- Responsive 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Spacious interior, particularly for rear occupants
- Firm seats lack support
- Suspension lacks bump absorption
- Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
- Small boot opening
Honda CM5.I and CM6.I Accord (2003-06)
Overview
Released in August 2003, the seventh generation Honda Accord was a large, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Ayutthaya, Thailand, the CM5 Accord was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (for VTi variants), while the CM6 Accord had a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (V6 and V6 Luxury variants). Fitted as standard, the five-speed automatic transmission had Grade Logic control which could adjust the shift schedule according to whether the vehicle was on an ascent or descent.
K24A4 and J30A4 engines
Of the engines, the 2.4-litre K24A4 engine had double overhead cams (DOHC), i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) and Variable Timing Control (VTC) for a broader power band and improved fuel economy. Compared to its J30A1 predecessor, the single overhead cam 3.0-litre J30A4 engine had an improved induction system and intake manifold, a three-rocker VTEC system, increased compression ratio (from 9.4:1 to 10.0:1), the addition of a knock sensor, larger intake valves and a high flow exhaust system.
Dimensions and body
Compared to the CG5/CG1 Accord , the CM5/CM6 Accord was 35 mm longer (at 4830 mm), 35 mm wider (1820 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2740 mm), yet was the same height (1455 mm). The new body achieved a 27 per increase in torsional rigidity, while the coefficient of drag was reduced to 0.30 Cd (previously 0.33 Cd).
Suspension
The CM5/CM6 Accord had double wishbone front and rear suspension.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTi | 2.4-litre petrol I4 | 5sp auto | 118 kW at 5500 rpm | 218 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| V6, V6 Luxury |
3.0-litre petrol V6 | 5sp auto | 177 kW at 6250 rpm | 287 Nm at 5000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the CM5.I and CM6.I Accord included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the V6 and V6 Luxury were also fitted with brake assist and traction control. From February 2005, the V6 Luxury was further equipped with full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants) as standard.
Features: Accord VTi, V6 and V6 Luxury
Standard features for the Accord VTi included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control (with steering wheel controls), power windows and power mirrors, fold down rear seat with pass-through, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, remote central locking, two power outlets, centre console phone charger, an alarm and immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Accord V6 added a power adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel audio controls. The V6 Luxury was further equipped with leather seats, front fog lights, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof and outside temperature gauge. Mechanically, the V6 models were also fitted with a drive-by-wire throttle system.
2005 Accord VTi 30thAnniversary
In November 2005, the VTi 30th Anniversary edition was released; compared to the standard VTi, the 30th Anniversary edition was further equipped with leather seats and rear parking sensors.
Honda CM5.II and CM6.II Accord (2006-07)
Overview
Released in June 2006, the Honda CM5 and CM6 Series II (CM5.II and CM6.II, respectively) Accord introduced a subtle facelift, mechanical and equipment updates. Mechanically, the 2.4-litre models benefited from a slight power increase (7 kW to 125 kW) and the introduction of drive-by-wire throttle for more accurate throttle response.
Visually, the CM5.II and CM6.II Accord was distinguished by its revised rear end with LED tail lights, LED high mounted stop lights, ‘exhaust pipe finishers’ and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a new black interior with ‘metal look’ console and gear lever.
| Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTi | 2006-07 | 2.4-litre petrol I4 | 5sp auto | 125 kW at 5800 rpm | 218 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| VTi-L | 2007 | ||||
| V6, V6 Luxury |
2006-07 | 3.0-litre petrol V6 | 5sp auto | 177 kW at 6250 rpm | 287 Nm at 5000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Significantly, both the V6 and V6 Luxury variants were fitted with traction control and electronic stability control as standard (Honda’s ‘Vehicle Stability Assist’).
Features: Accord VTi, VTi-L, V6 and V6 Luxury
Features for the CM5.II and CM6.II Accord were largely unchanged, though the V6 Luxury gained satellite navigation.
In 2007, the Accord VTi-L variant was introduced; compared to the VTi, it added leather seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
2006 Accord VTi Special Edition
In September 2006, a Special Edition of the VTi variant was released; compared to the standard VTi, the VTi Special Edition featured leather seats, power adjustable front seats, front fog lights, reverse parking sensors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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