I recently eclipsed 110,000 miles and 8+ years of ownership in my '04 Honda Accord Ex I-4 5-manual, purchased new in late November 2004 with 36 miles on the odometer, and thought I'd post a review. At the time of purchase the 7th gen Accord was considered at or near the top of the mid-size segment by many in the automotive press after successfully targeting the highly regarded VW Passat, which had set the bar for performance, interior comfort and quality, and handling.
This was my second new car purchase, having stepped into a Mazda Protege 5-manual in 1992 upon graduating from College. I kept the Protege for 7 years and 100,000 miles, deciding to sell it in favor of a private party 1992 Nissan Maxima 5-manual with 107,000 miles on it. In retrospect, I should have ignored the itch and kept the Mazda. I liked the Nissan's smooth V6 and relatively luxurious interior, but I failed in my due diligence before purchase, and it cost me in the end-new brakes, tires, rotors, exhaust, and coils were necessary in short order, and it was the latter, the coils, misdiagnosed at a Nissan dealership where I spent nearly an entire afternoon, which spurred me to become more mechanically conversant. Eventually the learning process led me to Bitog. Now I do most preventive maintenance myself-oil changes, tire rotations, brakes and rotors, plugs, tranny and radiator flush and fills etc.
The first 40k of oil changes were with Kendall GT1 semi-syn , the next 40k Pennzoil Platinum, and since then PYB, Honda syn, Shell syn, and now back to Honda syn. All were 5w-20 except for the Honda sm oil which is 0w-20. Most OCI have been at or around 5k, the severe service interval, but I've been slowly extending the last 4-5 toward ~7200mi, with a few UOA to compliment. Oil filters were generic for the first 40k, Purolator Pureone or OEM thereafter.
When I drove the Accord home I initially missed the smoothness and punch of Nissan's V6, but over time the inline-4 won me over with it's economical and unobtrusive operation. The motor is peppy, smooth for a 4cyl, and bulletproof in terms of reliability. It moves forward like a fine Swiss watch. Unaware at the time the valves were chain driven, I now appreciate that maintenance-free gift. In my last 40,000 miles I've averaged an even 31 mpg, according to Fuelly, with 60/40 hwy/city driving. Aside from annoying cold weather clatter, the engine has been a gem.
The rest of the car has been likewise solid and reliable. Warranty work included replacing front passenger door weather stripping that caused an audible whistle at 40+ mph, a replacement Cat at 70,000 (my fault I suspect but no details to spare ridicule), a possessed sun-glass holder that popped open unexpectedly, and a radio circuit board at ~100,000 for which there was a tsb but just expired extended warranty. After negotiating with AHM I paid 50% of the cost, $176.00. I'm on my second set of tires, Michelin Primacy mxv4's, the original Michelin's having easily exceeded 70,000 miles. Rotors, brake pads, and 1 caliper have been replaced, along with brake fluid. The car has no rust despite being parked outside and exposed to the heavily salted roads of the NorthEast during Winter. It is washed regularly and waxed a minimum of twice a year with Klasse AIO and Sealant glaze. Last Summer I had a few door dings removed using PDR.
While the Miata is engaging to drive, the Honda is effortless. The steering is light but accurate, its only downside the hint of a dead spot on center and slight lack of road feel. It is an easy car to maneuver and tracks true on the highway. The ride might be considered firm for some but I like the sporty feel. Long trips are a breeze. The seats hold up well and do not cause fatigue. I'm 5'10” and 175lbs. Some have complained that the side bolsters are too narrow where the seat bottom meets the back of the chair, pinching the hindquarters. I don't have that problem but can see how it might be an issue.
The controls, like the steering, are light, accurate, precise. Operation is intuitive, the ergonomics, beyond reproach. The quality and attention to detail of the interior can be summed up using the cup holders as an example. They are perfectly placed and flawless in use, holding securely most cans, bottles and cups. And there are eight of these marvels in the cabin, all told.
I can't imagine a manual transmission being easier to operate. The throws are short and slick, the clutch, light, and though its engagement is rather vague, it is next to impossible to stall the engine using it. I have not done so in 8 years and I consider myself an average driver. Paired with the excellent 4-banger, the combo is about as close to perfection as I imagine you can get in a main stream mid-sized sedan. At the time you could get one for under $20k.
Still, there are nits to pick. The floor vents for the hvac are the weakest I've encountered. There is hardly a stir of heat, even with the fan on the highest setting, while topside it gets plenty warm in a hurry. The Miata's, by contrast, are excellent. Plenty of heat directly on the feet.
While I like the layout of the controls I'm not a huge fan of the multi-peice dash, especially the top, nor the hard plastics used for much of it. Aside from some road noise the interior is modestly hushed when rolling down the road, but I was disappointed that there were creaks and rattles when the car was new. In retrospect I took ownership during the coldest months of the year, and this is when the creaks and rattles were at their worst. I hardly notice anymore. In fact I can't remember the last time it bothered me. With warmer weather there is no issue.
The electroluminescent guages in the cockpit are great but the speedometer is cartoonish-big and clown-like. I'd rather the speedo and tach be the same size, like in the excellent TSX from that generation or the Miata. For the life of me I don't know why Honda refuses a 60/40 split for the rear seat. It folds down but only as one piece. At least it has a ski pass through. The trunk lid is hinged, so take care where you place the grocery bag with eggs. It is also uninsulated. While the doors close with a solid, 'thud', the trunk does so with the mechanical reassurance of a paper bat meeting a tin foil ball.
Then there is the exterior styling. While I don't find it offensive the overall package has the visual impact of a jellybean in a jellybean store...in a mall full of jellybean stores.
