2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 Sedan

On a more down-to-earth level, the Accord front buckets also benefit from a major rework. Larger, simpler to adjust and more robustly framed and bolstered, they provide even greater comfort and support. The relationship of the driver/steering-wheel/pedal set was similarly optimized and a new telescoping feature added to the existing tilt steering column.


Standards remain plentiful across the Accord line. In addition to the above items, all models come with power windows, AM/FM/CD stereo, locking/fold-down rear seatback, anti-theft immobilizer and rear-seat heater ducts. The LX/EX variants, which currently take nearly 95 percent of all Accord sedan sales, add micron-filter air conditioning, power locks/mirrors, cruise control and upgraded sound systems. Popping for a top-of-the-line Accord like the V-6 EX we tested also brings a moonroof, 16-inch alloy wheels and the ability to select leather upholstery and/or the navi system.

The optional SOHC V-6 retains its 3.0-liter displacement but jumps from 200 to an impressive 240 horses and from 195 to 212 lb.-ft. of torque.

An acknowledged leader in powertrains, Honda pulled out all the stops on the new Accord engines and transmissions. The base motivator is a 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 that cranks out 160 horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque, gains of 9 and 6 percent, respectively, over the 2.3-liter it replaces. It employs the latest form of Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology. Known as i-VTEC—for intelligent—it incorporates variable cam timing on the intake side as well as the conventional VTEC feature, which adds even more flexibility to the engine.


The optional SOHC V-6 retains its 3.0-liter displacement but jumps from 200 to an impressive 240 horses and from 195 to 212 lb.-ft. of torque. These gains come from a host of changes, including a 3-rocker VTEC system in place of the earlier 2-rocker design, larger intake valves, a bump in compression ratio and freer-flowing upstream/downstream manifolding. Both engines use drive-by-wire throttles, run on regular unleaded gasoline and are squeaky clean, meeting LEV II, ULEV or SULEV emission specs.


Similar advances were made on the transmission front, where two new 5-speeds replace the existing 4-speed autoshifters. The I-4 still can be matched with the standard 5-speed manual, although only the six in the coupe can be paired with a new, close-ratio 6-speed. As might be expected, these drivetrain upgrades add palpable spark to the Accord's step. What's less expected is that all variations also net better EPA fuel economy numbers on both the city and highway cycles.