It is amazing how much the Accord has improved over the years. Just 20 years ago the Accord Hatchback was a quasi family/economy car powered by a tiny 4-cylinder that only dreamed of one day coming equipped with leather and an optional 240 horsepower V6; that day has come. Today the Accord Coupe has grown to be one of the most refined sports coupes this side of $30,000.

For the 2003 model year the redesigned Accord Coupe comes in 2 trim levels, the EX (tester) and LX. Each trim level comes with the option of either a 160 horsepower DOHC 2.4 liter 4-cylinder or a 240 horsepower SOHC 3 liter V6 (40 additional horsepower over last year's V6). 3 transmissions are available this year; a 5-speed manual (only available on 4-cylinder models), a new 5-speed automatic (equipped in tester), and a new 6-speed manual (only available with the EX V6 trim levels).

Driving Impressions:

The Accord Coupe EX V6 is fast. Even though I could not get my hands on a 6-speed equipped model, I still was impressed with the the surplus of power offered from the 3 liter V6 coupled with the 5-speed fully automatic. Stabbing the throttle on take-off results in no hesitation, just quick and smooth acceleration. According to popular specs, standing start 0-60 mph times occur in the sub 7 second range; I have no doubts with those reported specs. Despite the Accord's V6 being relatively small, power is still readily available at a low engine RPM so acceleration comes without the need for high revs.

The 5-speed automatic definitely aids in the Accord's quick/smooth acceleration. Gear holding is excellent and shifting is superiorly precise. Unlike so many auto transmissions that clunk into gear when up-shifting under full throttle, i.e. the Ford Taurus's transmission, the Accord Coupe's 5-speed automatic is smooth even between near red-line auto shifts.

Not a big surprise with the 2003 Honda Accord V6 is the absence of torque steer. Even with the dramatic increase in power for the 2003 model year the Accord never steers off track, even under full throttle jumps. One will also appreciate (depending on your preference in engine attitude) the absolute smooth nature of this particular V6. When the engine is turning at 4,000 RPM it's more quiet than many cars are at idle. The last time I experienced a small engine this traquil was when I drove the late Mazda Millenia equipped with the Miller Cycle 2.3 V6. Usually I like my sport coupes to have more of a sporting growl to them, however the Accord's quiet tune somehow fits very well with the overall persona of the car; I'm definitely not complaining.

The Accord Coupe is not only fast and smooth, but it's also a sheer joy to drive on those otherwise annoying twisty roads. Before I drove the Accord Coupe EX I tested the Mazda6i, and while the Mazda Mazda6i did offer slightly better handling manners, the Accord could definitely hold its own. The Accord Coupe offers sharp steering, very little body lean/roll, and responds very quick to driver input. Unlike many cars that offer these sorts of handling attributes, there is no sacrifice in ride quality.

Yet another strong asset offered from the 2003 Accord V6 Coupe is its ability to cruise on the freeway like your typical luxury sedan. The outside world is kept outside; engine, wind, and roadgrain noise are totally isolated from the cabin.

Even though the Accord is geared slightly tall, it still has enough power in top gear to provide good passing power without the need to automatically down-shift. When stabbing the throttle in top gear the auto transmission instantly down-shifts allowing for immediate power. Steep inclines are also taken in stride. The 240 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 provides enough power at low engine revs that the transmission rarely needs to down-shift on hills (another uncommon attribute offered from such a small V6). If the Accord does need to down-shift on those 7% + grades, it does it quick, and with very little increase in powertrain noise.

Braking is both smooth and strong. The 4-wheel disc brakes coupled with 4-wheel ABS come standard on all Honda Accords (Cars like the Ford Taurus still use rear drum brakes). This braking set-up provided almost unfazed stopping power. When you know you can stop as good as you can go it makes driving so much more fun; the Accord V6 Coupe definitely offers the best of both worlds.

Fuel Economy is above average for a car boasting the Accord's power output coupled with an automatic transmission. Other cars in this class, such as the less powerful Ford Taurus, Toyota Solara, and equally powerful Nissan Altima all receive almost 4 MPG less on the freeway. The V6 powered Accord Coupe has been stamped with an EPA rating of 21/30 with the 5-speed automatic. While real world specs will vary, this EPA rating is quite impressive.

