Compiled Review for Honda Accord 1998
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Overview
The 1998-2002 Accord was reliable and easy to maintain family sedan with good handling and firm, well-controlled ride.
Available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe, the 1998-2002 Accord was offered with three engine choices:
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 135 horsepower, the 2.3-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine with 150 horsepower and the 3.0-liter VTEC V6 with 200 horsepower.
Inside, the 1998-2002 Accord offered plenty of room, good visibility and excellent fit and finish. The instrument panel is easy to read. User-friendly controls are located exactly where you want them to be. The driver's seat is firm and supportive. The rear seat folds down for extra cargo room.
1998-2002 Honda Accord offered firm, stable ride and excellent handling with precise steering feel. On the downside, some road noise was present and the 4-cylinder engine was a bit noisy at acceleration.
Always a favorite with young families, over the years the Accord grew with it’s customers while still attracting new converts. This 6th generation example pushed that mission further, while still retaining the sportiest driving characteristics of it's market segment.
Vehicle Highlights
For its latest generation, Honda's mainstay earned a total redesign. Dimensions grew only marginally, and the station wagon body style disappeared. For the first time, the Accord coupe got its own distinctive appearance. Wheelbases were unchanged, but the new Accord was slightly longer overall, as well as taller. Coupes spanned a wheelbase 1.8 inches shorter than that of the sedan, and stood a bit lower and shorter than before. Both body styles came in LX and EX trim levels, with either 4-cylinder or V6 power. A price-leader 4-cylinder DX sedan also went on sale. In the DX model, the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine developed 135 horsepower (5 more than the previous 2.2-liter four). LX and EX models got a more powerful 4-cylinder engine with Honda's VTEC variable valve timing, rated at 150 horsepower. A new 3.0-liter V6 engine, introduced in the upscale Acura CL coupe and equipped with VTEC variable valve timing, replaced the prior 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. All Accords came with standard 5-speed manual shift, or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard on V6 and 4-cylinder EX models, and optional on the 4-cylinder LX sedan with automatic transmission.
The 1998-2002 Accord was reliable and easy to maintain family sedan with good handling and firm, well-controlled ride.
Available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe, the 1998-2002 Accord was offered with three engine choices:
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 135 horsepower, the 2.3-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine with 150 horsepower and the 3.0-liter VTEC V6 with 200 horsepower.
Inside, the 1998-2002 Accord offered plenty of room, good visibility and excellent fit and finish. The instrument panel is easy to read. User-friendly controls are located exactly where you want them to be. The driver's seat is firm and supportive. The rear seat folds down for extra cargo room.
1998-2002 Honda Accord offered firm, stable ride and excellent handling with precise steering feel. On the downside, some road noise was present and the 4-cylinder engine was a bit noisy at acceleration.
Always a favorite with young families, over the years the Accord grew with it’s customers while still attracting new converts. This 6th generation example pushed that mission further, while still retaining the sportiest driving characteristics of it's market segment.
Vehicle Highlights
For its latest generation, Honda's mainstay earned a total redesign. Dimensions grew only marginally, and the station wagon body style disappeared. For the first time, the Accord coupe got its own distinctive appearance. Wheelbases were unchanged, but the new Accord was slightly longer overall, as well as taller. Coupes spanned a wheelbase 1.8 inches shorter than that of the sedan, and stood a bit lower and shorter than before. Both body styles came in LX and EX trim levels, with either 4-cylinder or V6 power. A price-leader 4-cylinder DX sedan also went on sale. In the DX model, the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine developed 135 horsepower (5 more than the previous 2.2-liter four). LX and EX models got a more powerful 4-cylinder engine with Honda's VTEC variable valve timing, rated at 150 horsepower. A new 3.0-liter V6 engine, introduced in the upscale Acura CL coupe and equipped with VTEC variable valve timing, replaced the prior 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. All Accords came with standard 5-speed manual shift, or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard on V6 and 4-cylinder EX models, and optional on the 4-cylinder LX sedan with automatic transmission.
