Honda Accord 7th Generation 2003-2007 (CF3/4/5) Review

The 7th-gen Accord was handed an extensive facelift for the 2006 model year, consisting of a revised interior and exterior design and new comfort, convenience, and safety features. Together with this, the range was also treated to an increase in power for the engines, among some other minor alterations. This was the year that the brand also did away with the DX trim in favor of a Value Package, and introduced an SE trim.

Revisions made to the front of the facelifted seventh-generation Honda Accord are fairly subtle as they only consist of a new front bumper design with faux side air intakes¹ and a slightly altered central air dam². The front grille also features a new design element around the badge³. As for the 7th-gen Accord coupe, Honda opted to enlarge the grille and use the pre-facelifted sedan's grille together with a new bumper featuring a slightly more dramatic styling line.

New taillights fitted to the rear are the most noticeable alteration made to the facelifted Honda Accord sedan¹. This is accompanied by a refreshed rear bumper², new dual exhaust tips for the V6 models³, and a central third brake light affixed to the top of the trunk⁴. The positions of the license-plate holder and Honda logo are also adjusted. At the rear of the coupe, Honda fitted a redesigned pair of taillights as well as a third brake light attached to the top of the trunk lid.

From the profile of the updated 7th-gen Honda Accord sedan and coupe, there aren't many changes to note. The only adjustments worth mentioning are the revised bumpers¹ and taillights² that can be seen from this angle.

Changes to the interior of the seventh-generation Honda Accord consist of a slightly altered steering wheel design¹. Cars with the navigation system also inherit a "category" text under the seek button.

From launch, there are two engine and two transmission options for the seventh-generation Honda Accord, which are later joined by a third configuration in the form of the hybrid. For the base models, Honda introduced its K24A engine, which could be had with a five-speed manual or brand new five-speed automatic transmission. Those looking for a more powerful alternative can opt for the J30A 3.0-liter V6, which can be had with the automatic transmission as standard, or a six-speed manual for the flagship models. The hybrid uses a similar JNA1 3.0-liter V6 mated to an electric motor and five-speed automatic transmission.

All variations of the seventh-generation Honda Accord produce EPA-estimated consumption figures that are in line with the main competitors within this segment. As you can expect, the most frugal is the V6 hybrid with its 24/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined estimates but not far off is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder model connected to the five-speed manual, which boasts an EPA-estimated 23/31/26 mpg, admittedly with a noticeably lower power output. The automatic 2.4 has marginally worse estimates of 21/31/25 mpg. The unassisted V6 doesn't fare too badly with the automatic boasting estimates of 19/27/22 mpg and the six-speed manual, 18/27/21 mpg.

How does this compare to the competition? The Accord's main competition is the Toyota Camry, which is also available with a 2.4-liter inline four and a 3.5-liter V6. The former with the manual transmission option has 21/31/25 mpg estimates, which is just fractionally worse than the Accord's. The V6 Camry, available only with a six-speed automatic transmission, has estimates of 19/28/23 mpg, which is also fairly close to the Accord's.

Looking at the unofficial real-world combined figures sourced from drivers with varying driving styles and conditions, it appears that the Hybrid model is the most efficient with a figure of 32.4 mpg. The least frugal is the automatic V6 with a 25.7-mpg result.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Thanks to a considerable number of safety features and advanced body design, the seventh-generation Honda Accord gets good crash-test ratings from the NHTSA. The front driver and passenger sides were both awarded five stars. In the side-barrier crash test, the driver and rear passenger were awarded four stars. Four stars are given for the rollover crash test with a 10.7% rollover risk rating. Interestingly, the 7th-gen Honda Accord coupe's crash test shows an improvement in the side crash rating, with a five-star result awarded to the rear passenger.

As standard, all seventh-generation Honda Accord models come with ABS, dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, child-seat tether anchors with mounting brackets, and an immobilizer theft-deterrent system. A security system is optionally available. LX trims and up have remote keyless entry, and the option to add side airbags. EX and V6 models benefit from four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (the LX has a disc/drum setup without EBD) and the security system and side airbags as standard. Only the V6 models benefit from traction control, while the EX V6 is the only one fitted with side curtain airbags. Curtain airbags become available on the four-cylinder EX model if you opt for the leather package. All V6 models benefit from stability control as well. With the facelifted model, side and curtain airbags and remote keyless entry are fitted to all trims, including the newly introduced VP and SE.

The seventh-gen Accord has the brand's typical trim configuration as it features the DX as a base model which is followed by the LX and EX. The DX is discontinued with the arrival of the facelift and replaced with the VP. An SE trim is also added as a better-equipped version of the LX. All trims feature the inline-four powertrain, but the LX and EX can be upgraded to the V6. The Hybrid is available as its own unique trim when introduced to the range.

