Manual transmission. Will it still be available?

[plunk10]

Just curious. I'm hoping they offer a manual transmission for all trim levels of the new accord. Could it be true?

If so, I might consider an 08 EX-L 4 cylinder manual sedan.

[Terps_Fan]

Looks like you're in luck!

http://www.hondapreview.com/accord/index.htm

[RTexasF]

They have to date although the V-6 manual sedan is fairly new. Most EX-L models are auto so you may have to order one or have the dealer find one from another dealer. Most dealers stock auto only or very few stick shifts. I went through 5 dealers when I bought mine and found one 5 speed out of hundreds of cars. The salesman called me as it was being offloaded from the truck, he said they only ordered four per year.

[Coil99]

Looks like you're in luck!

http://www.hondapreview.com/accord/index.htm


In luck for the 4cyl...but out of luck for the 6cyl. :(



Coupe Model Lineup for 2008:

CS1138EW 2008 ACCORD 2DR LX-S 5MT
CS1178JW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EX 5MT
CS1188JNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EX-L 5MT
CS1188KNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EX-LNAV 5MT
CS1238EW 2008 ACCORD 2DR LX-S 5AT
CS1278JW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EX 5AT
CS1288JNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EX-L 5AT
CS1288KNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EX-LNAV 5AT
CS2188JNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EXL-V6 6MT
CS2188KNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EXLV6NV 6MT
CS2288JNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EXL-V6 5AT
CS2288KNW 2008 ACCORD 2DR EXLV6N 5AT




Sedan Model Lineup for 2008:

CP2538EW 2008 ACCORD 4DR LX 5MT
CP2548EW 2008 ACCORD 4DR LX-P 5MT
CP2578JW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EX 5MT
CP2588JNW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EX-L 5MT
CP2588KNW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EX-LNAV 5MT
CP2638EW 2008 ACCORD 4DR LX 5AT
CP2648EW 2008 ACCORD 4DR LX-P 5AT
CP2678JW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EX 5AT
CP2688JNW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EX-L 5AT
CP2688KNW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EX-LNAV 5AT
CP3678JW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EX-V6 5AT
CP3688JNW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EXL-V6 5AT
CP3688KNW 2008 ACCORD 4DR EXLV6NV 5AT

[Coil99]

...no V6/6spd sedan for 08...

BTW, is this old news?

[BenzAccord]

They have to date although the V-6 manual sedan is fairly new. Most EX-L models are auto so you may have to order one or have the dealer find one from another dealer. Most dealers stock auto only or very few stick shifts. I went through 5 dealers when I bought mine and found one 5 speed out of hundreds of cars. The salesman called me as it was being offloaded from the truck, he said they only ordered four per year.

It varies by region. I was prepared to buy an EX 5MT, the dealership had 3 sedans (see below) in stock with MT, my budget forced me to choose between the EX-L and the SE, I took the SE. Here in NJ, dealers tend to have at least a few on the lot, but weren't willing to swap with other dealers at this late stage.

EX-L silver/black
EX-L V6/6sp silver/black
LX-SE grey/grey

At the end of the 2004 model year, a Long Island, NY dealership had 5 or 6 manual sedans in stock and sold on ebay 2 DX's for 14K with AC, an LX for 16K and an EX for just under 18K. I'm still kicking myself for missing those deals.

[namegoeshere]

Manual for I4 sedan, but no V6 6mt sedan. Maybe Honda will bring it back during the 8th Gen's MMC.

There should be a V6 6mt coupe though.

[anysia]

in pa i didn't have a problem finding a manual transmission, but had a problem finding the specific trim and color (ex cloth coupe, nighthawk black....) everywhere i turned had a few exl's with mt's. hard to find v6 6spd ones though. it seemed the biggest stock of mt's they had were exl coupes. :lmao:

sad to see the v6 6spd sedan gone for the new model.... well, i think stevel is probably more sad than me. :yes:

[James.uk]

No need to be upset. :). The new Honda Diesel will be made ONLY as a MT No auto! ... And of course it will be the best Honda saloon car around bar none :D

Maybe even the best saloon car in the US when it finally arrives. :yes:
.

[plunk10]

No need to be upset. :). The new Honda Diesel will be made ONLY as a MT No auto! ... And of course it will be the best Honda saloon car around bar none :D

Maybe even the best saloon car in the US when it finally arrives. :yes:
.

While you guys probably know more than I would, I find it hard to believe that honda would offer the diesel with only the manual transmission. I think that would be suicide for the model as 99% buy automatics (or can't even drive stick). That said, I hope they do offer the diesel in manual form.

