Used 2002 Honda Accord Sedan Consumer Reviews
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300k and going
Bought it new right after high school. Dogged it, romped on it and attempted something like e-breaking. Never missed an oil change or transmission fluid drain. Timing belt/water pumps lasted me about 100k miles. Air conditioner fan motor went out @ 150k Replaced upper/lower radiator hoses with that. Transmission went out @ 189k Replaced with remanufactured for $1500 + $790 for removal/install. Rotors resurfaced @ 200k and had quite a bit more break work done with that. Starter went out @ 250k Timing belt/water pump and tune @ ~278k Oil pan gasket failed @ 280k Radiator failed @ 285k Front passanger wheel bearing @ 290k.
Good Honda!
2002 EX V6. Put 230,000 miles on it. I bought it new. This has been a good car overall. Yes, it did have some transmission issues, but over 230k, it never let me down. The issue was between 1st and 2nd gear, but if you don't beat on it, it will last. Still original Tranny! It is noisy on the highway as well. Never had an electrical problem with the car, and it has never left me stranded. I took great care of the car, waxing it twice a year, changing fluids, etc. The paint started to fade out a bit after 10 years. Car was garage kept most of it's life. I'd buy another honda accord.
- Value Package SedanMSRP: $5,50082 mi away
- EX V-6 SedanMSRP: $6,995148 mi away
- EX SedanMSRP: $3,995326 mi away
Most reliable car I have ever owned
I bought this Honda Accord 3 years ago because I was sick of fixing my daughters peace of junk Kia to the tune of over $5000.00! This car has been nothing more than amazing to say the least. By far the most reliable car I have ever owned in my life. I bought it with about 90,000 miles on it and it now has 140,000 miles and I have only done regular maintenance on it like oil changes and transmission service etc. I have wanted to purchase another car because I am a bit tired of it, but how do you get rid of a bullet proof car that starts perfectly every time and gets 26mpg city and 38mpg highway along with perfect reliability. I have read many reviews that say there are transmission problems with automatic transmissions, mine has been flawless so far. I don't know if my lack of transmission problems has to do with the fact I am a perfectionist who has all service up to date before it's needed or it may have to do with the fact my Honda is a 4cyl and there are more problems with the 6cyl engine and the automatic transmission. I have read a few articles that blame the heat of 6cyl motor affecting the transmission failure, I don't know if there is any science in that theory though. Anyhow, the car drives smooth, plenty of power, does not burn any oil nor does it leak a drop of anything, built solid, interior still looks great, everything works as it should and its very easy to drive. If there was a down side to this car it would only be the clear coat is pealing on the roof, but heck its got 140,000 miles on it and sits outside 24/7. It is a great car and that is why you still see these old cars on the road after being 14 years old.
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Highly Unsatisfied
Bought this car used a few years ago it ran fine for a little while, then I started having all kinds of problems from the ignition distributor, and now the transmission is slipping can't afford to put any more money into it as I have over $7000.00 into it now.My advice don't buy this year model
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UNSATISFIED!!!!!!
My first car was a 1996 Honda Civic with manuel transmission LOVED it I only had to replace the clutch. Well needless to say it got recked so I decided to buy another Honda but this one is a 2002 Accord. I didn't start having proplems, real problems until abour 120,000 miles and im seeing that that i pretty good compared to what i've been reading. Now the trany is slipping and they want about 3,000 dollars to replace and the car is now only worth about $5,000. I think this is redic. I thought Hondas were suppose to las for ever. I mean it's a Honda. I guess not.
A GREAT car!
I love my 2002 Accord sedan, but wish I had gone with the coupe :( and ABS. It's a great car I bought it used from the dealer in 2005 and luckily it still had some of it's warranty left had it so when the trans started slipping they fixed it and gave me a rental car all for free and had it fixed in a day. The reason I love it so much is because it's not like these new cars where you HAVE to take it to the mechanic to get it fixed because the engine is covered or it's got comp glitches. I can change my spark plugs easily and that I like. It's very loud when driving on the freeway, you can barely hear the person sitting next to you. If you take care of your car you should have no problems.
