2003-2007 Honda Accord: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration (V6 models)
- Instruments/controls
- Steering/handling
- Quietness
- Build quality
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Rear-seat room (coupes)
Vehicle Highlights
For 2003, Honda answered arch-rival Toyota and its 2002 Camry redesign with a reworking of its midsize front-drive Accord coupe and sedan. In addition to new styling and more power, Honda added several first-time features. Dimensions changed only modestly, but for the first time, Accord offered curtain side airbags, a five-speed automatic transmission, and a 240-horsepower V6 (40 more than before). Returning were four-cylinder and V6 sedans and coupes, in LX and upscale EX trim, plus a price-leader four-cylinder DX sedan. The four-cylinder grew from 2.3 to 2.4 liters, to gain as much as 25 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on four-cylinder models. Optional for them, and included with all V6s, was a five-speed automatic (replacing a four-speed). Also new for 2003 was a sportier V6 EX coupe with a six-speed manual gearbox--Accord's first--plus special trim and 17-inch wheels (versus the usual 16s or 15s). ABS became standard for all Accords, not just high-line models. V6s and four-cylinder EX models continued with four-wheel disc brakes. Traction control was exclusive to V6 models, where it was standard. Front side airbags were standard on V6 models and the four-cylinder EX, and available on LX models. Curtain side airbags were exclusive to EX V6s, where they were standard. EX models could have an optional navigation system with voice control for navigation, audio, and climate functions. All models got a tilt/telescope steering column, and all but the base DX included remote keyless entry that could open the side windows from the keyfob. Joining leather upholstery as standard on EX V6 models were dual-zone automatic climate control and heated seats, which were also available in leather-upholstered four-cylinder versions. V6s and four-cylinder EXs included an in-dash CD changer. Compared with previous Accords, sedans added an inch to wheelbase, were fractionally taller and wider, and had slightly more head room. But they lost a little rear leg space. Coupes grew an inch wider and slightly longer and taller, on an unchanged wheelbase, but shrunk a bit in rear head and leg room. Curb weights changed little. Rivals included the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Accord EX V6 sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 10 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 71 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2003-2007 Honda Accord includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2007 Honda Accord and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2007 Honda Accord is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Accords successfully straddle the Passat and Camry, offering some of the pricier VW's confident road manners matched with the more conservative Toyota's isolation. Augmented by precision engineering, enviable refinement, and Honda's own envious record of reliability, that hit-making blend helps make the Accord a Best Buy. Accord popularity keeps resale values high, so used-car prices tend to be somewhat hefty.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Accord EX V6 sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 10 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 71 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $685 |
| Alternator | $450 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,205 |
| Brakes | $420 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $680 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,350 |
| Exhaust System | $740 |
| Radiator | $600 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,495 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $195 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2007 | |||
| Accord EX | $17,200-20,500 | $15,800-18,900 | $11,000-13,100 |
| Accord Hybrid | $21,000-22,700 | $19,300-20,900 | $13,700-14,800 |
| Accord LX, SE | $15,400-18,000 | $14,000-16,400 | $9,900-11,500 |
| Accord VP | $13,700-15,000 | $12,500-13,700 | $8,200-9,000 |
| 2006 | |||
| Accord EX | $15,400-18,500 | $14,000-16,800 | $9,900-11,800 |
| Accord Hybrid | $18,200-19,800 | $16,700-18,200 | $11,600-12,700 |
| Accord LX, SE | $13,500-15,700 | $12,300-14,300 | $8,000-9,300 |
| Accord VP | $12,000-13,200 | $10,800-11,900 | $6,700-7,400 |
| 2005 | |||
| Accord DX | $10,400-11,400 | $9,400-10,300 | $5,500-6,000 |
| Accord EX | $14,000-16,500 | $12,700-15,000 | $8,500-10,100 |
| Accord Hybrid | $16,000-17,200 | $14,600-15,700 | $10,200-11,000 |
| Accord LX, SE | $12,200-14,300 | $11,100-13,000 | $7,100-8,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| Accord DX | $8,900-9,900 | $8,000-8,900 | $4,600-5,100 |
| Accord EX | $12,300-14,400 | $11,100-13,000 | $7,000-8,200 |
| Accord LX | $10,600-12,000 | $9,500-10,800 | $5,600-6,400 |
| 2003 | |||
| Accord DX | $7,500-8,500 | $6,800-7,700 | $3,800-4,300 |
| Accord EX | $10,500-12,500 | $9,500-11,300 | $5,600-6,600 |
| Accord LX | $9,000-10,300 | $8,100-9,300 | $4,700-5,400 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | 107.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.6 | 189.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | 57.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2994 | 2989 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.8 | 14.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.1 | 17.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.1 | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.9 | 36.8 |
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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 |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 160 | 161 | 5-speed manual: 26/34 5-speed automatic: 24/33 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 240 | 212 | 6-speed manual: 20/30 5-speed automatic: 21/30 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 255 | 232 | 5-speed automatic: 30/37 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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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