I've had my 2003 Accord EX V6 for almost 8 months now, and it's been everything that I expect a Honda to be. I haven't been back to the dealer at all, since the car has required NO service other than an oil change. I haven't experienced any rattles. Transmission is smooth and responsive. No "oxcart" ride and handling. No starting problems. No pulling to the right. No brake issues.
I know several people who own 2003 Accords and, based on their comments, I'm not alone in having a very satisfying and trouble-free ownership experience so far. I'll knock on wood, just in case I've just been lucky, but if that's the case, I know quite a few lucky people.
I found the comment about how much lower the overall quality of the original poster's Accord is compared to a Mustang to be completely contrary to my experience. A good friend has a 2003 Mustang GT that I've ridden in and driven extensively, and the quality of that car is shockingly bad compared to my Accord. Cheap plastics, ill fitting dash and door trim pieces, junky control feel and ground effects that were literally falling off when he got the car are some of the issues that he's faced. Frankly, my Accord is like a Lexus by comparison.
As has been said up-topic, no manufacturer is perfect, and even one with Honda's reputation will have a bad one from time to time. But based on my experience and contacts, the problem cars appear to be few and far between.
I have 10k on my V6 ex sedan with navi, and am embarrassed to drive others in my car due to the annoying rattles. I finally got the doors to stop with EXTENSIVE taping, buffering, dynamatting; but now it's the mouse clicking from overhead, which mine is in the visor mirrors. But, now it seems like I'm being attacked from all sides, and have almost decided to give up and surrender. I NEVER would have expected this from my new Honda.
After reading all of the above comments, I no longer feel alone. I purchased a 2003 Accord in June and have had nothing, but problems with it. Within 3 months of purchasing the car it began to make a popping noise under the front driver side fender. At first is was only present when stopping and starting, but now it is a constant noise that drives me crazy! Also, the car has began to have many rattles. Just last week the car began to stall at certain times during driving it. I'm taking it in this week, it may not be a pretty sight!!! I am very disappointed in my purchase especially since this is the first car that I have actually purchased for myself.
I have the Accord coupe V6 6 speed. I have owned 2 other Accords one with 170,000+ and the other with 150,000 miles. Because I never had problems with previous 2 Accords I expected the same reliability. I am very disappointed. I had some problems with the rattles, which were fixed. Most significant problems started at 5,000 miles when steering wheel would shake when braking. Got worse and dealer fix the rotors and pads. 6,000 miles later the problem is back and worse. Dealer says I must pay for rotor and pads and problem is caused by the way I brake. Never had any problems with 2 other Accords. I can't imagine having to have the rotors and pads replaced every 6,000 miles. Very disapointed with 2003 Accord reliability although I love the pickup, general handling and comfort.
After reading all of the comments on the 2003 Accord (and not just on here) I think it would be wise to hang on to my 96 Accord... which has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It seems as though 1997 may have been the last year for a well made, dependable Accord (98-02 are having severe transmission problems)
I believe that placing the blame on the buyer for a problematic car is ridiculous. This point of view is so baseless that I'm surprised that even three people agreed with it. Since I do not know how to detect: road shutters and noise (after a few hundred miles) or poor break design which eventually end up warped, can you please tell me how to detect this kind of stuff. I always assumed you needed to have a huge technical base to truly understand if the design is of good or poor quality (perhaps several engineering degrees and apparently even then some since Honda couldn't predict it?) Isn't this the reason we have brand names? So we companies can build trust and reputation with consumers, who don't have the ability to automatically tell if an excessive amount of problems will occur in the future. If we can't trust a company name to deliver us products consistent with their line, then why buy from them at all? Go with a cheaper product name, especially if you can forsee what problems you won't be having down the line.
If you can enlighten me on how to discover manufacturing defects by going "inch to inch upon delivery" then please enlighten me.
Email: rhk0327@hotmail.com.
I have heard a lot of people complaining about fuel system problems. All of the new Honda Accord models made from the 2003 model year and above now use V-tec motors. It specifically states in all owners manual of a Honda that uses a V-tec motor to use 91 premium unleaded fuel. Since the introduction of the 3.0 lt. V-tec from the first Acura/Honda NSX, Honda make the valves with different materials and the fuel system is more tune than just a regular plain American vehicle. Try using 91 or above octane for a week and a fuel system cleaner for a weak and watch the results.
I agree with several prior posted comments, that Honda is falling away from the reputation of producing great performing, reliable vehicles. I also agree that a poorly performing car is not solely the fault of the buyer, especially when in my case I have adhered to all preventive maintenance service Honda recommends.
I purchased a 2003 Honda Accord LX- 4 cylinder-Sedan back in March of 2003. I've taken it in for several complaints all focused around the braking system. Back in March of 2004, the dealership finally announced the brake pad design was wrongly engineered, which since this time they have redesigned and replaced. Still I am having issues with brakes...