Strengths
- Reliability
- Good fuel economy for mid-size sedan (4-cylinder models) - High crash test ratings - Interior quality and comfort - Good handling - Excellent braking - Build quality - All-around competence - Mechanical harmony - Resale Value |
Weaknesses
- Road and engine (4-cylinder models) noise
- Cookie cutter styling - Road noise |
Exterior
The Accord sedan is very conservatively styled – a true three box affair. Perhaps the new coupe had something to do with the conservative styling of the sedan. Previous coupes had been merely 2-door versions of the sedans, this time it boasted a completely differently styled coupe with a design that shared no sheetmetal with the sedan. Somehow, though, that too came off very pleasant, but somewhat dull.
Interior
Honda has always been a class leader when it came to interior design. That’s true for all it’s vehicles, not just the Accord. This Accord is no exception. Everything fits well, nothing clashes and even the DX looks far richer than it’s price would suggest. Nothing fancy, mind you, just an overall impression of quality. The crisp feel of all the controls adds to the feeling.
There is also a great deal of storage space in the cabin. Bins, pockets, a large glove box, and cup holders will hold your stuff.
Room/Comfort
This Accord is substantially larger – on the inside – than any previous version. Still, it’s less than an inch longer and 50lbs heavier than the model it replaced. All the increases were achieved through lighter weight materials and more efficient design. It’s the Honda Way and they are better at it than anyone.
As usual, the front seats are generously padded, firm and supportive. The big improvement is in the rear. Three adults can sit in reasonable comfort, a first for the Accord despite the previous claims of the marketing folks. Two adults have ample room, with headroom, legroom and shoulder room all squarely in mid-size territory. Even the coupe can fit two in the rear without having to pull off any yoga moves.
Ride/Handling/Performance
During its four year run, no vehicle in its market segment put these three driving characteristics together better than the Accord. Handling is direct, responsive and imparts confidence at all speeds. The ride is compliant, yet at higher speeds it still keeps a measure of control lacking in the butter smooth Camry.
Acceleration with the 4-cylinder is amazingly brisk. The six is faster, of course, but not as much as you would expect.
We drove automatic and manual 4-cylinder sedans, and a V6 coupe. All were still impressively tight, even the 5-speed with 116,000 miles (admittedly, 116,000 very well card for miles!). There were no rattles, no funny noises, no “loosey goosey” feeling. It wasn’t, of course, showroom tight, but it had aged much better than most cars of this vintage.
Honda road noise was prevalent in all. At idle Honda’s are very quiet, but at speed they do allow a fair amount of road and wind noise in. We’d say they are no better than mid pack in this area – at best.
This Accord breaks with most other Honda’s by getting the driver and passengers up off the floor. There’s good visibility all around, too.
Safety
ABS brakes were optional on LX 4-cylinder models, standard on EX and V6 models. An optional front side curtain air bag system complemented the dual front bags.
Government crash tests of Accords resulted in four stars for both the driver and front passenger, with a good, but not great, showing overall.
Reliability/Service
Accords are known for their reliability and longevity. All is not perfect here, though. There have been issues with the automatic transmission, particularly when mated to the V6. There have also been sporadic problems with the ECM (Engine Control Module), the black box that controls the interaction of the drivetrain.
Brakes are a service area on Honda’s that seem to require a bit more attention than most cars. Perhaps it’s because Honda drivers drive a bit more enthusiastically!
Recommendations
Accords have built their reputation over a long period – longer than any mid-size sedan, including the Camry. While other companies constantly change model names, size, and mission, the Accord has always tried to provide reasonable room in a reasonable sized package for families. As a bonus, it has been the best all-around performer during most of those years, with near top of the class reliability. It’s a winner any way you slice it.
The Accord sedan is very conservatively styled – a true three box affair. Perhaps the new coupe had something to do with the conservative styling of the sedan. Previous coupes had been merely 2-door versions of the sedans, this time it boasted a completely differently styled coupe with a design that shared no sheetmetal with the sedan. Somehow, though, that too came off very pleasant, but somewhat dull.
Interior
Honda has always been a class leader when it came to interior design. That’s true for all it’s vehicles, not just the Accord. This Accord is no exception. Everything fits well, nothing clashes and even the DX looks far richer than it’s price would suggest. Nothing fancy, mind you, just an overall impression of quality. The crisp feel of all the controls adds to the feeling.
