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Older Honda Accords

20255 messages,  Last post on Mar 18, 2012 at 7:41 AM

You are in the Honda Accord Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Sedan

Messages Page 1856 of 2026

#18547 of 20255 Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? by sciman10

Feb 12, 2006 (1:30 am)

I am considering buying either a 2006 Accord EX V6 or a 2006 Camry XLE V6. Today I drove both as well as the 4 cyl models. It seems to me that the Accord V6 and 4 cyl models are much rougher riding than the V6 and 4 cyl Camrys. Am I wrong or is there an explaination why? I presently own a 1994 Accord and just lost a 2000 Camry V6 in an accident. Both of these have a softer (?) ride than the 2006 Hondas. I like the interior look of the 2006 Accord EX V6 more than that of the Camry but would like to learn more about its handling features compared to the Camry. Is the Accord's rougher ride due to its different type suspension? BTW I have had three Accords (1987, 1992 and 1994) and have been happy with all three so I know Accords are great cars.

#18548 of 20255 Accord suspension by anonymousposts

Feb 12, 2006 (7:34 am)

The Accord is tuned to drive more firmly than the Camry. If you are used to driving Hondas the difference between the 06 and previous models shouldn't be that large though. Maybe it's the 17" wheels that are new for 2006. Does the dealer have any 05's with 16" wheels? That might make a difference. Or the tire pressure might be too high which would make it feel more rough than it is with proper inflation.

#18549 of 20255 Re: Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? [sciman10] by atlantabenny

Feb 12, 2006 (8:02 am)

Replying to: sciman10 (Feb 12, 2006 1:30 am)
Well, for one the current gen Accord has firmer seats that add to the overall ride sensation imo. Our previous Accords (a '98 and '99) seemed softer riding - because of softer seats - by comparison, but Honda's suspension tuning for either generation feels very similar to me.
 
Toyota's philosophy is evidently slanted towards a quiet, pampering ride and nothing's wrong with that. However neither it nor Honda has captured the quiet but competent handling formula of BMW/MB (driven a '96 C220, '98 528 and '00 323 as reference).
 
My 2000 Solara rode quietly but with 4 occupants would wallow alarmingly on Georgia 400's gentle dips. On the same road, my wife's 2003 EX-L feels very composed but I'd have an almost harsh sensation coming from the seats.
 
Between a new-body 07 Camry (not '06) and an 06 Accord, I'd probably go for the 07 Camry SE (sport variant). From what I've read, that Camry has suspension tuning plus strengthening braces for an Accord-like drive.

#18550 of 20255 Re: Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? [sciman10] by jaxs1

Feb 12, 2006 (10:19 am)

Replying to: sciman10 (Feb 12, 2006 1:30 am)
If you don't like the ride of the Accord, then you should get a Camry or other soft-riding car.
Some people like soft rides and some people like firm rides. Some people buy Accords and some people buy Camrys and since price is usually pretty close, many choose based on a preference to how they ride or handle.

#18551 of 20255 Re: Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? [sciman10] by bolivar

Feb 13, 2006 (2:08 am)

Replying to: sciman10 (Feb 12, 2006 1:30 am)
You are correct that Camrey and Accord have a very different ride. Because that is how they are designed.
 
Buy the one you prefer.

#18552 of 20255 Re: Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? [sciman10] by blackexv6

Feb 13, 2006 (5:10 am)

Replying to: sciman10 (Feb 12, 2006 1:30 am)
If you are concerned about the ride quality then buy the Camry. Take both cars on concrete roads (not blacktop) and you will see the difference, it is quite apparent. The Accord's road noise and choppiness is very prominent - road drumming. The Camry is much more quiet and refined, yet firm.
 
Did you check out the '07 Camry? Toyota re-designed the car and will be out in March. This car may offer the combination of quiet ride and interior styling that you are looking for.
 
Personally, I am looking to trade my '03 Accord V6 in for an '07 Camry. I use the car 100% highway and the roads are concrete. You need earplugs when driving the Accord.

#18553 of 20255 Re: Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? [blackexv6] by blane

Feb 13, 2006 (6:47 am)

Replying to: blackexv6 (Feb 13, 2006 5:10 am)
Your concerns may be related to the brand, model and inflation pressure of your vehicle's tires.
 
I personally prefer the Accord's much more responsive ride to the Camry's Buick-like handling deficit.

#18554 of 20255 Re: Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? [blackexv6] by jaxs1

Feb 13, 2006 (7:38 am)

Replying to: blackexv6 (Feb 13, 2006 5:10 am)
I'm not sure the Camry ride could be described as "firm" at all. It is softer than an Accord and even an Accord doesn't exactly have a Porsche ride.
The biggest problem with the Camry is the steering. It is super numb and feels more like a remote control rather than something that's actually connected to the wheels and road.

#18555 of 20255 Re: Why do Accords seem to have a rough ride? [jaxs1] by canddmeyer

Feb 13, 2006 (11:41 am)

Replying to: jaxs1 (Feb 13, 2006 7:38 am)
My Accord has better steering response than my former Camry or my father's Camry, albeit with a firmer ride. While most of it is suspension related, the tires also make a difference. I was recently in a rental Camry that rode like a Limo, but come time to make a turn the car understeered so badly I found myself repeatedly putting in too much steering input and overcorrecting. I chalked it up to the Continental Conti-trac tires. Nice ride, but horrid handling characteristics.
 
I must add that the Camry was MUCH quieter in the cabin than my Accord which seems to resonate all the road noise.

#18556 of 20255 I never really notice the noise by gee35coupe

Feb 13, 2006 (12:28 pm)

But then again with the XM blasting out all the time, I don't hear much of anything.

Messages Page 1856 of 2026

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