MAJOR ? - 2004 Solara SE Sport vs Accord LX V6

[got sport]

Get the Solara, so we have a bigger market for TRD and other companies to hurry up with their aftermarket products.

[VirtualSlayer]

Isn't the failed transmission problem in the CL, they should have fixed that in the new Accord. Plus i read that the accord doesn't have any rattling or any problems the Solara is having.

Btw, i hate 4 door cars. So its either Solara or Accord for me

[bigpow]

Isn't the failed transmission problem in the CL, they should have fixed that in the new Accord. Plus i read that the accord doesn't have any rattling or any problems the Solara is having.

Btw, i hate 4 door cars. So its either Solara or Accord for me

Says who?!

Some Accords (and even some TSX & 04 TL) have serious rattle problems

I think this is caused by the recent economic down turn - cost cutting schemes.

Unless you're sticking with 100% imports (Lexus or beamer), there's no way you could be 100% problem free.

[slingshot]

Past Accords have had the same transmission problems that the Acura CL and TL had. I don't know if the new one fixes that. Assume that both Toyota and Honda will have some minor problems like rattles, left drifting, etc. Pick a model based on driving feel, comfort, look, etc. I see tons more Accords than Solaras. I'm glad I got my Solara because I like the fact it is more rare. Plus I didn't want to go near a Honda product after hearing about an Acura owner and two Honda owners where I work who have had failed transmissions and the bad way Honda treated that whole mess. They've pissed off many customers.
Dave

[TW85]

To be fair to Honda, I'm sure a lot of the transmission failures were a result of heavy modifications and leaving the already weak transmission completely stock. The 6th generation Accords had numerous failures with worries being noted by 7th generation owners.

Buying a car built completely overseas does not guarantee zero problems. German manufacturers have electrical problems that are mostly a result of cramming too much new technology into their cars.

I have no idea where you read that the Accord isn't having many problems. Rattles have been plaguing Accord and TSX owners. Accord and TL brake rotors warp in as little as 5,000 miles. There are hard starting issues where it takes as long as ten seconds for the engine to start. On top of that, there is still the worry of the 7th generation transmissions having failures.

[VirtualSlayer]

Read the sites below:


Solara:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/ ... m/id/37588

Accord:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/ ... m/id/37579

I thought the Solara would get a really high rating... but the site is making me think the Solara is actually a bad car and I'd be better off gettin the Accord

[TW85]

One of two things:

a) Consumer Guide employees have their heads up their asses or

b) Honda is paying Consumer Guide



Read http://www.v6performance.net/forums/for ... forumid=65

[pecora55]

Well lets see...you are 16, able to get a 25,000 dollar car, only want a 2 door...id say see if u can get a 350z, it already looks like you are spoiled i love my car and would have got the 350z but it wasnt all that practical for me, and i like the ability to carry people if need be, it would be great for me and my gf but thats it(she loves the z, but knows that the maxima is more practical for me) shoot i was going to get an 03 quad cab chevy with 8 inch lift then i realized i would be gettting about 10 mils to the gallon lol ...anyways, go with what your gut feeling is....deep down i wanted both cars but the maxima appealed to me more because of size, the engine is nice LET ME TELL YOU!!! all i want is to get the exhaust that is on the 350z on mine...but anyways...just go with what you like the most, dont regret it like i did when i got my specv and wanted something else in 3 months

[slingshot]

To be fair to Honda, I'm sure a lot of the transmission failures were a result of heavy modifications and leaving the already weak transmission completely stock.

Totally wrong fact if you've read any of the numerous posts at Acura-cl.com or Acura-tl.com. Also the three people I personally know at work with Honda Accords and Acura CL did absolutely no modifications.

Honda acknowledged that their transmission design was badly designed and started giving out free extended warranty on it to 100,000 miles but after major heartache felt by many.

[slingshot]

Read the sites below:


Solara:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/ ... m/id/37588

Accord:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/ ... m/id/37579

I thought the Solara would get a really high rating... but the site is making me think the Solara is actually a bad car and I'd be better off gettin the Accord

I wouldn't totally believe any reviews (especially those) and instead do extensive test drives yourself.

[TW85]

I said "I'm sure a lot of the transmission failures were a result of heavy modifications..." I did not say most or all were because of modifying but am acknowledging that for some reason I cannot understand people associate Honda with sports cars and tend to modify them. The failure rate on all transmissions has been roughly 7% (Acura for sure, not positive on the Accord). That equates to at LEAST 100,000 failures. Even if only 7,000 were because of modifications, it is still a significant number.

There were something like 70,000 TL/CL transmission failures. Those with failures were likely NOT because of modifying but because of a design flaw that results in multiple failures even on the same car. After all, all Honda does is replace the failed transmission with another defective one.

The Accord is another story. Many are modified by young people that leave the transmissions completely stock. Then there are the many failures that are a result of just a poorly designed transmission.

Honda has had MANY transmission failures, far more than any manufacturer, especially one with a seemingly solid reputation, should have. But whether you like it or not, you have to accept that people modifying their cars have had an impact on the number of failed transmissions. Whether it is a significant number or not I don't know.

I do not much care for Honda, never have, never really will. I am one of the first to point out flaws but even I know that the "enthusiasts" (can you be an enthusiast with a family car?) have had an impact.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

Not wanting to take sides..but I know two people whos tranny died when under 50K miles in their odessy! My boss knew his tranny was dying and sold his TL...and there's this lady who comes to work had her accord v6 in the shop last week for tranny problems! From what i've learnt in life..honda makes GREAT 4 cylinder cars....toyota makes great 6 cylinder cars! If you are going for a 4banger...then stick with accord, if your going 6 in A/T then solara...if your wanting 6 in m/t..then accords your only choice!

[VirtualSlayer]

Hrm... lemme think bout it. Last weekend, I went to Toyota Dealer and checked out the Solara again (1st time was rite when it came out). They seem to REALLY want me to buy that car. A SE Sport and all it has is the preferred package. If I DO get the solara, how much would I be endin up payin?

PS:
Is there a Honda Accord forum like this Solara one out there somewhere?

[TW85]

Check my posts in this thread, I posted a link to a 7th Generation Accord forum.

My SLE V6, fully loaded, cost $26,000. A SE Sport V6 should be around $2,000 less.

[bigpow]

Hrm... lemme think bout it. Last weekend, I went to Toyota Dealer and checked out the Solara again (1st time was rite when it came out). They seem to REALLY want me to buy that car. A SE Sport and all it has is the preferred package. If I DO get the solara, how much would I be endin up payin?

PS:
Is there a Honda Accord forum like this Solara one out there somewhere?

Plenty Honda forums (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post links to 'rival' sites)
PM me.

My SLE V6 (loaded, navi-less) cost me $26K