55 messages,
Last post on Sep 29, 2010 at 5:13 PM
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Honda Accord Forum.
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Honda Accord, Tires, Sedan
#46 of 55 Re: No VCM isues here [ljgbjg]
by cstiles
May 09, 2008 (1:05 pm)
At the risk of getting off-topic from VCM, I will say that after owning about 15 different Hondas dating back to 1982, they have always exhibited more road noise (IMO) compared to other cars we've owned. It's simply less of an emphasis with Honda, and I believe it's due to a combination of tire noise and less sound insulation. Toyotas, on the other hand, have historically exhibited the greatest isolation from road sensations. To each their own.
Honda's double wishbone suspensions (vs. less costly and less complicated MacPherson type struts) also appear to produce ride dynamics that may generate greater road noise or sensations. I like the way Hondas ride, and have always considered the greater road noise to be one collateral side effect.
Some also say that the current drivetrain (although it's a similar engine block and architecture, but greater displacement from 3.0 to 3.5 liters) is also more noisy compared to previous Accords. Subjectively, that may be the case.
We also own a 2005 Acura RL, which has a version of the 3.5 liter V6 (but no VCM). The RL is more quiet than the Accord, but luxury car owners seem to generally complain that the current RL has more road noise than other higher end cars. The RL has the same Michelin MXM tires, so I believe tire noise is definitely one of the causes. And possibly the all wheel drive. But it's a nice, sophisticated, and reliable car that has sold poorly.
Of course, the next RL will offer the next generation of VCM, but in a V8 as well as V6.
#47 of 55 Re: No VCM isues here [cstiles]
by ljgbjg
May 09, 2008 (1:28 pm)
Your experiences echo mine with Hondas - and I prefer some noise to complete isolation. If I wanted that I would be driving an Avalon or a Buick.
The double wishbone suspension may have something to do with it, although my experiences with Acura double wishbone equipped cars have been that road noise is better isolated than with the Honda -maybe that is what you get with more $$
However, that said, again, if you research the tires, the OE Honda Michelins score very poorly for road noise versus other replacement tires of similar size and performance characteristics as all season tires. A lower rolling resistance can also increase gas mileage and there ARE differences from one manufacturer to another in that regard. Just wondered if anyone had had cause to change tires yet and what their experience have been.
#48 of 55 Re: No VCM isues here [ljgbjg]
by cstiles
May 09, 2008 (1:39 pm)
Last comment on the tires, since Pat will jump on us.
I have a 2008 Accord 6spd coupe, and I currently have Kumho Ecsta SPT directional summer-only tires in place of the OEM Michelin MXMs, and I believe my coupe not only handles better, but it's also less noisy without the stock Michelins! Go figure.
The MXMs are not cheap when purchased after market, but Honda must get a great price on them since they put them on so many of their models. They are biased toward fuel economy, touring, and all season traction. But they're not particularly stellar at anything. And they're noisy. I love my coupe with the summer rubber and aftermarket rims!
And the fact that my coupe doesn't have VCM is a bonus, in my book.
#49 of 55 Posts moved
by pat
May 09, 2008 (6:25 pm)
The last few posts have been moved from the VCM discussion, which is why some comments may seem a little odd.
#50 of 55 Re: No VCM isues here [cstiles]
by packer3
May 11, 2008 (6:48 am)
I recently drove in my friends 08 EX-L that has the Mich. tires. I have the LXP with the Dunlop 7000 series and for some reason the road noise is a lot less, don't know if it was from the tires but the road noise in general was louder.
#51 of 55 Re: No VCM isues here [packer3]
by thegraduate
May 11, 2008 (7:53 pm)
LX-P uses 16" tires with taller sidewalls; they should be smoother and quieter than 17" low-profile tires from the EX and EX-L models.
#52 of 55 price of honda accord 2009 ex
by hondaboy09
Jan 15, 2009 (9:00 am)
hi guys im buying a new honda accord 2009 ex model this weekend and was wondering if the price im getting out the door was good or should i still bargain and wait a lil longer
they are telling me 24000 out the door price...i dont know if its good or not. please any suggestions thanks...
#54 of 55 Trade in Noisy tires??
by psully3
Aug 27, 2010 (5:54 am)
Has anyone contacted their local dealer regarding the noisey Michelin tire
issue. I am about to venture down this road and wondered if anyone out
there has had any success in having the dealer replace the tires. This seems
to be a rather popular complaint among us Accord owners. I will let you
know how I make out.
#55 of 55 Re: Trade in Noisy tires?? [psully3]
by blufz1
Sep 29, 2010 (5:13 pm)
The fix for your Honda is to get the Goodyear Assurance Comfort Tread tires,not Michelins. The CTreads are very soft,smooth,and comfortable. Don't handle quite as well as the Michelins and may reduce your mpg by 1-1.5 mpg. But a huge improvement in noise and comfort.