Joshua J. Belsky wrote:

> 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.

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.