2004 Honda Accord EX review from North America

CD changer gave out.

Michelin front tires wore out at 30k.

I have owned this car for three years, and with the exception of the CD changer, not had one problem. The CD changer was changed by the Honda dealership without complaint, and I had the cleaned car returned to me.

LIKES:

Comfortable refined drive.

Power when you need it.

Comfortable and supportive seats (I am over 6 ft).

Manual transmission is smooth as silk.

Not one squeak, rattle or hum in five years.

Quiet engine noise; I sometimes turn the ignition without realizing the engine is already running.

VCS works very well.

VTEC between 5,000 RPM and red line.

Back seat passengers like the room and seats.

Automatic temperature control.

Almost problem free.

DISLIKES:

Stereo system, whilst good is not as good as some of the competition.

Leather seats although soft, have minor cracking.

Handling and road feel is for long distance, for the twisties driving.

No one-touch close for moonroof, plus the switch is in a weird place.

No lights on steering wheel controls (corrected in 2006).

No daytime running lights (for this price you think that would be included).

No fog lamps (and my cheap Vibe had them!).

Somewhat weak headlamps.

The car is a real pleasure to drive. I have had a Nissan 300SX turbo, Shelby GT Mustang, and many other sports cars in the past, yet this car blows them away.

I looked at the new Altima Coupe with the upgraded engine last week, and thought that there was such little difference it was not worth trading. A compliment to the Accord, plus this car has been the least problematic of all the cars I have owned, so I plan to keep it for a couple of more years.