| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Also called | Honda Inspire |
| Production | 2002–2007 |
| Model years | 2003–2007 |
| Assembly | Marysville, Ohio, USA Jalisco, Mexico Alor Gajah, Malaysia Sayama, Japan Guangzhou, China Ayutthaya, Thailand Ping-Tung, Taiwan Greater Noida, India |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan (USA chassis no. CM5/CM6) 2-door coupe (USA chassis no. CM7/CM8) |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine |
2.4 L K24A4 I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual Hybrid: 5-speed demi-automatic quad clutch |
| Wheelbase | Sedan: 107.9 in (2,741 mm) Coupe: 105.1 in (2,670 mm) |
| Length | 2003–05 Sedan: 189.5 in (4,813 mm) 2003–05 Coupe: 187.6 in (4,765 mm) 2006–07 Sedan: 191.1 in (4,854 mm) 2006–07 Coupe: 187.8 in (4,770 mm) |
| Width | 2003–05 Sedan: 71.5 in (1,816 mm) 2006–07 Sedan: 71.6 in (1,819 mm) 2003–07 Coupe: 71.3 in (1,811 mm) 2005 Hybrid: 71.4 in (1,814 mm) 2006-07 Hybrid: 71.7 in (1,821 mm) |
| Height | 2003–05 Sedan: 57.1 in (1,450 mm) 2006–07 Sedan: 57.2 in (1,453 mm) 2006–07 V6 Sedan: 57.3 in (1,455 mm) 2003–07 Coupe: 55.7 in (1,415 mm) 2006–07 V6 Coupe: 55.8 in (1,417 mm) 2005 Hybrid: 57.2 in (1,453 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2003 Sedan: 3,195 lb (1,449 kg) |
| Related | Acura TL Honda Odyssey Honda Pilot Acura CL |
In the U.S., the seventh generation North American Honda Accord was a mid-size car available from 2002 to 2007 in both coupe and sedan styles. The sedan was also marketed as the Accord in parts of Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand markets. It was related to the Honda Inspire available in Japan from 2003. The North American Honda Accord, with modifications for local market needs, was the launch vehicle of Honda in the Korean market with sales beginning from May 20, 2004.[1]
Production started in Honda's Marysville Auto Plant. In early 2005, Honda's East Liberty Auto Plant started building the Honda Accord Sedan on the same assembly line that produces Civic and Element to increase Honda's flexibility in meeting increased market demand of Acura TL that was also assembled in the Marysville Plant.[2]
Contents |
A larger car than its predecessor, the North American Accord was given a new level of refinement with chrome interior accents and higher grade materials.[3] The lineup still included the DX, LX, EX, LX-V6 and EX-V6 like the previous generation.[4] Mechanically, the 4-cylinder engine was the all new K-series, for the first time the 4 cylinder accord gained a direct ignition(distributorless) coil-on-plug ignition system, whereas the previous V6 already introduced the coil on plug system. As a result of eliminating the distributor and the plug wires, there is a slight horsepower and fuel economy gain and long term reliability of the ignition system should increase. In addition, the engine oil recommended by honda has been updated from the previous 5W-30 viscosity to 5W-20, because of the lower viscosity, the friction is reduced. According to EPA 2008 ratings, combined with other improvements the manual 4 cylinder has the rating 23mpg city/31 hwy compared to the previous generation's VTEC F23A1 engine with the 22mpg city/29 hwy rating. The 6-cylinder was the same J-series V6 as the sixth generation's, but revisions to the intake and exhaust contributed to a 40 hp (240 hp) increase. One of these revisions was that the exhaust manifolds became part of the cylinder head casting. A 5-speed automatic transmission was also new for 2003. For the first time, Honda offered an "enthusiast" version of the Accord in the US, adding a sports suspension and mating the 6-speed manual transmission from the Acura CL to the V6 Accord Coupe. A specific 4-cylinder model was the first production car in the world to meet California's Super Ultra Low Emission standards.
The 2003 model year also debuted Honda's GPS assisted Navigation system as an option for the Accord. Prior to 2003, it was only available on the higher end Acura line as well as the Honda Odyssey. The first 2003 Honda Accord rolled off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line on September 26, 2002. In 2004 Honda also first offered XM Satellite Radio as a factory installed option.
For 2005, the Accord received several updates, including standard side curtain and front seat side impact airbags for a total of six airbags, revised taillights (all red), more chrome on the grille, and new wheel designs. The Accord became Canada's top-selling mid-size car.
