Edmunds.com --------------------- First Drive: 2003 Honda Accord

[Ryan]

TO add to the Honda frenzy of news: http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/68223/article.html

As for the styling, well, that's a subjective matter and you know what you like. Overheard from various journalists attending the introduction of the Accord: "It looks like a Peugeot at the front"; "I see an Alfa Romeo influence at the rear"; and our favorite, "The front end looks like a Kia Rio." Our take? The front and rear styling of the sedan is not a success. The front is too plain, appearing more downmarket than a Honda Civic, which has a proper grille with chrome detailing. The rear, with the upturned, wraparound taillights, looks angry. Think of a person with a monobrow who is scowling. Fender bulges, a high roof and a tall rear deck make the car look fat and slab-sided. Want to see a beautiful mainstream Japanese sedan? Look at the 2003 Mazda 6. The Accord coupe is better executed, suffering only from thick thighs. Also overheard, with regard to the coupe: "If you drink a couple of beers and look at it from the back, you might think it's the new Mercedes CLK."

:Q

 

[Ryan]

 

[Doggiedog]

Cripes!! A V6 EX Coupe for $27K!! That's approaching Nissan 350Z territory.

 

[StageLeft]

Actually I'm surprised - a 6 speed with 240 HP. Not bad. The 4 cylinder is still 15 less than the Altima - and this is a boring looking car - but finally at least some pep to it.

 

[NFS4]

I posted this in the other thread but here goes:

The only question now is not "if" but "when" Toyota will put the 220HP version of their 3.0 liter V6 (used in the Highlander and RX300) in the Camry. My guess is for mid '03 or early '04

193HP just ain't gonna cut it now even though 80% of Camrys are still 4-bangers.

 

[Ryan]

My real question is, why hasn't honda released any pictuires of an accord coupe with EVERY option (fog lights, spoiler, 17" rims, etc) I want to see what that looks like

 

[psteng19]

I love the previous and current generation Accords.
I drive my uncle's '95 LX around a lot and its 2.2L 4 banger is quite capable (feels more powerful than the listed 130hp) and it handles almost as well as my suspension modified Sentra, but a lot more smooth over bumps and potholes.

Hopefully the new Accord will retain some of the old goodness, however ugly the new body is.

During the press briefing, Baker made claims that the Accord V6 powerplant would make us forget about the new Nissan Altima's 3.5-liter V6. We beg to differ, having driven our long-term Altima 3.5 SE to the Accord launch. In contrast to the Nissan, the Honda upshifts and downshifts more fluidly and with less kick, but when the Accord's engine is revved, it fails to delight with any eagerness or urgency to rush to speed the way the Altima's V6 does. The Altima is a thrill ride when the go-pedal is mashed; the Accord is not.

Well, there goes any validity to that statement, "Our ponies will be more healthy than Nissan's ponies".

The glovebox is large, but the door on our test car felt cheaply constructed and required an inordinate amount of effort to operate.

Hmm... no comment about poor interior quality from NFS4, who's always quick to point out definciencies in Nissan products

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: psteng19
I love the previous and current generation Accords.
I drive my uncle's '95 LX around a lot and its 2.2L 4 banger is quite capable (feels more powerful than the listed 130hp) and it handles almost as well as my suspension modified Sentra, but a lot more smooth over bumps and potholes.

Hopefully the new one Accord will retain some of the old goodness, however ugly the new body is.

During the press briefing, Baker made claims that the Accord V6 powerplant would make us forget about the new Nissan Altima's 3.5-liter V6. We beg to differ, having driven our long-term Altima 3.5 SE to the Accord launch. In contrast to the Nissan, the Honda upshifts and downshifts more fluidly and with less kick, but when the Accord's engine is revved, it fails to delight with any eagerness or urgency to rush to speed the way the Altima's V6 does. The Altima is a thrill ride when the go-pedal is mashed; the Accord is not.

Well, there goes any validity to that statement, "Our ponies will be more healthy than Nissan's ponies".

The glovebox is large, but the door on our test car felt cheaply constructed and required an inordinate amount of effort to operate.

