World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2003 - 3rd Place - Honda Accord

3rd Place - Honda Accord

Review

Pros

-Acceleration (V6 models)

-Quietness

-Instruments/controls

-Steering/handling

-Build quality

-Exterior finish

-Interior materials

Cons

-Rear-seat entry/exit (coupes)

-Rear-seat room (coupes)

Vehicle Highlights

Honda answers arch-rival Toyota and its 2002 Camry redesign with a redesigned 2003 Accord. Dimensions and weight change little, but there's fresh styling, more power, and some first-time features. Returning are 4-cyl and V6 sedans and coupes in LX and upscale EX trim, plus a price-leader 4-cyl DX sedan. The 4 cyl gains as much as 25 hp, while a revised V6 gains 40 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard for 4-cyl models. Optional with the 4 cyl and included with the V6 is a 5-speed automatic, replacing a 4 speed.

Also new for '03 is a sportier EX V6 coupe with 6-speed manual--Accord's first--plus 17-inch wheels vs. 16s or 15s on other Accords.

Also for '03, ABS becomes standard for all Accords, not just high-line models. V6s and 4-cyl EXs continue with 4-wheel disc brakes. Traction control is exclusive to V6 models, where it's standard. Front side airbags are standard on V6 models and the 4-cyl EX, and are available on LX models. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are exclusive to EX V6s, where they're standard.

EXs offer an optional navigation system with voice control for navigation, audio, and climate functions. All models get a tilt/telescope steering column, and all but the base DX include remote keyless entry. Joining leather upholstery as standard on EX V6s are dual-zone automatic climate control and heated seats; these are also available in the leather-upholstered 4-cyl versions, priced as EX-L models. V6s and 4-cyl EXs include an in-dash CD changer.

Specification

Type: Midsize Sedan

Where Built: Japan/Mexico/United States

EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 189.5 in. Width: 71.5 in.

Height: 57.1 in. Wheel Base: 107.9 in.

Curb Weight: 2989 lbs. Gross Weight: 4080 lbs.

Interior

Front Head Room: 40.4 in. Front Hip Room: 54.6 in.

Front Shoulder Room: 56.9 in. Rear Head Room: 38.5 in.

Rear Shoulder Room: 56.1 in. Rear Hip Room: 53.5 in.

Front Leg Room: 42.6 in. Rear Leg Room: 36.8 in.

Luggage Capacity: 14 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters

Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 160 hp

Max Horsepower: 5500 rpm Torque: 161 ft-lbs.

Max Torque: 4500 rpm Drive Type: FWD

Turning Circle: 36.9 ft

Fuel Data

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.1 gal.

EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)

Manual: 23 mpg / 31 mpg / 26 mpg

Range in Miles:

Manual: 393.3 mi. / 530.1 mi. / 444.6 mi.