Great car
I owned this car from '05 (55k miles) to 2011 (140k miles). No issues whatsoever. That is, outside of ordinary maintenance. the only thing I remember is that the hood latch wouldn't close without pressing down on the cable with a screw driver. I kept good on sticking to the maintenance schedule with all the suggested items. Yes I replaced the tranny fluid so NO I did not have tranny problems. Seems most people don't take care of their trannys then blame the Honda for tranny failures. Great car, wish I didn't have to sell it but after 3 kids, had to get a minivan.
Transmission Failure
I've 2002 Accord SE and my transmission started slipping when I hit the acceleration from 0 to 20 with check engine lights on, and on further tests Honda declares a BAD TRANSMISSION at 96,400 miles. It looks like I'm not alone here and I strongly wish Honda to recall this model.
Can't beat it
This is my second 2002 accord. I wrecked the first one. I just use as a daily commuter. I couldn't be happier. I bout it with 103,000 miles on it. What other car can you buy with 100k and still be confident? It now has 151k and it rides like new. All I have replaced is a spring in the clutch that broke (250) and a wheel hub (180). The interior is simple. I will say for this year this accord is about as big as the new civic. For 2001 and 2002 I would stay away from the automatic transmission 4 cylinder, They had problems. My manual doesn't slip. Also I see accords here and there with bad fading paint but mine is holding. I just got my wife an 07 accord based on edmunds reviews. She had an 03 Camry and everything was dying at 150k. So I can confidently recommend this car. Oh and average 29-30 mpg mixed. (432 miles per tank)
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Yep you guessed it
Bad Transmission. I was luckier than most. I made it to 150,000 before the dreaded check engine light came on. Other than the transmission and possum in my air intake, the car has been a great commuter. Where is the recall on this, Honda?
I love it
Since April of 2002 ive had a 2002 Honda Accord ex-l and its still kicking i love the ride quality and really cant understand why other people say that the accord doesnt last past 150k. So far ive driven a little over 306,654 miles in the past nine years and i dont plan on trading it in or buying a new car until it cant be driven anymore. I can also say that ive never changed the engine ir transmission only have changed a sensor.
Transmission
I had transmission breakdown in my 2002 Accord EX, 4-cyl just close to 70,000 miles. The dealer price was $3500. This was too much and I got it fixed outside for $1500 which is not performing very good. Now I am hearing from several mechanics that you are lucky if you did not have transmission issues with a Honda before reaching 100,000 Miles. Note that Honda transmission flush needs the most expensive oil and costs more than some luxury cars; may be to compensate for their bad design.
Bad Transmission
Always owned Honda, Acura or Toyota due to the quality of the cars. Now I have this 2002 Honda Accord, 4cyl. I am very disappointed. I have 106k miles and the transmission is slipping. I had the major service performed and am told the transmission will need replaced. Honda will do nothing-says that my VIN# does not qualify for the 109k ext. warranty. Obviously, there are several others having the same issue & their VIN doesn't qualify either. Honda obviously has a problem with these cars and is not willing to do anything. Very disappointed. My next car will probably be a Toyota again. Wanted this car to last a long time but Honda is not taking care of the problem as they should.
Bad transmissions
Starting at 35K I serviced the transmission every 15k at the dealers recommendation. About three years ago while the car was still in warranty I complained to the dealer about the car shifting had and jerking at stops when cold, the dealer said that was normal and didn't write it on the service ticket and said it was almost due for a trans fluid service. Now the transmission is lurching at stops and stalling in intersections. Honda has offered very little in the way of assistance and jacks up to price of the replacement transmission to compensate. Essentially they make you do an abnormal amount of costly service to keep their defective transmission working while in warranty.