I'm even thinking of buying an old used civic to tide me over until the diesel accord makes its debut. I really want a diesel sedan, and am afraid to own a VW, but thats an entirely different thread.

[RTexasF]

I hope the manual 6 speed sedan doesn't go the way of the Hybrid!! Maybe they didn't sell enough of them to keep it?

[Coil99]

Maybe they didn't sell enough of them to keep it?


That's what I am wondering; that the V6/6spd didn't sell well enough to keep it around. Any numbers on this?

If I were to get another Accord, there is no question that it would be the V6/6spd...................well, if it were available.

[James.uk]

I was also very sorry to hear the diesel Accord was only going to be with MT.

Autos are quite popular in the EU as well? I can only assume they have been unable to find an autobox that works with their new diesel angine.. :dunno:
.

[namegoeshere]

That's what I am wondering; that the V6/6spd didn't sell well enough to keep it around. Any numbers on this?

If I were to get another Accord, there is no question that it would be the V6/6spd...................well, if it were available.

Same here, but if it were to be an 8th Gen Accord it would be the coupe V6 6mt. Still not feeling the 8th Gen sedan.

[Coil99]

Still not feeling the 8th Gen sedan.


I think I like the 8th Gen...but I'm waiting to see it in person.


A sedan would be my choice because I got a couple of little'ns. The extra two doors would make life easier. (Although I guess I should note that we rarely, if ever, take the Accord; the Odyssey is just too convenient for a family of four.)

[fastball]

While you guys probably know more than I would, I find it hard to believe that honda would offer the diesel with only the manual transmission. I think that would be suicide for the model as 99% buy automatics (or can't even drive stick). That said, I hope they do offer the diesel in manual form.

I'm even thinking of buying an old used civic to tide me over until the diesel accord makes its debut. I really want a diesel sedan, and am afraid to own a VW, but thats an entirely different thread.

I work with a few people originally from Europe, and believe me when I tell you, they were shocked at how hard it is to find a manual transmissioned car when they came to the United States. Here, pretty much the only people who drive stick are purists and enthusiasts (like myself), or people who want the most economical and basic of all transportation.

In Europe, everyone learns to drive stick when they take driving lessons and then take their driving test at 16 or 18. EVERYONE. Because, most schools only have manuals for driving lessons (since something like 90% of European cars are manuals), so if you don't want to learn how to drive stick, you simply can't get your license.

I wish it was mandatory here in the States that everyone had to take driving lessons on a stick. From day one. Then, if people want an automatic, they have that option to buy one after they have their license. But at least they know how to drive stick and have had the experience of driving it successfully (not grind a few gears, stall out, and give up on it).

BMW even made the previous generation 7-Series (pre Bangle-butt) with a 5 speed manual for European regions...... the 7-Series!

Honda makes some of the best manual transmissions of anyone. I think they rank right up there with BMW for precision, feel, ease of operation, and optimum performance. They have great hydraulic clutches, light but firm crisp throws, and if driven properly will outlast many others (the stock, factory clutch on my Prelude lasted 170,000 miles and would have lasted longer if I didn't pop it so hard one time I popped a tension spring racing someone and I've seen other Honda clutches with over 200k on them and still strong).

[stevencrosbie]

I was pretty sure the V6 6 speed was a gonner........you just don't see many on the roads....

Americans can't drive Manuals....it's that simple. I'm glad to see they kept the MT for the 4 cylinder as I am unsure if the 6 speed will make it in the next gen TL. Why you ask? The next TL should have the SH-AWD and to date....there isn't a MT for that system.

It will be harder and harder to find a MT as they years go on.....the dumbing down of America continues....

[dgs]

They have to date although the V-6 manual sedan is fairly new. Most EX-L models are auto so you may have to order one or have the dealer find one from another dealer. Most dealers stock auto only or very few stick shifts. I went through 5 dealers when I bought mine and found one 5 speed out of hundreds of cars. The salesman called me as it was being offloaded from the truck, he said they only ordered four per year.

I share this experience. The dealership I bought my coupe from was SO happy they had someone interested in a manual transmission coupe. The car had been sitting on the dealership lot for about three weeks before I ended up buying it and no one had test driven it. It had eight miles on the odometer (10 when I drove it off the lot from the courtesy free gas fill-up). They told me Honda Corp. forces them to take a certain number of manual transmission V6 Accords every year in exchange to get the more desirable models. They told me if Honda didn't force them to order the MT's they would not order any on their own. They said demand for the MT V6 cars is incredibly low and they are so happy when they get someone who actually requests one so they can get rid of it. They said it's even worse for the V6 MT sedan model. They had one on their lot that had been sitting there for five months because no one wants it! :eek: They really wanted me to take that one but I wasn't interested in a sedan.

