2004 Honda Accord from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Brake shudder during prolonged light application of brakes descending long declines. The shudder becomes progressively worse the longer the brakes are applied - difficult to solve while trying to stick to the speed limit. Obviously the heat build up (due perhaps to insufficient sized rotors) is a factor.

Overall the car has met expectations, albeit the inability of the manufacturer to rectify the brake shudder problem belies Honda's image as a "quality" manufacturer committed to the highest standards.

The fact that replacement rotors & pads have not rectified the problem indicates an engineering fault - Honda have refused to acknowledge this.

Otherwise value for money is good.

The difficulty now is to find a replacement that still offers the same level of luxury, but with better fuel economy (note that this is more to do with the current price of fuel than the V6 being overly thirsty)

Any suggestions?

If I were you I'd look at the Accord Euro as it's built in Japan whereas your current car was built in Thailand. It looks better, is no doubt better built and although it's only a 4 cylinder it's engine output is pretty good. With fuel prices going through the roof, I think people who look down their noses at 4 cylinder cars are mad.

"I think people who look down their noses at 4 cylinder cars are mad."

Not at all. And the accord is no where even near being a luxury car it's just another cheaply made mass produced midsize sedan.

Cheaply made, but better built and more reliable than domestic cars and Volkswagens..