The Honda Accord is one of the most popular midsize sedans ever made. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior, the Accord has been a top choice for families and commuters since its debut in 1976. The 2004 model year marked the seventh generation of the Honda Accord, bringing updated styling, new technology features, and improvements in safety, performance and comfort.
For used car shoppers today, the 2004 Honda Accord offers an appealing blend of value, dependability and practicality. But how much is a 2004 Honda Accord worth in 2023-2024?
Let’s take a closer look at the factors that determine the value of this family sedan nearly 20 years later.
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Overview of the 2004 Honda Accord
Table of Content
- 1 Overview of the 2004 Honda Accord
- 2 Factors Impacting a 2004 Honda Accord’s Value in 2023
- 3 Used 2004 Honda Accord Pricing by Trim
- 4 Is the 2004 Honda Accord a Good Used Car Purchase?
- 5 Where To Find a Used 2004 Honda Accord For Sale
- 6 Is the 2004 Honda Accord a Classic?
- 7 Common Issues and Problems with 2004 Honda Accords
- 8 Is a 2004 Honda Accord Still a Good Car in 2023?
- 9 2004 Honda Accord: The Bottom Line on Value
The seventh generation Honda Accord was fully redesigned for the 2003 model year, with the updates carrying over largely unchanged into 2004. Available as a 4-door sedan or 2-door coupe, the Accord offered three engine choices:
- 2.4L 4-cylinder producing 160 horsepower
- 3.0L V6 making 240 horsepower
- Hybrid version with 110 kW electric motor and 3.0L V6
Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, depending on trim and engine choice.
Standard features on the 2004 Honda Accord LX, the base trim, included power windows and door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and a 6-speaker CD stereo. Moving up to the EX added amenities like alloy wheels, heated mirrors, moonroof, power driver’s seat, premium audio and dual zone climate control. Top EX-L trims added leather upholstery, XM satellite radio and other luxuries.
Safety was also a priority, with all 2004 Accords including front side airbags and side curtain airbags plus antilock brakes and stability control. Crash test ratings by the NHTSA and IIHS were mostly Good and 4 or 5 stars.
While not the most exciting vehicle, the 2004 Accord offered a smooth, comfortable ride along with excellent passenger space and fuel economy up to 26/34 mpg city/highway. Reliability was a strong suit as well, with most owners reporting few major issues.
Factors Impacting a 2004 Honda Accord’s Value in 2023
Many factors come into play when determining the value of a used 2004 Honda Accord nearly 20 years later. Key considerations include:
Mileage and Condition
Mileage is one of the biggest factors influencing any used car’s value. A 2004 Accord with less than 100k miles will typically sell for much more than one with 150k or higher mileage. Well-maintained examples tend to command a premium as well.
Trim Level and Options
Higher trim Accords like EX and EX-L are worth more than base LX models. Additionally, options like leather seats, navigation or premium audio make a car more valuable on the used market. Unique colors and wheel options also impact value.
Service History
Evidence of regular maintenance and service throughout the years makes any used Honda more appealing. Detailed service records showing oil changes, inspections, etc. add confidence and value. Lack of documentation raises concerns.
Color and Region
Some colors may be more desirable based on shifting consumer tastes. And a Honda’s value varies by location, with cars in warmer climates often cheaper than those from regions with cold winters and road salt.
Aftermarket Upgrades
Modifications like custom wheels, tires, intake and exhausts can negatively or positively impact value. Quality and taste play a role in determining if upgrades help or hurt value.
Used 2004 Honda Accord Pricing by Trim
Honda sold three main trims on the 2004 Accord – LX, EX and EX-L. Here is a look at pricing for each based on average market values according to auto research sites:
2004 Honda Accord LX
As the base model 2004 Accord, the LX came decently equipped with features like air conditioning, CD player and power accessories. With the 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, the MSRP was around $20,000 when new.
Today, used LX sedans with about 100k-150k miles have an average value of $3,500-5,500 depending on condition, location and mileage. Coupes are valued slightly higher on average.
2004 Honda Accord EX
Stepping up to the mid-range EX trim added many nice upgrades like alloy wheels, moonroof and premium audio. The original MSRP was around $23,000-25,000 for EX sedans and coupes when new.
For used EX models today, pricing averages $4,500-7,000 for sedans and $5,000-8,000 for coupes in good condition with around 100k-150k miles. V6 models command a slight premium.
2004 Honda Accord EX-L
The high-end EX-L came loaded with leather, luxury features and V6 power. Its original MSRP ranged from $27,000-30,000 depending on configuration when new for 2004.
Now valued at $5,500-8,500 for sedans and $6,000-9,500 for coupes with moderate mileage, the EX-L commands the highest prices on the used market for 2004 Accords. The V6 and leather are especially sought-after.
Is the 2004 Honda Accord a Good Used Car Purchase?
Given its combination of reliability, affordability and practicality, the 2004 Honda Accord can make an excellent used car purchase for many buyers:
Pros
- Proven reliability and durability if properly maintained
- Good passenger and cargo room for its class
- Fuel efficient 4-cylinder with up to 34 mpg highway
- Available V6 provides strong acceleration
- High safety scores when new
- Relatively affordable, with used models starting around $3,500
Cons
- Doesn’t have modern tech and safety features
- Model with over 150k miles will likely need some repairs
- Insurance costs may be higher due to collision theft rates
- Sedans lack versatility of today’s crossovers
If you can find a 2004-2006 Accord in good shape from a private seller, it can be a very sharp used car purchase. The key is getting a fully inspected example with moderate miles and complete service history. Overall, the 2004 Accord delivers excellent function and value in an affordable used package.
