2001 Honda Accord DX Value Package review from North America

Not much.

We have had the windshield squirter dug clean a couple of times (something that you forget about until you need it). Both times fixed for free by dealer (not the one from whom we purchased this car, BTW).

The clip that connects the fuel fuller access door to the little floor trip switch broke. A completely different dealer fixed that for free when we asked about the cost while having our oil changed. Very nice!

We had the AC filters changed at the 100,000 mile service. The AC has never worked as well since that day. It blows as though there is no refrigerant in the lines, but that is not the problem. The dealer said that the unit checked out to Honda specs. I told them to let it sit outside in the sun for a few hours and then get in and determine whether Honda specs included a cool down time of an hour before we stopped sweating. Also, it worked just fine prior to the service. So Honda sometimes screws the pooch, so to speak. Usually they get it right.

There has been a vibration in the engine since we got this car. It is still there, ninety thousand miles later, and nothing has come of it. Honda cannot figure out what is causing it. Whatever. It can be quite annoying while at a stop light (where you notice it the most). But again, we have put an additional 30K+ miles on this thing and had nothing come of this problem, so it is merely a nuisance.

We had a 1994 Accord LX with an I-4 and a manual tranny. I always thought of it as having been an excellent car.

This one is better. It is also pretty boring, but that is not why we got it. This car has had next to no problems. It is the DX, which is Honda-speak for base model. It is officially known as the Value Package, which is a DX with a nice CD/stereo/speakers and a few other upgrades that keep it below the LX (mid-grade). It has manual windows and door locks. The locks are not a big deal after you get used to them but not being able to access the other three windows while driving takes me right back to 1975. It stinks to not have power windows. We have all been spoiled by most cars having them these days. Oh well...

The 2001 DX Accord feels lighter and more fragile than the 1994 LX. This is probably my imagination. But the thing does not handle in heavy winds as well as the more curvy "bubble" model from 1994. It is also louder inside at speed. These might be the differences between this version and the more costly LX and the much more costly EX.

Mileage is below where it should be, so we probably need some work done to it. My 18 year old Volvo 740 (300,000 miles!) gets about 27 on the highway if I keep it nearer to 60 that to 70 MPH. This Honda gets less than that, more like 23 or 24. Time for some home maintenance to clean up this thing. The mileage that we are getting is probably more a factor of my wife's driving style and the need for some work and not what a buyer should expect from one of these that is in excellent mechanical condition.

The interior bits are of a very high quality and are still in top condition. The stereo plays wonderfully and seems to play loudly without damaging the speakers, so it was well pieced together by Honda.

The seat covers are durable and attractive. That is about all I have to say about them. The seat cushions in the low end Accord are not what I would consider to be comfortable for long drives; not by a long shot. The 1994 LX had MUCH more comfortable seats for long drives of many hours duration. This car - not so much.

We have a LOT of chips in the paint but none of the peeling or fading that many seem to complain about with Honda products. We have several woobies in our front bumper cover that will require replacement at some point if we decide to keep this car. Same with the back one to a lesser extent. Both have been banged into stationary items in parking lots over the years. The front one is now coming off on the driver's side near the tire. Maybe I can fix that. Probably not, however. Hmm...

Overall, this used car purchase, while disappointing in that we were unable to locate nor afford an LX, has been an excellent experience. There have been moments of angst but that is to be expected.

My wife purchased her 1994 new and drove it do death (250,000 with little to no maintenance near the end. It had lots of small problems and had the starter replaced twice. I loved that manual tranny, however. It also was a good car. It was solid feeling and drove very well.