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Story and photos by Russell Purcell
Smooth Operator
The Honda Accord is quickly approaching three decades of production, first arriving on our shores in 1976 as a compact 4-cylinder, 2-door hatchback, and a few years later, a 4-door sedan. Over this period the car has evolved from its basic roots into a very refined and luxurious market-favourite, albeit now classified as a mid-sized vehicle.
I found myself immediately comfortable behind the wheel of the new Accord Coupe as the cockpit seemed familiar to me – I have been the lucky owner of a number of Honda vehicles. This is what most manufacturers work hard to achieve – customer loyalty – and Honda has managed to develop this like no other.
Styling
When Honda’s design team set out to revamp the Accord line-up for 2003, the goal was to roll out a car that would retain the present customer base, while at the same time, making the car roomier and better equipped in order to attract a fresh flow of tire kickers into the showrooms. The new Accords are longer, wider and taller, but the design is so well executed, that the larger dimensions won’t scare away Honda’s traditional buyer.
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For 2003 the Accord line-up was completely revamped, and while the Accord Sedan looks very different than its previous iteration, the same can not be said of the Coupe. True, it shares much of the new sedan’s front-end and interior styling, but the rest of the design seems to take over where the previous coupe left off. It is important to note that for the first time, the Accord Coupe and Sedan are entirely different vehicles. So distinct in fact, that they share no common body panels.
The Accord Coupe is very sleek, rising up like a wedge from the sculpted hood to the tall, rounded tail. A high waistline crease draws the eye to the lower section of the car which features near vertical panels, devoid of any trim whatsoever. While pretty, this may be a hassle as careless motorists will no doubt make short work of this with door edges and shopping carts. Its large headlamp units look similar to those on the Accord Sedan, maintaining the family resemblance, but at the rear large triangular lenses hint at those worn by Mercedes-Benz’s big luxury coupes.
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My V6 test model was also sporting a wide spoiler and bumper valance, as well as tapered side skirts and a front air dam. While popular with a lot of buyers, in my opinion, this slick coupe would look even better if left unencumbered by such add-on bodywork.
The Accord Coupe immediately reminds me of one of my favourite cars, also a member of this illustrious family, the Acura CL Coupe. The basic interior layout and dimensions, including the unexpected roominess of the rear passenger compartment seem to have been plucked right from the CL’s mold. Leather seating surfaces, the quality of the interior materials as well as the overall fit and finish of the new Accord will have you amazed at the seemingly-low asking price.
Oh So Smooth
Power comes on smooth and strong in both applications, but the 4-cylinder (tested earlier in a sedan) needs to rev high to deliver its power, and tends to get buzzy at highway speeds or on long climbs. The V6 on the other hand was a smooth operator under all conditions.
The 6-speed manual transmission in the new Accord Coupe is buttery smooth, and its short throw gear lever felt at home in my hand. However, the action of the shift is so supple, that it lacks the positive feel that so many drivers like, as a little resistance conveys a feeling of control to the driver. Clutch feel is the same, as Honda’s hydraulic units are very cushy feeling, requiring minimal effort to engage the pedal. For some this might be an issue, but most will see this as further refinement for the Accord platform. The 6-speed manual itself is only available on the V6 equipped Coupe, but an electronically-controlled 5-Speed with a lock-up torque converter and grade logic control can also be ordered as an option. Four-cylinder cars come with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, but can be ordered with their own version of the 5-speed automatic.
Power controls for the 8-way adjustable driver’s seat allow the driver to quickly find an optimal position, but there is no memory setting. The two rear pseudo-bucket seats will accommodate average sized adults, with a little more head and legroom than on previous Accord Coupes.
An enormous speedometer and large tach are easily legible day or night through the car’s thick-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel, which itself features onboard controls for the premium sound system (AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash changer) and cruise control. Also new for 2003, the steering column is both telescopic as well as being adjustable for tilt.
For 2003 both the Accord Coupe and Sedan can be ordered sporting either a 2.4 litre 4-cylinder (producing 160-horsepower) or a 3.0 litre V6 engine (240 horsepower), the latter fitted to my test car. Both engine offerings are up on power as well as torque, largely attained by increasing the compression ratios and the addition of new intake manifolds and freer flowing exhaust systems.
