2004 Honda Accord: Road Test
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2004 Honda Accord EX Manual
2004 Honda Accord ▼
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- MSRP: $15,900 -$28,500
- Invoice: $14,318 -$25,641
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Our road test for the 2004 Honda Accord includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Honda Accord from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Honda Accord, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Honda Accord help you decide if a 2004 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 5-speed automatic lacks a manual shift gate, but is smooth and responsive, 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 EXs averaged 22.7-30.6 mpg, an automatic-transmission EX-L 25.2 mpg. Test 4-cyl EX-L sedans averaged 26.1 mpg over 19,321 mi. in an extended-use test that included mostly highway driving, and 22.4 in separate test with more city miles. In tests of automatic-transmission V6 models, EX sedans averaged 22.4 mpg in city/highway mix, 26.1 mpg in almost exclusively highway driving; EX coupe averaged 24.3 mpg. 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 | 6.2 |
Generally absorbent on bumps and ruts, but all Accords have a decidedly taut ride. Compared with 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 predictable, Accord changes direction with a sportier feel than most rivals, 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 | 5.8 |
Close to Camry-level isolation. Still too much thump over bumps, but little coarse-surface tire drone, 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 | 6.4 |
Clear and legible gauges, simple and handy minor controls. Audio systems have 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 | 6 |
Good room on comfortable, well-shaped seats. 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 | 4.5 |
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 | 4.6 |
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 |
Accord successfully straddles Passat and Camry, blending some of the pricier VW's confident road manners with the more-conservative Toyota's mechanical isolation. That hit-making blend includes Honda's own envious record of reliability and resale value, so expect little discounting on this impressive Best Buy.
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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