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2005 Honda Accord Review: A Bad Year Buyers Should Avoid With A Lot Of Mechanical Problems

Rating: 4.43
Based on 100 Owner Reviews ▶
Simon A | March 31, 2025
The 2005 Honda Accord is a mid-size car that was part of the seventh generation (2003-2007). Available as a sedan or coupe, it's known for its reliability and practicality. Key trims included the DX, LX, EX, and EX-L. The appeal lies in its reputation for dependability, comfortable ride, and available V6 engine. The original pricing ranged from around $16,000 to $27,000, while used models vary greatly. It stands out due to Honda's reputation for quality engineering.
The Good

The 2005 Honda Accord boasts exceptional reliability and a comfortable ride appealing to practical buyers. Performance is solid, especially with the V6 engine, offering a degree of driving enjoyment. Its efficient fuel economy and strong resale value provide excellent overall value. The clean, timeless design also adds to its appeal, giving a sense of sophistication.

The Bad

Potential weaknesses of the 2005 Honda Accord include potential transmission issues in some V6 models, particularly with the automatic transmission. Also, some owners have reported issues with the paint peeling or fading. Check for rust, especially in areas with harsh winters, and listen for unusual noises from the suspension. The air conditioning system can also be prone to issues.

2005 Honda Accord: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
  • 2.4L Inline-4 cylinder: Standard engine
  • 3.0L V6 cylinder: Available on EX and EX-L trims
  • Horsepower:
  • 2.4L I4: 160 hp (DX, LX), 166 hp (EX)
  • 3.0L V6: 240 hp
  • Fuel Economy (estimated):
  • 2.4L I4: 24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
  • 3.0L V6: 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
  • 0-60 Times (estimated):
  • 2.4L I4: 8.5-9.5 seconds
  • 3.0L V6: 7.0-7.5 seconds
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended for towing.
  • Trim-Level Features:
  • DX: Base model, basic features like air conditioning, power windows and locks.
  • LX: Adds features like cruise control, keyless entry, and upgraded audio.
  • EX: Includes alloy wheels, sunroof (optional), upgraded audio system, and sometimes leather trim. The 2.4L EX gets a slight horsepower bump.
  • EX-L: Features leather upholstery, heated front seats, and available navigation system. Can also include premium audio.
  • Transmissions included a 5-speed manual (I4), 5-speed automatic (I4 and V6), and later a 6-speed manual (V6 coupe).
  • Note: Actual specifications may vary slightly based on specific model and options.

2005 Honda Accord Specifications

No records to be displayed

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 2005 Honda Accord Have?

Frequently reported problems for the 2005 Honda Accord include potential transmission issues, particularly with the V6 automatic transmission. Some owners have experienced slipping or harsh shifting. Another common issue is paint problems, specifically peeling or fading clear coat, especially in warmer climates. Premature brake wear has also been reported by some owners. Air conditioning condenser failure is another known problem area. The 2005 model year had a few recalls, including issues with the power steering hose and potentially faulty airbags (related to the larger Takata airbag recall affecting many manufacturers). Long-term reliability concerns revolve around the aforementioned transmission and paint issues. Routine maintenance, such as regular oil changes and transmission fluid flushes, can help mitigate some of these potential problems. Suspension components, like struts and control arms, may also require replacement over time, especially in regions with poor road conditions. Checking the Carfax or similar vehicle history report is crucial to identify if the specific vehicle has had any recall work performed or a history of reported problems.

How long will the 2005 Honda Accord last?