Hmm... no comment about poor interior quality from NFS4, who's always quick to point out definciencies in Nissan products

I actually haven't read the article yet from Edmunds.

Secondly, this is most likely a hand-built "pilot" vehicle and not a production model.

 

[prontospyder]

From that article, Edmunds recommended the Passat, Altima, Mazda 6 over the new Accord for people who wanted a sports sedan. Nevertheless, they thought the Accord would be a great sedan for the typical American family.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: prontospyder
From that article, Edmunds recommended the Passat, Altima, Mazda 6 over the new Accord for people who wanted a sports sedan. Nevertheless, they thought the Accord would be a great sedan for the typical American family.

The Accord never has been a sports sedan. Americans don't care too much about sports sedans when it comes to mid-sized cars...that's why the Maxima has always lagged behind the Camry/Accord and why the Altima STILL does.

Toyota and Honda know the sales formula for American tastes, Nissan and Mazda don't...for now.

 

[randomlinh]

it's funny how owning a mazda gets me routin for the 6 That and i think it's the best looking car from what's available to chose from (around that price range.. for a sedan). I sure as hell hope it can get some reliability down. Nice to see competition. My mx6 would be perfect if it were stick, had a larger trunk opening, and if i was the first owner..

Linh

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Cripes!! A V6 EX Coupe for $27K!! That's approaching Nissan 350Z territory.

Middle of the line Maximas run that much, as do top of the line Altimas

 

[zod]

The Accord never has been a sports sedan. Americans don't care too much about sports sedans when it comes to mid-sized cars...that's why the Maxima has always lagged behind the Camry/Accord and why the Altima STILL does.

Actually, if I remember correctly, in the early 90s, the Accord was praised by magazines (C&D) as being like a Japanese BMW. Having good steering and decent road feel, as opposed to the Camry, which was more of an isolation chamber.

Apparently, Honda has (wisely) slowly changed the accord to a more boring, plush, comfortable, larger sedan.

I'll try to convince my dad to get a stripped-down A4 1.8T rather than the new Accord, but most likely will fail.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Cripes!! A V6 EX Coupe for $27K!! That's approaching Nissan 350Z territory.

Middle of the line Maximas run that much, as do top of the line Altimas

If I were spending $27k's I'd much rather have a Maxima but I spent $10k less and got a nicely equipped 2002 Honda Accord SE automatic, power moonroof, power door/mirror/window, alloy wheels, a/c, CD/tape/radio, and fake wood trim!

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: NFS4

The Accord never has been a sports sedan. Americans don't care too much about sports sedans when it comes to mid-sized cars...that's why the Maxima has always lagged behind the Camry/Accord and why the Altima STILL does.

Yes, but I think one of the points the article makes is that the Honda brass were trying to make some noise about how this Accord would be so much sportier, but it's not. Plus, Nissan is on pace to sell over 300K Altimas & Maximas combined this year, so I think MANY Americans DO care somewhat about a little bit of sport in their family sedans.

Toyota and Honda know the sales formula for American tastes, Nissan and Mazda don't...for now.

They know the sales formula for selling the maximum number of cars, yes. But Nissan expressly said they were going for a narrower segment with the Altima and according to the numbers, they have a smashing success. Not only has the Altima won a number of awards, but its sales are up 35% vs. last year, which is excellent considering they weren't making a "car for everyone". In addition, no matter how much they improved the car, there is virtually no way they could have suddenly tripled their sales to catch up with the Camry and Accord.

The purpose of any company is to make money. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are all doing very well right now, just in different ways. Nissan has become profitable again despite a lower overall volume of sales vs. it's competitors. I am sure 35% growth will make them very happy, especially because they no longer have to offer rebates contantly on the Altima. If the Mazda 6 is all it promises to be, it will give Mazda a much-needed kick in the pants - but I am sure the people at Mazda aren't thinking they will be able to come anywhere near the sales of the Accord. Some growth and higher profits spurred by the 6 would make it a success.

Toyota and Honda are like blue-chip stocks right now. Nissan and Mazda are more like growth stocks with a lot of promise.

