2003 Honda Accord Reviews

Two substantially different Honda Accords were sold in Australia from 2003 onwards; one mid-sized, the other large and almost in the same size class as our home grown Commodores and Falcons.  It's not only the size of these Accords that are different, their dynamics mean they attract buyers with significantly

Judy Omerod has done 90,000 km in her 2006 Accord Euro and says it has been brilliant. It has never given her any trouble; it runs smoothly, accelerates quickly and is easy to manoeuvre in tight spots, and averages 8.6 L/100 km. Robert and Helen Palmer love their 2005 Accord. It is good to drive, comfortable, great

Honda cars have long held a reputation as being a step above other Japanese marques in quality and prestige. Nowhere does this show more than in the medium-large Accord sedans.These days the Honda Accord sells in Australia in two different market segments. One, called Accord Euro, has a real emphasis on sporty handling and has gained a good reputation amongst those who enjoy driving. It gives, precise communicative steering and plenty of road grip. Handling was improved further when an upgraded Euro model arrived in Australia in June 2008.The other variant, simply called the Honda Accord, is larger, American-based and leans in the direction of passenger comfort rather than sporty dynamics.Many owners only drive gently and find the Accord’s characteristics most acceptable. Those drivers with more of a sporting makeup will find these Accords are rather soft and inclined to understeer at relatively slow speeds.Australia is the only country that takes imports of the two significantly different models, showing the high regard in which our country is held by the head office chiefs in Japan.Honda Accords in Australia are four-door sedans (though the European market also has a station wagon variant). Interior space is good, though the Euro is smaller than American Accord so for adults to get comfortable in the rear seat the front seats have to be set a few notches forward.Boot space is good, with a wide, low opening which makes it easy to load. Naturally, the boot in the larger car has greater volume, but the Euro’s luggage area is more than acceptable if only couples are using the car.The Honda tradition of designing cars with good outward visibility makes the Accord easy to drive and park, as well as making it comfortable for young children to see out of. However, crash safety regulations that made thick pillars necessary mean that there's less outwards visibility in the these post-2003 Accord. They aren’t bad, just not as good as the excellent older models. A four-cylinder engine used in the Euro model and the American Accord has a capacity of 2.4 litres. The engine in the Euro is set to a higher state of tune than the one in the American car so need high octane unleaded petrol, the Accord is happy to run on 91, though a diet of 95 does seem to make it feel good.A V6 3.0-litre unit is used in the American Accord, but not in the Euro. The 2008 model change saw an increase in the V6 engine size to 3.5 litres. The newer engine design offers plenty of relaxed torque and uses less fuel than the smaller engine it replaced.The Accord Euro is offered with a six-speed manual to suit its sporting nature, though in Australia most are fitted with a five-speed sequential automatic. The American car is imported only with a five-speed automatic transmission.The Honda dealer network usually concentrates on the major population centres. If you live in the relatively remote country area it might be wise to make inquiries to Honda’s head office, or your local regional office, if you are considering buying one of the cars. Ask about the time it takes to source parts, although this is unlikely to be more than a couple of business days.Honda has worked hard at reducing spare parts costs in recent years. However, the price drops usually apply more to the common parts than to the unusual ones.These are relatively complex cars, especially from the 1998 model, and are best left to professional mechanics. A good amateur, armed with a workshop manual, can tackle some of the routine work.Insurance is generally very reasonable as is only to be expected from a car in this ultra conservative market segment. It will be interesting to see if the new sport-oriented Accord Euro changes the premium structure.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe engine should be all but inaudible at idle, even in the four-cylinder units. Any roughness may indicate problems.Check there are no oily black stains in the exhaust pipe and the surrounding body and bumper. Make sure there isn’t a puff of oily looking smoke from the exhaust when the accelerator is floored after the engine has been idling for a minute or so.Manual gearboxes should move freely with no sticking or crunching on fast gearchanges. Automatics should go into gear promptly and their changes should only be noticeable when you're accelerating hard.During your test drive check the brakes pull the car up evenly without one wheel locking before the others. On cars with ABS, feel for a pulsing through the pedal during very hard braking.Look at the condition of the interior, paying special attention to the top of the dashboard and the rear shelf for sun damage. Fading or cracking in these areas can cause hassles.Rust is not common but may have found its way into cars that have been badly repaired after a crash. If you’re not sure, have a professional check out the car as repairs can be expensive.CAR BUYING TIPCars used by families often have more wear and tear in the boot than those used by couples. The condition of the back seat in a kid carter depends greatly on the amount of discipline the juniors have been taught... 