Honda 2002 Accord V6 - never again
Accord 2002 V6 is apparently a lemon with regard to transmissions - 385 reported failures around the 110,000/120,000 mile mark. No recall because it's not a safety issue, and no class action (YET!) Timing chain went at 100,000 - $1,500 - also a "known issue". Paint is starting to fail - also a known issue. How many known issues with this vehicle do I have to know about? I'm looking at $4,000 for a new transmission. We've been a 2-Honda family for the last 15 years. We will not even be a 1-Honda family ever again.
I'll NEVER buy HONDA again!
I bought this car new in 2001. The transmission went out at 70,000 in spite of doing all scheduled maintenance. Honda Corp of American wouldn't help or discuss the matter. They refuse to acknowledge that my transmission should of been recalled with the rest of the recall transmission. The paint job was totally gone in the 8th year. I replaced the transmission with a new transmission, and now unsure if that transmission was any good. I always loved Toyota and wanted to try Accord out of curiosity. I'm totally going back to Toyota and take my chances. At least Toyota will "man up to their product". Honda hides and denies the obvious. I've driven this car for 9 years out of necessity.
2002 Honda Accord EX V6 sedan.. A++
I bought this car 5 years ago with 48,000 miles on it from a friend who buys cars from the dealer only auctions.I did my research and saw the 02 EX V6 came with a lot of standard items that were options on the earlier years. I also saw that the earlier years had transmission problems. The V6 has plenty of power for this car.I have had no problems with this car. This is a GREAT CAR! I change the oil every 3,000 miles, the car just turned to 92,000 miles so I found a great deal on ebay for a COMPLETE timing belt kit. Local dealer cost 450.00 eBay 325.00 including shipping from a Honda dealership. That's the biggest expense I've had to put into the car.I Would definitely buy this car again. A+
this is an awesome 1st or 2nd car!
I bough this car in April of 2006. I was looking at all the cars in the lot and this one caught my eye. I was impressed form the second I laid eyes on it. The feel, comfort, maneuverability, handle and ease of use are all excellent. The only drawback w\this car (like most Hondas) is cabin noise. Other than that, this car is virtually flawless. I recommend buying an accord as long as you are willing to put some money into preventative maintenance. It reminds me of a recent ad on tv where a woman asks when you turn your car on does the car return the favor. In my case...you're damn right it does! :-)
Honda is the best! Simply not true.
I purchased this car in 2004 with 38,000 miles. I was told that Honda is the best. I replaced the transmission twice at 48,000 miles and again at 92,000 miles. I do all the recommended maintenance using quality parts. I start experiencing loss of power, so I did a full tune up, used super gas, but still the car wont pick up speed and can be dangerous merging into the highway with poor acceleration. Mechanic said nothing else can be done to solve this problem. Some of the interior is cheap plastic easy to break or crack. I'm just stuck with it for now. But will never buy a Honda again, I learned my lesson .
Speed greed and creed
Speed- No govener on my car. Don’t know if this is typical but I had it going 125 when I let off not realizing I was going that fast passing a car. 200k miles orginal motor+trans. Both functions impeccably well. Wheel bearings need repair sooner than most cars for some reason. Maybe just mine because of rust damage and unequal weight distribution considering one engine mount is not supporting any weight.(see below) Greed- Manufacturing greed has caused engine frame disintegration cuz of poor probably cheaper engineering. Mine is not long for this world due to above for mentioning. Creed- Some decent comradory being a Honda owner. Decent community.
Solid car, solid value
Have an '89 Camry with 220,000+ miles that's cost me less than 3 Gs--including brakes and tires--to maintain over 11 years of consistent driving. A tough act to follow. When purchasing a newby I was looking for a dependable car with reasonable gas mileage, crankdown windows, and a manual tranny. Got it in the Honda Accord for less than 13K. I've put on 18,000+ miles in 8 months w/o incident. Suprisingly large inside and out. Rides quietly and smoothly (no shimmy or pull) at 80+ mph. Excellent no-frills value from someone who believes a car is for transportation only. Would absolutely buy only 2 types of cars in the future, Toyota or Honda.