Has the collection of these nits given me pause, made me reconsider the purchase? Hardly. After 8 years and 110,000 miles I still look forward to driving the Accord. With each passing mile I grow more appreciative of Honda's excellence in engineering, from conception to execution-the thought, the effort, the attention to detail, that went into this car.
This was my second new car purchase, having stepped into a Mazda Protege 5-manual in 1992 upon graduating from College. I kept the Protege for 7 years and 100,000 miles, deciding to sell it in favor of a private party 1992 Nissan Maxima 5-manual with 107,000 miles on it. In retrospect, I should have ignored the itch and kept the Mazda. I liked the Nissan's smooth V6 and relatively luxurious interior, but I failed in my due diligence before purchase, and it cost me in the end-new brakes, tires, rotors, exhaust, and coils were necessary in short order, and it was the latter, the coils, misdiagnosed at a Nissan dealership where I spent nearly an entire afternoon, which spurred me to become more mechanically conversant. Eventually the learning process led me to Bitog. Now I do most preventive maintenance myself-oil changes, tire rotations, brakes and rotors, plugs, tranny and radiator flush and fills etc.
The first 40k of oil changes were with Kendall GT1 semi-syn , the next 40k Pennzoil Platinum, and since then PYB, Honda syn, Shell syn, and now back to Honda syn. All were 5w-20 except for the Honda sm oil which is 0w-20. Most OCI have been at or around 5k, the severe service interval, but I've been slowly extending the last 4-5 toward ~7200mi, with a few UOA to compliment. Oil filters were generic for the first 40k, Purolator Pureone or OEM thereafter.
When I drove the Accord home I initially missed the smoothness and punch of Nissan's V6, but over time the inline-4 won me over with it's economical and unobtrusive operation. The motor is peppy, smooth for a 4cyl, and bulletproof in terms of reliability. It moves forward like a fine Swiss watch. Unaware at the time the valves were chain driven, I now appreciate that maintenance-free gift. In my last 40,000 miles I've averaged an even 31 mpg, according to Fuelly, with 60/40 hwy/city driving. Aside from annoying cold weather clatter, the engine has been a gem.
The rest of the car has been likewise solid and reliable. Warranty work included replacing front passenger door weather stripping that caused an audible whistle at 40+ mph, a replacement Cat at 70,000 (my fault I suspect but no details to spare ridicule), a possessed sun-glass holder that popped open unexpectedly, and a radio circuit board at ~100,000 for which there was a tsb but just expired extended warranty. After negotiating with AHM I paid 50% of the cost, $176.00. I'm on my second set of tires, Michelin Primacy mxv4's, the original Michelin's having easily exceeded 70,000 miles. Rotors, brake pads, and 1 caliper have been replaced, along with brake fluid. The car has no rust despite being parked outside and exposed to the heavily salted roads of the NorthEast during Winter. It is washed regularly and waxed a minimum of twice a year with Klasse AIO and Sealant glaze. Last Summer I had a few door dings removed using PDR.
While the Miata is engaging to drive, the Honda is effortless. The steering is light but accurate, its only downside the hint of a dead spot on center and slight lack of road feel. It is an easy car to maneuver and tracks true on the highway. The ride might be considered firm for some but I like the sporty feel. Long trips are a breeze. The seats hold up well and do not cause fatigue. I'm 5'10” and 175lbs. Some have complained that the side bolsters are too narrow where the seat bottom meets the back of the chair, pinching the hindquarters. I don't have that problem but can see how it might be an issue.
The controls, like the steering, are light, accurate, precise. Operation is intuitive, the ergonomics, beyond reproach. The quality and attention to detail of the interior can be summed up using the cup holders as an example. They are perfectly placed and flawless in use, holding securely most cans, bottles and cups. And there are eight of these marvels in the cabin, all told.
I can't imagine a manual transmission being easier to operate. The throws are short and slick, the clutch, light, and though its engagement is rather vague, it is next to impossible to stall the engine using it. I have not done so in 8 years and I consider myself an average driver. Paired with the excellent 4-banger, the combo is about as close to perfection as I imagine you can get in a main stream mid-sized sedan. At the time you could get one for under $20k.
Still, there are nits to pick. The floor vents for the hvac are the weakest I've encountered. There is hardly a stir of heat, even with the fan on the highest setting, while topside it gets plenty warm in a hurry. The Miata's, by contrast, are excellent. Plenty of heat directly on the feet.
While I like the layout of the controls I'm not a huge fan of the multi-peice dash, especially the top, nor the hard plastics used for much of it. Aside from some road noise the interior is modestly hushed when rolling down the road, but I was disappointed that there were creaks and rattles when the car was new. In retrospect I took ownership during the coldest months of the year, and this is when the creaks and rattles were at their worst. I hardly notice anymore. In fact I can't remember the last time it bothered me. With warmer weather there is no issue.
The electroluminescent guages in the cockpit are great but the speedometer is cartoonish-big and clown-like. I'd rather the speedo and tach be the same size, like in the excellent TSX from that generation or the Miata. For the life of me I don't know why Honda refuses a 60/40 split for the rear seat. It folds down but only as one piece. At least it has a ski pass through. The trunk lid is hinged, so take care where you place the grocery bag with eggs. It is also uninsulated. While the doors close with a solid, 'thud', the trunk does so with the mechanical reassurance of a paper bat meeting a tin foil ball.
Then there is the exterior styling. While I don't find it offensive the overall package has the visual impact of a jellybean in a jellybean store...in a mall full of jellybean stores.
Has the collection of these nits given me pause, made me reconsider the purchase? Hardly. After 8 years and 110,000 miles I still look forward to driving the Accord. With each passing mile I grow more appreciative of Honda's excellence in engineering, from conception to execution-the thought, the effort, the attention to detail, that went into this car.