Their loss is my gain however, as I got the deal of the century on my car. They were so eager to get the car off their lot they sold the car at zero profit to them.

I was surprised to see Honda making the 08 V6 coupe in a MT. I would have thought for sure that due to poor sales of those models Honda would have made it automatic only for the coupes and sedans. Eventually those manual transmissions will probably become extinct, nobody in this country seems very interested in them. I really enjoy manual transmission, however I would be open to driving a DSG type transmission with the paddle shifters like Volkswagen has. I think that would be fun, and it will probably be the only manual type transmission that will be available when I'm ready to buy a new car in 10 years.

[ezshift5]

Honda makes some of the best manual transmissions of anyone.



....after two years with my 6M, I'll sure second that. (Clutch is another story).



.......sitting on the lot, my 6M must have felt like a permanent fixture: build date stamped '10/04'; In my garage summer of '05...................more than 1/2 year...


best, ez....

[stevel]

Honda makes some of the best manual transmissions of anyone.

gonna have to dissagree with this comment. between people having issues with second gear in the 5 speeds(RTF and others) and third gear being a major pain in the butt in the 6 speed, I'd have to say they are deffinately not that great. I know they don't completely fail, but............

[ezshift5]

.......and third gear being a major pain in the butt in the 6 speed, I'd have to say they are deffinately not that great. I know they don't completely fail, but............






..let me throw this out: credibility levels and grammar/spelling are often directly proportional (spellcheck remaining a variable)...

...(zero 3rd gear problems noted)....



don't take it personal(couldn't resist)....ez....

[stevel]

[/B]





..let me throw this out: credibility levels and grammar/spelling are often directly proportional (spellcheck remaining a variable)...

...(zero 3rd gear problems noted)....



don't take it personal(couldn't resist)....ez....

eh, I know I'm bad at spelling if that makes my comments less credible, then ignore them. :lmao:

third gear problems in my current car, the demo I drove, and my old TL.

[ESHBG]

[/B]





..let me throw this out: credibility levels and grammar/spelling are often directly proportional (spellcheck remaining a variable)...

...(zero 3rd gear problems noted)....



don't take it personal(couldn't resist)....ez....
Wait wait wait...you are going to point out his spelling and grammar?!? Yet look...




...at the way you compose...




...your....


...sentences....


So using your logic, credibility level and sentence structure is often directly proportional too. Hey but don't take it personal (couldn't resist). :lmao:

[anysia]

gonna have to dissagree with this comment. between people having issues with second gear in the 5 speeds(RTF and others) and third gear being a major pain in the butt in the 6 speed, I'd have to say they are deffinately not that great. I know they don't completely fail, but............

however, i would like to see who you think has a good manual transmission..... :dunno: beyond the out of most people's leagues vehicles like a porsche....

i can't make any assertions because i've only driven honda manual transmissions. (though i think every problem i had in my 04 coupe was due to the accident. and every problem i've had outside of those have beern driver error. the first couple of gears need shifted "differently" and if you don't then you get the darn grind. i have yet to figure out exactly what the mystery issue is in the 5 speeds...... or the tsx 6 speed.)

[anysia]

also, is it REALLY a manual transmissin problem? or is honda just not using the best fluid in them? the fluid change seems to fix the problem in the v6 6speeds, so....... i'm questioning whether the problem is actually the transmission or just simply the fluid they are mating it with.

[stevel]

however, i would like to see who you think has a good manual transmission..... :dunno: beyond the out of most people's leagues vehicles like a porsche....

i can't make any assertions because i've only driven honda manual transmissions. (though i think every problem i had in my 04 coupe was due to the accident. and every problem i've had outside of those have beern driver error. the first couple of gears need shifted "differently" and if you don't then you get the darn grind. i have yet to figure out exactly what the mystery issue is in the 5 speeds...... or the tsx 6 speed.)

I don't know. I just can't believe ours are the best when they obviously have shortcomings.

[anysia]

I don't know. I just can't believe ours are the best when they obviously have shortcomings.

ok, can't make the assertion they are or aren't the best or the worst then, huh? :dunno:

[James.uk]

90% of people in the UK drive manuals.. I used to own - drive both untill fairly recently, but now prefer auto's.. But.. Auto's cost more here, and are very poor on fuel economy. The diesel autos are not so bad, but again.. VERY expensive to buy.... :dunno:

As for faulty gear boxes, I don't think any car makers make unreliable manual gearboxes that are availble here, there are certainly non that I am aware of.. erm... does that mean Honda are one of the worst people at making manual gearboxes? :naughty: ;)

PS.. No faulty Honda gearboxes reported in the UK that I know of, manual or automatic. :) ..
...