There is also a great deal of storage space in the cabin. Bins, pockets, a large glove box, and cup holders will hold your stuff.
Room/Comfort
This Accord is substantially larger – on the inside – than any previous version. Still, it’s less than an inch longer and 50lbs heavier than the model it replaced. All the increases were achieved through lighter weight materials and more efficient design. It’s the Honda Way and they are better at it than anyone.
As usual, the front seats are generously padded, firm and supportive. The big improvement is in the rear. Three adults can sit in reasonable comfort, a first for the Accord despite the previous claims of the marketing folks. Two adults have ample room, with headroom, legroom and shoulder room all squarely in mid-size territory. Even the coupe can fit two in the rear without having to pull off any yoga moves.
Ride/Handling/Performance
During its four year run, no vehicle in its market segment put these three driving characteristics together better than the Accord. Handling is direct, responsive and imparts confidence at all speeds. The ride is compliant, yet at higher speeds it still keeps a measure of control lacking in the butter smooth Camry.
Acceleration with the 4-cylinder is amazingly brisk. The six is faster, of course, but not as much as you would expect.
We drove automatic and manual 4-cylinder sedans, and a V6 coupe. All were still impressively tight, even the 5-speed with 116,000 miles (admittedly, 116,000 very well card for miles!). There were no rattles, no funny noises, no “loosey goosey” feeling. It wasn’t, of course, showroom tight, but it had aged much better than most cars of this vintage.
Honda road noise was prevalent in all. At idle Honda’s are very quiet, but at speed they do allow a fair amount of road and wind noise in. We’d say they are no better than mid pack in this area – at best.
This Accord breaks with most other Honda’s by getting the driver and passengers up off the floor. There’s good visibility all around, too.
Safety
ABS brakes were optional on LX 4-cylinder models, standard on EX and V6 models. An optional front side curtain air bag system complemented the dual front bags.
Government crash tests of Accords resulted in four stars for both the driver and front passenger, with a good, but not great, showing overall.
Reliability/Service
Accords are known for their reliability and longevity. All is not perfect here, though. There have been issues with the automatic transmission, particularly when mated to the V6. There have also been sporadic problems with the ECM (Engine Control Module), the black box that controls the interaction of the drivetrain.
Brakes are a service area on Honda’s that seem to require a bit more attention than most cars. Perhaps it’s because Honda drivers drive a bit more enthusiastically!
Recommendations
Accords have built their reputation over a long period – longer than any mid-size sedan, including the Camry. While other companies constantly change model names, size, and mission, the Accord has always tried to provide reasonable room in a reasonable sized package for families. As a bonus, it has been the best all-around performer during most of those years, with near top of the class reliability. It’s a winner any way you slice it.
Year to Year Changes
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2002 Honda Accord. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2002 Honda Accord
1999 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- An antitheft system went into all '99 Accords. In LX V6 models, the power driver's seat gained a power recliner. EX models added a standard remote keyless entry system.
- No major changes
2000 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- Front side airbags became standard on V6 models and on leather-equipped 4-cylinder EXs. All Accords gained a dual-stage passenger-side dashboard airbag, which could deactivate if sensors determined the passenger was too small or out of position.
- Reworked taillights. EX model gets standard side airbags.
2001 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- V6 models got standard traction control for 2001. Passenger-side front and side airbags were now designed to automatically deactivate if seat-mounted sensors detect that a passenger is too small or out of position. All models received subtle restyling, and all but the DX sedan got lighted power-window switches. Also for 2001, EX V6s added standard automatic climate control, in-dash CD changer, and 4-way power passenger seat; 4-cylinder EXs got in-dash changers, while LXs were upgraded to 6-speaker audio with a single-disc in-dash player.- Many styling updates. Most significant is a greatly improved interior. DVD Navigation system now available. V6 bumped to 250hp. SE-R performance model debuts with 260hp.
2002 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- Addition of a popularly equipped SE model signaled 2002 as the final model year for the current Accord design. EX versions gained steering-wheel audio controls this year. Accord would be redesigned for 2003.1998: 6th generation Accord. All-new design.- No changes. As is standard practice with Honda, a new SE model joins the lineup in it's last year.
