Used Honda Accord review: 2003-2008

Judy Omerod has done 90,000 km in her 2006 Accord Euro and says it has been brilliant. It has never given her any trouble; it runs smoothly, accelerates quickly and is easy to manoeuvre in tight spots, and averages 8.6 L/100 km.

Robert and Helen Palmer love their 2005 Accord. It is good to drive, comfortable, great for long trips, and still looks stylish.

Roy Maybury says his 2006 Accord V6 is by far the best car he has ever owned. To date he has done 125,000 trouble free kilometres, and says it's quiet, smooth, rides well, has ample power, and delivers outstanding fuel economy.

David Place has done 234,000 km in his 2004 Accord V6L and says it's still running like a Swiss watch. It has been serviced every 10,000 km, and the only real problem it has ever had was transmission failure at 137,000 km, which was repaired under warranty.

New

In 2003, to everyone's surprise, and the confusion of some, Honda announced two distinctly different Accord models, the Euro and the V6, which would sell alongside each other in the company's showrooms.

While the Euro was conceived as the global model that would sell in most parts of the world, the V6 was aimed squarely at American buyers with their unique demands for comfort above all else. We got both.

The Euro was slightly more compact than the V6, it was better looking, more economical and its ride and handling weren't comprised in the interest of ride comfort. It was a pleasure to drive, and acclaimed from the moment of its release.

It was powered by a four-cylinder engine, but packed with all of Honda's engine technology it put out 140 kW and 223 Nm and performed accordingly. It was smooth and revved purposefully, and was strong in the mid-range for drivability.

Backing up the four was a five-speed automatic that boasted sports shifting, and there was a slick six-speed manual gearbox as an option.

When you signed up for the Euro you got dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, and alloy wheels. Up-spec to the Luxury and you got leather trim, powered front seats and fog lights.

While everyone was raving about the Euro, the V6 was quietly winning its share of sales. While the Euro was acclaimed as a driver's car the V6 was more about arriving unfussed.

The V6 was slightly longer than the Euro and some of the extra length was used to make it a little larger inside. As a result the cabin was roomier in the front and the rear, making it a more comfortable ride all round.

Honda tuned the V6's suspension more for a comfortable ride, so the handling was less precise than the Euro's.

The V6's engine was a smooth, relaxed 3.0-litre V6 producing 177 kW and 287 Nm, which was mated to a five-speed automatic for fuss-free motoring.

Like the Euro the V6 came well equipped in standard from with dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, and remote central locking. A Luxury option was also available and that delivered leather trim, fog lights and power front seats.

Now

Honda has a well-earned reputation for building quality cars, which is echoed by our readers who all say they have had a trouble-free run from their Accords.

Even the early cars from 2003 are still giving their owners a good run. That means it's worth considering keeping cars for longer than you might otherwise do; it also means they're a good buy for younger drivers who want a reliable car at an affordable price.

Little of major concern goes wrong with the Accord, but it's still important to buy cars that have been well maintained. Ignore the servicing requirement of a car like the Accord with all of its technology is to risk major and costly meltdown.

Check for a service record that confirms regular servicing, in particular regular oil changes. Missing oil changes can lead to a build-up of sludge, which can ultimately block the tiny oil passages that carry the engine's lifeblood to its vital moving parts.

Also check the bodywork, looking for faded paint, particularly if the car is red, also check for misaligned panels and small dings that can bring the value of a car down.

One of our owners complained about the cost of having his car serviced at a Honda dealer, but has now found a specialist mechanic to look after his car at a much-reduced cost and is a happy camper.