Honda Car Forum

On Wed, 31 Dec 2003 15:09:00 -0500, BenDover@mailcity.com wrote:

>The Accord is one of the better quality vehicles in its
>price range. Quality is s function of management, I doubt
>one assembled in Japan would be significantly better than
>one assembled in the US. Not every vehicle built by every
>manufacture can be completely problem free every time, that
>is why they all offer a warranty, not to worry. If I were
>purchasing an Accord, I would spend the extra bucks and buy
>a V6 over the 4.
>
>
>mike hunt
>
>

And still be a couple of thousand dollars under a TSX. I drove the 04
Accord EX V6 and the TSX. The Acura has a few more features but lacks
performance and is buzzier. Besides you can get a deal on a Honda but
not on the Acura, at least yet. That means a better return at trade in
time.

>
>Hubbub wrote:
>>
>> I was looking at Accords over the weekend, and the ones I saw were all made
>> in Maryville, OH. I wonder if they have a different track record than
>> Accords made in Japan.
>>
>> Where are these negative reviews and articles? I could not find the review
>> on Edmunds that Joshua referred to about trips back to the dealer within the
>> first 90 days. In fact, of the 900 or so consumer reviews of the '03 Accord,
>> the average score is around a 9.2 which seem to be very good. I spent about
>> half an hour and could not find anything about reliability issues. If more
>> details could be provided where all of these negative reviews are, I would
>> like to read them.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> "A-MAN" <admin@a-man.org> wrote in message
>> news:bst7fc$c7i@dispatch.concentric.net...
>> >
>> > "Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> wrote in message
>> > news:vv3jn8jv5d3i93@corp.supernews.com...
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
>> > > post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons
>> > need
>> > > to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
>> > > 2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher
>> percentage
>> > of
>> > > the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every
>> consumer
>> > > review site that I checked.)
>> > >
>> > > So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car.
>> But
>> > in
>> > > those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
>> > > The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
>> > > visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a
>> > hose
>> > > that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
>> > > free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
>> > > if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months,
>> > that's
>> > > too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
>> > > was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.
>> > >
>> > > So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on
>> their
>> > > laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read
>> were
>> > > of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the
>> > '04
>> > > update?
>> > >
>> > > I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really well
>> > built.
>> > > But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is
>> > that
>> > > what the problem is?
>> >
>> > In all the negative posts you see, you also have to keep in mind that the
>> > Honda Accord is one of the best selling cars in America. By sheer numbers
>> > alone, they are bound to issue cars with more quality problems, but I
>> would
>> > be willing to bet the percentage is still amoung the lowest of all
>> > manufacturers (in fact, numerous magazines make just such a reference).
>> >
>> > I am extremely happy and have had no trouble with my '03 EX with 7,000
>> > miles.
>> > The Accords are made in Japan as well. Mine was built there.
>> >
>> >

On 31 Dec 2003 15:40:53 GMT, vosnos@aol.com (Vosnos) wrote:

>My two cents worth... I have a '03 Accord EX that has been flawless thus far.
>I do, often times, hear a slight rattle near the passenger visor, but that
>rattle is not constant nor pronounced when it occurs and, despite this minor
>observation, it nonetheless does not detract me from the "flawless" rating I
>give this car. Whenever I make it to the dealer next they assured me that the
>rattle problem will be rectified. I paid $20K for this car (new) ...and
>honestly, it is mind boggling when you consider the ride and reliability
>evident in this car. Also, I have yet to drive a four cyclinder car that is
>not turbo-charged or modified that responds as well as the Accord (it is more
>responsive that most V6's I've driven). The best car I've ever owned - past
>cars including so called "high end" european and American makes.
>

Ditto, I trade a 99 E320 for my 04 Accord EX V6.

>>"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.
>>>
>>> Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
>>> post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons
>>need
>>> to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
>>> 2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher percentage
>>of
>>> the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every consumer
>>> review site that I checked.)
>>>
>>> So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car. But
>>in
>>> those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
>>> The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
>>> visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a
>>hose
>>> that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
>>> free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
>>> if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months,
>>that's
>>> too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
>>> was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.
>>>
>>> So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on their
>>> laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read were
>>> of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the '04
>>> update?
>>>
>>> I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really well
>>built.
>>> But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is that
>>> what the problem is?
>>>
>>> Thank you for your opinions.
>>>
>>> -Joshua
>>> --
>>> -Joshua Belsky
>>> jjbelsky@yahoo.com
>>> http://belsky.net
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>

BenDover@mailcity.com wrote:
> The Accord is one of the better quality vehicles in its
> price range. Quality is s function of management, I doubt
> one assembled in Japan would be significantly better than
> one assembled in the US. Not every vehicle built by every
> manufacture can be completely problem free every time, that
> is why they all offer a warranty, not to worry. If I were
> purchasing an Accord, I would spend the extra bucks and buy
> a V6 over the 4.