Oil consumption issues & soon-to-go tranny
The cherry red accord has 120,000 miles on it and as of the fall of 2011, has been consuming 1/2 quart of oil per week. It is evident the oil rings went bad as black oil deposits coat the inside of the tailpipe. It's not blowing blue smoke, just consuming oil. We are still on the original transmission, which is better than most people have faired, but the hesitation in shifting is evident. When you slow down, you must come to a complete stop and wait a second for the car to shift into 1rst gear. Oh, Honda, I lost a lot of respect for you & these engineering f*&k ups and you won't admit it. I drive a 2003 Civic LX with roughly the same mileage. It has been a gem. No issues whatsoever.
Bad Experience
I will never buy another Honda product. I have had to have the transmission rebuilt twice in this vehicle. Once at 77,00 miles, and again at 103,00. American Honda offered no assistance when I contacted them. Search the internet and you'll find numerous complains about problems with failed transmission on this model. I'm going back to Toyota for my next car purchase.
Thanks for saving my life :).
I'm greatful for the desig of this car. I got in a very serious accident and was lucky to survive. I'm glad my car was built the way it was! I've had this car for three years till this accident and no major issues! I did have to do one repair from the get-go, but that's because I got it as a remade car. Have loved my car!
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Burning oil @ 150K 13yr old 400miles / 1qt
how frustrating wanted another 3 years to get to go from 156K to 200K but it seems I will only make it another 5-10,000 miles. Everything else is running well but at 14 years you gotta be realistic. Havent done an engine flush yet, no tailpipe smoke and engine runs well but the oil just disappears. Changed PCV and air filter and spark plugs are next. Blue book is $2500 thats an engine job easy. Any suggestions on oil flush? Been filling with Castrol GTX high milage for past 4 quarts and will continue. Will try to do $20 oil changes every 2000 miles to see if high milage is cleaning piston ring areas. Would go and buy new but live in CT and they tax you for the NADA value of your car EVERY year!! Not cool having a 700-800 tax bill decreasing every year. Update 10.2.2016- found 2013 outback at bmw dealer and took the honda for 1000. Moved on and enjoying 11 year upgrade on my car.
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Less reliable than a Yugo
I must admit that I listened to the hype and bought this car purely because it was a "honda". Two weeks after purchasing this car the engine started making a wheezing knocking sound shortly followed by a loud BANG! Well the loud bang turned out to be a piston ripping thru the engine block. I ended up getting a new engine, a new transmission, and a new stereo (the old one flamed out second time I used it) all this with less than 3000 miles on it. Maybe I just got stuck with a lemon, but one things for sure, Ill never buy a honda anything ever again!!
318,000 Miles and Still Going
I put every mile of the 318,000+ miles I have on the car except the first one. From 12 years of LA Traffic going to work, to moving to the northeast and the cold and snowy winters, the car has been great. I plan on driving it until it can't be driven any more. Was happy with the car the day I bought it and 23 years later, I am still happy with it.
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Catchy title
A good car pretty much all around with the exception of the transmission which was known to be troublesome for this model year. My 2002 accord had to have the transmission replaced 2 times. Very fortunately for me, the dealer was aware of this problem and covered the needed repairs. Have not had a transmission problem since the last occurrence about 8 years ago. This old girl now has more than 200k miles on her and she still runs fine.
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Car Lasted 14 years!
Purchased a no-frills new car back in 2002, and we have been quite pleased. Only in the past 12 months have we had increased service issues. Sad to see it go. Would purchase a new one.
