2003-2005 Honda Accord V6

Pros :
- More powerful new i-VTEC V6 than outgoing model.
- Better interior than outgoing model.
- Larger than outgoing model.
- Sportier double wishbone suspension than outgoing model.
- Stiffer chassis and frame than outgoing model.

Cons :
- Expensive when options are added.
- Suspension is still too ride-oriented with excessive body roll.
- Uninspiring styling details.
- Not much gains in interior room.
- Skinny tires offer inadequate grip.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
The seventh-generation Honda Accord moves the Accord lineup to a new level of world-class style, sophistication and performance. Both the Sedan and Coupe have been redesigned and re-engineered to top the midsize class in engine performance, ride and handling, comfort and convenience features, safety, quality and refinement.
The V6 version of the Accord sedan is available in LX and EX trim levels. All LX and EX models are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
At the top of the model range is the Accord EX V6 Sedan with leather interior. For the first time in an Accord model, a navigational system is available in EX sedans, the next-generation, voice activated Honda Satellite-Linked DVD Navigation System.
The Accord's all-new unibody design is 27 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity while maintaining the same excellent bending rigidity of the previous generation. Extensive use of high-tensile steel and advanced engineering and manufacturing processes have also contributed to the Accord body's increased strength and stiffness. This helps to improve Accord's safety, performance and handling. A new front subframe uses hydro-formed steel components. This system attaches to the body with special rubber "floating" mounts that reduce noise and vibration from the engine and front suspension. It's also designed to slide under the passenger compartment to deflect and better disperse crash forces in the event of frontal impact. Engineers aimed putting the Accord at the top of the class in safety. Using supercomputers to model how collision forces are distributed throughout the Accord's unibody design, and Honda's state-of- the-art real-world crash test facility, the Accord meet its safety targets in internal testing.
The new 3.0-liter V6, which also features all-aluminum construction, increases output by 40 horsepower-some 20 percent-for the 2003 model year. This power output positions it at the top of the midsize class. The new V6 Accord also meets ULEV standards for California specification vehicles.
The 2003 Accords also have a new dynamic character. Engineers modified the double-wishbone suspension to improve ride and handling-in particular to reduce fore-aft body motions under acceleration and deceleration and to provide flatter cornering.
Engineers have tuned the 2003 Accord's chassis for a sportier, more European feel. In keeping with this effort, the Sedan is now fitted with larger, more performance-oriented tires that enhance ride and handling characteristics. The power rack-and-pinion steering also features new technology to provide more stability and reduced kickback.
Braking has likewise been significantly enhanced. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) are now standard equipment on all Accord models. The V6-powered models also add EBD (electronic brake distribution) as standard equipment for the first time. These components enhance chassis stability under braking and help trim braking distances in real world conditions. Engineers also enhanced Accord brake pedal feel and stroke.
The interiors of the new Accords blend driver-oriented features with information-oriented technologies. The higher beltline, along with a more prominent dashboard, provide a feeling of substance and solidity to the interior.
LEDs provide instrument illumination. When the car is at rest the instruments present a black appearance. The instruments light up in stages as the driver enters the car, inserts the key and starts the engine, revealing new large, bold meters. Dramatically improved driver and passenger seats and a more sport oriented driving position reflect the renewed effort that has gone into making the Accord the fun-to-drive standout in its class-whether you're going around the corner or cross-country.
Audio and climate control systems have also been significantly upgraded. All EX V6 models provide separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger. Controls for the audio system, climate control and even the available next-generation Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (NAVI) are consolidated into a single, easy-to-use display. The new NAVI system features voice activation for navigational tools, as well as audio and climate controls. The controls set new standards in terms of speed, ease of use, and amount of available information.
A host of new safety features can be found in the Accord's interior. In addition to dual-stage front SRS airbags, side airbags are standard on all V6 models. As with all Honda and Acura vehicles, the front passenger's side airbag is controlled by an innovative sensing system that disables the airbag if the passenger is in its deployment path. Accord EX V6 models also come standard with a side curtain airbag system covering both the front and rear side windows in the event of a side impact. This system leads the industry in terms of speed of deployment, inflated coverage area, and maximizing inflated bag thickness while minimizing internal pressure.
The rapid growth in the popularity of SUVs and "crossover" vehicles has expanded consumer choice and increased competition for the already highly competitive midsize buyer. As a result, the Accord development team targeted not only its traditional competitors, but also the finest European sedans in terms of design, engineering and "emotion" in an effort to move the Accord lineup to a higher level. The result is the finest selection of Accords ever made, setting new marks in key targeted areas while maintaining the durability, quality and reliability (DQR) and value that made the Honda Accord one of the best-selling cars of the '90s.
Honda USA

The 2003 Accord gets a slick new 5-speed manual gearbox—and, importantly—offers a 5-speed automatic transmission for the first time. However, while the new automatic upshifts smoothly and is superior to a conventional 4-speed automatic, it pauses noticeably before downshifting. There's no excuse for that with a new unit.
Also new are standard side curtain airbags for the top-line EX V6. The Accord's illustrious 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension has been revised, and there is reduced noise. While also new, the interior retains Honda's practical design. Gauges are nicely lit, as in a Lexus, and the rear door pockets have cleverly integrated cupholders. The steering wheel both tilts and telescopes.
While Honda says it has made the Accord sportier, it no longer has the general feel of sporty European sedans, which have sharp handling and let some road noise in the cockpit so a driver doesn't feel isolated from the world.
The new Accord interior no longer has road noise and definitely feels as if it should be more appealing to comfort-oriented mainstream sedan buyers. If this is a "Euro-style" car, it's like cushy European "boulevard" models, not hard-edged sports sedans.
Steering is quick and precise, but the Accord dislikes quick lane changes. Moving around tight curves at fairly low speeds sometimes caused the correctly inflated tires of a test EX V6 sedan to howl. However, zipping through wider curves at fairly high speeds was no problem.
The suspension allows decent road feel, but is rather soft over road irregularities during highway or freeway cruising. The brake pedal has a nice linear action, and stopping distances are short with standard anti-lock brakes for all trims.
MSN Autos

The Honda Accord's interior is smooth, firm, and quiet. For starters, it comes with great seats.
The seats in the sedan are generously wide and tall, with springs and urethane padding designed to reduce vibration. The driver's seat provides a one-with-the-car feel with good side support. It features a manual height adjustment or power adjustments on premium models. It jacks up plenty high for even the shortest drivers and offers good headroom for taller drivers. Front legroom is generous, also. A tilt-and-telescope steering wheel is standard.
The sedan's bench seat is roomy and comfortable, especially for two people with the center armrest flipped out. The back seat offers decent support, though it's fairly flat. Rear-seat legroom is slightly better than in the Nissan Altima, but the Toyota Camry offers an inch more.
The Accord's trunk is smaller than that of other mid-size sedans, but the flat trunk floor makes loading easy. The Accord's trunk measures 14 cubic feet, compared with the Camry's nearly 17 cubic feet and the Altima's 15.6.
New Car Test Drive

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History:
1998-2002 Honda Accord EX
2,997 cc / 200 hp / 195 lb-ft / 3283-3329 lbs / 0-60 mph 9.0 sec.