A well-maintained 2005 Honda Accord can easily reach 200,000 miles or more. Many owners report exceeding this milestone with proper care. Expect 15-20 years of service if maintenance schedules are followed diligently. Long-term durability is a strong point, but weaknesses include potential automatic transmission problems (V6 models) and paint degradation. Rust can also become an issue in regions with road salt. Regular fluid changes (oil, transmission, coolant, brake fluid) and timely replacement of wear items (brakes, tires, belts) are crucial for maximizing longevity. Ignoring maintenance will significantly shorten the lifespan.
Positive Owner Reviews
Isaac Schrader
I purchased a 2005 Honda Accord (4-Door, FWD, 5-Spd Manual, 4-Cylinder, LX Trim) from a private seller. Here are some of the things I have noticed throughout ownership of this vehicle. Be aware that this generation of vehicle, due to the aging of the original engines, excess oil may be required to operate this vehicle in between oil changes. Oil changes will also be a more frequent occurrence. This vehicle uses 5W-20 conventional. The first positive attribute of this vehicle is reliability. If the vehicle is taken care of it will last 300k miles and onward. The Accords with manual transmissions are rumored to last longer than ones equipped with automatic transmissions. On a separate side note, Honda is known in the automotive community for reliability. Low maintenance cost is a secondary positive of this vehicle. The second positive attribute of this vehicle is the fuel-efficiency of the 4-cylinder engine. Gets around 25-30 mpg if driven conservatively. Varies depending on the configuration of your vehicle. The third positive attribute of this vehicle is the NHTSA Safety Rating. The driver and passenger side received 5/5 stars in testing, while the side and rollover components of the test received 4/5 stars. The fourth positive attribute of this vehicle is some of its features. Some of the more notable features include the power windows, radio, and the ice-cold a/c capabilities. The fifth positive attribute of this vehicle is the optional towing package you can have installed with a Second-Party installer. The sixth positive attribute of this vehicle is that it is perfect for high school or college students. The seventh positive attribute of this vehicle is the lower insurance rates. Varies depending on multiple conditions. The eighth positive attribute of this vehicle is that it has more luggage space than the Honda Civic. The ninth positive attribute of this vehicle is that the engineers made light maintenance easy to do. All the light components on the vehicle are easy to replace. Filling and draining the oil is easy to perform. As well as replacing the ignition coils if they happen to go bad. Engineers also gave great hand room inside the engine bay. The tenth positive attribute of this vehicle is that the manual transmission variants come with a V-TEC launch gear to ensure you can get up to speed very rapidly. The first negative attribute of this vehicle is the drivability. The vehicle often feels like you are driving a sailboat down the road. The second negative attribute of this vehicle is the 14 active safety recalls. These include the air bags, powertrain, electrical system, steering, and the fuel system. The third negative attribute of this vehicle is that it requires the user to basically fall back into a couch to get in the front seat. Not recommended for plus-sized people or people who have disabilities or conditions that prevent them from entering a car this way. The fourth negative attribute is that DIY Modifications / Additions are not recommended. Honda will void warranties on anything that is not OEM. All aftermarket additions are at risk with their current policy. The fifth negative attribute is the power steering fluid module. Units love to consistently leak and cause the vehicle to have difficulty turning. The sixth negative attribute is a lower towing capacity. The seventh negative attribute is no 4x4. I think this covers everything. Thank you for reading my scroll of a post. I hope everyone reading this has a great day.
GUS
VERY GOOD CAR, AVAILABLE PARTS IN GOOD PRICE, THIS CAR WILL MAINTAIN THE VALUE FOR LONG TIME, AND STILL RESELL FOR GOOD PRICE, IT FIT 6 CD
BD2800
We would have kept it but could not keep 3 cars after our daughter moved. It was a little over 1 year old when we purchased it.
Negative Owner Reviews
Mariee209
This is my 4th honda i owned and the worst i will never bye a hybrid again this car was well tooken care of from honda since i got it been a gas hog money money out my pocket problem after problem 3000 to 5000 for a hybrid battery and were suppose to be helping earth rip off

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2005 Honda Accord's built-in tech was relatively basic for its time. Standard entertainment features included an AM/FM radio and CD player. Higher trims (EX and EX-L) offered upgraded audio systems with features like cassette players (becoming less common) and sometimes in-dash CD changers. Optional features included a navigation system on the EX-L trim. Driver-assistance features were limited; cruise control was available on LX and higher trims.
Safety features included standard front airbags, side airbags (optional on some trims, standard on EX-L), and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was not widely available on this generation of Accord.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) were generally good. The 2005 Accord typically received high ratings for frontal and side impact protection. However, specific ratings can vary based on body style (sedan vs. coupe) and the testing agency. It is recommended to check the specific crash test ratings for the specific body style and trim level being considered on the NHTSA and IIHS websites to see the complete breakdown. The model came standard with front disc and rear drum brakes, with four-wheel disc brakes available on higher trims, and provided good stopping power for its class.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Alabaster Silver Metallic
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Satin Silver Metallic
Graphite Pearl
Taffeta White
Eternal Blue Pearl
Redondo Red Pearl
Desert Mist Metallic
Interior Colors
Ivory
Gray