Like all Honda Accord models that came before, the seventh-generation offers efficient interior packaging. For the sedan, the front row offers 40.4 inches of headroom and 42.6 inches of legroom, which is about enough to accommodate those standing in the region of 6'4" feet tall. The rear bench is a bit more compact with its 38.5-inch headroom and 36.8-inch legroom figures. With the sunroof fitted, a marginal decrease in headroom is seen with a quoted figure of 37.5-inches. Passengers over six feet tall may feel a bit cramped. A cargo volume of 14 cubic feet means that there is about enough space to carry four medium suitcases with a bit of space to space. Grocery shopping and the transportation of small items should be no challenge for the Accord. The Hybrid has a slightly more compact trunk size with a claimed figure of 11.2 cubic feet.

The coupe is also fairly generous when it comes to space in the front row with a headroom figure of 39.8 inches and legroom of 43.1 inches. With the sunroof fitted, headroom is reduced to 37.5 inches. Despite being a spacious car, the rear bench's quoted interior figures of 36.1 inches of headroom and 31.9 inches of legroom mean that it can feel a bit cramped for adults. A cargo volume of 12.8 cubic feet means that it can comfortably carry luggage for four people but with almost no space to spare.

As for interior storage compartments, the Accord's cabin is more than accommodating as it provides users with a center console with a sliding armrest, side door pockets with cupholders at the front and rear, and a lockable glove compartment. The seventh-generation Honda Accord steps things up when it comes to interior quality as it is a clear improvement over the poor reputation of the previous generation. This is particularly true if you opt for the EX trims, which come standard with premium interior touches.

The seventh-generation Honda Accord uses an onboard maintenance-minder system to inform owners when services should be carried out. It does this by gathering readings from various sensors, which sounds advanced but can be untrustworthy in some cases. Thus, we recommend that the following schedule is followed. For the K24A, J30A, and JN1A, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 miles. A new cabin and engine air filter ($28) should be fitted at 15,000-mile intervals. The fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles. It is imperative that you change the automatic transmission's fluid every 60,000 miles. New spark plugs ($120 to $180 for a set), coolant, and a PCV valve ($32) should be fitted at 100,000 miles. This is also the interval for the Hybrid model's battery pack to be replaced ($5,500). New accessory drive belts should be installed every 150,000 miles.

A minor service for the K24A and J30A should cost $155 at a private workshop or $275 at the dealer. For the Hybrid, it is likely to cost $170 at a private shop and $319 at the dealer. For a bigger service, you can expect to pay around $460 at a shop and $700 at the dealer for the K24A and J30A. The Hybrid will be marginally more than that. If you want to do a simple oil change at home, you can expect to pay $65 for oil and a filter for the K24A and V6 models as they use the same oil type and share the same oil capacity.

The list of 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord sedan, coupe, and Hybrid recalls is extensive:

• There were several airbag recalls:
• The seventh-generation Honda Accord sedan and coupe were directly affected by the huge Takata airbag recall. Thus, there are nine Takata airbag recalls issued for all models.
• All 2004 and 2005 Honda Accord models had to be recalled for a bad seat position-sensor wire harness that could inadvertently trigger the airbag.
• 2004 and 2005 Honda Accord models needed to be recalled for an airbag fabric that could tear when inflated.
• Fewer than 300 Honda Accord models assembled in 2006 were recalled for a set of bad front impact-sensor bolts that may loosen or fall out in the result of the crash and which will prevent the airbags from inflating.
• A small sample of 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord models were recalled for a faulty accelerator pedal that may bind and not return to its resting position quickly enough.
• All Honda Accord models, including the Hybrid, were subject to a recall for a power-steering-hose problem due to the part failing from excessive heat. The liquid may fall onto the catalytic converter, which may result in smoking or even a fire.
• All 2003 Honda Accord models were recalled for a bad ignition-switch interlock problem that allows the key to be removed even if the transmission is not in Park.
• The 2003 Honda Accord was subject to a windshield-wiper motor recall that is related to a poor circuit breaker.
• There were two recalls on the automatic transmission:
• 2003 and 2004 Honda Accord models with the automatic transmission were recalled for gear failure due to heat buildup between the countershaft and secondary shaft.
• 2005 to 2007 Honda Accord models were recalled for a bad automatic-transmission control-module software that could short circuit the module and cause the engine to stall.
• The 2005 Honda Accord model year was subject to a fuel-pump relay and fuse box that could break due to a problem with a bad coil wire.

No recalls were issued for the 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord's gear shift button, motor mount, paint, power steering hose and pump, radio, or rear brakes.