Where To Find a Used 2004 Honda Accord For Sale
Used 2004 Honda Accords can be found for sale through various sources – here are some options:
Online Listings
Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Cars.com offer private party and dealer listings that you can search through. Make sure to read the details and see the car first before purchasing.
Independent Used Car Lots
Check independent used car dealers in your area. They may have some older Accords at reasonable prices compared to franchised dealers.
Honda Certified Used
Consider a Honda Certified used Accord, which adds confidence through the manufacturer’s inspection and warranty coverage.
Auctions
Government, repossession and other public auctions sometimes have older Accords sell for attractive prices. Inspection before bidding is critical however.
Classified Ads
Your local newspaper classifieds section or pennysaver magazine may contain listings from owners selling an older Accord. But make sure to verify the condition.
Private Sellers
Finding an Accord for sale by the owner can get you the best deal. Search sites like Craigslist and Facebook or put the word out through family, friends and community connections.
Regardless of where you find a used 2004 Honda Accord for sale, be sure to get a vehicle history report, take a test drive and have a trusted mechanic complete a pre-purchase inspection before buying. Taking these steps will help you better determine condition and value while negotiating a fair price.
Is the 2004 Honda Accord a Classic?
While the 2004 Accord doesn’t quite have the collector status of earlier generations yet, it is starting to gain some recognition as a reliable, well-built sedan that may one day be seen as a classic Honda:
Reasons it may be viewed as a future classic:
- One of the last Hondas before widespread use of timing belts instead of chains
- Start of increased size and refinement as Accord transitioned upmarket
- Reliable and easy to service 4-cylinder or V6 options
- Peak of the VTEC performance era before move to turbocharging
- StrongCrash test scores and array of airbags made it very safe for its time
Reasons it may not reach classic status:
- Styling is conservatively handsome but arguably bland
- Performance and handling competent but not exciting
- Cabin looks dated compared to more modern interiors
- Doesn’t have the light weight or rev-happy engines of earlier Accords
- Sold in huge numbers so not very rare or exclusive
While the 2004 Accord probably won’t ever join the ranks of sought-after 1960s muscle cars, it can still be considered a future modern classic as an affordable, reliable family sedan that helped cement Honda’s reputation for dependability. Time will tell if its nostalgia factor grows to boost its value.
Common Issues and Problems with 2004 Honda Accords
Like most vehicles, the 2004 Honda Accord has a few potential problem areas to be aware of:
Excess Oil Consumption
The 4-cylinder engine may burn more than 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles in some cases. Keeping oil level topped off can help.
Automatic Transmission Failure
Automatic models can experience premature transmission failure in some cases. Harsh shifts and slippage indicate issues.
Power Window Regulator Failures
Front power window regulators tend to break frequently on 2002-2006 Accords. The fix involves replacing the regulator.
Sun Visor Discoloration/Cracking
Sun visors can become cracked and discolored over time. Aftermarket replacements can fix this annoyance.
Climate Control Issues
The AC and heater blower may stop working due to failed resistors. Repair kits are available to fix this.
Paint Chipping
Poor paint quality causes many 2004-2008 Accords to develop chips and bubbling around the edges and joints. Touch up paint can help temporarily.
Rust
Road salt and exposure can cause rust around wheel wells, tail light panels and lower body over time. Keeping paint intact helps prevent this.
Overall, the 2004 Accord has proved to be a very dependable used car purchase as long as routine maintenance is done. Addressing any issues promptly can help maximize longevity.
Is a 2004 Honda Accord Still a Good Car in 2023?
At nearly 20 years old, is a 2004 Honda Accord still a good car in 2023? There are pros and cons to driving an older Accord today:
Pros
- Low purchase price and insurance costs
- Good cargo room and proven interior space
- Easy to repair and find replacement parts
- Excellent fuel economy from 4-cylinder
- Quality construction and durability if maintained
Cons
- Lacks active safety tech like automatic emergency braking
- No or limited connectivity features in most models
- Ride, noise and acceleration don’t match newer cars
- Outdated interior styling looks dated
- Higher risk of breakdowns as it ages
For buyers seeking basic transportation on a tight budget, a 2004 Accord can be a smart choice still in 2023. However, most consumers expect amenities, safety and performance that a 2 decade old midsize sedan simply can’t deliver.
While cheap to buy, insurance and repairs may end up higher on an aging 2004 Accord unless you can do your own maintenance and repairs. And safety is always a top priority – newer vehicles perform vastly better in crashes.
For collectors or enthusiasts, keeping a 2004 Accord running makes sense. But most drivers will be better served by upgrading to a newer, more efficient Honda or Toyota model that meets modern needs and standards. If you only need basic transportation the 2004 Accord may still be a good used car – but be sure to test drive some newer options before deciding.
2004 Honda Accord: The Bottom Line on Value
The 2004 Honda Accord offers an excellent blend of reliability, value and practicality to used car shoppers today. With models starting around just $3,500 for higher mileage examples, it provides affordable transportation for budget-minded buyers.
However, it lacks the full suite of airbags, technology features and safety advances present in newer Honda Accords and rival models. And repair costs can quickly mount as major systems and components wear out after nearly 20 years and over 100k miles of driving.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the 2004 Accord is starting to be viewed as a future modern classic. Its reputation for quality and longevity cements its status as one of the better family sedans of its era. But most mainstream consumers will likely prefer a newer used Honda or Toyota model that better meets current needs.
If you can find a car that has been well maintained, the 2004 Accord still represents an excellent value as an affordable used sedan or coupe. Do your research, get a thorough inspection, review maintenance records and make an offer based on typical market prices. With the right example, this Honda can provide many more years and miles of enjoyable, fuss-free transportation.
