1998 - 2002 Honda Accord Sedan - Bread, Butter and Salsa

1998 Honda Accord V6. (Photo: Honda)

Although the Honda Accord is one of the most popular cars in Canada new or used, there's a group of people who simply won't consider it. "It's too mainstream," say some, "Styling is too bland," comment others, and "I don't have a wife and 2.2 kids yet," can be heard from the younger set. While it exudes commoner status, and might seem a bit too responsible for those not quite ready to settle down, a short shift behind the wheel might change a lot of minds quickly.

2001 Honda Accord LX. (Photo: Honda)

The Accord has always delivered sporty driving dynamics, especially when compared to archrival Toyota's Camry. The 5th generation Honda, redesigned for the 1998 model year, is more exciting than anything previous. Even the base 2.3-L 4-cylinder is lively, with 150 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque on tap. The VTEC equipped engine offers a fairly broad torque curve, which translates into strong acceleration from either the 5-speed manual that came standard, or the precise shifting 4-speed automatic. The base engine's fuel consumption is stellar compared to many of its competitors, at 10.3 L/100 km (27 mpg) in the city and 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg) on the highway when new.

2002 Honda Accord SE. (Photo: Honda)

As commendable as the four is, the midsize sedan undergoes a personality shift when equipped with the optional V6. Improved from a 170-hp 2.7-L unit the previous year, the new 200-hp VTEC 3.0-L is much quicker while reducing fuel economy and emissions - it is LEV rated.

The Accord's fun factor isn't limited to its engine choices though. It's also an exceptionally adept handler. In 1998 comparable 5-link double wishbone rear suspension systems could usually only be found in European sports sedans. It keeps the sedan's rear end in check even during aggressive maneuvers, important for sport and safety.

2002 Accord interior. (Photo: Honda)

To help you sort out the various trim levels, features and options, DX in Accord-speak means base. That is until 2001 when the LX, the next level up, became the base model. The EX was second to the Accord's top trim level throughout all years of this generation, with the EX-V6 claiming top spot. It came with only an automatic transmission, a bevy of power convenience features as well as leather seating surfaces and trim.

Even the standard DX offered more features than expected, with speed-sensitive windshield wipers, micron air-filtration ventilation and an anti-theft system with built in immobilizer adding to the list.

2002 Accord SE dash. (Photo: Honda)

The 1999 model year brought only minor changes, but 2000 added dual-stage airbags up front and standard side impact airbags on EX and EX-V6 models. After 2000 the Accord only received small improvements until 2002 when the SE, or Special Edition, was added. Truly though, the SE was merely a cost effective package of popular features, designed to help push more Accord's off the showroom floor in the model's last year of production. Both four and six-cylinder engines were available with this model.

2002 Accord interior. (Photo: Honda)

What about problems? Despite its solid reputation for reliability the Accord did face a total of six safety recalls over its five year lifespan. But, as you can probably guess, they didn't all occur evenly from 1998 to 2002. Like in most cases, the initial couple of years of a new model incur the teething pains. Honda's 5th generation sedan experienced two recalls in its first year and one that continued to plague the new sedan from its 1997 predecessor.

Affecting 188,463 cars, the most of any of the Accord's recalls, electrical contacts in the ignition switch could degrade due to high electrical currents passing through the switch upon ignition. Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, possibly resulting in a crash. This recall lasted through 1999 models as well.

2002 Accord SE sunroof. (Photo: Honda)

The next recall affected the front suspension. Specifically the lower ball joints could prematurely wear out possibly causing some noise, and in the worst case scenario separating without warning. In case you're not aware a separated ball joint can result in a loss of power, reduced steering control and possible crash. Not good. The ball joints on any of 10,190 affected Accords should have been replaced under warranty. The next recall of 1998 concerned only 1,421 Accord customers. An irregularity on the transmission cover could cause the automatic transmission to ultimately disengage from park - hardly convenient but probably not life threatening to all but pedestrians.

2001 Accord EX. (Photo: Honda)

Model year 2000 brought a rear suspension problem affecting 3,000 cars. The rear suspension lower arm, or control arm, could break due to improper welding. This could result in extreme rear wheel toe and impede vehicle handling and control. Very bad. That same year only 130 customers needed to bring their Accords in to repair a component used for inflating the passenger airbag module, also due to not being welded properly. This might be a good moment to tell you this generation of Accord was produced in Ohio, USA, not Japan. It was an important fix as the airbags may not have deployed correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a front seat passenger.

2001 Honda Accord. (Photo: Honda)

Exactly 3,628 cars from model years 2000 and 2001 experienced the Accord's sixth and final recall in this generation. The problem affected the rear seatbelt buckles, having improperly manufactured lock bars. This could result in an inability to unlatch the belt.

While it sounds like the Accord was plagued with problems, most cars ran trouble free resulting in a continuation of Honda's much lauded reliability record. This, superb build quality, sporty performance and intelligent packaging have caused the Accord to maintain its strong resale value, no matter what year you're looking into. But despite the price premium it fetches, Honda's flagship sedan is considered to be one of the best used car buys available.

Specifications:

• 1998 Expected Price*: $9,100 - $17,200 (105,000 to 112,500 km**)
• 1999 Expected Price*: $10,800 - $19,300 (82,500 to 90,000 km**)
• 2000 Expected Price*: $12,300 - $21,400 (60,000 to 67,500 km**)
• 2001 Expected Price*: $14,700 - $21,700 (37,500 to 45,000 km**)
• 2002 Expected Price*: $15,300 - $27,600 (17,500 to 25,000 km**)
• Body Type: 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 150 hp, 152 lb-ft, 2.3-L, 16-valve, SOHC I-4
• Optional Engine: 200 hp, 195 lb-ft, 3.0-L, 24-valve, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 5-spd manual or 4-spd automatic
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt ABS, rear discs)
• Curb Weight: 1,382 kg (3,047 lbs)
• Seating Cap: 5
• Cargo Cap (trunk): 399 L (14.1 cu-ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.4 / 7.7 L/100 Km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler Sebring, Daewoo Leganza, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima, Pontiac Grand Am, Saturn L Series, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry
• Web Site: www.honda.ca

• * Used vehicle prices sourced from CanadianCarPrices.com
• ** Mileage averages based on approximately 20,000 km travel per year (calculated in 2003 model year)