OBDII codes that you may encounter during your ownership of the seventh-generation Honda Accord include:

• P0010, P0011, P0341, P1009, or P1259 indicate a problem with the camshaft, camshaft-position sensor, or valve-timing system.
• P0102 or P0174 will display if there is a problem with the mass airflow (MAF) sensor.
• P1077 and P1080 will show when there is an issue with the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor.
• P0113 means that there is a problem with the intake-air temperature (IAT) sensor.
• The P0117, P0118, or P0125 codes will show if there is an issue with the 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord's coolant temperature.
• The P0122 or P1122 codes will show if there is a problem with the throttle position sensor (TPS). P1285 or P1659 are other codes you'll see when there is a fault with your throttle pedal.
• Oxygen sensor related fault codes include P0135, P0137, P0138, P0139, P0141, P0151, P0154, P0155, P0157, P0158, P0159, P1127, or P1128. Codes P0128, P0134, P0170, P0171, P0172, P1157, and P1167 indicate issues with the air-fuel ratio. A bad catalytic converter will bring up the P0420 fault code.
• P0325 in the 2003-2007 Honda Accord means your car is experiencing a problem with the knock sensor.
• Evaporative emissions (EVAP) control-related problems on the seventh-generation Honda Accord will bring up the P0497, P0498, P1454, P1456, P1457, or P1491 codes.
• High engine idling will result in the P0507 code being displayed.
• Fuel-pump problems will be highlighted by the P1011 code.
• P1298 means there is a problem with the electric load detector circuit.
• Code P1370 highlights a problem with the ignition control module of the 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord.
• A misfiring engine will bring up the P1399 code.
• A powertrain control module (PCM) failure will bring up the P1607 code.
• P2227 means there is a fault with the barometric pressure circuit.
• P2646 is the code you'll get when there is a problem with the rocker-arm oil pressure switch.

Issues that may occur but are relatively uncommon on the seventh-generation Honda Accord sedan, coupe, and Hybrid include problems with starting or the starter motor, the relay, ignition-switch failure, premature warped rotors and rear brake-pad wear, wheel-bearing wear, a squeaky clutch system, including the pedal and master cylinder, and the sunroof shattering or jamming.

Issues that you are unlikely to encounter include:

• Problems with the 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord's tire alignment and front end suspension should not occur frequently.
• It is not likely that you will experience mechanical problems with the cam sensor, catalytic converter, low idle-rpm issues or bad idling, intermittent starting, the ECU, the flywheel, fuel injectors, the VTEC solenoid, theTPS, O2/oxygen sensors, overheating, or play in the driveshafts. Honda Accord ABS, oil, and fuel-pump problems are not well-documented either.
• Equipment such as the Honda Accord's dash controls like the HVAC buttons, cruise-control button, or horn are not known to give problems.
• In terms of the electrics, electrical problems relating to the fuse box, garage-door opener, power seats, stock code radio and antenna, remote start, stereo sound system, shifter light, or wiring should not be too apparent on the Honda Accord. There should also be few problems with the Honda Accord's dome light, headlight, turn signals or taillights. Auto sunroof/moonroof, driver side power window, glove box lock, and windshield wiper transmission and blade problems are also rare in the seventh-generation Honda Accord sedan and coupe. The Honda Accord V6 Hybrid should not struggle with battery, stalling, or transmission problems unless the alternator has failed.
• The Honda Accord's optional GPS unit and navigation touchscreen system should not suffer from problems if you ensure the system is updated.
• The Honda Accord's manual transmission is a fairly robust part and should not experience problems with the shift cable, or shifting.

2003 and 2004 Honda Accord models should be avoided because they suffer from the most problems, particularly those surrounding the automatic transmission, which can result in excessive repair costs. For the sake of safety, it may be best to avoid lower trims of the pre-facelifted model altogether because they do not come equipped with the full airbag configuration as standard. Both the K24A and J30A are dependable powertrains if well maintained so neither of these should be excluded from your list on the basis of unreliability. Always rule out cars that have not been routinely serviced and mistreated. If there are any imperfections throughout the body or the interior, try to steer clear as these will develop further in time.

The facelifted Honda Accord range is the best of the batch because they have the fewest problems and benefits from the more robust automatic transmission. There is also more variation as it has the V6 model available with a manual transmission. All trims benefit from comprehensive safety features. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of the drivetrains, so your decision should be based on your preference. The Hybrid variation is also fairly robust, but be aware of the battery pack's lifespan. Only consider cars that have been strictly and routinely maintained cosmetically and mechanically.

The seventh-generation Honda Accord is a step up from the previous generation as it resolves most of the issues. Early models do struggle with transmission failure, but all cars built after 2005 should be very dependable if well-maintained. The fact that this model also introduces a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission for the V6 means that there is also something to satisfy the enthusiast. Performance, gas consumption, and interior packaging are all competitive next to the other opponents within this segment. The only real concern with the model is the long list of airbag recalls that it was subject to, but these should all be resolved by the manufacturer by now.