EDMUNDS.COM 2004 HONDA ACCORD
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 HONDA ACCORD new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A perennial "most researched" on Edmunds.com, the Accord''s combination of refinement, interior space and features make it an excellent choice when shopping for a midsize family sedan or coupe.
Pros
Tight build quality, quiet cabin, refined and powerful engines, reputation for quality and durability, high crash test scores.
Cons
Tepid handling doesn''t match up to the 240-hp V6''s promise of driving excitement.
What''s New for 2004
As the Accord was fully redesigned for the 2003 model year, there are only a few changes on ''04 models. Availability of side curtain airbags has been expanded this year to four-cylinder EX models -- standard on those with leather, optional on cars with a cloth interior. All four- and six-cylinder EX models equipped with a leather interior now have XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service as standard equipment. And as with all Honda cars this year, a new seatbelt reminder system is standard. Accord models meeting California''s stringent Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) standards -- all four-cylinder sedans equipped with automatic transmission -- will also be sold in the states of New York, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts.
Overview
Introduction:
Unlike many automakers that launch a new car and leave it to molder for nearly a decade, Honda prefers to keep its vehicles fresh and competitive. So even though the previous 1998 to 2002 Accord was quite fine by any measure, Honda made substantial changes in 2003 to create the seventh-generation model.Here are the important things that changed last year. Two advanced engines were made available: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an extensively revised 3.0-liter V6. Both gained more peak power and torque than their predecessors, as well as improved midrange performance, lower emissions and improved fuel economy. For underpinnings, Honda decided to stick with the previous-generation Accord''s double wishbone suspension front and rear. Modifications in front amounted to revised geometry to suppress body movements during cornering, braking and acceleration. In back, similar changes were employed, along with increased rear subframe stiffness. The result was a tighter ride with less thump and thrum from the underpinnings. Inside, the interior of the ''03 Accord featured a new blend of driver-focused features and information-oriented technologies, beginning with a new seat design to provide maximum comfort and support. Other interior upgrades included increased interior room, upgraded audio systems, available dual-zone climate controls, improved bottle and cupholders and a new multifunctional key which eliminated the need for a remote key fob. For 2004, the Accord is much the same, which means it''s one of the best cars available. Its core qualities -- a comfortable cabin, refined powertrains and reputation for excellent quality and durability -- make it a prime choice for any family car shopper.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Accord comes as a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. Trim levels include DX (on the sedan only), LX and EX. The least expensive trim is the DX and it lacks most of today''s common convenience features. The LX represents the quintessential Accord and is the most sensible choice in the lineup. It comes with air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a CD player, cruise control and power windows, locks and mirrors. A V6 version of the LX is also available. A few extra goodies, such as 16-inch wheels, an in-dash CD changer and a power driver seat, are included on the LX V6. Topline EX models get a bounty of features, including a power sunroof, alloy wheels and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. Get the EX V6 Sedan and you''re living large with heated leather seats, a power passenger seat and dual-zone climate control. The EX V6 Coupe with the six-speed manual transmission includes 17-inch alloy wheels and a 180-watt sound system. Also available on the EX models is an excellent voice-activated GPS navigation system and XM Satellite Radio.
Powertrains and Performance:
Driving the front wheels is either a 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline four or a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine. Most buyers will be well served by the four-cylinder; it''s smooth and quiet (like most Honda engines) and offers up enough power for nearly all situations. Four-cylinder engines can be had with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. A short-throw six-speed manual transmission is available on the V6-powered EX Coupe.
Safety:
Safety is paramount in a family sedan and the Accord doesn''t disappoint. In NHTSA crash testing, the Accord coupe and sedan received a perfect five stars for protection against frontal impacts. The Accord coupe has also been given five stars for side-impact crash protection. In IIHS testing, the Accord earned a "Good" rating (again, the best possible) for its performance in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test. Side airbags are either optional or standard on every model except DX. Head-protecting side-curtain airbags (for the front and rear) are available on all EX models. Antilock brakes are standard on all Accords.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Honda has done an excellent job of tailoring the interior to meet the needs of the American family. The sedan''s seating arrangements are top notch, and the interior design and materials quality continues the high-caliber standards established by previous-generation Accords. There are even eight cupholders to be found about the cabin. Our only complaint would be that the trunk is a bit smaller than those of key competing vehicles.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
With 240 hp available, the Accord V6 can match or beat just about any other family car in terms of acceleration; however, most buyers will be perfectly content with the power and refinement of the four-cylinder engine. The suspension provides a comfortable ride as well as commendable levels of road grip while cornering, though cars like the Nissan Altima or Mazda 6 beat out the Accord in terms of handling sharpness and driving enjoyment.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ HONDA Information Index ] [ COUPE/HATCHBACK, SEDAN Information Index ]
|
