2004 Honda Accord EX 2.4L from North America

Summary:

Inexpensive reliable car with great gas mileage

Faults:

I regularly maintained the transmission when I purchased it at 146,000 miles, but it went out at 226,000 miles and was fairly expensive to rebuild.

My air compressor and catalytic converter went out at about 220,000 miles. I also had to replace the struts. I had other issues, but they were relatively inexpensive and easy to fix.

I regularly change the oil at every 3,500 miles, so the engine is still running perfectly.

General Comments:

I love the car because it is relatively inexpensive to maintain and has great gas mileage. I am hoping the car would go another 200,000 miles. If you are shopping for an old Honda and if it has high mileage, you should check for all maintenance records and expect to rebuild the transmission if it hasn’t been done already.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2021

2004 Honda Accord LX Sedan 2.4 from North America

Summary:

The best careless beater

Faults:

Radio works half the time.

Power locks and window glitch.

Engine and ABS light on.

Due for shocks soon.

Flimsy Honda key broke in 2.

General Comments:

Bought this one owner 2004 Accord LX-G from a lady who kept it clean and had it since day one. I took it on as a project for next to scrap price, and like how most projects go... life happened... I got too busy for it. However it's already paid for itself.

The minor interior glitches with the radio and locks are annoying but tolerable.

I like its size and driving dynamics. The 2.4L is just enough motor for this size of car and I'm impressed.

The car has never left me stranded and is capable of 700 km from a full tank.

Drives nicely down the Trans Canada and I feel it has been the perfect half finished project. And being a 7th gen Accord, it has "mature adult's" appeal.

I like that the car already came with minor scratches and dents so I'm not bothered to park in busy mall parking lots.

It's been easy to own and live with. I've seen most of Canada's east coast with it and it never let me down. Best 400$ spent ever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2019

18th Aug 2019, 19:22

Glad to hear of your positive experience!

I owned a similar Accord for six years and 80k miles, and know well three others with the same car. The 2.4 is absolutely bulletproof, as is most of the rest of the car. The manual transmission feels just right, and really elevates the car to something better than an economy sedan should be. Easy to work on, but doesn’t need much — mine required little more than wear items.

Weak spots are thin paint that scratches from a fingernail, under-specced brakes, and the damn key! My fob battery died, and the key warped enough to stop conforming to the door lock. I had a comically unfortunate afternoon, pulling fuses and irritating neighbors, while bypassing the alarm and getting to the shop! I feel your pain!

Otherwise, these are great commuters. Enjoy your ownership, and thanks for sharing!

In reply to 18th Aug 2019, 19:22

21st Aug 2019, 11:47

Take your title with VIN in your name and get a new key and fob at the local Honda dealer. Even if you have to tow the car there. We did go through 12V batteries and brakes pretty often. The air conditioning needed service at times. We bought V6 with manual trans Accords EX and a 4 cylinder Civic EX. I buy bulk fob batteries (6 plus new batteries) in a package off Amazon. Actually punch a small hole in a small square of cardboard and hang a new fob battery on the key chain. In fact I have done that with all our newer cars with fobs. Always have a fresh fob battery to insert if needed.

In reply to 21st Aug 2019, 11:47

25th Aug 2019, 01:10

Oh wow, thanks for the input! That would have saved me a lot of hassle, had I known. I traded in my Accord a while ago, but am driving a Fit now. I should be able to prevent future headaches with that information.

Thank you!

In reply to 21st Aug 2019, 11:47

25th Aug 2019, 15:33

Oh wow, you must use your key fobs a lot to have to carry spare batteries around all the time. I still have the original batteries in both fobs for my 2015 Accord and have never needed replacement.