Interior Accommodation:

Not only was I impressed with the what was under the hood, I was also impressed with what was in the cabin. Unlike Accord's of the past, the 2003 Accord EX feels more like an entry level luxury coupe than the sub $30,000 family coupe that it is. The plastics throughout the cabin feel great. If you think that 'plastic is plastic,' think again. If you drive a Nissan Altima and the Accord Coupe EX I guarantee you you will find that not all plastics are created equally. The overall feel of the 2003 Accord's cabin is solid, nothing squeaks or rattles when you are on the road. Honda has also steered clear of using an overdose of titanium accents around the instrument panel; definitely a plus!

The gadgetry throughout the Accord's cabin is all user friendly. Unlike many new cars on the road, Honda has kept the interior of the Accord simple, yet at the same time not sacrificing embellishments. All the switchgear, i.e. the HVAC controls are placed where they should be; in reach of the driver and without having to take your eyes off of the road.

The Accord EX V6 comes loaded to the brim with standard equipment. Besides a few dealer installed features, you get basically everything the Accord has to offer with the EX. The only major option is the navigation system (was not available on my tester) which runs approximately $2,000. Some noteworthy standard features include, a power sunroof, leather seating, 6 air bags, 6 cups holder (2 integrated in the map pockets on the door), power everything, and an excellent sounding 6-speaker, 6-disc sound system (with volume controls on the steering wheel). For more info on standard equipment visit www.hondacars.com. The list of standard amenities with the EX V6 trim is absolutely huge.

Seating is also impressive. The standard leather feels up-level, and more importantly comfortable. The only gripes I have with these seats are that the thigh bolsters are bit shallow, although as it stands the bucket seats provide enough support to keep you firm in your seat when driving aggressively. The standard 8-way power driver seat enables excellent driver positioning (the passenger seat comes standard with 4-way power).

Room and stowage are far better than your typical coupe. The Accord Coupe offers plenty of room for 5 passengers and allows for relatively easy access for your backseat passengers to both enter and exit the vehicle. Trunk space is adequate, most families should not have a problem with the trunk space provided when performing their weekly grocery shopping.

Exterior Innovation:

While all the sheet metal is new for the 2003 model year, this year's Accord Coupe definitely shares some visual characteristics with last year's model. For 2003 the Accord Coupe looks more sporty and up-scale than last year, however there is no question when looking at the 2 cars back to back that these vehicles are relatives. The 2003 Accord Coupe is a very striking vehicle, from its angled wraparound headlamps, to its bold front fascia; this is a coupe that will not get lost in a parking garage. A slight gripe for this year's model is the rear tail lights. Instead of the NSX styled rear lighting treatment that was used on last year's model, Honda has went with Mercedes styled tail lamps for the 2003 model year. Yes, this does make the Accord Coupe appear more up-scale looking, though I personally liked the distinctive look of last year's taillight treatment better. The EX V6 comes standard with dual exhaust and multi spoke 16" alloy rims to add to this sporty look.

Price/Warranty:

The EX V6 Coupe starts out at $25,900. Since the EX V6 Coupe comes with almost everything you could ask for, it ends at that price (before taxes, etc) as well. Standard bumper-bumper warranty includes a 36,000 3 year warranty; Honda clearly needs to improve on this standard coverage. I currently have a more impressive warranty on my RCA TV. An extended warranty can be purchased.

Final Thoughts:

The Accord Coupe offers all the key ingredients of a well balanced coupe; comfort, convenience, performance, and great looks. All this combined with the low MSRP of the Accord EX V6 it was not exactly easy finding flaws with this car. If you are in the market for a new coupe, I definitely recommend taking an Accord EX V6 for a test drive. 5 stars for this Honda.

Interested in reading about the 4 door sedan? You also might like my review on the 2003 Accord Sedan

- Happy Car Shopping!



Amount Paid (US$): 26,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: 2003 Accord V6 EX 5-speed automatic