1999 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- An antitheft system went into all '99 Accords. In LX V6 models, the power driver's seat gained a power recliner. EX models added a standard remote keyless entry system.
- No major changes
2000 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- Front side airbags became standard on V6 models and on leather-equipped 4-cylinder EXs. All Accords gained a dual-stage passenger-side dashboard airbag, which could deactivate if sensors determined the passenger was too small or out of position.
- Reworked taillights. EX model gets standard side airbags.
2001 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- V6 models got standard traction control for 2001. Passenger-side front and side airbags were now designed to automatically deactivate if seat-mounted sensors detect that a passenger is too small or out of position. All models received subtle restyling, and all but the DX sedan got lighted power-window switches. Also for 2001, EX V6s added standard automatic climate control, in-dash CD changer, and 4-way power passenger seat; 4-cylinder EXs got in-dash changers, while LXs were upgraded to 6-speaker audio with a single-disc in-dash player.- Many styling updates. Most significant is a greatly improved interior. DVD Navigation system now available. V6 bumped to 250hp. SE-R performance model debuts with 260hp.
2002 Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour:
- Addition of a popularly equipped SE model signaled 2002 as the final model year for the current Accord design. EX versions gained steering-wheel audio controls this year. Accord would be redesigned for 2003.1998: 6th generation Accord. All-new design.- No changes. As is standard practice with Honda, a new SE model joins the lineup in it's last year.
CONSUMER GUIDE® ROAD-TEST EVALUATION
Engines are silky, revvy, quiet, and packed with punch. The V6 provides quick getaways and ample passing power. Much of the time, you also get smooth and responsive downshifts for passing or merging. At times, though, the automatic shifts with a jerk and can be painfully slow to drop down a gear for passing. Gas mileage is a bonus, especially with the 4-cylinder engine. Our test 5-speed coupe averaged 23.8 mpg in hard urban driving. An automatic 4-cylinder got 24.7 mpg. Test sedans with the V6 engine averaged 24.0 and 20.7 mpg. The ride is comfortable and controlled. Handling, on the other hand, is noticeably more precise than before, with less body lean and better grip in tight corners. You can expect little wind noise in any model, though some tire hum is audible on coarse pavement. Overall, noise levels rank about average. An Accord sedan is just as roomy inside as a Toyota Camry or Ford Taurus. Like those competitors, too, Accords are more comfortable for four adults than for five. In any of those models, the center rear position lacks sufficient width for an average-sized grown-up. Seat comfort ranks as first-rate, especially up front. Wider doors ease entry/exit on sedans, but rear access in coupes demands a certain amount of crouching and crawling. Dashboards are models of functional simplicity. Power window and lock switches are not illuminated, however. Sedans have a deep, wide trunk with a flat floor and a large lid, which opens to bumper level. Liftover is a bit higher in coupes, which also have slightly less trunk volume. All models have a handy split-folding rear seat.
RELIABILITY
Reliability study for this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour .
TROUBLE SPOTS
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Airbags: The airbag warning light may come on if a cell phone or laptop computer is plugged into the accessory power socket. (2002)
Automatic transmission: Four-speed automatic transmission may shift late or erratically when cold due to faulty linear (pressure control) solenoid. (2002-04)
Automatic transmission: On V6 models, transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2002)
Blower motor: Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (1990-04)
Brakes: The brake light may not go off. The cause is a saturated float in the master cylinder that should be replaced under warranty or beyond. (1998)
Check-engine light: "Check EngineÓ light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (1998-02)
Oil leak: Oil leaks from multiple locations including bolt holes on V6 engines. (1998-2001)
Paint/body: If the car is driven on rough roads, the spoiler on the trunk can rub through the paint unless spacer pads are installed between the spoiler and trunklid. (1998)
Suspension noise: Loose nuts on the rear stabilizer bar cause it to rattle. (1998)
Transmission problems: Automatic transmission problems prompted to company to extend warranty coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2000-02)
Vehicle noise: Noises come from the top of the windshield and rear window because the teeth for the glass fasteners aren't engaged. The teeth must be trimmed and a wool felt installed. (1998)
Wheels: Clicking noises from the wheels can be remedied by applying special grease between the wheels and hubs. (1999-2000)
