1998-2002 Honda Accord: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2002 Honda Accord and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Instruments/controls
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
For its latest generation, Honda's mainstay earned a total redesign. Dimensions grew only marginally, and the station wagon body style disappeared. For the first time, the Accord coupe got its own distinctive appearance. Wheelbases were unchanged, but the new Accord was slightly longer overall, as well as taller. Coupes spanned a wheelbase 1.8 inches shorter than that of the sedan, and stood a bit lower and shorter than before. Both body styles came in LX and EX trim levels, with either 4-cylinder or V6 power. A price-leader 4-cylinder DX sedan also went on sale. In the DX model, the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine developed 135 horsepower (5 more than the previous 2.2-liter four). LX and EX models got a more powerful 4-cylinder engine with Honda's VTEC variable valve timing, rated at 150 horsepower. A new 3.0-liter V6 engine, introduced in the upscale Acura CL coupe and equipped with VTEC variable valve timing, replaced the prior 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. All Accords came with standard 5-speed manual shift, or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard on V6 and 4-cylinder EX models, and optional on the 4-cylinder LX sedan with automatic transmission.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Honda Accord EX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 10 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2002 Honda Accord. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2002 Honda Accord.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
An antitheft system went into all '99 Accords. In LX V6 models, the power driver's seat gained a power recliner. EX models added a standard remote keyless entry system.
2000 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
Front side airbags became standard on V6 models and on leather-equipped 4-cylinder EXs. All Accords gained a dual-stage passenger-side dashboard airbag, which could deactivate if sensors determined the passenger was too small or out of position.
2001 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
V6 models got standard traction control for 2001. Passenger-side front and side airbags were now designed to automatically deactivate if seat-mounted sensors detect that a passenger is too small or out of position. All models received subtle restyling, and all but the DX sedan got lighted power-window switches. Also for 2001, EX V6s added standard automatic climate control, in-dash CD changer, and 4-way power passenger seat; 4-cylinder EXs got in-dash changers, while LXs were upgraded to 6-speaker audio with a single-disc in-dash player.
2002 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
Addition of a popularly equipped SE model signaled 2002 as the final model year for the current Accord design. EX versions gained steering-wheel audio controls this year. Accord would be redesigned for 2003.
Our road test for the 1998-2002 Honda Accord includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2002 Honda Accord and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2002 Honda Accord is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Engines are silky, revvy, quiet, and packed with punch. The V6 provides quick getaways and ample passing power. Much of the time, you also get smooth and responsive downshifts for passing or merging. At times, though, the automatic shifts with a jerk and can be painfully slow to drop down a gear for passing. Gas mileage is a bonus, especially with the 4-cylinder engine. Our test 5-speed coupe averaged 23.8 mpg in hard urban driving. An automatic 4-cylinder got 24.7 mpg. Test sedans with the V6 engine averaged 24.0 and 20.7 mpg. The ride is comfortable and controlled. Handling, on the other hand, is noticeably more precise than before, with less body lean and better grip in tight corners. You can expect little wind noise in any model, though some tire hum is audible on coarse pavement. Overall, noise levels rank about average. An Accord sedan is just as roomy inside as a Toyota Camry or Ford Taurus. Like those competitors, too, Accords are more comfortable for four adults than for five. In any of those models, the center rear position lacks sufficient width for an average-sized grown-up. Seat comfort ranks as first-rate, especially up front. Wider doors ease entry/exit on sedans, but rear access in coupes demands a certain amount of crouching and crawling. Dashboards are models of functional simplicity. Power window and lock switches are not illuminated, however. Sedans have a deep, wide trunk with a flat floor and a large lid, which opens to bumper level. Liftover is a bit higher in coupes, which also have slightly less trunk volume. All models have a handy split-folding rear seat.
Value for the Money
If you're in the market for a top-notch midsize family sedan (or coupe), don't buy until you've test-driven an Accord. Resale values tend to be on the high side, however, so don't expect fantastic bargains.