[dgs]

I can't imagine a better manual transmission then what I have in my car. I would have to say it's perfect. Clutch take-up is light but precise with the engagement point being extremely easy to feel. The shifter is a thing of beauty, if moves through the gates so smoothly and easily I could probably shift with two fingers. I never miss a gear. I love this manual transmission. It's obvious Honda put a lot of thought into this transmission and making it great. So many car manufactures that make a manual transmission version of a popular car do it as an after-thought to appease the enthusiasts and they usually suck. I have read so many car reviews where the reviewer says even though they prefer a manual to skip it for the car they are reviewing and buy the auto because it's so poorly done. The two most recent reviews that come to mind like this is one I read for the new G35 sedan and another for the new Nissan Altima. Go find reviews of those cars with the manual transmission and I'm sure you will read the reviewer slamming the transmission and saying to avoid it. Not so with the 6-speed Accord. All the reviews love the transmission in this car and I agree. Honda got it perfect.

Also I don't know what 3rd gear problems people are talking about but my 3rd gear feels just like the other five gears, perfect. Granted my car is still new, but 3rd gear is not exhibiting any problems at all, feels just like the other gears. I guess time will tell if it becomes a problem. I will also search around and see what the supposed issue is. But unless Honda has issued a recall for it, it's not something I will worry about. Lot's of times when people complain about a problem it's because they are overly sensitive about certain things that other people don't care about. For example a common complaint with all cars are rattles. This really seems to bother people for some reason and I could care less. Every car I've ever owned has had a rattle here and there but it really doesn't bother me, however people seem to be overly sensitive them. I would venture to say any 3rd gear problem that isn't a TSB/recall issue is much the same.

[ezshift5]

...now here is an owner who REALLY appreciates those Honda engineers.........

..it's about time verbalization like dgs' appears......

..best, ez..

[stevencrosbie]

My 2nd gear used to grind a little....but the new fluid fixed that and I've never seen a better tranny than this 6 speed in the TL.....

Some people have better luck with the GM Synchromesh (sp?) tranny fluid. If I ever have any other problems...I'll switch to that...but for now...not one problem with this 6 speed!

[SCABADA]

Just curious. I'm hoping they offer a manual transmission for all trim levels of the new accord. Could it be true?

If so, I might consider an 08 EX-L 4 cylinder manual sedan.

Just wanted to say to you and all other drivers having to worry about if they'll even have a choice to buy a manual transmission car -- I'm sorry. I'm part of the problem because I (along with millions of others Americans) chose an auto. If I were the only driver the decision probably would have been different. Though I do like my auto when stuck in traffic overall I miss having a manual. I'll try harder next time to win my wife over. For a lease the payment came out basically the same due to the manual's worse residual, so I didn't have anything to argue about price wise. Hopefully I'll have a choice for a manual on my next car but if I don't I can't point fingers at anyone more than myself. Sorry everyone...

[dgs]

Just wanted to say to you and all other drivers having to worry about if they'll even have a choice to buy a manual transmission car -- I'm sorry. I'm part of the problem because I (along with millions of others Americans) chose an auto. If I were the only driver the decision probably would have been different. Though I do like my auto when stuck in traffic overall I miss having a manual. I'll try harder next time to win my wife over. For a lease the payment came out basically the same due to the manual's worse residual, so I didn't have anything to argue about price wise. Hopefully I'll have a choice for a manual on my next car but if I don't I can't point fingers at anyone more than myself. Sorry everyone...

I don't think you have anything to apologize about. Sounds like you had to give in to your wife's inability to drive a manual transmission. I can't tell you how many married friends of mine had to do the same thing. Women just do not want to learn how to drive a manual transmission. Most women are already scared behind the wheel of a car, adding a manual transmission to the mix is not good.

Yes, you do lose your shirt when it comes to resale value of a manual transmission. I'm not worried since I'll be keeping my car long after it's paid off, but manual transmission is definitely a dying breed in America.

[SCABADA]

Lol there are some female manual transmission forum members here you may get yourself into trouble here this might be interesting.

[stevencrosbie]

Women just do not want to learn how to drive a manual transmission. Most women are already scared behind the wheel of a car, adding a manual transmission to the mix is not good.

but manual transmission is definitely a dying breed in America.

Strong statement there.....many of the women I graduated with drive manuals....but we are a competitive breed at the Academy.

It's not women or men....it is just a general lack of motivation....

