Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - All-New 2003 Honda Accord Prices Increase Just 1.4 Percent

New models loaded with additional standard equipment

Torrance, Calif. 09/05/2002 -- Prices for the all-new 2003 Honda Accord line-up, with added standard features including anti-lock brakes, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and more powerful, more fuel efficient engines, will increase an average of 1.37 percent or $293 on sales weighted basis, American Honda Motor Co., Inc, announced today. The 2003 Accords go on sale Sept. 9.

"Our goal in developing the new Accord was to provide added value to consumers, while staying in the same price range," said Tom Elliott, American Honda executive vice president. "We worked hard to reduce development and manufacturing costs and the end result is additional standard equipment including ABS that consumers are asking for, with only a slight increase in price."

Prices for 2003 Civic and Odyssey models also were released. Civic prices will increase an average of 0.9 percent or $150. Odyssey prices increase an average of 0.55 percent or $150.

The Accord, the best-selling car in America last year and a perennial consumer favorite, has undergone it most dramatic full-model change ever for 2003. Accord prices will start at $15,800 for the DX Sedan now equipped with ABS, larger 15 inch wheels and tires, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, LED instrumentation and power windows.

The best-selling Accord model, the LX Sedan equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, is priced at $20,000, an increase of $310 or 1.57 percent. The new 4-cylinder engine has increased in horsepower from 150 hp to 160 hp. The automatic transmission is now a 5-speed transmission for improved performance and fuel economy, compared to the 4-speed transmission used on the previous Accords and all other cars in the class. The new powertrain also provides increased fuel economy and lower emissions. The LX Sedan with an automatic transmission is now expected to earn an EPA city/highway rating of 24/33 mpg, compared to 23/30 mpg.

All 4-cylinder sedan models equipped with the automatic transmission sold in California also will meet the State's SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) emission requirement, a first for gasoline-powered mass-market vehicle.

Accord V6 models will feature a more powerful engine with 20 percent more horsepower, an increase from 200 hp to 240 hp, and a new 5-speed automatic transmission. Estimated EPA fuel economy is expected to increase from 20/28 mpg city/highway to 21/30. The Accord V6 LX, the best-selling V6 powered model, will carry a pricetag of $23,000, an increase of $400 or 1.77 percent. New standard equipment includes a security system with remote control and larger 16 inch wheels and tires.

Other new features available on 2003 Accord models include side curtain airbags, a Voice Activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation system and the second-generation Traction Control System (TCS) integrated with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) for V6 models, and much more. Interior feature enhancements include increased front interior room and upgraded audio systems.

The Honda Civic, America's small car sales leader, will increase an average of 0.9 percent on a sales weighted basis or $155, despite significant equipment enhancements on the sedan and coupe models. Improved seat fabric, rear adjustable outboard headrests, a sporty 4-spoke steering wheel and a new center console with armrest and storage compartment (LX/EX) are just some of the new interior enhancements. The price of the best-selling Civic, the LX Sedan with automatic transmission, is $16,010, up $100 or 0.6 percent. There have been no changes to the prices of the Civic Si or Civic Hybrid models.

The class-leading Honda Odyssey minivan receives a significant number of new convenience features for 2003. An intermittent rear window wiper with washer, an automatic power down/up driver's window and a new "Wave" key are among the latest improvements. Standard equipment additions increase the price of the 2003 Odyssey an average of 0.55 percent on a sales weighted basis or $150. Odyssey pricing starts at $24,400 for the LX model

Destination and handling charges remain unchanged at $460 for all vehicles.