2005 Honda Accord Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2005 Honda Accord ranged from approximately $16,000 for the base DX model to around $27,000 for a fully equipped EX-L. Current used market prices vary greatly depending on condition, mileage, and location, but generally range from $3,000 to $8,000. The Honda Accord depreciates at a slower rate than many other cars in its class. Factors affecting resale value include overall condition, documented maintenance history, mileage, trim level (EX and EX-L models tend to hold their value better), and the presence of desirable options like leather seats or a sunroof. Accords with clean titles and no accident history command higher prices.

2005 Honda Accord Cost of Ownership

The 2005 Honda Accord is generally economical to own. Insurance costs are typically moderate. Fuel costs are reasonable, especially for the 4-cylinder models. Maintenance is generally affordable, with readily available parts and a wide network of qualified mechanics. Repairs can be more expensive if the automatic transmission fails, especially on V6 models. Long-term ownership costs are lower compared to many other vehicles due to its reputation for reliability and durability. Overall, it's a cost-effective choice.

2005 Honda Accord Fuel Efficiency

No records to be displayed

2005 Honda Accord Insurance

Insurance for a 2005 Honda Accord is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2005 Honda Accord Compare to Other Vehicle?

The 2005 Honda Accord's key rivals included the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Mazda 6, and Ford Fusion. The Accord excelled in reliability and resale value compared to most of its rivals, often outperforming the Altima and Fusion in those areas. The Camry was a close competitor in reliability, but the Accord often offered a slightly more engaging driving experience. The Mazda 6 offered a sportier driving dynamic but wasn't as reliable as the Accord. In terms of features, the Accord was competitive but not always a leader. The Altima sometimes offered more powerful engine options, while the Fusion provided a more modern interior design towards the end of its model run. The Accord's pricing was generally in line with its competitors.
Alternatives to the 2005 Honda Accord include the Toyota Camry for similar reliability and practicality. The Mazda 6 offers a sportier alternative, and the Acura TSX (Honda's luxury division) provides a more premium experience with enhanced features and performance while sharing some of the Accord's underpinnings. If reliability is paramount, the Camry is a solid alternative, otherwise, the Accord remains a strong contender. It depends on the buyer's priorities.

Ranks #360 Sedan

1 2023 Toyota Camry (5.0★)
2 2023 Honda Accord (0.0★)
3 2023 Lexus ES (0.0★)
4 2024 Subaru Legacy (5.0★)
5 2022 Mazda MX-30 (5.0★)
6 2024 BMW M3 (0.0★)
7 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0★)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (0.0★)
9 2023 Audi A3 (0.0★)
10 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (5.0★)
11 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (0.0★)
12 2023 Nissan Altima (4.0★)
360 2005 Honda Accord (5.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2005 Honda Accord a Good Vehicle?

The 2005 Honda Accord is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and practical mid-size car. It's worth buying, especially as a used vehicle, if it has been well-maintained and has a clean title. The EX or EX-L trims offer more features and are often worth the premium. Carefully inspect any potential purchase for signs of transmission problems (V6 models), paint issues, and rust. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended. Avoid models with a history of major accidents or neglected maintenance. If reliability and value are your top priorities, the 2005 Honda Accord remains a solid choice in the used car market. Opting for a 4-cylinder model can further reduce the risk of transmission issues.

2005 Honda Accord Owner Reviews

4.43
Overall rating
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Amit on November 27, 2024

I own the car for almost 20 years now.

I own the car for almost 20 years now. ZERO issues, runs smooth and am gifting it to my son who will take it to another state. It can easily last another 7-10 years if he can take care of it. You cannot easily beat an Accord. It's a rock solid car.

