Comments: 1-15, 16-17
First off, this vehicle was a rattle-trap! The moonroof, passenger headrest, something inside the dash, center console, and rear seats all developed rattles at less than 10,000 miles. Coming from a nearly flawless 10 year old Toyota Camry with over 200,000 miles on it, I found this unacceptable.
Although this vehicle was totaled (not by myself) just short of 30,000 miles, there are also a few other major trouble areas with this car that I learned about via a major online web forum for these cars. Surely I would have encountered them had I had the car long enough.
Honda majorly screwed up the automatic transmissions on these cars. They have an alarmingly high failure rate for a Japanese vehicle. The failure rates were high enough that Honda offered a 7yr/100k extended warranty on the transmission only to maintain consumer confidence and resale values. The transmissions commonly fail at 50-70k miles. Sorry, when I pay extra for a "quality" Japanese vehicle, I exect the transmission to last the life of the car like a Toyota.
Another trouble area is the alternator. The Accord V6 does not get a quality Japanese denso alternator like the 4-cylinder models and the Acura 3.2TL get. They instead get a General Motors DELPHI alternator. You guessed it, the alternators have a tendency to fail as well in the 50-70k mile range. The 4-cylinders and Acura 3.2TL models with the Denso alternators do not have alternator issues. Go figure.
These problems are not isolated to just the 2001 model, but rather all of the 1998-2002 generation Accord V6's. These cars are not exactly the best examples of "Japanese reliability" and that is being extremely polite. :-/
I liked the exterior styling and body design a lot. It's much more exciting than a Camry and not as controversial as a Maxima. It is contemporary and non-offensive. The coupe models look awesome, but this was a sedan.
The interior ergonomics were very well done in typical Honda fashion with all controls logically placed and easy to get to. Seats were comfortable on long trips and there was plenty of room in the back seats. Quality and "rattle engineering" could have used a bit more work, though - see comments above on rattle issues.
Feature wise there is a very high bang for the buck factor. Leather, moonroof, power everything, 6 CD changer, automatic climate control, etc all for US $2-3k less than Camry and Maxima at the time of purchase. Although the stereo was a 6 CD changer, the sound quality was not very high, but oh well.
Handling was sloppy at the limit because of the luxury tuned suspension and high profile tires, but the car is very compliant and steady over bumpy roads. The fully independent suspension is very good at filtering out rough roads and the car is very easy to drive.
I'm sorry to say that the V-6 engine was a very big disappointment. You would think that a 200HP engine would be pretty powerful, but not this one. The engine has so little power below 4000rpm that it almost makes you think you're driving a 4-cylinder, because that's about what it feels like. There is some nice pull above 4000rpm, but this is a "family sedan". 95% of driving is below 4000 rpm so having lots of power above 4000 rpm is nearly useless and not what's needed. I think Honda really missed the point. Both the Toyota and Nissan V-6 engines have more than enough low-end and mid-range power and are simply better engines than this Honda. If you want an import V-6, stick with those and avoid this one. You pay $3000 extra for the V-6 engine in this car, and you certainly do not get your money's worth.
The last thing I'll comment on is mileage. Not once did I ever make the rated 28 mpg highway. The best I ever got was 26 mpg, even with cruising at 60-70 mph on the highway for long trips with the tire pressures cranked up to 36 psi. I have no idea why. Maybe it was related to the lack of torque and constant downshifting that was needed, but expect to be pumping lots of gas.
The Accord is not a bad car overall. It is a "good" car. But all the hype that surrounds it (Car & Driver 10 Best forever, countless comparison test wins, etc) makes you believe that it's a much better car than it really is. Excessive hype just leads to disappointment, and that is how I feel - disappointed. When it comes down to it, the Accord is just an ordinary unexciting family sedan that is really nothing special.
I would agree with most of it. Just lost the alternator today in my 1998 Accord EX V6 (56K miles). The Delphi alternator is definitely a piece of crap. The automatic transmission has acted drunk since I bought the car. With the car going very slow (e.g. getting ready to make a turn), the transmission wants to stay in 2nd gear. Then when I apply the gas, it hesitates for a second and then decides to drop into first (incredibly annoying). I had transmissions 20 years ago that behaved better. Took it to the dealer a few months after purchase because I thought there was something broken. The service manager said there was nothing wrong with the transmission. That's just how it was designed and there was nothing he could do about it.
He mentioned that a lot of people were complaining about it.
Sounds like a bunch of Toyota loyalists to me.
This is how I see it: people who like Toyotas generally like all Japanese cars... but people who like Hondas tend to stick with Hondas. Me, I despise Toyota, but will take practically any Honda.