The Honda Accord Coupe was previewed as a performance concept, unveiled at the 2002 SEMA show.[5] Powertrain/chassis modifications included a high-flow intake and exhaust, 300 bhp (220 kW) 3.2L V-6 engine, limited slip differential, semi-manual 6-speed transmission, prototype 8-piston Brembo brakes, and a lowered racing suspension and widened track. Exterior modifications included a carbon fiber body kit (includes bumpers, side sills, grill and underbody diffuser), dual aluminum integrated exhaust ports, aluminum/carbon fiber rear wing, black chrome finish headlights and taillights, 20-inch black chrome wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S03 235/45 ZR20 tires, and fender flares and NSX Spa Yellow paint. Interior Modifications included an F1-style paddle shifter on the steering wheel, prototype multifunction meter display with on-board diagnostics, Sparco carbon/Kevlar backed bucket seats covered in Alcantera suede, 4-point front seat harnesses, three-spoke racing steering wheel, and aluminum sport pedals.
The Factory Performance Package was a dealer option based on the SEMA concept car, available for 2003 Accord V-6 Coupe LX and EX with either manual or automatic transmissions. Chassis/Exterior changes included Factory Performance suspension (shock absorbers, springs) underbody aero kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, 215/50VR-17 high performance tires, rear wing spoiler. Interior Accessories include Factory Performance shift knob, FP trim.[6]
In 2005 for its 2006 model year, which was its 30th anniversary, the North American Accord received a mid-generational refresh, though it was fairly significant and some enthusiasts called this generation 7.5.
The exterior was revised with a new front grille inspired by that of the eight-generation Civic which also debuted that year, new rear end styling with triangular LED taillights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and heated side mirrors for US EX models.[7] Heated mirrors and DRLs were previously available only on Accords sold in Canada. The 2006 model year also featured new wheel designs, with 17" rims being standard on V6 models. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), traction control, and Brake assist became available on the V6 models for the first time. Previously, the system was named TCS and included the traction control and brake assist, but not stability control.
The interior was also slightly redesigned with changes such as a new steering wheel cover, differently colored gauges and a differently styled shift knob for automatic transmission models. The GPS Navigation system was updated (4th generation) with a faster processor, more memory, and several new features, such as restaurant information from Zagat. A revised maintenance minder system was also added which gave owners reminders for scheduled maintenance such as oil changes based on operating conditions.
Powertrain improvements were made across the Accord line-up in 2006. The V6 engine's power was increased to 244 bhp (182 kW) (+4 hp, SAE net revised 8/04*) and the 4-cylinder engine's power was increased to 166 bhp (124 kW) (+6 hp, SAE net revised 8/04*). Power gains were achieved with extensive improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust systems. Due to these improvements the V6 engine was renamed the J30A5 from the previous J30A4, and the 4-cylinder from the K24A4 to the K24A8. For the Brazilian market, the 2.4L engine was dropped in favour of a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder i-VTEC K20A engine generating 150 bhp (110 kW). This was done to make the car more competitive against the newly released Ford Fusion. The 2006 model year is also the first year in which the V6 sedan was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as an option. The 4-cylinder Accords were now controlled with Drive-By-Wire (DBW), rather than a throttle cable, providing for smooth operation and enhanced throttle response, while V6 Accords already used DBW prior to the 2006 model year.
The 2006 Accord Hybrid got the same revisions as the other Accords, although its engine and battery power was identically powerful to the 2005, the 2006 rating system re-rated it at 253 bhp (189 kW), and a larger battery pack was added. Features that differentiate the Hybrid from other Accords are the different rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheels, the mirror turn signals and the lack of a folding rear seat. In addition, the Hybrid version lacks a 4-way passenger seat. The 2005 Hybrids also had a different storage door from other Accords, which disappeared on the 2006 version. Lastly, a sunroof was not available on the 2005 but was standard on the 2006.
The trim levels were also revised. The inexpensive no-frills Accord was no longer offered, with the DX trim being eliminated. The Accord base model was succeeded by the VP (Value Package) trim which included anti-lock brakes, front and rear disc brakes, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, power locks, and cruise control as standard features, while also having body-colored door handles and mirrors. In Canada, sedans came as DX-G, SE, EX-L, SE-V6, EX-L V6, EX-L V6 6MT, and the Hybrid, while Coupe trims included the SE, EX-L, EX-L V6, and EX-L V6 6MT.
For its 2007 model year, a new SE-V6 trim was introduced.[8] The color "Cool Blue Metallic", previously only for the coupe, became available for the sedan. Despite being in its last year of the generation, the 2007 Accord was still ranked highly by reviewers, scoring slightly below the redesigned Toyota Camry in the Edmunds family sedan comparison.[9]
Honda offered the Accord Hybrid in the United States and Canada in the 2005 through to 2007 model years. Produced in Sayama, Japan, Accord Hybrid was the company's third hybrid model when the 2005 model was introduced in late 2004, following the Insight and Civic Hybrid.[10] The Accord Hybrid was priced US$3,000 higher than the "EX V6" model Accord, and retained substantially the same trim and feature levels (although the 2005 model did not include the power sunroof). Honda positioned the Accord Hybrid at the top of its non-Acura lineup in North America.