The Accord V6 was so different to the Accord Euro that shared Honda showrooms that it could well have come from a completely different maker. The V6 was bigger and plusher than the svelte, agile Euro; it was also quieter and more comfortable. That might suggest that it was less assured on the road, but it wasn't, it actually performed well on all levels.Inside, the cabin was airy and spacious and rear seat passengers had all the room they needed to be comfortable. Under the hood it had a sophisticated V6 that delivered plenty of punch along with a good dose of torque that made it a smooth, pleasantdriver in all situations. The V6 was coupled to a smooth-shifting five-speed auto, there was no manual gearbox offered, but you wouldn't want a manual in the V6.Honda's claim of 10.6 L/100 km was reasonable for a V6 of the  Accord's size. On the road the ride was comfortable on all surfaces and the handling reassuring and quite responsive with light steering that still afforded the driver plenty of road feel. The level of standard equipment was quite good with dual-zone air-conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking with alarm, six-stack CD player, steering wheel controls, fold-down rear seat. If that wasn't enough you could step up to the Luxury and enjoy a powered sunroof, powered driver's seat and leather upholstery.In general Hondas are well built and perform well over time and but for a couple of issues that can affect it the Accord V6 is no exception. On average a 2003 V6 Accord has now done around 125,000 km, so it's reached the stage of its life that you would anticipate that problems could arise. Hondas do need to be religiously serviced, if they're not that's when problems can occur. It's also important to stick with Honda's recommendations for the oils and lubricants when having them serviced.One thing that does crop up on occasions is the automatic transmission, which is regarded to have questionable durability. One owner we heard from had the automatic transmission in his 2005 V6 quite while driving along the Hume Highway. The diagnosis was that the transmission needed to be replaced. It's a good policy to have automatic transmissions serviced regularly, and it seems that it's even more important when it's a Honda. When it is serviced it's critical that the correct Honda-recommended transmission fluid be used. Using oil other than that recommended is to court disaster.Honda paint, at least some colours, appears to fade worse than other makes and models. Avoid red, that's the worst. When checking a car for possible purchase, check its service record, if it isn't complete or up to date walk away.Well-built, good driving and comfortable sedan but be aware of potential auto issues.

For many years Honda was spoken of as the Asian BMW, but never has that description been more accurate than it is now with the Accord Euro leading the brand’s charge.It was generally held that Hondas were better engineered and better built. They were said to be a class above the other Japanese makes, and rivaled European brands like the sporty BMW.There wasn’t any doubt about the claims of engineering excellence and build quality, but Hondas still looked and felt like a Japanese car. They were generally bland to look at and the controls didn’t have a quality feel about them.But then something happened, the Japanese industry awoke, and their cars changed. They became more European in the intangible things that distinguish the good cars from the also-rans.The Honda Accord Euro – the name says it all – had the looks and the feel to go with the Japanese reliability and quality. It was as if the Japanese industry had realized it needed to appeal to western buyers if it wanted to succeed. All of a sudden exports were the key to long-term success.MODEL WATCH Japanese cars have built an enviable reputation for reliability and durability through the standard of their engineering and their build quality. The Japanese industry has set the pace in those regards and forced other manufacturers to lift their game, but its cars were manacled to mediocrity by stodgy styling and overtly plastic ‘cheap looking’ interiors.The classic example was the Honda NSX sports car. An awesome mid-engined sports coupe that had the performance to match the world’s great supercars, but its interior looked like it came from a humble Civic with acres of average plastic and controls that clearly came from the Honda small car parts bin.Previous Accords were good solid reliable cars, but the sixth generation Accord Euro launched in 2003 was different. It still felt light on the road, it didn’t have the solid road feel that most Europeans have, but there was little to moan about, and even the looks were attractive.Honda was clear in its focus with the Accord Euro, it was to be a performance oriented model. Anyone who wanted a more conservative ride could buy the plusher Accord V6, which was also available at Honda dealers alongside the Euro.The Accord Euro was well proportioned with appealing lines that gave it an athletic look without being too bold. But while it was an appealing car its styling was somewhat derivative; it could easily have come from Munich.There were two models in the range, the Accord and Accord Luxury, both powered by Honda’s renowned 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft i-VTEC LEV engine boasting peak power of 140 kW at 6800 revs and 223 Nm at 4500 revs.The engine used variable valve timing and electronic lift with variable inlet cam phasing for more efficient combustion with exhaust gas recirculation, better torque and more linear performance through the rev range. Backing up to the engine was a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox, which had a light, precise, short-throw shift, or a five-speed auto with a manual shift function.All of that was built on a rigid, stable platform that provided a sound foundation for the handling Honda wanted for the Accord Euro. Double wishbone independent suspension was a feature at both ends; it had massive disc brakes with anti-skid, brake force distribution and brake assist electronics to assist with the stopping. The electronic arsenal also extended to stability control and traction control in an impressive package of driver aids.Inside, the Accord had all the features expected of a prestige model, including air, cruise, power windows and mirrors, six-stack CD sound with steering wheel controls, remote keyless entry, alarm and immobiliser. On top of that the Luxury also had high-density headlights, power sunroof, power front seats, leather, woodgrain, rain sensor wipers, headlight washers and fog lamps.IN THE SHOPMake sure the Accord has been serviced, and by someone who knows the brand well. They are packed with technology and are built to close tolerances so regular servicing is essential. Oil changes in particular must be done on a regular basis.The Accord’s good build quality means little generally goes wrong with them, and they are still in their youth with just five years of road life under the tyre marks. Look for body damage, and listen for odd noises when driven.IN A CRASH The agility, road holding and braking prowess of the Accord Euro enables drivers to escape threatening situations they may face on the road if they’ve got the driving ability. Both the Accord and Accord Luxury boasted an impressive array of airbags including front and side airbags, while the Luxury had the added protection of curtain airbags. In another plus all occupants had three-point lap-sash seat belts.AT THE PUMP Owners report they get around 9.5 L/100 km average fuel consumption around town, but on a trip that drops to 7-8 L/100 km. Those figures compare quite well to the 9.2 L/100 km Honda quotes for the auto model on the ADR test.OWNERS SAY Jenny Foster loves driving her 2005 Accord Euro, and living in country Victoria she does plenty of it driving between her country home and Melbourne. She says it’s fantastic on the highway. It’s also been reasonably cheap to run, although it does require premium fuel, which it sips at the rate of 8 L/100 km on the highway. There have been no mechanical problems to date, but she is critical of the large turning circle, the blocked vision when turning, and the poor visibility when backing because of the low seating position.Daniel Madeira is the proud and happy owner of a 2005 Accord Euro. He loves its looks and the way it drives. Its handling is exceptional, he says, and he loves the option of changing gears manually on the auto transmission. His only problem has been a squeak where the windscreen meets the body, which was fixed under warranty.Nick Zouros has clocked up 47,000 km in his 2005 Accord Euro and reckons it’s a great car. The engine and auto transmission are brilliant, and the build quality, reliability and comfort are exceptional, he says. He’s critical of the firm ride at low speeds and he would like more room in the back seat for his growing family.William Martin reckons his Accord Euro is the best-finished car he’s had in his 50 years of owning motor vehicles. Its comfort and performance are first class, he says.LOOK FOR • Attractive styling• Brilliant handling• Zippy performance• Firm ride at low speeds• Good fuel economy• Requires premium fuelTHE BOTTOM LINE Soundly engineered and well built, the Accord Euro is a reliable and fun driver.RATING 80/100