Now I'm having what the dealership calls a "pad shift" condition, where a clicking or knocking noise is heard from the front of the car. This noise is heard most common after you change directions and then apply the brakes for the first time. The noise is extremely unattractive and a nuance. Who wants to hear noise from a car that has less than 30K miles? I've been hearing this noise since the first 2-3K miles, but over time the noise is more pronounced. I was told by the dealership manager this noise is "normal" and something they simply have no fix for because it's not a safety hazard and does not jeopardize the integrity of the car's performance. Blah, blah, blah... throw a few big words around and I'm supposed be comforted. I have an appointment next week for them to trouble shoot the problem again. I am not optimistic though that my condition will be resolved, especially since they're already telling me there is no solution. Worst case scenario I'll file suit under the lemon law and look for another car. This is very disappointing. This is the first car I purchased on my own and I have taken great care of this car, even purchased the extended warranty agreement. My sister and mom even own Honda's and based on their experience, my experience is truly uncustomary.
I bought a 2003 Honda Accord 4 Door LX in December 2002. Since then, its been problem after problem. I have had problems with my drums and rotors since day 1; both of which have been resurfaced and eventually were replaced. The problems go away for a bit, but always come back.
I have had the driver's side front window motor replaced twice.
The molding on the interior part of the doors keeps coming away and has to be re-glued.
There was a very loud buzz coming from the passenger side front door. My mechanic had to take the door panel off and glue some washer that hadn't been installed properly in the factory.
My power side mirrors are installed backward; the control that is supposed to control the right mirror actually controls the left, and vice versa. I have not even bothered to have this problem addressed, as it seems like more hassle to bother with when compared to anything I might gain from it.
Just Friday I took my car in for a standard oil change, to discover that my AC no longer works when I picked it up. Blows air, but unfortunately it isn't the slightest bit cold.
My car has approx. 40,000 miles on it. While that's a lot for the model year, I do not drive my car "hard" and I get all of the scheduled maintenance done, and on time. I trust my mechanic, as I knew him personally before I even bought the car, and that had a lot to do with where I decided to buy and what I decided to buy. All I can say is I am grateful I bought the extended warranty; otherwise, I would have had to pay a fortune for service already, and who knows if the problems will ever stop!
I can't decide between choosing a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I like the Camry's styling better, but the Accord's engine seems nicer, however with all the problems stated above and with other experiences that people may have, can someone please answer the long lost question of Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry?
Based on the above comments, the Camry might be more reliable and of higher build quality. Can some one give an opinion?
To the preceding comment: are you honestly going to base your decision on whether to buy a Camry or an Accord on what someone on this site tells you you should do?
Do your own research and buy what you want!
You're the one who is going to be driving it, not the persons posting to this site.
Don't listen to the last comment. The Toyota Camry is far better then the Accord, even engine wise. The Accord i-vetec engine is good, yes, but contains far more pieces then the Camry's VVT-i and thus may become a nightmare when it comes to maintenance. As for build quality, even the professional reviewers agree the few auto manufacturers can beat the Camry for build quality (ie. MSN autos). If you are buying the car solely based on family oriented activities and don't care to "floor it" then the Camry is by far the better choice.
Also I have recently read a lot of midsize sedan comparisons by professionals (ie roadandtrack, Caranddriver etc...) who always place the Camry second next to the Accord. Is this because of their more Sporty nature? I mean if they were testing for family sedans why do they test a Camry SE v6 and an Accord V6 and complain about its acceleration and cornering performance?
Any comments?
I have a 2003 Honda Accord V6 with 40,000 miles. Serviced by the dealer at recommended intervals. Now it has automatic transmission problems. The shifting is all messed up on it.
I have been reading through all of these and a major concern seems to be rattles. Although they are annoying, and I have plenty of them in my 2004 LX, it doesn't change the fact that this sedan is roomy, powerful, refined, and classy. Regardless of the rattles, I think we need to notice what kind of car this actually is: A relatively inexpensive, roomy family sedan that, despite some annyoing rattles can double as a refined sports sedan!
January 20,2007.
I own a 2003 Honda Accord LX, and honestly I know exactly what some of the owners of them are saying about the transmission problems.
Mine is in the shop right now, with the transmission out on it. There is no recall for this problem from honda that I know of, but there honestly should be.
I've always loved honda's and have owed six of them. Just in the past year. Some with over 150,000 mile's on them, and yet they're still going strong, but my 2003 Accord doesn't have close to the mileage on it, and the transmission's out, radio stopped working, and when I brake it shakes, and pulls to the right as well. So this will be probably the last honda I will ever purchase.