2003 Honda Accord: Road Test
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2003 Honda Accord EX V6 Automatic with Leather
2003 Honda Accord ▼
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- MSRP: $15,800 -$27,900
- Invoice: $14,228 -$25,102
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Our road test for the 2003 Honda Accord includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Honda Accord from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Honda Accord, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Honda Accord help you decide if a 2003 Honda Accord is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
The 4-cyl models are peppy enough with manual transmission: Test EX coupe did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. With automatic, 4-cyl Accords feel a little labored up long grades or in urgent freeway passing sprints; Test EX-L coupe did 8.6 sec 0-60. The new 5-speed automatic lacks a manual shift gate, but is smoother and more responsive than the old 4 speed, despite occasional hesitant downshifts. V6 is energetic: test automatic-transmission coupe did 7.0 sec 0-60. V6 feels even stronger with the 6-speed manual.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
In tests of 4-cyl coupes, manual transmission EX averaged 22.7 mpg, automatic-transmission EX-L 25.2 mpg; both included gas-eating performance runs. Extended-use automatic-transmission 4-cyl EX-L sedan averaging 27.7 mpg over its first 7853 miles in mostly highway driving; another averaged 22.4 with more city miles. In tests of automatic-transmission V6 models, EX sedan averaged 26.1 mpg in almost exclusively highway driving; EX coupe averaged 24.3 mpg with more city miles. No opportunity to measure manual-transmission V6 coupe. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Generally absorbent on bumps and ruts, but all Accords have a decidedly taut ride. Compared to DX and LX models, V6s and 4-cyl EXs have stiffer 16- and 17-inch tires that thump a bit on rough roads, though it's seldom irksome.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.1 |
Poised and front-drive predictable, Accord changes direction with a sportier feel than previous versions, abetted by quick, informative steering. V6s and 4-cyl EXs have the best cornering grip and precision. Other Accords are less composed in fast turns on their narrower, all-season tires. Tight turning radius aids low-speed maneuverability. Simulated panic stops with ABS test models stable and progressive, if not exceptionally short.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Edging closer to Camry-level isolation. Still too much thump over bumps, but less coarse-surface tire drone than previous Accords, and wind rush generally modest. Slight vibration at idle marks 4-cyl engine, but like V6, it's smooth in medium-speed cruising and rises to a pleasant, muted growl at high rpm.
CONTROLS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 6.5 |
Redesigned dashboard presents clear and legible gauges, simple and handy minor controls. Audio systems have smart new switches and display settings with innovative, informative graphics. EX-optional navigation system is mastered with fair ease, and its voice activation is an upscale and simplifying touch. Interior materials fall short of Passat's benchmark, but nothing feels cut-rate. Examples tested generally had Honda's usual exemplary overall workmanship, though some had uncharacteristic creaks and dashtop panels and trim gaps that didn't line up neatly.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Good room on comfortable, well-shaped seats. New tilt/telescope steering column enhances driver comfort, as does height-adjustable seat that's powered on V6s and 4-cyl EXs and uses a manual, VW-style ratcheting lever on other LX Accords. Center-console lid slides forward to enhance role as an armrest. Headrests, tall rear deck, rear pillar shape impede visibility directly aft and over-the-shoulder, especially in coupes. Test coupe also suffered distracting windshield reflections.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4.4 |
Not quite wide enough for three adults, but two are comfortably uncrowded. Cushion's outboard ends surprisingly squishy, though, and some may find backrest too reclined. Head room is 6-footer adequate. Leg and toe space good-to-generous depending on front-seat positioning. No strain entry/exit, but doors could open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.7 |
Both body styles have spacious trunks with flat floors and low liftovers, but not much height below rear parcel shelf for bulky loads. And sickle-shaped trunk hinges intrude. All models have folding rear seat with key lock, but one-piece backrest limits versatility. Ample small-item cabin storage, plus bottle-holding door map pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 6.2 |
A perennial Best Buy moves up a notch in features, refinement, and dynamic ability. Accord successfully straddles Passat and Camry, with some of the pricier VW's confident road manners and degree of the more-conservative Toyota's isolation. That hit-making blend includes Honda's own envious record of reliability and resale value, so expect little discounting.
Total Score
| LX sdn, auto. | EX-L sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | EX V6 sdn, auto. | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 68 | 71 | 65 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 68
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