 

[psteng19]

bigsmooth, very nicely put.
Never thought of combining both Altima and Maxima sales, but you're right.
Many people who are cross shopping the 3.5SE are also looking at the Maxima.
And others who are looking at the 2.5S/SL are also considering the *gasp* Sentra :Q

Now NFS4 will come flying in here talking about interior quality, fit and finish, reliability, more sales figures, "formulas" to create the best selling car in America, blah blah blah...
The guy is like a friggin' tape-recorder

 

[Shantanu]

The new Accord is an ugly car.

This is what midsize cars should look like:

Ford Mondeo (future Mercury)

Opel Vectra (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

Honda have sold cars in the past based on reliability. But now Detroit has virtually bridged the reliability gap. Will ugly Jap cars continue to sell, or will consumers get tired of buying mobile toasters and seek more appealing offerings elsewhere?

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Shantanu
The new Accord is an ugly car. This is what midsize cars should look like: Ford Mondeo (future Mercury) Opel Vectra (2004 Chevrolet Malibu) Honda have sold cars in the past based on reliability. But now Detroit has virtually bridged the reliability gap. Will ugly Jap cars continue to sell, or will consumers get tired of buying mobile toasters and seek more appealing offerings elsewhere?

They might have upped their reliability, but if you ask any average Joe, they still think that imports have far superior reliability than domestics. Domestic carmakers might have proven it to the industry, but they have yet to prove it to the consumers.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Shantanu
The new Accord is an ugly car.

This is what midsize cars should look like:

Ford Mondeo (future Mercury)

Opel Vectra (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

Honda have sold cars in the past based on reliability. But now Detroit has virtually bridged the reliability gap. Will ugly Jap cars continue to sell, or will consumers get tired of buying mobile toasters and seek more appealing offerings elsewhere?

Why do some people have such a hatred towards Japanese cars? Was your father killed at Pearl Harbor?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Shantanu
The new Accord is an ugly car.

This is what midsize cars should look like:

Ford Mondeo (future Mercury)

Opel Vectra (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

Honda have sold cars in the past based on reliability. But now Detroit has virtually bridged the reliability gap. Will ugly Jap cars continue to sell, or will consumers get tired of buying mobile toasters and seek more appealing offerings elsewhere?

from those articles it sounds like ford and GM have good interiors over in europe... damnit why do we get all the crap?!? ah well, their interiors are still better than dodge car interior

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Shantanu
The new Accord is an ugly car.

This is what midsize cars should look like:

Ford Mondeo (future Mercury)

Opel Vectra (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

Honda have sold cars in the past based on reliability. But now Detroit has virtually bridged the reliability gap. Will ugly Jap cars continue to sell, or will consumers get tired of buying mobile toasters and seek more appealing offerings elsewhere?

Why do some people have such a hatred towards Japanese cars? Was your father killed at Pearl Harbor?

Actually, Shantanu bashes anything that's not US made, and esp. shows hatred towards Asian products (i.e. Japanese cars and consoles).
He's the most racist member on AT :disgust:
Learn to ignore his posts like I have

 

[Rent]

Man... the accord was bland before... but this... BLAH

Oh well, at least GM is back on track. Hopefully we won't see too many more asstastic cars from them.

 

[toant103]

i'll go with the Maxima

 

[divinemartyr]

The new Accord is an ugly car.

This is what midsize cars should look like:

Ford Mondeo (future Mercury)

Opel Vectra (2004 Chevrolet Malibu)

The Mondeo looks like it's caught up to the design of the 2002 Audi A4, albeit 2 years later No complaints here with that, but it's a bit late for that I'd say in 2004.

The Vectra.... Looks like a current design Chrysler, especially that rear end, very reminiscent of the 300M. Those designs are not bad, however, they don't offer much in the way of new styling IMHO.

dm

 

[mithrandir2001]

160hp from the four banger? What a disappointment. That's only 10hp more than the current generation and the added weight of the new car will likely wipe out those gains.

The 6-speed V6 coupe sounds juicy, but at 27K there's a lot of vehicles to choose from.

Unfortunately, the sedan looks fugly. The coupe is better but it's still too overweight.