I walked into the dealership planning on trying out the I4 and then trying
the V6. I was so impressed with the 4 that I didn't even test drive the V6.
I couldn't believe I was driving a standard, non-souped-up 4. It even felt
like it had more low end torque than the version in the TSX, although this
could be my imagination. And considering that the insurance on the V6 would
cost me another $77 a month, plus the extra gas and the speeding tickets,
(heh) it just isn't worth it.

I'll save the environment and save myself money in one move.

-Joshua


> Hubbub wrote:
>>
>> I was looking at Accords over the weekend, and the ones I saw were all made
>> in Maryville, OH. I wonder if they have a different track record than
>> Accords made in Japan.
>>
>> Where are these negative reviews and articles? I could not find the review
>> on Edmunds that Joshua referred to about trips back to the dealer within the
>> first 90 days. In fact, of the 900 or so consumer reviews of the '03 Accord,
>> the average score is around a 9.2 which seem to be very good. I spent about
>> half an hour and could not find anything about reliability issues. If more
>> details could be provided where all of these negative reviews are, I would
>> like to read them.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> "A-MAN" <admin@a-man.org> wrote in message
>> news:bst7fc$c7i@dispatch.concentric.net...
>> >
>> > "Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> wrote in message
>> > news:vv3jn8jv5d3i93@corp.supernews.com...
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > Now, I know that people who are upset about their car are more likely to
>> > > post a review than people who are happy with it. People who have lemons
>> > need
>> > > to blow off steam. But compared to other models of car on the road, the
>> > > 2003 Accord had *way* more negative reviews, and a much higher
>> percentage
>> > of
>> > > the reviews were negative. (This, by the way, was true on every
>> consumer
>> > > review site that I checked.)
>> > >
>> > > So, I read the Edmunds.com three-month road test. They loved the car.
>> But
>> > in
>> > > those three months, they had to take the car back to the dealer twice.
>> > > The first time was the gas-cap/engine-light issue, which I know has been
>> > > visited time and again on Usenet. But the second was a loose clamp on a
>> > hose
>> > > that caused the engine light to come on. I know that this is minor, and
>> > > free to repair, but it is still a warning sign. As far as I'm concerned,
>> > > if a car has to go to the dealer even once in the first three months,
>> > that's
>> > > too many times. The fact that even in a glowingly positive review, there
>> > > was a mechanical problem with the engine, worries me.
>> > >
>> > > So my question is this: Has Honda lost its way? Are they resting on
>> their
>> > > laurels? Is the quality still there? Also, all of the reviews I read
>> were
>> > > of the '03 model. Were the quality issues with the '03 addressed in the
>> > '04
>> > > update?
>> > >
>> > > I know that Honda can make quality cars. The TSX seems to be really well
>> > built.
>> > > But that thing is made in Japan, and the Accord is made in the USA. Is
>> > that
>> > > what the problem is?
>> >
>> > In all the negative posts you see, you also have to keep in mind that the
>> > Honda Accord is one of the best selling cars in America. By sheer numbers
>> > alone, they are bound to issue cars with more quality problems, but I
>> would
>> > be willing to bet the percentage is still amoung the lowest of all
>> > manufacturers (in fact, numerous magazines make just such a reference).
>> >
>> > I am extremely happy and have had no trouble with my '03 EX with 7,000
>> > miles.
>> > The Accords are made in Japan as well. Mine was built there.
>> >
>> >

--
-Joshua Belsky
jjbelsky@yahoo.com
http://belsky.net

"Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> writes:

> I walked into the dealership planning on trying out the I4 and then trying
> the V6. I was so impressed with the 4 that I didn't even test drive the
> V6. I couldn't believe I was driving a standard, non-souped-up 4. It even
> felt like it had more low end torque than the version in the TSX,
> although this could be my imagination.

Come on, the 4 is a dog. Have you ever even driven a V6? Give me a break.

The 4 Cylinder strait drive is no dog. It is also not nose heavy like
the V6. It has no mushy torque converter. If you drive an automatic, you
might as well drive a Buick.