Engines are silky, revvy, quiet, and packed with punch. The V6 provides quick getaways and ample passing power. Much of the time, you also get smooth and responsive downshifts for passing or merging. At times, though, the automatic shifts with a jerk and can be painfully slow to drop down a gear for passing. Gas mileage is a bonus, especially with the 4-cylinder engine. Our test 5-speed coupe averaged 23.8 mpg in hard urban driving. An automatic 4-cylinder got 24.7 mpg. Test sedans with the V6 engine averaged 24.0 and 20.7 mpg. The ride is comfortable and controlled. Handling, on the other hand, is noticeably more precise than before, with less body lean and better grip in tight corners. You can expect little wind noise in any model, though some tire hum is audible on coarse pavement. Overall, noise levels rank about average. An Accord sedan is just as roomy inside as a Toyota Camry or Ford Taurus. Like those competitors, too, Accords are more comfortable for four adults than for five. In any of those models, the center rear position lacks sufficient width for an average-sized grown-up. Seat comfort ranks as first-rate, especially up front. Wider doors ease entry/exit on sedans, but rear access in coupes demands a certain amount of crouching and crawling. Dashboards are models of functional simplicity. Power window and lock switches are not illuminated, however. Sedans have a deep, wide trunk with a flat floor and a large lid, which opens to bumper level. Liftover is a bit higher in coupes, which also have slightly less trunk volume. All models have a handy split-folding rear seat.
RELIABILITY
Reliability study for this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Accord/Accord Crosstour .
TROUBLE SPOTS
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Airbags: The airbag warning light may come on if a cell phone or laptop computer is plugged into the accessory power socket. (2002)
Automatic transmission: Four-speed automatic transmission may shift late or erratically when cold due to faulty linear (pressure control) solenoid. (2002-04)
Automatic transmission: On V6 models, transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2002)
Blower motor: Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (1990-04)
Brakes: The brake light may not go off. The cause is a saturated float in the master cylinder that should be replaced under warranty or beyond. (1998)
Check-engine light: "Check EngineÓ light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (1998-02)
Oil leak: Oil leaks from multiple locations including bolt holes on V6 engines. (1998-2001)
Paint/body: If the car is driven on rough roads, the spoiler on the trunk can rub through the paint unless spacer pads are installed between the spoiler and trunklid. (1998)
Suspension noise: Loose nuts on the rear stabilizer bar cause it to rattle. (1998)
Transmission problems: Automatic transmission problems prompted to company to extend warranty coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2000-02)
Vehicle noise: Noises come from the top of the windshield and rear window because the teeth for the glass fasteners aren't engaged. The teeth must be trimmed and a wool felt installed. (1998)
Wheels: Clicking noises from the wheels can be remedied by applying special grease between the wheels and hubs. (1999-2000)
Few maintenance tips
- Wash your car regularly, wax it once in a while to protect the paint and keep the car shiny.
- Frequent oil changes are very important to keep your engine in good shape.
- Change transmission fluid in recommended intervals.
- Take care of minor problems as soon as you can, so they won't result in expensive repairs later.
- Try to avoid overheating the engine; it may cause serious problems.
- It make sense to replace a water pump when you change the timing belt.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected during a simple visual inspection at fast lube places - the vehicle must be on the lift.
- No matter where you service your Honda, use original Honda parts.
- Check more Car maintenance tips
Resources
http://www.samarins.com/reviews/accord.html
http://www.vmrcanada.com/review_ca/1998-2002%20Honda%20Accord.htm
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1998-to-2002-honda-accord-6.htm
- Frequent oil changes are very important to keep your engine in good shape.
- Change transmission fluid in recommended intervals.
- Take care of minor problems as soon as you can, so they won't result in expensive repairs later.
- Try to avoid overheating the engine; it may cause serious problems.
- It make sense to replace a water pump when you change the timing belt.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected during a simple visual inspection at fast lube places - the vehicle must be on the lift.
- No matter where you service your Honda, use original Honda parts.
- Check more Car maintenance tips
Resources
http://www.samarins.com/reviews/accord.html
http://www.vmrcanada.com/review_ca/1998-2002%20Honda%20Accord.htm
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1998-to-2002-honda-accord-6.htm