Honda Accord (North America seventh generation)

Honda Accord Seventh generation series UC1 North America
Overview
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
Designer	Shinji Takashima, Junji Tanabe (2000)[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan (USA chassis no. CM4/CM5/CM6) 2-door coupe (USA chassis no. CM7/CM8)
Layout	FF layout
Related	Acura TL Honda Odyssey Honda Pilot Acura CL
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L K20A6 I4 2.4 L K24A4 I4 2.4 L K24A8 I4 3.0 L J30A4 V6 3.0 L J30A5 V6 3.0 L Hybrid JNA1 V6
Transmission	5-speed automatic w/overdrive 5-speed manual 6-speed manual Hybrid: 5-speed semi-automatic quad clutch
Dimensions
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)
Chronology
Successor	Honda Accord (North America eighth generation)

In the U.S., the seventh generation North American Honda Accord is a mid-size car that was available from 2002 to 2007 in both coupe and sedan styles. The sedan was also marketed as the Honda 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.^[2]

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.^[3]

2003–2005

2003–2004 Honda Accord EX sedan (US)

The first 2003 Honda Accord rolled off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line on September 26, 2002. 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.^[4] The lineup still included all the same trim levels as the previous generation, the DX, LX, EX, LX-V6 and EX-V6.^[5]

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, which had previously been introduced on the V6. The direct ignition system provides a slight horsepower and fuel economy gain, as well as improved long-term reliability, relative to the traditional system with a distributor and spark plug wires. In addition, Honda provided a new recommendation for engine oil viscosity, 5W-20 instead of the previous 5W-30 viscosity. Because of the lower viscosity, engine parts move with less friction, which increases fuel economy. Together with other improvements, this change effected an increase from the previous generation's (with VTEC 4-cylinder F23A1 engine and the manual transmission) 22mpg city/29 hwy rating, to 23mpg city/31 hwy, according to 2008 EPA ratings. The 4-cylinder engine could be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or to a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (also new for 2003). A specific 4-cylinder model was the first production car in the world to meet California's Super Ultra Low Emissions standards.

The 6-cylinder models had the same J-series V6 as the sixth generation's, but revisions to the intake and exhaust systems contributed to a 40 hp increase, bringing the total power to 240 hp. The revised exhaust manifold actually became part of the cylinder head casting itself. Six-cylinder Accords generally had a version of the new 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, except for the coupe described below, which could be purchased with a 6-speed manual transmission. With the V6 engine and automatic transmission, the Accord achieved a 21mpg city/30 hwy fuel economy rating.

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 and the Honda Odyssey. 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 (all red) taillights for the sedan (coupe taillights remained unchanged), more chrome on the grille, and new wheel designs for LX, LX-V6 and EX-V6 models. A new Accord Hybrid was introduced for the first time, with stylish new wheels, an EPA gas mileage of 29 City/37 HWY, and the same 3.0 liter motor as the regular V6 Accord models, but with increased horsepower. The hybrid version of the V6 produced 255 hp, an increase of 15 hp, making the hybrid quicker than the regular Accord V6 sedan, but still not as quick as the Accord Coupe V6 with 6 speed manual.

Coupe

Honda Accord coupe

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 a 3.2L V-6 engine. The Honda Accord Coupe was unveiled as a performance concept at the 2002 SEMA show.^[6] Powertrain and chassis modifications included a high-flow intake and exhaust, 295 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 (including the 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, and a rear wing spoiler. Interior accessories included a factory performance shift knob and trim.^[6]

2006-2007

In 2005, for the 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 later seen on the eighth-generation Honda 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" wheels 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.

Facelift Honda Accord VTi sedan (Australia)

Facelift Honda Accord EX-L V6 (US)

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 148 bhp (110 kW). This was done to make the car more competitive against the newly released Ford Fusion. The 2006 model year was also the first year in which the V6 sedan was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission from the coupe 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; 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]

Hybrid

2005–2007 Honda Accord Hybrid (US)

Honda offered the Accord Hybrid in the United States in the 2005 through 2007 model years. Produced exclusively in Sayama, Saitama, Japan, the 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 a power moonroof). 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 (179 to 190 kW) and torque rose from 212 to 232 pound-feet (287 to 315 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 the vehicle was discontinued after the 2007 model year.

Fuel economy was originally estimated at 30 mpg_-US (7.8 L/100 km) city and 37 mpg_-US (6.4 L/100 km) highway for the 2005 model year, but was later changed to 28 mpg_-US (8.4 L/100 km) city, 35 mpg_-US (6.7 L/100 km) highway, after Honda's addition of standard moonroof 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. 2005 model year Accord Hybrids were rated LEVII-ULEV by the California Air Resources board and Tier2, Bin5 by the EPA.

For 2006, the Accord Hybrid came 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.

Honda announced the Accord Hybrid would return to market for the 2014 model year after skipping a generation, with a new dual-motor system and a plug-in option.^[12]

Mechanical

Body styles

Engines

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]

Transmissions

6-speed manual was available since 2003.

Recall

On October 1, 2012, Honda announced a recall of 573,147 Accords in the US and 30,058 in Canada equipped with V6 engines from model years 2003 through 2007. The addition of the Accords to already recalled Acura TL cars from model years 2007 and 2008 raises the number of affected vehicles in the United States and Canada to 660,086.^[17]

Recall 11v-395 was initiated on August 4, 2011 for Accords and other Hondas with automatic transmissions. The recall was estimated to cover 1,512,107 vehicles.^[18]

Recall 14v-351 was initiated on June 19, 2014 for many Hondas involved in the Takata airbag recall.^[19]

References

• "Honda Accord Reviews & News". JB car pages. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda Accord.

• Honda Accord History