While this new vehicle shared the same displacement as the regular Accord V6 powerplant, the engine in the hybrid was derived from the 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan and has the ability to shut off three of the six cylinders under certain conditions for better fuel economy (a technology that Honda calls VCM or Variable Cylinder Management). The new engine features iVTEC technology and drives a new compact five-speed semi-automatic transmission, developed to allow the inclusion of the electric motor sandwiched between the transversely-mounted engine. Power of the gas engine is up from 240 to 255 horsepower (180 to 190 kW) and torque rose from 212 to 265 pound-feet (287 to 359 N·m). The vehicle reaches 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 6.5 seconds.[11] Together with the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor, the hybrid version provided slightly higher performance than the conventional V6-engined Accord. However, the marketplace did not embrace the Accord Hybrid, and 2007 was the final model year available.
Fuel economy was originally estimated at 29 mpg-US (8.1 L/100 km) city and 37 mpg-US (6.4 L/100 km) highway, but was later changed to 25 mpg-US (9.4 L/100 km) city, 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km) highway, after Honda's addition of standard sunroof and spare tire during the 2006 model year. This change bumped the car to a higher weight class for United States Environmental Protection Agency mileage testing. The 2006 model has also been rated an AT-PZEV vehicle. AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) is an emissions standard created by the California Air Resources Board. In 2007, the EPA estimates were changed yet again to 28 mpg-US (8.4 L/100 km) city and 35 mpg-US (6.7 L/100 km) highway. Canadian official 2007 fuel consumption Rating is 8.2 L/100 km (29 mpg-US) city and 6.1 L/100 km (39 mpg-US) highway.[12]
The 2005 model year Accord Hybrid sedan is also 4 inches (100 mm) longer than the non-hybrid Accord sedan. For 2006, the Accord Hybrid comes standard with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and like the conventional Accord, received a minor exterior facelift. Accord Hybrids from model year 2006 and up can be identified by the amber rear turn signals whereas their fully gasoline counterparts have red rear turn signals.
| Chassis codes | CM4/CM5/CM6 | CM7/CM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Body types | 4-door sedan | 2-door coupe |
| Accord | 2002–2007 | 2002–2007 |
| Accord V6 | 2002–2007 | 2002–2007 |
| Model | Years | Type/code | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accord | 2003–2005 | 2,354 cc (2.354 L; 143.6 cu in) I4 (K24A4) | 160 bhp (120 kW)@5500, 161 lb·ft (218 N·m)@4500 |
| Accord | 2006–2007 | 2,354 cc (2.354 L; 143.6 cu in) I4 (K24A8) | 166 bhp (124 kW)@5800, 160 lb·ft (217 N·m)@4000 |
| Accord V6 | 2003–2005 | 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) SOHC VTEC V6 (J30A4) | 240 bhp (180 kW)@6250, 212 lb·ft (287 N·m)@5000 |
| Accord V6 | 2006–2007 | 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) i-VTEC V6 (J30A5) | 244 bhp (182 kW)@6250, 211 lb·ft (286 N·m)@5000 |
| Accord Hybrid[13] | 2004–2005 | 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) SOHC i-VTEC VCM V6 ([[Honda J engine#JNA1|]]) | 255 bhp (190 kW)@6000, 232 lb·ft (315 N·m)@5000 |
| 144V electric motor | 16 bhp (12 kW)@840, 100 lb·ft (136 N·m)@840 | ||
| 6.0Ah 144V (120 cells @1.2 V) Ni-MH | 13.8 kW | ||
| Accord Hybrid[14] | 2006–2007 | 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) SOHC i-VTEC VCM V6 ([[Honda J engine#JNA1|]]) | 253 bhp (189 kW)@6000, 232 lb·ft (315 N·m)@5000 |
| 144V electric motor | 16 bhp (12 kW)@840, 100 lb·ft (136 N·m)@840 | ||
| 6.0Ah 144V (120 cells @1.2 V) Ni-MH | 13.8 kW |
Changes to power rating in 2006 and later model year vehicles was caused by the use of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into effect in January 2005.[15]
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle versions only came in four-cylinder sedans equipped with automatic transmission. Beginning in 2004 model year, PZEV models sales began in US states of New York, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts.[16]
| Model | Years | Type/code |
|---|---|---|
| Accord | 2003–2007 | 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic |
| Accord V6 | 2003–2007 | 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual |
6-speed manual was available since 2003.
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| Subcompact | Insight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Civic | Civic | Civic | Civic | Civic | Fit | Fit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Insight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accord | Accord | Accord | Accord | Civic | Civic | Civic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Accord | Accord | Accord | Accord Coupe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full-size | Accord Sedan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupe | Prelude | Prelude | Prelude | Prelude | Prelude | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport compact | CR-X | CR-X | del Sol | CR-Z | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports car | S2000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | Element | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CR-V | CR-V | CR-V | CR-V | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passport | Passport | Pilot | Pilot | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pickup truck | Ridgeline | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minivan | Odyssey | Odyssey | Odyssey | Odyssey | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||