Autos are now just as fuel efficient (sometimes more), have more gears, are cheaper to buy, and much more reliable than they were before. There are far less "reasons" to buy a manual except for enthusiast reasons. Heck...even trucks are hard to get with a manual and I'd never buy a manual when I can get an Allison Tranny in the GMC.

Manuals are fighting a losing battle. The European cars will always have them...but the Japanese brands will probably drop them in the next few years.

The day I try to get rid of my TL will be the start of a very long period of trying to sell. I'm sure my TL is worth a couple thousand less b/c its a manual....

[James.uk]

This whole topic is rather funny when you think about it. (Funny as in strange, not amusing).. People want, and buy, cars with -- Rain sensative wipers? auto dim mirrors? elec windows? elec roofs, cruise control? elec ajustable seats? etc etc.. Good grief!! it seems that people don't want to do ANYTHING whatsoever themselves if they can possibly avoid it!! So what hope is there of people choosing to buy a car in which they have to jump up and down on any two of three pedals and shove a gearlever around all the time got?? None at all!! Zilch!! :paranoid:

Auto's are rare here simply because they can't compete with the economy of a manual.. If, and it's a big IF, they ever catch up, then it will be the end of manual transmissions in the EU, and probably worldwide.. People only buy manuals here for economic reasons, they are cheaper to buy, and do much better MPG's.. Virtually no one enjoys driving one..

The diesel auto's are much much better on fuel than any comparable petrol engines, so my guess is that over the next few years we will lose the petrol auto's completely, and maybe 50% of the manuals as well.. Some manuals will survive in the economy class range, simply because that's all low paid workers can afford.. But I seriously doubt any manuals will survive in the higher price brackets..

Historically the US has been insulated from the high fuel prices most people pay for fuel, but that's unsustainable. When, and I personaly believe it is when, not if, the US fuel prices rise to match those of the majority worldwide, (approx $7 a US gallon) then the US car market will change dramatically, and forever...
.

[anysia]

:blah: i'm a women. i know how and enjoy and prefer driving a manual transmission car! i had always wanted to learn, but the men, errr, BOYS in my life refused to teach me! my dad and brother insisted i'd just mess up the clutch. :grumpy:

my ex tooko me out a couple of times in the 84 accord mt, but never let me spend too much time in it. again it was because he was afraid the original clutch in it with something like 150k on it (and it was in 1998ish-so 14+ year old car) and tons of inexperienced drivers, that i'd be the one to put it out of commission. :rolleyes: but atleast he let me try a few times.

in 2004 i bought my own dang manual transmission car. :yes: brand new 04 accord coupe. the salesguy spent an hour with me after signing the papers in a parking lot refreshing my memory on the few basics i knew. (note~i had not driven one enough to be comfortable on the road at that point.) i then proceeded to drive it about 35 miles home by myself. the next many weeks were spent popping plenty of pepto tablets before because of my nerves and driving in downtown pittsburgh traffic, but i made it. and once i was comfortable with my ability to drive it, i loved it. i don't want to go back to an automatic!

now days any gas mileage gains are very minimal from an at to an mt, so it doesn't even have that appeal to those hypermilers.

it's all about having fun and being more in control of the driving experience. once i was comfortable driving, i actually loved my mt in traffic! i could control the speed so much better, less braking, more power to pass when i wanted it, etc.

at any rate, i'm sure mt's will disappear. someday we may not even have to drive at all. the car will completley do it for us. grrr.

[dgs]

My apologies to the women on this board. I should have rephrased my comment to read, "In my experience women I've known were not interested in learning how to drive a manual transmission."

But I guess it really doesn't matter much anymore because probably in 10 years the only way to buy a manual transmission car will be a specialty expensive race car. Even those are mostly being sold with F1 auto type transmissions.

[anysia]

My apologies to the women on this board. I should have rephrased my comment to read, "In my experience women I've known were not interested in learning how to drive a manual transmission."

But I guess it really doesn't matter much anymore because probably in 10 years the only way to buy a manual transmission car will be a specialty expensive race car. Even those are mostly being sold with F1 auto type transmissions.

or move to a country that expects you to know and drive one unless your health prevents it. :lmao:

[dgs]

or move to a country that expects you to know and drive one unless your health prevents it. :lmao:

Honestly, I would love to live in Italy. I have given it serious thought I when I finish grad school.

[RTexasF]

7/23/07 2:30 PM Central

Just e-mailed with a Honda salesman on another forum. He said flat out that there is no V-6 six speed manual sedan offered for 2008. He had been planning to get the first one that came in (in his desired color) and found out there simply won't be any offered, coupe only. They have one red '07 remaining on the lot and there won't be any more. What a pisser!!!!!!

