The 2005 Accord lasts around 200,000 miles, but there are transmission and brake problems. At $3,606 – 6,746, it’s expensive and not worth buying with the number of issues.
Is the 2005 Honda Accord a Good Used Car?
- No, 2005 is a bad year. Owners complain about expensive timing belt replacements, uncomfortable seats, and air conditioning issues.
- Reliability ratings are below average. We recommend buying an Accord from 2006–2007 which have fewer mechanical problems and are in the same price range.
- Performance is poor from the base 4-cylinder, but the V6 is relatively fast.
- The Accord is a safe car, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is very good, at up to 26 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Accord?
- Consumer Reports finds the Accord to be nimble and fun, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Accord a 4.7/5 liking the roomy interior, but the brakes are weak.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Accord 4.7/5 and enjoy the reliable engine, but dislike the transmission.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Honda Accord Have?
Problems with the Accord are fairly serious including transmission failures, brake vibrations, and peeling paint.
Transmission failures are the most common complaint, at around 95,000 miles. The torque converter in the transmission wears out over time, costing about $1,800 to replace. If there’s additional damage to the gears then a new transmission is about $3,800.
Excessive brake vibration is another issue showing up every 40,000 miles. The stock brake components wear out quickly, and a new set of rotors costs roughly $550.
A peeling clear coat happens on many Accords at around 115,000 miles. Repainting the affected areas is the only way to solve the problem, at $1,000 per panel.
There are 24 recalls, which is well above average, but the vast majority of them are for air bags and exterior lighting. The most serious mechanical recall is for the fuel pump relay, which can cause the vehicle to stall.
How Long Will the 2005 Honda Accord Last?
A well-maintained 2005 Honda Accord will last around 200,000 miles, about 100,000 miles shorter than a top competitor like the Toyota Camry. Repair Pal estimates regular annual maintenance costs to be affordable, at $308 per year.
Accords from 2005 will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace A/C evaporators for $600, CV joints costing $1,200 and the wheel speed sensor which costs around $200.
For the most part. It had problems with the ac a couple of times but was fixed. The radio does not work. The steering wheel gets a bit stiff when cold outside.
It has been very reliable. The brakes seem to go fast, but then I was told I needed new wheel bearings and the brakes last longer now!
Yes, it has been very reliable. It does have recalls now and then, but no major problems or repairs have ever been needed.
It has proven very reliable. It is been in three accidents and due to retaining it is value, insurance has insisted on fixing it every time.
My Honda has not had any problems at all, it runs awesome and I never have to worry about anything going on long trips or taking my sisters kids on a trip. I would consider it an extremely reliable vehicle.
Not that many. Needs a belt due to it squealing at certain times and probably needs some new tires though it has great traction.
It is very reliable. The maintenance required light has come on before but I got it checked out and was told it was nothing to worry about. It lets me know when the roads are dangerous.
Very reliable! It drives smooth, gets good gas mileage. I just wish it had a little bit more room. Once again, only issues I have had is the recalls on my airbags.
How Much Is the 2005 Honda Accord Worth?
Blue book values range from $3,606 – 6,746, making the Accord about $1,000 more expensive than competitors including the VW Passat or Hyundai Sonata. When new, the price range was $16,295 to $28,950. Depreciation is average, losing 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Accord?
There are five models of the Accord available which are offered as coupe or sedan. Technology was last updated in 2005, with the next redesign coming for the 2008 model.
DX is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Manual Locks & Windows
- 2-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
LX is a step up adding features including:
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Power Windows Locks And mirrors
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
EX is a mid level model and offers:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Moonroof
- 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Optional Navigation System With Voice Recognition
LX-V6 adds features including:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Larger Engine
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Premium Cloth Seating
EX-V6 is the flagship model and has:
- Premium 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Heated Front Seats
What Engines Come In the Accord?
- The base engine is a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder with 160 horsepower that gets up to 26 MPG combined.
- An optional powerful 3.0L V6 is available making 240 horsepower which gets up to 22 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking only 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Accord Come In?
How Big Is the Accord?
The Accord is an average sized midsize car offered as a coupe or sedan and is similar in size to a Mazda6 or Nissan Altima. Passenger space is good in the back seats of the sedan, but legroom is limited in the coupe.
The trunk in the coupe is rather small, at only 11.2 cubic feet, but the sedan is average at 14 cubic feet of space.
How Does the Accord Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Camry is the closest competitor, costing about $200 more. Reliability ratings are better on the Camry, but the Accord is more sporty and engaging to drive. We recommend the Camry since they last much longer.
The Nissan Altima is another rival costing about $300 less. Driving dynamics and performance are better in the Altima, but the Accord has a higher quality interior. We recommend avoiding both sedans since they have mechanical issues for the 2005 model year.
Do Owners Recommend the Honda Accord?
Yes. It has lasted well for the whole family for years. It is stable and gets decent mileage. It was my first car.
Yes. It gets good gas mileage (30 plus on highway) and it has been easy to maintain. Since it is a 05 it does not has high tech computer stuff so I can still do most of the repairs myself on it.
Yes. I think it is a great vehicle. I have had zero problems with it. Very reliable and easy to zip around in.
Yes. I have had very few problems with it. Outside of changing tires and brakes, I have no complaints.
Yes, I love my Honda accord... I plan to buy another newer one in a few months. It is by far the best car I have ever owned. It wasn't too expensive and it is exactly what I need. I love the way it looks and the gas mileage is great.
Yes very reliable though it is old and needs some work. It has great heat and we keep on oil changes tires brakes and other safety issues.
Yes it drives nice and accelerated quickly and I haven't had many problems with it. All I have had to buy for it was new wheels and that was simply because the previous owner had used it a lot and the wheels were worn out.
The only complaints I have is that since I have bought it, I 've gotten 2 recalls on it because of the air bags. Otherwise, I love it.