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Never Again
I've owned three Honda Accords - the oldest accord I owned was a wagon and was by far the best one. The 94 honda coupe and 2002 SE both had transmission problems once 90k + miles were reached. I thought the 94 was just a lemon, but how could I buy a lemon twice from a Honda Dealer? The Honda was nice while it lasted, but that is the problem - they didn't last. I will be trading my Honda for a Toyota, and will not be purchasing anymore Honda's. As another poster mentioned, Honda has lost their "quality" in workmanship.
Excellent car for the money
I bought this car used with about 65K miles on it and it has been great to me so far. Now with 130+K miles it has not yet had any problems. Fuel economy is not as good as I expected (23-32mpg) but still very good compared to others. I have no regrets buying this car and would gladly buy another.
Hope I don't jinx myself!
Just happened to come across these reviews, thought I'd toss in my .02. I have over 245,000 miles on my 2002 Accord, 4 cyl. auto, and have performed all scheduled maintenance: timing belts @ 90K, oil change every 5- 7,000 miles, trans fluid changed, the works. My first Honda, a 1990 Civic, had over 250,000 miles before I bought the Accord. I do lots of highway driving, but have no reason to stray from Hondas.
more time in the shop than on the road
They got me! Yep I got suckered in by the hype of hondas being super reliable. Ive had the car a total of six months and its been in the shop more than its been on the road. Transmission problems, ac doesnt cool, numerous electrical problems and the engine developed a loud ticking noise after two months driving. I wish I never bought this car.
Transmission
Made it to 126K, the transmission started slipping and a few months later thats all she wrote. The lights began to flash (engine, maint, and the D). Brought it to an honest transmission repair shop and he told me it was JUNK. $2000. to $2500. to rebuild it, 6 weeks before replaced timing belt, balance belt, water pump, sway bar bushing, plugs, transmission seal between engine $$$. Was a 3 Honda family not again. Thanks Honda
Stay away from Honda of Princeton!!!!!!!
Overall, this is a very good car. It's come with it's share of problems, though. #1-Bought the car spring time. I didn't use the AC for any extended period of time until mid summer. The first time I really got to use it, about an hour into the trip, i notice that my foot was wet, and that the AC drain hose was pinched in the AC box, and had totally flooded my car via the heater vents. The dealership fixed the drain problem, but did nothing about my rotting, falling apart carpet! #2-Trans was grinding in fifth gear at 300 miles, dealer told me to "let it break in". Went back next week, no more 5th gear, and almost no reverse. 2 1/2 weeks later, and a new trans.
ALWAYS TRANSMISSION!!!!!!
I am getting mad about the transmission when it is 86,000 miles. The car viborated a lot when turning from N to D4 or when stopping, the dealer charged me $5400 for a new one and about $3000 for a used one. [non-permissible content removed] I hate Honda!!!!
I was v happy ☺ , since 2002 , brand new car
We were v happy , Good Car , bought New 2002 n ran till March 27 2019 , suddenly brake failed , only that , towed to Carmex , called before to sale , salesman said we'll give $900 , n I pay for tow truck, $100 , still you get 800 $ , when we went, he gave only $200 , should not trust them ! Cheated ! I should have sold to some one privately ! Never involved in accident , no glass broke , no seat covers damaged ! Sad !
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You call this a car
I bought a Honda because people say they are great cars, are they ever wrong. The car feels very cheap and has to be taken into the shop every other week or so to fix some glitch. The interior quality is poor, not up to the standards of even the poorest domestic car. The gas milege, a measly 24 MPG quite frankly stinks. The price for this car was way to much for the car that you get. The pathetic engine can barely propel the car down the road, and the transmission has to down shift to even go around corners. Don't buy this vehicle
Life in an Accord
Verify basic maintenance has been maintained and this car will last! The only issue I've ever had is having the transmission replaced at 20k miles. I have owned four Accords. This is now a hand me down for my son as I have a newer model. Drive it, maintain it and it will last forever!
