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Sedans Honda Accord Honda Accord VCM
2201 messages, Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 5:51 PM
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Replying to: golfrski (Nov 01, 2007 6:42 pm) On one of the non-Edmunds 2008 Accord forums, several posters have become alarmed because a few almost new 2008 EX-L V-6's with 1000 miles or less have been immediately put up for sale by private owners. Nobody knows why... could be because of what you described. I have yet to drive the 2008 EX-L V6. The car is on my list. I would insist on driving it on the interstate to see if I can duplicate what you describe. Coming from three BMW's, that would definitely bother me. None of the reviews I have read indicate the VCM problem. Disappointing.
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Replying to: dpmeersman (Nov 02, 2007 6:44 am) |
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| Let me clarify that I don't feel the VCM issues (at this point) are objectionable. I do feel that the marketing of the engine is vague.. you can definitely feel the changes in cylinders when driving on the highway.. without question its there. Based on the Honda Service Managers opinion "it almost can feel like a 5 speed in overdrive". I don't find the "feeling" to be as aggressive as shifting gears by any stretch but I do feel constant changes in the engine's consistency when driving at 65-70 mph. hesitations and or surges can be felt and are present in the operation on my car. Again, I had this thoroughly inspected and the dealer says it is operating "within spec" so... do I think I will learn to live with it? Yes of course. The car is awesome in every respect but that.. the design is sharp, it gets alot of stares, the hints of the BMW are great in this car. It does indeed ride like a 40-50K automobile. I would by lying if I did not say that I am disappointed in the transparency of the VCM operation and hope that Honda many come out with a tuning process or improvement for the 08's and future vehicles to lessen this inconsistency. | |
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Replying to: leroym (Nov 02, 2007 6:33 am) |
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that mentions the VCM in the 2008 Accord EX V-6 sedan states that the VCM is totally unnoticeable to the driver except for the indicator light. Must be at least 10 reviews saying the same thing. One reviewer called the VCM's operation "seamless." This is the first time I have heard anything to the contrary. On the other hand, there seems to be a consensus of unhappiness with the performance of the 5 speed automatic transmission. |
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Although the reviewers often say the VCM's operation is seamless, I have seen a number of posts over the last month which have mentioned feeling the system operate. None have said it is overly-objectionable . . . just that they feel it. I think this is consistent with golfrski's post. With regard to the 5 speed auto tranny, I do not believe there is a "consensus of unhappiness" with its performance. It gets glowing reviews from the pros and gets a glowing review from me  . I was dead-set against an automatic when I purchased my 4cyl EX-L. But, after several long test drives and the unavailablity of a manual, I bought the auto. I have not regretted my decision! The automatic is still no manual in terms of control, but I think it does a wonderful job for an automatic. Its upshifts are smooth and, most importantly, predictable and its downshifts are right on the mark. The system is smooth (and I hear even more smooth when mated to the V6) and never searches for gears. If there is one thing I would go to bat for on the new Accord, its the automatic transmission. I think it does a superior job of reading my right foot!!
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Replying to: golfrski (Nov 01, 2007 6:42 pm) Since you claimed this is your sixth Accord, I'm also curious why you said "grade logic" was new.
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M Karesh, lead car reviewer, "Epinions", after driving two 2008 Accord EX vehicles: the 190 hp 4 and the 268 hp V-6: "The engines deserve better partners. When hooked up to either one, the still-five-speed automatics didn't behave well. They occasionally held a gear too long or refused to downshift or bumped when going from gear to gear." There are other reviews where unhappiness with the 5 speed automatic is expressed: Motor Trend in comparing the Camry SE to the Accord EX-V6 found that "Toyota's 6 speed automatic outclasses the Accord's 5-speed." Cars.com wrote that "upshifts can be a little jerky at times." US News and World Report: "Automotive writers are mostly dismayed with the Accord's 5-speed automatic transmission." Nevertheless, I plan on driving a 2008 EX V-6 sedan. Like I said, this vehicle is on my shopping list. I am more concerned about feeling the VCM than anything about the transmission. I hope other owners of the V-6 sedan come forward and can enlighten us on their VCM experiences.
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Replying to: hpowders (Nov 02, 2007 3:16 pm) The Accord did, however, win that comparison. And while they did say they liked the Camry's 6 speed transmission better, would they have liked it so much if it started the flare-up issue, that has probably been at least part of why CR doesn't give the Camry V6 "reliable" status. Maybe Honda wants to make sure a 6 speed auto trans will be reliable, before putting it in the Accord. The 5 speed automatic in my 03 EX V6 has been flawless in it's operation. More speeds means more complexity, and more needless shifting, for the sake of acceleration and fuel mileage. Just my thoughts on the subject.
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Replying to: elroy5 (Nov 02, 2007 3:43 pm) I do believe what dissatisfies many reviewers, most drivers probably don't even notice or care. I really want to like this car. I am coming off lease in July and I have high hopes for the EX V6. (I should be able to swing sub-invoice by then!)
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