11. 7th Gen Honda Accord

There’s one word that comes to mind when you think of Honda: bulletproof. The seventh-generation Accord, sold from 2003–2007, is a great example of why Honda earned that reputation. These cars are now firmly rooted in the mid-2000s, but the styling has aged fairly gracefully, and the interior remains comfortable and functional even on high-mileage examples. The seats are particularly impressive, offering plenty of support for long trips, while the roomy back seat and large trunk make the Accord surprisingly practical. The integrated stereo and climate controls can make upgrading the head unit more difficult, but otherwise the cabin is well laid out and durable. On the road, these Accords have the relaxed, comfortable character that many modern cars have lost. The soft suspension, excellent visibility, hydraulic power steering, and responsive automatic transmission make them easy and enjoyable to drive. Under the hood, buyers could choose between the 2.4-liter K24 four-cylinder, making 160–166 horsepower, or the 3.0-liter J30 V6, producing 240–244 horsepower. The four-cylinder returns roughly 28 mpg, while the V6 averages around 24 mpg, making the four-cylinder the better commuter while the V6 provides a significant performance upgrade.

Of course, no car is without its problems, and there are several things to watch for when buying a 7th-gen Accord. The V6 models had a recall for a deteriorating power-steering hose that could leak fluid onto the exhaust, while all buyers should check for the Takata airbag recall. Age-related power-steering leaks, suspension wear, torn control-arm bushings, rusty CV axles, worn engine mounts, brake vibration, A/C problems, and the infamous failing stereo/HVAC display are also worth checking. Rust can be an especially serious concern in the Northeast, particularly around the rocker panels, jack points, rear quarters, and subframes. The K24 is generally an excellent engine, but neglected examples can develop oil consumption, oil leaks, cold-start rattles, and valve-clearance issues. The J30 V6 requires more maintenance because of its timing belt, which should be replaced along with the water pump and related components at roughly 100,000-mile intervals. And then there’s the big one: the automatic transmission. Certain 2003–early 2004 V6 models had a serious second-gear lubrication problem that led to a recall, while some 2005–2007 four-cylinder automatics received a transmission-control software update. Anyone buying one should verify the recall work, check the transmission fluid, and make sure the transmission shifts smoothly when fully warmed up.

Despite all of that, I still think the seventh-generation Accord is a fantastic used car. Condition and maintenance history are far more important now than simply buying the Honda badge, but a well-maintained example can still provide years of reliable service. If I were shopping for one, I’d look for a four-cylinder with a manual transmission for maximum simplicity and reliability. And if you can find a clean V6 manual, that’s the enthusiast’s choice. Overall, I’d put the 7th-gen Accord roughly on par with the 8th-gen Accord for reliability—and considering how inexpensive these cars can be, they’re still one of the better choices for a cheap commuter, first car, or daily driver.