If you're in the market for a top-notch midsize family sedan (or coupe), don't buy until you've test-driven an Accord. Resale values tend to be on the high side, however, so don't expect fantastic bargains.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Honda Accord EX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 10 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Airbags:
The airbag warning light may come on if a cell phone or laptop computer is plugged into the accessory power socket. (2002)
Automatic transmission:
Four-speed automatic transmission may shift late or erratically when cold due to faulty linear (pressure control) solenoid. (2002-04)
Automatic transmission:
On V6 models, transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2002)
Blower motor:
Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (1990-04)
Brakes:
The brake light may not go off. The cause is a saturated float in the master cylinder that should be replaced under warranty or beyond. (1998)
Check-engine light:
"Check EngineÓ light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (1998-02)
Oil leak:
Oil leaks from multiple locations including bolt holes on V6 engines. (1998-2001)
Paint/body:
If the car is driven on rough roads, the spoiler on the trunk can rub through the paint unless spacer pads are installed between the spoiler and trunklid. (1998)
Suspension noise:
Loose nuts on the rear stabilizer bar cause it to rattle. (1998)
Transmission problems:
Automatic transmission problems prompted to company to extend warranty coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2000-02)
Vehicle noise:
Noises come from the top of the windshield and rear window because the teeth for the glass fasteners aren't engaged. The teeth must be trimmed and a wool felt installed. (1998)
Wheels:
Clicking noises from the wheels can be remedied by applying special grease between the wheels and hubs. (1999-2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $775 |
| Alternator | $460 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,110 |
| Brakes | $520 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $845 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,405 |
| Exhaust System | $610 |
| Radiator | $585 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $920 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $475 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Accord DX, Value | $4,600-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,700-2,000 |
| Accord EX | $6,200-7,200 | $5,400-6,300 | $2,700-3,100 |
| Accord LX, SE | $5,500-6,700 | $4,700-5,800 | $2,300-2,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Accord DX, Value | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| Accord EX | $5,300-6,200 | $4,600-5,300 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Accord LX | $4,700-5,500 | $3,900-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Accord DX | $3,500-4,200 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
| Accord EX | $4,700-5,600 | $3,900-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Accord LX, SE | $4,200-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 1999 | |||
| Accord DX | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| Accord EX | $4,200-5,100 | $3,400-4,200 | $1,400-1,700 |
| Accord LX | $3,700-4,300 | $3,000-3,500 | $1,100-1,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Accord DX | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| Accord EX | $3,800-4,600 | $3,100-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| Accord LX | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.8 | 188.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 | 70.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.1 | 56.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2943 | 2888 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.6 | 14.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.1 | 17.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.4 | 37.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Budget-priced DX sedans came with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 135 horsepower. A stronger 4-cylinder with variable valve timing, rated at 150 horsepower, went into LX and EX models. Instead of either 4-cylinder, Accords might have a 3.0-liter V6 engine that made 200 horsepower. Four-cylinder models could have either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, but V6 Accords came only with automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 137 | 135 | 145 | 5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: 23.8 4-speed automatic: 21.5 |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 137 | 150 | 152 | 5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 22/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 24.7 |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 200 | 195 | 4-speed automatic: 21/28 | 4-speed automatic: 20.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Accord |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1998-2002 Honda Accord directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998:
Irregularity in transmission cover can allow car to roll down an incline while transmission is in "Park."
1998-02:
Ignition-switch interlock may not function properly, making it possible to turn key to "off" position and remove it, without shifting transmission to "Park."
2000:
Airbags may not deploy correctly, due to improper welding.
2000:
Rear suspension lower arms and/or control arms could break, due to improper welding.
2000-01:
Certain rear seatbelt buckles were improperly manufactured and may be difficult to unfasten after a crash.
2000-01:
Dimmer control for instrument panel lights on some cars could fail due to heat build-up, possibly causing instrument lights to fail.
2001:
Broken plastic piece of air cleaner box cover could travel into the intake chamber. If the piece lodges in the throttle body, the throttle could stick in a partially open position.
2001-02:
The driver's airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. Metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material possibly causing injury to vehicle occupants. Dealers will replace the airbag inflator free of charge.
2002 w/V6 engine:
Engine will stall if timing belt breaks due to a misaligned tensioner pulley on the water pump.
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