Were I to want a V-6 sedan in the future (I want one NOW but can't do it) I would have to look elsewhere. The Acura has proven to be a bit troublesome so that's out. Infinity G35 is nice but expensive for this po' boy and the nearest dealer is a 4.5 hour drive......scratch that one too! This is the time to find a dealer with an '07 and the lot that really wants to get rid of it.

German cars? No way. The field is really narrowing down quickly.

[anysia]

7/23/07 2:30 PM Central

Just e-mailed with a Honda salesman on another forum. He said flat out that there is no V-6 six speed manual sedan offered for 2008. He had been planning to get the first one that came in (in his desired color) and found out there simply won't be any offered, coupe only. They have one red '07 remaining on the lot and there won't be any more. What a pisser!!!!!!

Were I to want a V-6 sedan in the future (I want one NOW but can't do it) I would have to look elsewhere. The Acura has proven to be a bit troublesome so that's out. Infinity G35 is nice but expensive for this po' boy and the nearest dealer is a 4.5 hour drive......scratch that one too! This is the time to find a dealer with an '07 and the lot that really wants to get rid of it.

German cars? No way. The field is really narrowing down quickly.

rtf~acura tsx. no issues! 6 speed, but paired with the 4 cyl. (and stevel would claim as a result not enough power. grrrr.)

or do a tl, just change out the fluid right away. "problem" solved. (i hesitate to call it a true problem that renders the car useless because it is easily fixed despite all of the whining out there about it.) only downside to the tl is now the 6 speed manual is only in the s.... that = $$$$$$$.

or best bet yet? the s2k!!!! :notworthy

[alpha]

wait, what's wrong with the TL?

[stevel]

Were I to want a V-6 sedan in the future (I want one NOW but can't do it) I would have to look elsewhere. The Acura has proven to be a bit troublesome so that's out. Infinity G35 is nice but expensive for this po' boy and the nearest dealer is a 4.5 hour drive......scratch that one too! This is the time to find a dealer with an '07 and the lot that really wants to get rid of it.


you could buy may car when you're ready. easy enough. :lmao:

[anysia]

wait, what's wrong with the TL?

they like to not go into 3rd gear all the time, same deal as the v6 6speed accords. but it's fixed easily by swapping out the transmission fluid. :yes:

[anysia]

you could buy may car when you're ready. easy enough. :lmao:

hey rtf and if you bought his car, then he'd have an excuse to lower it a teeny bit now. :lmao: can't justify the cost and work of putting them on and taking them off at the end of the lease.

[alpha]

they like to not go into 3rd gear all the time, same deal as the v6 6speed accords. but it's fixed easily by swapping out the transmission fluid. :yes:

ok, I thought so. Is that what RTexasF was referring to?

oh, and the transmission fluid fix doesn't work 100%. I've had mine changed twice with the new fluid, and it still occurs here and there.

[RTexasF]

I was fortunate to (unknowingly) buy a J-Spec Accord. No squeeks, no rattles. I've just heard too much about that issue with the Acura sedans and they are out of my price range anyway.

TSX is nice but a smaller interior I don't need @ 250 lbs and no V-6.

I'm not going to do anything anyway, I'm just disappointed that they dropped it. Mine is pristine, paid for, and I've done a number of upgrades. The seven spoke wheels from Princess will likely be the last in the looks area. The next large output will be tires, the TSX intake manifold, and a quiet exhaust system utilizing the Apexi World Sport ll muffler. Just those alone are a BIG chunk of change and insurance is due in another month or so. Guess I'll just keep dreaming.................

Hell thirty years ago, when I threw a party, more money went up everyone's nose in one night than some people earned in a month! But they were GREAT parties. The world loves a freebie so they were jam packed everytime. Glad that part of my life is is over & done. And now I wonder why money is tight????? BUWAAAHAAAHAHAHA

After all the mongo V-8's I've had over the years (440 tri power, 455 Olds, 460 Ford, etc.) it really pisses me off that I yearn for something so simple......a V-6 six speed sedan and I can't swing it. Gettin old ain't for sissies!!!!! Guard your money kids, it's awful tough as you get older to regain all the funds you squandered in your youth!

[RTexasF]

ok, I thought so. Is that what RTexasF was referring to?

oh, and the transmission fluid fix doesn't work 100%. I've had mine changed twice with the new fluid, and it still occurs here and there.


Not the Honda fluid, the GM fluid at $18+ per quart.

[alpha]

Not the Honda fluid, the GM fluid at $18+ per quart.
I'm still under warranty though. It's the reason I still use Honda fluid.