Plus, you can't just get out of a Toyota, step into a Honda and expect them to be the same car. Being direct competitors with each other, I think they would have some differences.
I think you have set too high expectations for the car.
I like my Honda Accord V6 - 2000. But I am having problems now and then - Thank God, I went for the Honda Care 7yr 100,000 mile extended warranty -
2 days ago the alternator failed @ 51,130 miles - Got it warranty replaced with Honda dealer - Delphi is the make.
I suspect the car in general has Electrical problems.. Earlier my add-on Honda cassette player had failed and my Cruise Switch LED has failed for the 2nd time..
I just hope there will be not any more failures and I am tired of having that fear factor in mind especially over long rides..
I have rented a Camry for more than a month and boy I tell you, Camry is smooth, but I went for a 2000 Accord 'cos of its look and Interiors.
I too own a 1998 Accord EX V6. I'm a Honda and Toyota loyalist, because I've owned many good examples of both. My Mom also retired from Honda a year ago. All that said, my auto transmission is starting to fail, it has the same problems as others who've posted. Today (July 1, 2004) my Mom took the time to make some calls to her friends at American Honda in Torrence, CA and what she found out is Honda does indeed have a major problem on their hands with these transmissions. Apparently Honda is trying to do what it can, but I think many here would agree it's not acceptable. The only advice I can offer is to take the car to a Honda dealership, have it diagnosed in writing and then call American Honda and start being the "squeaky wheel". Don't be rude or obnoxious, just polite and VERY persistent and you will probably receive some sort of compensation. I've yet to hear back on what will be done with my car, but my fingers are crossed. Cheers!
I gave my 1991 Accord Wagon to my teenagers and replaced it with a 2001 Accord V6L. I now wish I had kept the old wagon. It was a fun car to drive and own. I can't say the same for my 2001 Accord. The transmission continues it's mysterious ways. I still don't understand why it shifts when it does. Most annoying are the "bang" shifts when the car is under moderate acceleration. Gas mileage is poor, as I've never been able to match the rated mileage. The automatic climate control system seems to impose a heavy load on the V6, slowing the car considerably when it is on. I find the car runs smoother with the climate control off and the windows open. Next time I buy a Toyota <sigh>.
I have a 99 Accord EX-VL w/110,000 miles. I do agree the transmission shifts oddly, but I have not had to replace it at all. Since the car gets driven 30,000 miles a year, we change the fluid often- About every 45,000 miles. We have had no problems with the tranny failing yet. The alternator has not failed either, but I was shocked to see that it was a Delphi part and I expect it to fail sooner than the Denso in my 94 Accord LX with 222,000 miles-the denso looks to be original, right from the plant in Japan where it was built.
I nearly bought this model, but was fortunate to find a used one owner low mileage lease... a 2002 Acura (Honda) TL type S for under $20,000 last year. I have owned a few Accords 4 cyls. all new at the time and also a new V6 Acura Legend. Of all of them the Legend was the most reliable and I was sorry it was discontinued. I have looked at new and used Toyotas and found them "bland". They are nice cars, but not very exciting transportation. If you like Honda you will really like Acuras. My TL type S sedan has the Vtec 260 hp is stock and is a blast to drive and it fills the bill as a very nice civilized family car as well. I have had one transmission replacement under warranty at 35,000 miles. It is the only unacceptable issue and I agree that it needs addressed. I have had no other problems and I love this car. I feel that the Toyota drivers commenting on here will feel a bit sheepish if they can drive Hondas TL sedans. I hope to own the new 270 hp model someday, but I can live with 260 hp. The factory options,performance and handling has to be experienced!
Hmm. My 2001 build year Accord V6 has been flawless. No rattles. No elec problems. I am certain it is still driving as it would straight out of the showroom.
I have a 1998 Honda Accord V6 EX Coupe. I have 130,000 miles on the vehicle and in general enjoy the car and the ride.
The problems I have are as follows: (These are on going and is becoming a big pain)
1. The transmission slams into gear sometimes and other times is seems to drag on before changing gears. Repeat visits to the dealer yielded no results or issues.
2. My Alternator has been replaced 3 times and today I am going in for my 4th. Seems after the initial change, I have had to change the alternator every year. The Dealer has picked up the cost after the second change. this is annoying because I know an alternator should last more than 1 year. The Dealer is not sure what is going on at this time.
3. There are times when I turn my headlights on and my Dashboard lights will go off - kind of hard to see the gauges in the evening. When this happens the directionals or blinkers do not work either. Turning the headlights off allows everything to work as expected. Again, the Dealer does not know what the cause is and cannot cause it to happen either. I am in a monitoring state at this time.