Chris Aseltine wrote:
> "Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> writes:
>
>
>>I walked into the dealership planning on trying out the I4 and then trying
>>the V6. I was so impressed with the 4 that I didn't even test drive the
>>V6. I couldn't believe I was driving a standard, non-souped-up 4. It even
>>felt like it had more low end torque than the version in the TSX,
>>although this could be my imagination.
>
>
> Come on, the 4 is a dog. Have you ever even driven a V6? Give me a break.
>
>

In article <_a4Jb.19629$IM3.7935@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink .net>,
lcopps <LC@yahoo.com> wrote:

> The 4 Cylinder strait drive is no dog. It is also not nose heavy like
> the V6. It has no mushy torque converter. If you drive an automatic, you
> might as well drive a Buick.
>
> Chris Aseltine wrote:
> > "Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> writes:
> >
> >
> >>I walked into the dealership planning on trying out the I4 and then trying
> >>the V6. I was so impressed with the 4 that I didn't even test drive the
> >>V6. I couldn't believe I was driving a standard, non-souped-up 4. It even
> >>felt like it had more low end torque than the version in the TSX,
> >>although this could be my imagination.
> >
> >
> > Come on, the 4 is a dog. Have you ever even driven a V6? Give me a break.
> >
> >
>
Have 2 second, the 4 cyl is a dog.

"SA" <nospam@nospam.net> writes:

> Have 2 second, the 4 cyl is a dog.

Thank you.

Chris Aseltine <ophidian@newsnation.com> wrote:
> "Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> writes:

>> I walked into the dealership planning on trying out the I4 and then trying
>> the V6. I was so impressed with the 4 that I didn't even test drive the
>> V6. I couldn't believe I was driving a standard, non-souped-up 4. It even
>> felt like it had more low end torque than the version in the TSX,
>> although this could be my imagination.

> Come on, the 4 is a dog. Have you ever even driven a V6? Give me a break.

You found me out. The biggest engine I've ever used is the one cylinder
two-stroke that I strapped onto my bicycle. Hence, the I4 felt like it was
running on jet fuel to me.

Now, sarcasm aside, did I say that the I4 felt as powerful as a V6?
No I didn't. Read my post again.

And I might ask you, have you ever even driven the I4 Accord? Because let
me tell you, it compares favorably with the sixth generation Accord's V6,
which I drive a lot.

When I got home from the dealership, I read the Edmunds.com Long-Term Road
Test, and they spent more than a page on a glowing endorsement of the
suprising power of the I4. So even if you disagree, you must concede that
it is a matter of opinion. And I'm not alone in mine.

-Josh

--
-Joshua Belsky
jjbelsky@yahoo.com
http://belsky.net

Honestly, Have you ever driven a 4 cylinder 5M? I bet not.

SA wrote:
> In article <_a4Jb.19629$IM3.7935@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink .net>,
> lcopps <LC@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>>The 4 Cylinder strait drive is no dog. It is also not nose heavy like
>>the V6. It has no mushy torque converter. If you drive an automatic, you
>>might as well drive a Buick.
>>
>>Chris Aseltine wrote:
>>
>>>"Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> writes:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>I walked into the dealership planning on trying out the I4 and then trying
>>>>the V6. I was so impressed with the 4 that I didn't even test drive the
>>>>V6. I couldn't believe I was driving a standard, non-souped-up 4. It even
>>>>felt like it had more low end torque than the version in the TSX,
>>>>although this could be my imagination.
>>>
>>>
>>>Come on, the 4 is a dog. Have you ever even driven a V6? Give me a break.
>>>
>>>
>>
> Have 2 second, the 4 cyl is a dog.

In article <vva5e21bnf2s8e@corp.supernews.com>, "Joshua J. Belsky" <belsky@brionne.cyberverse.com> wrote:
>
>When I got home from the dealership, I read the Edmunds.com Long-Term Road
>Test, and they spent more than a page on a glowing endorsement of the
>suprising power of the I4. So even if you disagree, you must concede that
>it is a matter of opinion. And I'm not alone in mine.
>

Naturally the V6 will have more power, and it is expected that v6 owners would
know this and, of course, look down their noses on the i4. However for many
the i4 is more than sufficient, and if one's recent experience is with an even
smaller engine the i4 can be quite impressive. I bought a 98 Civic after
driving a van for 10 years. The Civic was a great car to drive, but it was
underpowered. After 5 years of this I went to the Honda dealer expecting to
test drive a v6 Accord. However after driving an i4 /5 speed I realized that
this engine had sufficient oomph to move me and I never even drove the 6. No
need to step up to the increased power of a v6 -- or the higher insurance,
fuel and car payments.