Honda Australia wasn't happy when it heard the Simpsons-inspired nickname, but we weren't happy they'd turned one of our favourite cars from the '80s and early '90s into a mid-western turkey.It was still plump and tasty, but the whole Accord program was taken over by the need to hit big sales targets in the US.The needs of Australians, who had found the Accord a family driving favourite, took a back seat while the Homer plan shifted into top gear.But no more. Honda is back on track with a double-edged effort on the Accord that's already given us one of our favourite newcomers for 2003, the Accord Euro.Now it's time to look at the full-bodied Accord – same name, but almost everything else is different – that's just arrived to give us a full serve of mid-sized prestige action. Compared with the Euro, the Accord is bigger, roomier and comes with both four-cylinder and V6 engines.Honda Australia is convinced there is a place for both types of Accord – the Accord Euro pitched at more youthful customers, the Accord likely to find homes with families and older people more worried about a big boot and cushy ride than a touch-change automatic gearbox or sports-tuned suspension.Honda believes the Euro will be the better seller in Australia and has been struggling to keep up with demand since it arrived, but still sees a solid spot for the bigger car and is confident the V6 will do most of the business.Both ends of the Accord action begin at the same price, $34,250, but similarities mostly end right there.The Accord is even built in Thailand, while the Euro comes from Japan.The new Accord is even bigger than the car which wore the badge from 1997 until this year – on its own – in both width and length. The bonus includes 127mm more room in the cabin and a boot with 30 litres of extra carrying capacity.The design of the Accord is a little more conservative than the Euro, but it has much the same face – just a little larger – and the dash could also have been lifted from the earlier arrival. Its 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine makes 118kW, but it's the bigger banger V6, with a 3.0-litre capacity and power and torque of 177kW and 287Nm, which sets the pace.Honda says they are among the cleanest in the country, and its V6 also out-powers all but the Ford Falcon among the local sixes, clearing the forthcoming Euro IV emission standards many years early.The big difference is the Accord only comes as an automatic, with a five-speed shift and no chance for any manual changes.The Accord runs from the four-cylinder VTi at $34,250 to the V6 at $39,990 and V6 Luxury at $45,240.At first glance, it's easy to mistake the Accord for the Euro. It looks much the same and the Honda family genes run right through to the key, steering wheel and switches.But as soon as you reach the first corner you know, no doubt about it, which car you're driving. The instant steering response and crisp feel of the Euro is replaced by a softer, gentler approach to corners.It's the same in driving, even with the V6 fitted to our test car. The Accord will get along well, but prefers to take its time and the T-bar auto shifter doesn't help you to do any pick-your-own gear work on twisty roads.It is light on fuel and, importantly, doesn't need the costlier high-octane unleaded. The all-round feel of the Accord V6 is cushier, more relaxed, and – yes – older. Not older in design, but older by design.It doesn't even feel as sharp as the locally made Toyota Camry or the recently tweaked Mitsubishi Magna, not that it will matter much to people who will always prefer an imported Honda badge.They're more likely to be shopping the Accord against a basic BMW or Audi, or looking at how it lines up against the latest Mazda6 or Subaru Liberty. And it does have the advantage of that V6.Our time with the Accord V6 was quiet, relaxed and enjoyable and we can see a lot of people will want exactly those strengths. It carries four adults easily, will swallow golf clubs and trolleys, and is easy to park with good visibility.We think the seats aren't as supportive as some, including the Magna and Camry, but the dashboard looks classy and has everything you'd need. Airconditioning is typically chilly Honda, the sound system is fine for the job, and the LED dials are straightforward and bright.The V6 engine has more than enough go for the Accord, and we rarely felt the need to push to the redline. That's a pity, because it does its best work up towards the redline and most owners will only go there if they're really pushed on an overtaking move.It doesn't step away as briskly as you might expect with 177kW, but the softly-sprung suspension wouldn't like the job of coping with a full-power launch. As it is, the car rolls fairly noticeably around corners and there isn't much excess grip if you get keen in the curves. Better to relax and take it easy.And that's just what a lot of people will like in the Accord. It's classy and comfortable.So the Homer is definitely gone and we're happy about that. But we'd still take an Accord Euro if it was our money or lease payments on the line.