4. Sunroof seems to rattle when it is cold outside. Took awhile to figure this out, and of course I purchased the vehicle in the summer so I did not hear it when I bought it. So now I lubricate the rubber seal occasionally which seems to help.
I have always been a big fan of Honda's and Toyota's. But this version of the Honda has given me some concerns. My last Honda Accord had no issues at all. It was a 1989 4 door accord stick. I did the normal maintenance and basically that was it.
I also had the Alternator issue, but for the last 3 years, the alternator has been replaced.
Interesting comments as I haven't really experienced these issues at all... in a 2001 V6 Accord. Sure the transmission shifts a little weird sometimes, but it's something I can live with. Have had no alternator problems yet, and my car has 103.000 miles on it. On a recent trip by myself, one tank returned with 34 mpg at 80+ mph. Not bad if you ask me.
I too have a 1998 Honda Accord. Brand new and within 1000 miles the transmission went off. Honda replaced it with a reconditioned transmission. No amount of begging, threats, pleading made them reconsider giving me a new transmission (the warranty says they can replace it with a reconditioned part... in very small print!). Then some where around 40,000 miles, the car would make a horrible grinding sound and it FINALLY proved to be a broken engine mount! This weekend the alternator went off! A few months back the starter had to be replaced. Additionally, around 60,000 miles the oxygen sensor went bad. I have had my share of woes with Honda and my next car is definitely going to be a Camry. I just hope I get a decent price when I try to sell my 1998 Honda Accord V6!
I have a 98 Accord EX V6 and am having the alternator replaced today. With 85,000 miles on the car this is the first time it has been to the shop for anything other than routine maintenance. Getting 9 years and 85,000 city miles out of an alternator seems reasonable to me. No transmission complaints like others have mentioned either. Been a great car, kids are driving it now and they love it.
I thought Hondas were known to be "good" cars. I just came from the Honda dealer today to find out why my check engine light is on. I was told that the gas cap may have not been being closed properly, which turns out to be something that I wasn't doing. So I made sure that I did turn it 3 clicks and a month went by and the light was still on. Come to find out, my transmission is about to fail. I have a 2002 Honda Accord V6-EX with 59,000 miles on it. I asked why this would happen. Response: "There's no rhyme or reason." Great answer huh? I guess it's time to trade or sell.
1999 Accord V6; at 170,000 miles and the check engine light is on. EGR. what should I do? Nothing! I don't care... I am not going to be stupid and trade in a car that has never failed us ever just because of one check engine light. Transmission is original. We will buy another Honda after this because besides the EGR and the alternator we have had no problems. Unless you think new tires every 50k is too much? Our GM cars needed many more repairs than this Honda.
As to the transmission problems, I have read that there is a cooling problem where a portion of the transmission does not get enough fluid circulation and therefore is not cooled properly leading to failure. Search around on-line for it, you'll find it. Here is one place that seconds this. "http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1502084." Getting a transmission fluid cooler installed is not a bad idea for any car.
Also, We have been told that the best way to go about fixing a transmission is to have YOUR transmission rebuilt, other wise you will easily keep having problems. We heard this through a transmission shop that has been doing only transmissions for decades found through our trusted shop (our mechanics leave something as specialized as a transmission up to a specialist. My apologies for not being able to remember the name of this shop. Call Auburn foreign car and get it.)
It only make sense that Honda reparing people's transmissions hasn't turned out the best. They do not specialize in transmissions. Would you have your family practice physician do open heart surgery? And what is better, getting a new heart from someone else, our doing the work on your own? I understand a car is not a person, but an automatic transmission is the most complicated mechanical part of your car. And such a highly complicated piece of machinery is only going to be fixed correctly by someone who knows exactly what they are doing. The Honda tech is not that person. In fact, there are not many people who are the skilled enough to be the right person.
If you have transmission problems, Honda is not necessarily going to be the best option as they are just going to want to replace your transmission with another transmission. Again, they are not transmission specialists, do not trust them with this decision! Spend the time to find an established transmission shop that knows what they are doing and has many customers to back them up.
We have a 2001 LX and are definitely worried about the transmission problems people are having. (Just hit 94k mi, owned for 10k mi). But luckily, so far we have not had any problems. Our 4 Cyl V-Tech gets 30+mpg with mediocre acceleration performance. Although, if you want to speed past everyone don't buy a 4 Dr. sedan such as this, and don't do it with you kids in the car no matter what size of engine!! Just my 20 cents. :)