2003 Honda Accord Euro Luxury 2.4 petrol

Summary:

Fantastic value, makes Beemers look grossly overpriced

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I have just sold the Euro after 3 years of very happy motoring. The only unexpected expense was for rear brake pads at 40k. I am not normally heavy on brakes.

The economy was phenomenal, as good as 7.8l to 100kms on country trips and 10 per 100kms around Melbourne.

Initially the oil consumption was a little high, the dealership monitored it and assured me it would bed in at about 30,000kms which it did.

The seats were definitely better than those on my Lexus LS400 which I owned previously.

My only gripe (which could not be cured) was my inability to drive the car smoothly in really slow traffic. My passengers could not detect it, but I could.

I was told it was down to the electronic throttle.

I have only sold the car because I got a company car with a new job.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2007

12th May 2008, 04:29

A number of people have mentioned about the Drive by wire making crawling speeds annoying. Apparently there are a few things you can do but they are all aftermarket.

2003 Honda Accord Euro Luxury 2.4 i-VTEC

Summary:

Refined performance and luxury in a stunning-looking package

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The Accord Euro is indeed very European in the way it drives.

The suspension is firm, but never uncomfortable and endows the car with excellent handling. The steering is sharp and direct without being too light or over-assisted.

Honda's VTEC engines are always fast off the mark, but usually don't have the best in-gear acceleration. The Accord Euro is certinaly very different in this regard - the engine pulls strongly in virtually any gear, and can accellerate from 0 to 100 Km/H in less than 8 seconds, so the car is very quick all around.

Inside is very well equipped with dual climate control, powered and headed leather seats, 6 airbags and an electric glass sunroof and 6-disk in-dash CD changer which sounds great through the car's 6 speakers. The only thing really missing is a memory function for the drivers seat, but then again, most cars in this price range don't even have leather, let alone heated seats or most of the other features the Accord has.

There is also Honda's vehicle stability assist system which, along with the traction control, works effectively without being overly-intrusive and spoiling the fun.

On the road the Euro is very, very quiet and the engine can only really be heard when accelerating hard. The 6-speed manual is also a pleasure to use, with very short shift throws.

The Euro looks fantastic as well with an aggressive front, sleek lines and a dual exhaust (one left, one right) which makes the car look real mean from behind, and actually matches the performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2003

22nd Jun 2004, 07:11

Fully Agreed with the comments. I would say that to be really EURO a more sophisticated trip computer showing km/l, remaining km to go in a fuel tank would be really nice. The Radio has an excellent sound and Honda has used high quality (or above average) speakers on the Euro. It is selling almost 8 to 1 against the V6 (Made in Thailand) and there is a queue of up to 3 months depending on the mode you want. Add the trip computer, 17"wheel/tires and adjust the fog lights and you do have a 5 start vehicle here!

12th Nov 2004, 21:07

After driving the mazda 6,i talked myself into liking it, but when I drove the accord euro it was love at first drive, the power, the luxury, the refinement added up to a very complete and user friendly car. Yeah it cost a bit more, but who cares when you got to keep it for 3-4 years. The review was spot on, I didn't realise such a car existed for $34,000 drive away.

28th Jan 2013, 15:37

I don't know why everyone implies that the Euro is powerful! It's a gutless 4 banger compared to the 240hp V6, and hardly looks euro at all; it looks very much the Japanese car that it is, with subtle Alfa Romeo-esque hints. FWD and 4 cylinder is the definition of underpowered, and 8 seconds or just under is not a fast time.

In reply to 28th Jan 2013, 15:37

12th Feb 2015, 11:16

It was simply called the Euro to differentiate it from the US model, both of which were sold in Australia. I believe the Euro was the only Accord to be sold in Europe, hence probably why the name as well.

The V6 is heavier and changes the balance of the car, plus it's not an "eager" engine. The 4 is in the tradition of Honda free revving engines, however the V6 is probably better for lower down performance.

In reply to 28th Jan 2013, 15:37

15th Feb 2015, 18:43

Well, it is powerful - at 170 BHP roughly - it wasn't that long ago when you needed a very large 6 or an 8-cylinder car to get that horsepower. But it's the torque that matters - this engine doesn't have the torque to match the power. It's more like a 2-litre car.

2003 Honda Accord Euro Luxury 2.4

Summary:

Japanese Audi A4

Faults:

An occasional rattle from the passenger side door- only noticeable because the interior is so quiet..

Excellent build quality

General Comments:

Very comfy.

Interior spells quality.

Close to prefect driving position.

Could really use better tyres with larger wheel- standard is 16"

Coarse tyre noise very pronounced since everything else so quiet.

Engine note very addictive- esp @ 6000rpm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2003