank, I could barely get 60 litres in there, meaning that there was still 5 litres lying around!

Overall, on a run of mostly motorway driving, air-con off, the motor returned 380 miles (including part of the reserve). I'm pretty sure that if it was run dry, the car would probably manage 420-430. 380 is still better, but not fantastic.

Oh well. I'm fed up with driving like a sunday driver now, back to my heavy right foor antics ;->

Oh, at just over 11,000 miles the front tyres are starting to look a bit knackered. Few more thousand miles and they'll need to be replaced.

One other thing, I swear that Honda make their brake pads out of coal or something similar. Actual braking performance is superb, but the amount of dust on the wheels, only a day after having the car valeted was, er, lots.

Lee.

26th May 2001, 12:30

Just to confirm the other comments. I have a 2000 model Accord (1.8) and my fuel gauge suffers exactly the same problem I.e. a good 4 gallons left when the low fuel light comes on. Despite what it says in the handbook, the Honda and the dealers must be aware of this, as I've had this irritation confirmed by others. I'm also going to mention it on my next service - it would be great to hear from anyone that has had it fixed!

28th Sep 2001, 00:37

I am considering a 2.0 Executive Auto for my next car and I am concerned about the MPG. I have always found the following to be the best method : Fill the tank up to the 'click'. After about 200-250 miles do the same - you now know how many miles you have covered and exactly how much fuel is has taken - voila!

29th Oct 2002, 09:46

I took delivery of my 2.0 VTEC SE Executive (Auto) in December 2001 and with the year anniversary fast approaching, this is probably a good time to issue a review.

I've covered 19,000 miles so far and have experienced very few 'niggles' at all. I did, however, experience the rattly door problem, it actually came from the electric window actuator switch. The dealer resolved this on two visits, the first was wasted as they needed a part they hadn't got in stock.

I was relieved to see the other comments about the fuel gauge as I was fast beginning to believe mine had a 55 litre tank, not 65 litre! When mine is 'off the gauge' I find I can only get 55 litres or so in the tank, so like others, I will raise this issue at the next service. It's obviously a common problem.

The engine is reasonably lively, but it seems to struggle badly uphill and I have frequently been overtaken by 1.4 and 1.6 engined Fords and Peugeots in this situation, despite me having my foot full to the floor. I do admit, however, that I am foolish enough to run round with the air con on all the time, perhaps this is affecting performance a lot more than I had envisaged?

My previous car was a Vauxhall Omega 2.5CDX and prior to that a BMW 323SE, so perhaps I've become too accustomed to the 2.5 litre refinement and expect too much from my 2.0 Accord.

I can also concur with the comments about excessive brake dust, I am forever cleaning my alloys, sometimes only 48 hours after they have been cleaned and I've only been on a light short run. I've never seen this before, they grime up very quickly.

Other than these minor issues, I have to say the car has so far proved reliable, comfortable and a joy to drive. A definite 9/10, especially as it is gadget-packed and so much cheaper than most others in it's class. I won't begin to compare it to the significantly worse list of problems I had with my Omega though, we would be here all day.

One final point. The sat-nav system is excellent and has not yet let me down once. I haven't looked at a map since the car was delivered and I travel all over the UK.

20th Nov 2002, 15:47

I have heard that Japanese marques deliberately set a very conservative minimum fuel level at which the low fuel light is illuminated. This may be an apocryphal story, but the reason is to avoid the shame which would accrue to the manufacturers if ever the driver actually ran out of petrol!

31st Dec 2002, 09:41

I tested the fuel warning light last night and I had 15 liters left when it came on.

I have a 2.0 SE exec sport with the SSS auto and I have the same problem as Lee had with the rattling door, the dealer can't find the fault, do you know what the problem was in the end? I also have a grinding noise between 40-60, the dealer has replaced 2 wheel bearings, but it's still a problem.

I just ordered a new CD for the sat nav. I ordered if directly from tele atlas as it was cheaper than going to the main dealer. I'm not sure if I can run DX CDs anyone know?

Also, what do you all think about the Bose stereo? I seem to need it on about 18 just to hear it on the motor way!

2nd Aug 2003, 21:54

My LX Honda Accord 2003 2 door coupe is great, my only complaint is the amount of brake dust. I have to wash the wheels twice weekly. My dealer says nothing can be done. I am also noticing some pitting on the wheels caused by the dust.

6th Nov 2003, 05:06

I changed my civic marlin for a 2000 Accord SE Exec. I miss the civics handling on country roads, but love the general ride and handling of the Accord.

Petrol consumption came as a bit of a shock and I find that the VTEC runs smother on Shell Optimax though it took three fill ups till I noticed the difference, probably due to 10 litres sloshing about and unaccounted for.

Has anyone replaced the standard exhaust and air intake and has it improved performance? Is it worth a chip to get 10 hp?

Finally, were can I get a Honda sat navigation system?