Pros
  • Handling/steering feel/engine
  • Typical Honda build quality
  • Genuine alternative to an E46 BMW
Cons
  • Manual override is the wrong way around
  • GG/GY Mazda 6 is a sharper drive
  • Pricing on particular parts

About the Honda Accord Euro

john purchased this Honda Accord Euro used for $7,500 (including all on-road costs) in 2022. john would buy this car again because: “The appeal of Honda reliability is a massive plus and the attention to detail Honda put into the Accord. But predominantly because it strikes a balance between maturity and being exciting. You just don’t expect a regular four-door sedan to be as responsive as it is. “

How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.

For something that doesn’t begin with Toyota and doesn’t end in Camry, I can’t really fault the reliability.

Honda does an amazing job to make sure its cars don’t leave you stranded and cause you to produce steam from your ears.

I will say some particular parts from Honda can be a touch expensive, but you just have to take the good with the bad like everything in life.

What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?

Isn’t nice when things just work? Remember the ads?

But seriously, it’s great. I short listed the The “GG/GY” Mazda 6 and the Euro (Accord).

The Honda won out over the Mazda, thanks to Honda’s engine and its maturity advantage. But I will freely admit, the Mazda had the edge for that outright driver feel.

Are you happy with the price and features of your car?

Price no, features yes. I bought the Accord during COVID-19 and when Brisbane was cleaning up from the floods and out of the seven Accords I looked at, this was the nicest.

Being a luxury model, you get more fruit over a non-luxury. It’s got an adequate level of equipment for a mainstream car from 2004.

Only real gripe is, it’s not the easiest to add CarPlay/Android Auto to bring into the modern era.

What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?

Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way first. Below the VTEC’s engagement point it’s a fuel sipper even with 98. Tank holds 65L.

When the VTEC is engaged and the redline is nearing, it moves along rather well. Obviously you’re not going to be hosing GT Turbo Libertys or even Toyota Aurions at traffic lights, but there’s enough there to enjoy.

What do you think of the technology in your car?

Fine for an early 2000’s mid-sized car from a mainstream manufacturer.

It’s not an S-Class Mercedes-Benz by any stretch. But it does have auto wipers and the facility to wind down the windows from the key fob, but strangely no auto headlight setting.

What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?

Honda’s engineers obviously enjoyed working on the suspension for the Accord Euro, because it’s great. It’s supple and soaks up whatever Brisbane’s terrible road network cares to throw at it.

The best thing though despite it being supple, the composure and balance isn’t sacrificed. You can really enjoy this car, the steering is beautifully direct and you just don’t expect a family biased front-wheel sedan to drive as well as it does.

You can definitely feel they’ve sprinkled some S2000 DNA into the chassis.

That said, those out there who want the most accomplished mid-sized handler are better off with something like a 2.8L E46 3 Series or GG/GY Mazda 6. Those two are just that bit sharper to drive.

Do you have any additional comments about your car?

Avoid the Milano red like I did. It becomes Milano pink if they’ve been left out in the sun all their lives.

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7.4
Overall Rating

Technology5
Reliability9
Ride & Handling8.5
Price & Features6.4
Performance & Economy7
Ownership Experience8.5