[stevel]

ok, I thought so. Is that what RTexasF was referring to?

oh, and the transmission fluid fix doesn't work 100%. I've had mine changed twice with the new fluid, and it still occurs here and there.

yeah, the new Honda fluid is no better than the old stuff.....

[RTexasF]

I'm still under warranty though. It's the reason I still use Honda fluid.

I changed to Red Line MTF when I bought the car & I went to a Honda Master Tech. He said (although not the definitive authority) that it would not void the warranty and he had it in his new Honda vehicle also. I must assume the GM fluid would have the same outcome. If it weren't so damned expensive it would be in my transaxle now.

[stevel]

I changed to Red Line MTF when I bought the car & I went to a Honda Master Tech. He said (although not the definitive authority) that it would not void the warranty and he had it in his new Honda vehicle also. I must assume the GM fluid would have the same outcome. If it weren't so damned expensive it would be in my transaxle now.

not to mention Acura put the GM stuff in my old TL as a warranty repair..

[RTexasF]

VERY good point Amigo.

[alpha]

not to mention Acura put the GM stuff in my old TL as a warranty repair..really? I wonder if that is a standard Acura dealership thing. I almost got an Acura dealership to do the warranty repair, but the Honda dealership connected to it said they would do it.

I'll have to look into the GM stuff. It may be a bit pricey, but if it fixes the problem, it's a worthy investment.

[stevel]

really? I wonder if that is a standard Acura dealership thing. I almost got an Acura dealership to do the warranty repair, but the Honda dealership connected to it said they would do it.

I'll have to look into the GM stuff. It may be a bit pricey, but if it fixes the problem, it's a worthy investment.

this was early on when they weren't sure what the problem was yet and after they disassembled and "rebuilt" my trans and that didn't fix it.. It was authorized by the Acura zone rep as a "test" kind of thing to see if it worked and I was willing to be the test car. and more than willing to report to them the outcome. now that Honda has an "improved" fluid, it'll be harder I think to get them to do it.....

[stevel]

really? I wonder if that is a standard Acura dealership thing. I almost got an Acura dealership to do the warranty repair, but the Honda dealership connected to it said they would do it.

I'll have to look into the GM stuff. It may be a bit pricey, but if it fixes the problem, it's a worthy investment.

my ordeal....

thread (http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3679)

[RTexasF]

Since it fixed it before it will fix it again! Do it and keep your mouth shut.....warranty or not.

[stevel]

Since it fixed it before it will fix it again! Do it and keep your mouth shut.....warranty or not.

exactly.

[stevencrosbie]

Some of the people on Acurazine have put it in the Trannies on their own....

I haven't experienced any troubles with 3rd gear....I'm a part of the "lucky" ones group....:)

[dgs]

Man I hope you people don't jinx me. I keep coming back and reading this thread every so often and I keep seeing these posts about 3rd gear transmission problems and it's scaring me. My car shifts perfectly in every gear, so hopefully the transmission gremlins that got to your car while it was being built took the day off when mine was being built. I don't want/need any problems like that. A Honda is supposed to be an anti-dealership service kind of car and I want to keep it that way.

I have also searched and found no official TSB about any Honda Accord 3rd gear problems so it's obviously isolated. Maybe it affected an early batch of 7th gens, but my car is perfect, I couldn't imagine a better shifting transmission.

[StickSix]

I have spoken to a few people affiliated with Honda (factory techs and some dealers). The main reason that Honda provided the option of a manual with the V6 was for the purists and enthusiasts. They never expected to sell a lot of them because most Americans prefer automatics. Honda wanted to appeal to a niche crowd. That is why I bought one. I always wanted an Accord V6 but would never buy one because there was no manual available. I only drive manual cars because I like shifting for myself.

I have not experienced any issues with 3rd gear but my Honda only has about 600 miles on it. The transmission is perfect. It is actually very similar in feel to my old STi; a little notchy and the throws are nice and short. It is fantastic and matches the V6's power quite nicely.

Unfortunately, many car manufacturers are phasing out manual transmissions in favor of the clutch-less kind (DSG, etc). I used to own a BMW 330i and it was a 6-speed manual. I loved it. I have to admire BMW for continuing to offer a stick for every model, except for the 7-series. The new M3 coming out is only offered with a manual. They even made a manual transmission a US-only option for the M5. If people scream loud enough, manufacturers will give us the transmission choices we want. They will satisfy the purists even if they do not move a lot of volume.

[Amanda Moen]

I have spoken to a few people affiliated with Honda (factory techs and some dealers). The main reason that Honda provided the option of a manual with the V6 was for the purists and enthusiasts. They never expected to sell a lot of them because most Americans prefer automatics. Honda wanted to appeal to a niche crowd. That is why I bought one. I always wanted an Accord V6 but would never buy one because there was no manual available. I only drive manual cars because I like shifting for myself.

