2002 Honda Accord Review
2002 Honda Accord Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+35
Used Accord for sale
Appraise This CarHonda Accord model years
Honda Accord types
- Coupe
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great build quality, spacious interior, peppy yet clean engines, comfortable seats, excellent resale value, reputation for bulletproof reliability.
Cons
- Everybody drives one, bland personality, stiff highway ride.
What’s new
Honda has added a new trim level for 2002, the SE. The Accord SE is based on the LX four-cylinder coupe or sedan trim level with an automatic transmission. Features setting the SE apart from LX models include an upgraded audio system, a driver seat power height adjustment, interior wood grain trim, antilock brakes, remote keyless entry and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Edmunds says
Despite renewed competition this year from Toyota and Nissan, the 2002 Honda Accord is still one of the best midsize sedans sold in America.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Honda Accord DX 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$181/mo for Accord DX
Accord DX
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The benchmark. The best-selling car in America. The highest resale value in its class. These are all statements that have been made with regularity concerning the Honda Accord, a vehicle that is always on the short list of the most popular cars in this country. The Accord won a loyal base of customers by offering notable performance, room for four, frugal fuel economy and a virtual guarantee that, if cared for properly, it would never break.
This sixth-generation Accord is available in coupe and sedan body styles, equipped with basic DX (sedan only), mid-grade LX or loaded EX trim. There are also two new trim levels this year: SE and Value Package (VP). The standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in the DX Sedan is worth 135 horses. LX and EX models come with a VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine, in your choice of 2.3-liter four-cylinder (which generates 150 horsepower) or 3.0-liter V6 (200 horsepower) configurations.
The spunky fours can be mated to a slick-shifting manual or four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The V6, available only with the automatic, is a model of refinement, revving smoothly and silently.
Now that we've praised the living daylights out of this car, here's some bad news: The low price of the DX is accompanied by a low level of equipment. Also, the Accord is easy to drive, but it doesn't reward the driver much for the efforts. You won't mistake this for a performance car -- look to the Nissan Altima for competent canyon-carving. The Accord is suited more to daily driving in the urban jungle, featuring decent acceleration, strong brakes and light, effortless steering.
As with the Toyota Camry (which is all-new this year, incidentally), refinement and attention to detail are the Accord's strengths. Almost all interior materials are pleasing to the eye and touch, and are assembled with great care. Body panel gap tolerances are about half what you'd find in competing American products. Storage room abounds; the Accord mimics a minivan with so many places to stash maps, drinks, change and assorted detritus. Spacious, comfortable and quiet, the Accord will tote many happy campers for miles on end as long as they don't mind the rather stiff highway ride. The seats are comfortable, both front and rear, and ergonomics are nearly flawless.
While not exactly spicy, the Honda Accord is the definitive family sedan or personal coupe. A low price, a high level of refinement, a cavernous interior and a well-deserved reputation for reliability put the Accord at the top of the heap. Even a loaded EX V6 model with leather, alloy wheels, power moonroof, automatic climate control, CD player, premium sound and steering-wheel radio controls barely surpasses the $25,000 mark. Accord remains the benchmark by which all other midsize cars are measured.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Honda Accord.
5 star(63%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(1%)
397 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
300k and going
James Oldeen, 04/05/2015
2002 Honda Accord SE 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
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.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Good Honda!
dowpwr, 04/19/2014
2002 Honda Accord EX V-6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Most reliable car I have ever owned
Erik E., 12/29/2015
2002 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
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.
4 out of 5 stars
14 year owner shooting for 250000 miles
Ronnie, 03/30/2016
2002 Honda Accord EX V-6 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Love my car===despite transmission replacement at 83g which after some discussion cost me 1100 instead of the full quoted cost of 2200. Brake rotors are basically a routine issue due to warping. This in turn quickly causes front end issues if not addressed as soon as you notice wheels shaking when you brake over 50 mph. I still enjoy driving it after 173G miles and will likely keep it … till 250g if the transmission doesn't crap out again. I feel the rotor warping issue has been handled terribly by Honda. At very least they should turn the rotors at no cost for lifetime owners!
2002 Accord Highlights
Coupe
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,890 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Accord include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
People who viewed this also viewed
4.3 average Rating out of 106 reviews. |
Starting at $29,500 |
4.8 average Rating out of 37 reviews. |
Starting at $23,950 |
4.0 average Rating out of 21 reviews. |
Starting at $26,420 |
Related Used 2002 Honda Accord info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Chevrolet Suburban 2014
- Used Chevrolet Traverse 2014
- Used Chrysler 200 2017
- Used Chevrolet Blazer 2017
- Used Chevrolet Suburban 2020
Shop similar models
- Used Honda Accord-hybrid
- Used Toyota Crown
- Used Ford Fusion-hybrid
- Used Toyota Camry-hybrid
- Used Kia Optima-hybrid
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Honda Accord 2013
- Used Honda Accord 2018
- Used Honda Accord 2016
- Used Honda Accord 2012
- Used Honda Accord 2019
- Used Honda Accord 2011
- Used Honda Accord 2017
- Used Honda Accord 2014
- Used Honda Accord 2010
- Used Honda Accord 2015
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2025 Lexus NX News
- Audi E Tron Sport Back
- 2024 EQS SUV
- 2023 TT
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
- 2024 RAM 250
- 2023 Polestar 2
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 2024
- Lexus NX 250
- Volvo C40 Recharge
Research other models of Honda
- Honda Accord 2023
- Honda Passport
- Honda Civic 2023
- Honda Civic 2024
- 2023 Honda Ridgeline
- 2023 Pilot
- 2023 Honda CR-V
- Honda Ridgeline
- 2024 Honda Civic
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2024 GT-R
- 2023 Maybach
- Dodge Challenger 2023
- 2023 Kia Forte
- Hyundai Sonata 2023
- 2024 BMW 3 Series
- BMW 5 Series 2023
- 2024 Cadillac CT5
- Audi A8
Other models
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500Hd in La Canada Flintridge, CA
- Used Lincoln Navigator-L in Sonoma, CA
- Used Ford Taurus-X in Canoga Park, CA
- Used Volvo V40 in Fargo, ND
- Used Lexus RC-350 in Mc Lean, VA
- Used BMW 7-Series in Laredo, TX
- Used Dodge Hornet in Red Oak, TX
- Used Ford Flex in Arlington, WA
- Used Mercedes-Benz Cl-Class in Shelbyville, TN
- Used Chrysler 200 in Mansfield, MA