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Isaac Schrader on May 11, 2023

(The Pros And Cons Of Owning This Vehicle)

I purchased a 2005 Honda Accord (4-Door, FWD, 5-Spd Manual, 4-Cylinder, LX Trim) from a private seller. Here are some of the things I have noticed throughout ownership of this vehicle. Be aware that this generation of vehicle, due to the aging of the original engines, excess oil may be required to operate this vehicle in between oil changes. Oil changes will also be a more frequent occurrence. This vehicle uses 5W-20 conventional. The first positive attribute of this vehicle is reliability. If the vehicle is taken care of it will last 300k miles and onward. The Accords with manual transmissions are rumored to last longer than ones equipped with automatic transmissions. On a separate side note, Honda is known in the automotive community for reliability. Low maintenance cost is a secondary positive of this vehicle. The second positive attribute of this vehicle is the fuel-efficiency of the 4-cylinder engine. Gets around 25-30 mpg if driven conservatively. Varies depending on the configuration of your vehicle. The third positive attribute of this vehicle is the NHTSA Safety Rating. The driver and passenger side received 5/5 stars in testing, while the side and rollover components of the test received 4/5 stars. The fourth positive attribute of this vehicle is some of its features. Some of the more notable features include the power windows, radio, and the ice-cold a/c capabilities. The fifth positive attribute of this vehicle is the optional towing package you can have installed with a Second-Party installer. The sixth positive attribute of this vehicle is that it is perfect for high school or college students. The seventh positive attribute of this vehicle is the lower insurance rates. Varies depending on multiple conditions. The eighth positive attribute of this vehicle is that it has more luggage space than the Honda Civic. The ninth positive attribute of this vehicle is that the engineers made light maintenance easy to do. All the light components on the vehicle are easy to replace. Filling and draining the oil is easy to perform. As well as replacing the ignition coils if they happen to go bad. Engineers also gave great hand room inside the engine bay. The tenth positive attribute of this vehicle is that the manual transmission variants come with a V-TEC launch gear to ensure you can get up to speed very rapidly. The first negative attribute of this vehicle is the drivability. The vehicle often feels like you are driving a sailboat down the road. The second negative attribute of this vehicle is the 14 active safety recalls. These include the air bags, powertrain, electrical system, steering, and the fuel system. The third negative attribute of this vehicle is that it requires the user to basically fall back into a couch to get in the front seat. Not recommended for plus-sized people or people who have disabilities or conditions that prevent them from entering a car this way. The fourth negative attribute is that DIY Modifications / Additions are not recommended. Honda will void warranties on anything that is not OEM. All aftermarket additions are at risk with their current policy. The fifth negative attribute is the power steering fluid module. Units love to consistently leak and cause the vehicle to have difficulty turning. The sixth negative attribute is a lower towing capacity. The seventh negative attribute is no 4x4. I think this covers everything. Thank you for reading my scroll of a post. I hope everyone reading this has a great day.

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GUS on October 22, 2020

VERY GOOD CAR

VERY GOOD CAR, AVAILABLE PARTS IN GOOD PRICE, THIS CAR WILL MAINTAIN THE VALUE FOR LONG TIME, AND STILL RESELL FOR GOOD PRICE, IT FIT 6 CD

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BD2800 on September 24, 2020

Nice Car, quiet, rides Smoove

We would have kept it but could not keep 3 cars after our daughter moved. It was a little over 1 year old when we purchased it.

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Ed on September 18, 2020

Zippy with v6 engine

Going strong at 245,000 miles. Just now replaced starter and alternator. Replaced head liner last week. Gets 30 mpg and burns no oil. Dealer maintained since new.

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Hanwoods on September 13, 2020

Most reliable I owned

I bought this car in 2005. It was used as my daily commute vehicle. It was maintained regularly and met all of my needs. It has plenty of legroom in the front and back, the ride is great.

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EAW on August 18, 2020

Really reliable

this car is really great for long commutes. You can put a lot of miles on this car and don't have to worry about major issues with it. I have had this car for a long time so I had to eventually change the battery but other than that no major issues

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WarEagle802 on August 11, 2020

Most reliable car ever made

Accords with the K24 4 cylinder motor are the most reliable car ever made from years 2004-2007, 2006 being the top quality pick. Super easy to fix and maintain and dependable. 2003 is a trouble year. Highly recommend to avoid all 03s

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Craig on July 8, 2020

Great car

We loved this car so much, we bought a new Accord! Great car, very reliable, quiet, smooth ride, well maintained, recent brakes, garage kept, one owner

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Melanie on May 27, 2020

Most reliable car I've owned

This car is the beacon of reliability. Not only have I had it for 15 years but it still has another 100K left in it. Resale is still incredible. LOVE THIS CAR!

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Simon A

Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.