1998-2002 Honda Accord: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| 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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%.
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