The four-cylinder Accord Euro, from a sharp $34,250, looks to recapture the model's spot as a sporting, prestige machine. It is a more dynamic car in style and nature than the bland, and steady selling sixth-generation car.That model started at $40,900 for the four-cylinder automatic.To further broaden the appeal of the new Accords, a second, wide-bodied model will arrive in September with a V6 engine. More a five-seater, it will be targeted at the likes of Holden Calais buyers.This Accord Euro runs a 2.4-litre engine which produces a handy 140kW to make it one of the more spirited four-cylinder engines on the market – once headed beyond 3500rpm.There is the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed, sequential-style automatic transmission, plus a host of driver aids from ABS to traction control and "vehicle stability assist" for curbing understeer or oversteer on the front-drive cars.The Japanese car boasts a long list of standard comfort and safety features from driver and passenger airbags to six-disc CD stacker, power windows and 16-inch alloy wheels. It's enough gear, Honda says, to appeal to those considering more expensive European sedans.Accord Euro Luxury models, starting at $40,800, also have curtain airbags, electric seats, rain-sensor wipers and a sunroof, among other extras.The new package looks right to re-establish the Accord's credentials among business professionals on the rise.Styling is a mix of Audi A4, Alfa Romeo 156 and Mazda6, with a touch of BMW 7 Series and even Holden Commodore around the nose. The result is neat and tidy with a far bolder attitude than its predecessor, if not quite as aggressive as the Mazda, one of its major rivals.Honda Australia product planning manager Justin Orr says the Accord Euro will appeal to professionals aged 35-50 years, largely married couples with young children."In many ways, the Euro signals the rebirth of the Accord as a mid-sized sports sedan that will compete with the best from Japan and Europe," Orr says. "It is leaner, sharper and sportier than its predecessors and yet retains Honda brand qualities of style, clever engineering and attention to detail."The Euro version looks the part, with a clean, safer and more rigid body than before. It also is claimed to have the biggest boot in its class.Inside is comprehensively packed with gear and, again, has Honda's usual tidy approach to aesthetics and attention to detail. There's dual zone airconditioning, cruise control and remote entry in a pretty comprehensive package.On the road, the Accord Euro is certainly a more involving car than its predecessor, with a rework of the independent double wishbone suspension up front and five-link suspension at the rear.Ride is good, the handling benign and there's little indication of torque steer up front. Yet the steering is a little lifeless until into the turn and there is a deal of tyre noise over coarser back roads.While the engine has a punch, the power arrives at a relatively high 6800rpm. It does need to be worked for the best results, either through the six-speed manual or the sequential-style five-speed automatic.The Accord Euro is a tight, good-looking package at a good price. It undoubtedly will re-establish this Honda's credentials among the mid-sized, sporting crowd.But the competition this season is fiercer than before, with the Mazda6 already acclaimed by critics and consumers alongside the upmarket Holden Vectra and an all-new Subaru Liberty headed this way.