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Fantastic Car
This is the best built, most reliable car I have ever owned. Replaced front brakes once, 2 batteries, 2 sets of tires, upgraded plugs to e3 and wires to Granatelli MPG+ 8 mm and installed a K&N filter in the factory air box. I've done oil changes every 3000 miles and just recent;y changed the trans fluid. Now it isn't a sports car, but it wasn't built to be. If that's what you want, get something else. The minor upgrades (< $225) have increased my fuel economy to 27 mpg! Any car with 100,000mi that runs this good and gets 27 mpg is a great ride!
Very Satisfied
Bought my Honda new and so far i am very pleased. have to mention The uncompromising reliability of Honda...so far 20K and not a single issue of concern. I drive alot of highway, and car rides very smooth at 75mph. spacious, I am 6'3" and fit comfortably.
Transmission Broke at 90,000
I have the familiar problem of having a bad transmission. Don't believe the others on this website that say changing your transmission will help avoid this problem. Whoever says this works for Honda. I say this because that is actually what I did (regular transmission changes) and it did not help, I now need a transmission repair at 90,000 miles. Honda won't help. I will trade it in for another car. I will also trade in my Honda CRV because of the frustration with this issue.
Excellent!!
I bought this car with 2 000 miles on it. I've put another 5 000 on it with no problems whatsoever. No rattles or sqeeks. My previous vehicle was a Ford...aka Lemon! The engine is good for a 4 cyl and the auto transmission reacts well. I'm lovin' this Honda, and I recommend an Accord to anyone looking for a sedan. Rear spoiler is a must, the car looks 10x better with it.
Wish it was better
I owned this car starting at 40k miles. Seemed to be like other Honda Accords I have owned in the past (89, 98). I didn't realize at first how bad the transmission was because I was excited to have the power from the v6. Transmission was jerky from the beginning. I hated it. Worst driving experience I've ever had. Never knew when it would accelerate. I love Honda but they lost me as a customer with this transmission. I was lucky and the car was totalled at 118k from hail damage. I know the transmission was going out soon. Also, the dash was squeaky. The 6 CD changer broke at around 80k. The dashboard clock was replaced. Not the quality I had grown to expect from Honda.
Honda Accord 2002 EX V6 Poor Car
In June, 2002 I decided to upgrade and get the top of the line Accord. What a mistake. I have 7000 miles on the car and to date have had the steering column and transmission replaced. If Honda is known for quality, I'd hate to see the product of the other manufacturers. Horrible car.
GM convert to Honda
Retired GM worker just wanting for once a reliable maintenance free car. I owned several GM vehicles, but there are only a handful that I would trust to purchase as a used vehicle. I am surprised as to how a vehicle with over 100K can handle, drive and look so brand new especially the interior. Good job Honda.
Transmission only lasted 25,000
WOW! This is only car I ever had that only lasted 25,000 miles. The transmission went out at 25,000 miles, yes it was covered but that is just not right. Proble is that was not the only proble I had with this car. Good luck if you buy one.
Transmission problems
Bought the car new. Loved it until around 65k when the transmission gave out. $3000 to replace and no problems since. Honda really needs to pony up for the faulty transmissions on this year similarly to the recall on 2001 models
New Transmission at 8K
I always thought the Honda Accord was a reliable vehicle until I purchased my Accord with a V-6. Transmission started clunking at around 4K and the dealership told me this was normal. At 8K the transmission failed and Honda replaced it. Now after 1K with the new transmission it is making a clunking sound again every time I back up! The dealership is telling me this is normal again! I am going to unload this lemon before I need another new transmission. Will never buy a Honda again!
This car is fabulous!
Ok so I move to Montana and did a lot of car reviews and found this Honda Accord that was just the right price. I absolutely love the car it now has 60,000 miles on it and I have not had one problem in this past year. To keep a car in good shape you have to have regular maintenance. For ex. Oil change, tranny fluid flush. Up keep. Hondas are so reliable and I could not be happier with it. People have problems with cars if they don't take care of them. I love my car!