2003 Honda AccordWe've driven the nearly all-new 2003 Accord and we're happy to report the it's better in every way that matters. It's more powerful, roomier, handles better and looks better, and there's a model aimed straight at sport compact enthusiasts. There's no reason why this Accord shouldn't continue forward as the best-selling car in America, or at the very least, a close second to the Camry.
This seventh-generation Accord is an evolutionary development of the sixth. Essential elements of the chassis include the familiar double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and most of the trunk floor stamping. No component hasn't been tweaked or seriously re-thought, but it's still obviously an Accord.
The best news comes in the engine bay. The 2.4-liter version of the K-series i-VTEC four is now the standard powerplant, and the optional 3.0-liter V6 has been fortified to swell its output from 200 to a full 240 hp.
Running a slightly higher compression ratio than the 2.4 in the CR-V, the Accord's four carries the same 160-hp rating, but its power peak comes 500 rpm sooner (5500 rpm) and its peak 161 lb-ft of torque comes 900 rpm later (4500 rpm). Also, the engine incorporates dual balance shafts for smoothness and uses a silent chain to drive its dual overhead cams and 16 valves, as in the CR-V. Mated to either new five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, the i-VTEC is 10 hp up on the 2.3-liter it replaces.
A compression ratio bump from 9.4:1 to 10.0:1 is a major ingredient in the V6's newly found muscles, but it also uses a revised VTEC system. This system works on the SOHC valvetrain, new "high-inertia" intake manifold and low-restriction exhaust to make its power, and uses an electronic throttle control to manage the output. Despite the increase in compression ratio, the V6 still runs on regular grade gasoline. The Honda's peak 212 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm is, however, behind the Nissan Altima 3.5-liter V6's peak 246 lb-ft at just 4400 rpm. Despite this, Honda's engineers say the "EX V-6 MT" (MT for Manual Transmission) model, which will be available early next year with the Acura CL Type-S's six-speed manual, can take the Altima in the quarter-mile by half a car length or so.
All 2003 Accords get four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, but the MT's are slightly larger. DX and LX Accords ride on 15-inch wheels and tires, the EX on 16s, and the MT on 17s. The MT's V6 doesn't make any more power than other Accord V6s, but lacks a resonator in the intake. The only thing lacking from the MT is the limited-slip differential that makes the Acura CL Type-S six-speed such a sweet cornering machine.
The 2003 sedan's wheelbase has stretched an inch (the coupe's 105.1-inch wheelbase is the same as last year's car) but overall length is up only 0.1 inch (the coupe is 0.8 inches longer than last year's car). The big increase comes in overall width, which is up a full 1.2 inches in the sedan and an inch in the coupe.
Despite the increase in overall width, shoulder and hip room don't increase in the new Accord. However, leg and headroom are both up, and the interior design is elegant. Most of the controls have a familiar Honda feel, but the audio and cruise control switches are better integrated into the steering wheel and the seats are better shaped. The instrumentation is now based on LED technology that presents a blacked-out face when the car is turned off, and EX models offer dual-zone air conditioning for the driver and front passenger.
Also in the EX models is a very impressive voice-activated navigation system. Addresses can not only be punched in, but also requested by voice. Say "Find Chinese food" and it will provide a list of nearby restaurants. Tell it to plot a route to the Won Ton Heaven and it does. It's easily the best navigation system on the market.
The Accord goes on sale September 18 and prices should hold at $15,000 to $26,000.