Honda Accord Euro R 2002-2008 used car review

The Honda Accord is a practical family car. The Euro R version gives you sports car performance with the penalty of a very hard ride.

Launched in 2002, the seventh-generation Honda Accord was known for the first time as the ‘Euro’. Built primarily for the European and Japanese market, it was smaller, lighter and handled better than the larger version designed for America. It was available in both sedan and station wagon - or ‘Tourer’ - versions.

The flagship of the range is the Euro R, a lighter, sports orientated version. It offers a large sedan body, combined with the same engine and transmission as the Integra Type R sports car.

Rear seat legroom is reasonable. While it can carry three people, the bench is sculpted and better for two adults. Children only will find the centre seat comfortable. The top of the front seat is bulky and does intrude a little into the rear passenger space.

There are a few other sporty touches to the interior. The pedals are covered in drilled aluminium. A solid aluminium knob is fitted to the transmission shifter. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and features the famous Momo brand. Instruments and some switches glow a sporty red.

The boot is impressively large at 459 litres and should accommodate two large and two small suitcases. The rear seats can be folded down to pass larger items through into the cabin, although the gap is relatively narrow. They cannot be folded from within the cabin. Instead, this is done with yellow straps in the boot. It’s a security measure as thieves cannot break a window and gain access to items securely locked away in the boot.

A limited-slip differential helps deliver power equally to the front wheels to avoid wheel spin and improve traction.

The Accord is also available with ‘normal’ 2 and 2.4-litre engines. These are paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Handling is excellent. The steering feels very quick and responsive. The tyres have lots of grip and there’s no body roll, thanks to the very firm suspension. On the downside, the Accord is not able to smooth out bumpy road surfaces and can be uncomfortable for passengers.

Parking the Euro R can be a little tricky as the rear pillars are thick, causing large blind spots to the rear and either side. Our review vehicle did not feature a reversing camera. We would recommend fitting one. The 10.8-metre turning circle is average for this size of car.

Honda rates the Accord as able to tow 500kg (unbraked) and 1,200kg (braked). This is below average for the class.

Honda engines are particularly sensitive to the need for regular and correct service intervals and procedures. Sludge build-up can cause issues with their advanced variable valve timing systems.

Replacement panel and trim parts for later model Hondas are very expensive to source in New Zealand. We recommend you have comprehensive insurance and leave repairs, in the event of a minor fender-bender, to your insurers.

2.4-litre models:

• 24T – Features alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, touchscreen infotainment system and Bluetooth phone system.
• 24S – Adds a black interior, larger alloy wheels and a body kit.
• 24TL – Adds a full leather interior, keyless entry and start, heated front seats, electric driver's seat, reversing camera and cruise control.

This review covers the Honda Accord Euro R for model years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Review vehicle supplied by City Motor Group, Penrose.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km-20,000km a year. We estimate with no optional add-ons and $750 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.