Car Reviews and Ratings
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| Overall: |
 
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| Performance: |
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Style |
Least favorite feature: |
Clutch feel |
Advice to buyer: |
bid low |
Detailed review: |
This is my review of my new '05 Honda Accord Coupe in the EX V6 6 speed variant. FYI, I am
an aerospace engineer, so I do look closely. I didn't even do a test drive for 2 reasons,
first they didn't have a 6 speed on the lot then (Stevenson Honda, Wilmington, NC) and I had
recently sold my 2000 Integra GS-R and knew the quality I was looking for. I might add,
if Acura would have put a 6 cylinder in the Integra I would have kept it, but...
I purchased the Sapphire Blue sight unseen but from the brochure and was very happy when it
showed up at the dealer. The color was brilliant in the sunlight with a mild metallic sparkle,
the color/paint was consistent over the contours and body seams.
On a closer look, the various body panel gap/separations were consistent with no noticeable variation
in spacing. Inside the craftsmanship continued. The leather seats and stitching are superb,
although I did not test the heated seats. The driver side adjustable seat is a nice plus that I didn't
get with my Integra and it is much fuller and the head rest moves on this model. The back seats have
some fancy 'gizmo' to allow access to the trunk that I have not tried yet but does require the use of
the ignition key in a separate slot to operate.
The dashboard is organized well and visability of the instruments is good, in my case I put the telescoping
steering wheel to full aft and medium angle. The tachometer is obscured when my left hand is at 10 o'clock.
I like to match rpm's when downshifting but this car is so quiet that I am havng to learn a different
way, spray some fuel and guess the time to shift for clean meshing of gears. . . . I have not found any
aftermarket for a 'Cold Air Intake' system for this year model , but that would help.
The parking brake is in close to the driver, a nice plus for those inclined stops. Also, this model has a sliding
arm rest that lets you hold the shifter better. I would say that the shift throw is longer than I would like though.
As for trunk space,,, it is a small car, but does hold $120 of groceries with room to spare! And has
cargo hooks and stuff. Oh yea, the funny 30 mile spare tire is stowed out of sight. The 4 wheel disc
brakes are very sensitive, so don't just 'slam' them or you'll be in the ABS Mode of stagered stopping
which is good if needed. Also equiped is the TCS (traction control system) which balances braking when
there is more weight in the back end. I say , OK. . . . I don't know how to quantify it though.
OK, the handling is crisp and the lateral tilt is negligible on tight curves. Power is all that one
would want except for those that want to smoke the tires in third gear.
My Squawks are that the throttle pressure is way to light, when on an uneven surface at slow speeds the
motion of rocking over bumps makes your foot change the fuel signal to abruptly and causes a cavitation ride.
That means it makes your car jump. Not cool. Also, the clutch 'throw' distance is way to long causing one to
have to 'babysit' the clutch. My Integra was about 1 inch of travel from on/out of contact,
this car is about 3 inches of travel. I have not talked to the dealer yet about these 2 issues.
Just an 'apex' shift of the clutch position and a tighter spring on the throttle would solve my
only real 'squawk's'.
Hey, a great car and for $26k hard to beat. Get the Blue color, superb!! |
Also considered: |
N/A
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| About This Reviewer... |
Location: |
Wilmington, North Carolina |
Other vehicles owned: |
2000 Acura Integra
1999 Chevrolet K2500
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Review submitted: |
April 02, 2005 |
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