Biggest change ever - so what do you think

[Wardsweb]

Let's hear it. Your impressions of the new 2003.

[hondacuraworld]

My first tour of the new model was given to me by a corporate rep from American Honda a few months ago. He was driving an EX 4 door, with the hands free phone, and loaded up with all sorts of goodies.

The hands free phone option was extremely impressive, not only in ease of operation, but in audio quality. It's one of those options that would never sell by looking at a book or catalog, but would be a no-brainer if it was available for demo.

The worst part about the accessories lineup is that they aren't releasing many of the really cool ones (MP3 player, in-vehicle entertainment system, XM) until the spring.

[bobf58]

Seems like everyone is badtalking the styling. I don't know why. I like it. I think they just have to get used to it. The 6 gen was so nice, it's a tough act to follow. Many were never too excited about 5 gen, so 6 gen had it easy.

[zwierhiem]

I would have to say that at first I didn't like the new style. Then I saw one live, not on a commercial or ad, and I must say that it has grown on me. I especially like the coupe!

[hondacuraworld]

From what I hear, that's a good thing. Generally for some reason the vehicles that are slow to gain a little acceptance are the ones that prove to be popular as time goes on.

As much as I hate to relate back to this, the 1986 Ford Taurus changed the perception of the family sedan forever. Think about it, no chrome, a "worn soap bar" look as compared to the 3-box styles of the offferings then, and very good build quality compared to the other products that US companies offered.

My point is, that look wasn't easily accepted either.

Since most cars today are designed in wind tunnels and crash standards and fuel economy are paramount, there are only so many designs that manufacturers can follow to conform to those standards. Honda's done a great job with this one :)

So good, in fact, that I honestly think that the Acura CL will be hurt severely by the Accord V-6 coupe, which is one hot car!

[RiceBoy]

I hated the look of it in the initial pictures I saw. When I started seeing more pictures, it started to grow on me. When I saw it in person, I really liked it. I'm still getting used to the butt end of the sedan, but actually when you see it on the road in motion, it actually looks pretty nice. I've seen a few of the coupes already and I think they're beautiful! Within a couple of months, one salesperson at a local Honda dealership said he had already sold 17 of them himself.

Tim is right. Another example is when the 6th gen Civic came out, people hated the big bug eye headlights. And now, when people realized that they actually are brighter and more functional than the traditional slit eye lamps, you see them everywhere on all types of vehicles.

[kutiepotpie]

Yeah, I was hesitant to buy the new accord sedan at first and was leaning to the mercedes-like coupe. I thought the sedan looked like some bad rendition of a focus front and a saturn rear. After buying the sedan not for the styling, but for it's practicality, I really got used to the way it looks! Sure, it's goofy at first..and yes, my friends call my car "the hunchback," but just 2 months later, they enjoy riding it and have admit they like the styling.
It's just a look that needs getting used to. Beside, in about a year, everybody will seem to have one despite its appearance

[according2me]

I don't like the new skins. To me, an Accord should have a low cowl and the rear glass should bend into the "C" pillar.

Under the skin they've kept it an Accord. Double wishbone, precise steering, firm seats, and a sweet revving 4/6 cyl engine.

I've heard others say that the new styling is "growing on them".
I don't agree.

[PsychoBueller]

I HATED the 2003 Accord sedan's looks at first. I thought it looked like a Kia Rio. In pictures the exterior looked awful. But the interior looked great....so I remained curious.

As I saw the car in person at my dealer I began to like it more and eventually grew to really appreciate the styling. Now I am crazy about this car in every way. So glad I bought one!!

Also, the low cowl of previous Hondas may be a thing of the past with new side impact regs and a lot of SUVs out there. I think the higher cowl is considered safer in a car-to-SUV impact.

[Cleo]

I have owned the EXV6 sedan for a month now. I too was hesitant about the styling, but for me the overall ride is fantastic. The power of the new engine, the comfort and the handling helps me to forget about any possible styling shortcomigs.

BTW, I spent approximately $280 on a tire upgrade from the OEM Michelins to Bridgestone Potenza 950's and the difference is dramatic. Much more steering feel, better grip and much better turn response. Worth every dime!

[Wardsweb]

Originally posted by Cleo
....BTW, I spent approximately $280 on a tire upgrade from the OEM Michelins to Bridgestone Potenza 950's and the difference is dramatic. Much more steering feel, better grip and much better turn response. Worth every dime!

Wise choice, the Potenza's give you a lot more road feel along with the things you have already found; grip, response, feedback.

[Nimoxp]

I thought i'd bring this old thread back to life to compare our reactions to the new model. These comments sound familiar?:D

[stiller fan]

so far yes..... i think that alot of people hated the interior design at first, but it grew on them as well....

now, you see the 7th gens everywhere.... :yes:

[MotorCity Honda]

Everythings cyclic

[accordexlv6]

Whe I saw the initial pictures of that exact car back in 2002, I thought it was design-challenged. The hood had no contour ridges like every other car I'd seen. Also, the lack of anything on either side of the lower grille looked dumb. The main grille also looked very weak.

Who'd have thunk I'd end up with one after getting soooo close to buying an Infiniti. It just proves how really nice the Accord is.

Now I look at my car and appreciate alot of the subtleties that make it a sporty looking sedan.

And I was able to correct some of the design weaknesses myself. My Accord looks alot more finished off... in the vein of Accords sold in other countries that haven't been cost cut on the exterior.

The interior needs no help at all... near perfection.:thmsup:

[Nimoxp]

Whe I saw the initial pictures of that exact car back in 2002, I thought it was design-challenged. The hood had no contour ridges like every other car I'd seen. Also, the lack of anything on either side of the lower grille looked dumb. The main grille also looked very weak.

Who'd have thunk I'd end up with one after getting soooo close to buying an Infiniti. It just proves how really nice the Accord is.

Now I look at my car and appreciate alot of the subtleties that make it a sporty looking sedan.

And I was able to correct some of the design weaknesses myself. My Accord looks alot more finished off... in the vein of Accords sold in other countries that haven't been cost cut on the exterior.

The interior needs no help at all... near perfection.:thmsup:
Very nice. I like the lights:thmsup:

[namegoeshere]

I actually liked the 2003 Accord when it first came out.... well, everything about it except for the rear end. Slap a deck lid spoiler on it and.... perfection.

I've grown to like the 7th Gen more and more as time goes on.

I'll still need to see the 8th gen in person before passing any final judgement. So far, the sedan just isn't right. The coupe, on the other hand, looks pretty nice in the pics I've seen. If I had to choose between the two right now, the coupe would win all the way.

Wonder what the interior looks like......