I have not experienced any issues with 3rd gear but my Honda only has about 600 miles on it. The transmission is perfect. It is actually very similar in feel to my old STi; a little notchy and the throws are nice and short. It is fantastic and matches the V6's power quite nicely.

Unfortunately, many car manufacturers are phasing out manual transmissions in favor of the clutch-less kind (DSG, etc). I used to own a BMW 330i and it was a 6-speed manual. I loved it. I have to admire BMW for continuing to offer a stick for every model, except for the 7-series. The new M3 coming out is only offered with a manual. They even made a manual transmission a US-only option for the M5. If people scream loud enough, manufacturers will give us the transmission choices we want. They will satisfy the purists even if they do not move a lot of volume.

Ooh, I want an STi, as a secondary car. I like the whole idea of the DCCD.

Warning! Novel length post to follow! You have been warned! :D

I think there are several contributing factors to the decline in manual transmissions. I'm just going to cover the reasons that pop in my head.

I think part of the problem is that most people these days never get the chance to learn how to drive a manual transmission. School driver's ed programs don't have manual transmission cars to learn on. And if your parents only have automatics, how are you ever going to learn?

Fear. Before I was forced to learn how to drive a manual, I was scared half to death that I was going to grind the gears. After driving for about a week, I'd basically figured it out. How to shift smoothly, not stall, and not grind.

Most people I know, once they learn how to drive a manual, prefer it. My best friend is one of the few people I know who doesn't like driving them. But that's because she gets car sick really easy. Although, she's commented on how smooth my driving is compared to another friend of ours.

Another friend of mine prefers manuals, too. Her parents have an auto, though. It's because her mom's ankle has gone out before, and if it happens again, she wouldn't be able to drive a manual.

One person made a comment that really annoyed my mom. This lady was like, 'ooh, a manual, you must be a speed demon, or something' which is totally the opposite of how my mom is. My mom wants the control, and the better gas mileage afforded by the manual transmission. My mom hardly ever speeds, in fact she'll annoy me at times cuz she'll be going below the speed limit. My parents are far too practical when it comes to cars.

I'm with Anysia on this one. Can't stand driving automatics. I've got ADD, being able to have my hand on the gear shift helps me to better concentrate.

I like being able to go around corners without having to tap the brakes. Just push the clutch in, and downshift.

I'll not buy an automatic unless I can no longer physically drive a manual. Which, I pray, never happens.

Sorry for bringing back an old thread. Just had to put in my 2 cents worth. (I'll probably edit this post sometime next week)

[fastball]

One of the main reasons I am pretty much a Honda devotee is the fact they offer manuals on both 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Other than BMW, I can't think of a manufacturer that makes the combination of a stick shift and V6 readily available. Pontiac supposedly had a 6 speed available on the G6 GTP coupe, but they were nowhere to be found (not that I'd consider a Pontiac over a Honda, but I'm using that example for comparison sake only). How about the Monte Carlo? Wouldn't the combination of a stick with the 3800 supercharged SS or even the 5.3 V8 SS appeal to those who would also consider an Accord EX V6 6 Speed coupe? How 'bout a Chrysler 300C Hemi with a 6 speed manual? I'm just giving ideas of how many cars would be that much more appealing if offered with a manual transmission.

I know it's a niche market, but Honda being the only mfg to cater to it at all will own it by default. Perhaps the company has more liquid finances to play with than other car companies and can afford to make low production, high quality cars affordable for a narrow demographic. Every review I've read about the 2008 Coupe 6 speed raves about the snick snick shifting and silky smooth clutch. Autoweek's review of it even said Porsche could learn some things about shift feel from Honda.

[shizamn]

I currently trying to acquire a 2008 Accord EX i4 with a manual transmission. They are pretty scarce in the midwest apparently. I'm being told my wait will be 8 weeks right now.

I've owned 4 accords over the past 20 years and have never had an automatic transmission. Every time I try to purchase a car, manual transmissions get harder to find.

The idea of having a remote starter is appealing and would be the only reason I would buy an auto, but I'm going to hold out for a manual.

[StickSix]

Every review I've read about the 2008 Coupe 6 speed raves about the snick snick shifting and silky smooth clutch. Autoweek's review of it even said Porsche could learn some things about shift feel from Honda.

I read those reviews as well. The funny thing is that the transmission is a carry over from the 07 Sedan and Coupe. I have been enjoying my snick snick shifting for two months now! There was something different about the transimission though. I think it was the input shaft or something was a little shorter. Other than that, it is the same transmission.