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Clever Controls
Honda chose to integrate the controls for the audio and HVAC systems using a clever display screen, soft touch controls, and three wheel dials. The system works very well, as operation is intuitive, and the futuristic look of the integrated system compliments the car’s modern design. True dual-zone climate controls, excellent vent placement and dual setting seat heaters up front allow occupants to dial in their own individual settings.
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Performance
The Accord Coupe is more powerful than the previous generation car by 20%, as an extra 40-horsepower have arrived under the hood. A much improved rack and pinion steering mechanism delivers better road feel, especially over irregular road surfaces, and will promote spirited driving, especially now that the car has the legs to perform. The 3.0-litre V6 is silky smooth and eager to rev when you get the urge to play, and it emits a healthy roar when prodded.
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When the road becomes twisty the Coupe exhibited minimal body roll and moderate under-steer when pushed to the limit. Honda’s engineers paid a lot of attention to maintaining the car’s ride and handling balance through further refinement of is its front double-wishbone suspension. The addition of a trick five-link double wishbone rear suspension designed to provide precise camber and toe control keeps the Accord tracking accurately around curves, almost completely devoid of roll-steer. Add to these four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and you have a confidence inspiring package. These proved more than up to the task for this application and allowed for both late and trail braking without exhibiting excessive fade.
Spacious Cabin
The front seats are wider than those on the outgoing model, but not large enough to rob smaller occupants of the fits-like-a-glove feel that wing-backed buckets of this type offer. All controls are easily within reach of the driver, and at no time did I feel cramped or uncomfortable while behind the wheel.
While obviously not as a spacious as the Accord Sedan, the rear passenger compartment still feels less claustrophobic than that of previous Accord Coupes and most of the current model’s competition – and it should be stressed that the new car is much improved in this area. At 6′2″ and 250 pounds, I was the ultimate test for this space and I must admit that ingress and egress was a careful proposition, but once seated I was surprised by the amount of available headroom and the comfort of the seat. My big size-12 feet and knobby knees posed a problem when the front seats were set back on there guide rails, but for a short trip I would be fine. In short however, this area is meant for regular sized adults and children, not over-stuffed auto journalists like me.
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Storage
Interior clutter can be combated by using door panel storage wells, the dual compartment centre armrest storage bin, CD cubby or the over-sized glove box. Rear seat map pockets also prove handy. Larger items can be stowed in the Coupe’s spacious trunk, which offers an integrated cargo net to keeping items secure while the car is in motion.
The trunk lid opens up and out of the way at the touch of a remote button, and although the lift height is higher than normal, offers up 371 litres of space for cargo. By dropping the rear seat backs (60/40 split) longer items may be carried, making the Accord Coupe a handy hauler.
Safety
The transportation of smaller individuals and children is made safer through the recent addition of an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) for the passenger seat, ensuring that the airbags take into account the diminutive size of these passengers, and LATCH child seat anchors are ready for use.
Advanced equipment like traction control and ABS brakes, complete with electronic brake distribution, will help to keep you in control and the car on the road, while a full complement of airbags will keep passengers safe in the event of an accident or collision. Advanced dual-stage airbags up front are joined by side passenger units as well.
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Conclusions
Style conscious singles and empty-nesters will likely make-up the bulk of Accord Coupe buyers, but it is roomy enough for small families that are willing to give up the convenience of four doors for the sporty styling of a coupe. Attractive pricing and Honda’s excellent customer satisfaction record will bring new and returning customers to the dealership for a look, but outstanding fit-and-finish, equipment levels and a rewarding driving experience will have them leaving with the keys.
Technical Data: 2003 Accord Coupe EX V6 6MT
| Base price | $33,600 |
| Options | $2,855 (body kit) |
| Freight | $1,095 |
| A/C tax | $100 |
| Price as tested | $37,650 |
| Type | 2-door, 5-passenger mid-size coupe |
| Engine | 3.0 litre V6, aluminum alloy, 24 valves, SOHC, VTEC |
| Horsepower | 240 @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 212 lb-ft. @ 5000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Curb weight | 1479 kg (3261 lbs) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.1 in.) |
| Length | 4766 mm (187.6 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.3 in.) |
| Height | 1415 mm (55.7 in.) |
| Trunk space | 371 litres (13.1 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded |
| Fuel consumption | City 11.5 l/100 km (25 mpg) |
| Hwy: 7.3 l/100 km (39 mpg) | |
| Warranty | 3-year/60,000 km |
| Major component warranty | 5-year/100,000 km |