23rd May 2007, 20:49
Mine is a 2003 Accord ex-l.
I agree that the quality is not up to the previous Hondas I have owned. The dealer couldn't figure out for months why my car would simply stop running while driving (a dangerous condition at high speeds) or not start.
Many items were replaced under warranty, and now the a/c compressor is shot post warranty.
One interesting warranty item was the blown light on the radio console on the dashboard. On one of my trips under warranty, I asked the dealer to change the bulb because I couldn't figure out how to do it. They didn't change the bulb, they had to replace the entire radio/CD player (over $1,000 item) because the light didn't work.
So, no, I can't say that the car always starts, gets me where I'm going without stranding me. The sophistication, engineering, luxury, value etc, espoused by a previous post is in the eye of the beholder.
I bought this car because of my previous excellent Honda experience and the continued high ratings by independent testing; but, based on my current experience and Internet postings on other bb's, it's plain the quality has seriously slipped, and I, also, won't be in a hurry to buy another Honda for either my wife or myself.
In shopping for a replacement before too many other things go wrong, I'm leaning towards the Camry, Avalon or Lexus - all Toyota products. I hope I won't be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
17th Nov 2008, 09:32
My friend has an '04 4 banger accord... 316xxx on the clock. This vehicle performs well in every way. Uses a litre of oil every 5000 kms, but if you ask me, this is a quality auto.
21st Jun 2009, 19:26
My 2004 Accord has had the cam shaft and crank seals and 4 motor mounts replaced at 10,000 miles and at 100,000 I am on my 3rd transmission. Never going to get one of these again.
18th Feb 2006, 11:20
I'm in no way trying to make excuses for Hondas, as I am well aware that the 7th gens weren't without their gremlins... but none of the problems mentioned have caused reliability concerns. Does the car start every time you turn the key? Does it always get you where you need to go without stalling or leaving you stranded? The vehicle can rattle up a storm, have no AC or reclining seat and still be 'reliable'. I traded in my 94 Accord with 240k miles for a 2006 Accord, and couldn't be happier. The new Accord is light years ahead of the old Hondas in terms of engineering, sophistication, refinement, luxury and value for the dollars. In 10k miles, the car has been absolutely flawless. I do, however, see where Honda has cut some corners to save on production costs vs. the Hondas of old, but they improved A LOT more than they cut back!