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2013 Honda Accord noise level ??

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Observer

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Nov 6, 2012, 11:04:49 AM11/6/12
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I read one review that said the new Accords (2013) while noisy
compared to other brands, is definitely quieter than previous Accords.
Any truth to this and is it noticeable to the ear (not by benchmarks)
? I've got a 2003 and on most highway roads, it's noisy, some not
but on city driving (lower speeds ofcourse) it's not too noisy. I
always thought a change of tires could change the noise level a lot
but since I never read this elsewhere, not so sure now.

JRStern

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Nov 6, 2012, 11:23:29 AM11/6/12
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On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:04:49 -0600, Observer <obse...@void.com>
wrote:
I have a 2013.

It's noticeably quieter than my 2010, both engine noise and road
noise.

Probably did change tires to a quieter variety, for one thing, but
it's several others as well.

Some of that is the active noise cancellation, or whatever they call
it, but some is simply a design feature, they *finally* changed their
design criteria. I think they did a nice job, it is definitely
quieter, but still has a reasonably good road feel.

J.

Observer

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Nov 6, 2012, 1:54:58 PM11/6/12
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On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:23:29 -0800, JRStern <JRS...@foobar.invalid>
wrote:
Appreciate the info. I'm not in the market for one right now but
just trying to be ready in case or when I am ready. I'm sorta a
Honda guy and so use to the feel of an Accord that I prefer to drive
another (for my next sedan) over the competition unless the
reliability goes down. I know some say it's a boring car to drive but
I don't care about that (probably because I'm boring too) as long as
it's reliable and reasonably comfortable.

As long as you own one, any advice when buying one? Maybe like
things you wish you had or now wish you didn't have, etc.... .

Howard Lester

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Nov 6, 2012, 2:38:41 PM11/6/12
to
"JRStern" wrote

> It's noticeably quieter than my 2010, both engine noise and road
> noise.
>
> Probably did change tires to a quieter variety, for one thing, but
> it's several others as well.

I test drove an EX 4-cyl. It is definitely quieter than my 2004 4-cyl.
Accord, and I wouldn't attribute that to the 2013's Michelin Primacy tires.
I tried Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds on my 2004, and they were no quieter
than any other tire I'd put on that car, including its original Michelins.
(As an aside, two years ago I replaced the Goodyears with Nokian WR G2's,
which give me far more "assurance" around dry pavement curves and corners
than the Goodyears ever did.)

JRStern

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Nov 6, 2012, 7:11:31 PM11/6/12
to
On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:54:58 -0600, Observer <obse...@void.com>
wrote:

>Appreciate the info. I'm not in the market for one right now but
>just trying to be ready in case or when I am ready. I'm sorta a
>Honda guy and so use to the feel of an Accord that I prefer to drive
>another (for my next sedan) over the competition unless the
>reliability goes down. I know some say it's a boring car to drive but
>I don't care about that (probably because I'm boring too) as long as
>it's reliable and reasonably comfortable.
>
>As long as you own one, any advice when buying one? Maybe like
>things you wish you had or now wish you didn't have, etc.... .

So far, so good!

I'm not sure I got the best deal in town but it was at least a lot
better than the starting offers. I expected to net a grand from
selling the dealer my lease-return, always have in the past, but none
of four dealers would take it. I smell a conspiracy.

As I've said, the lane departure and front collision warning features
(EXL only) are certainly not ready for prime time, but they are mostly
harmless and mildly amusing, and they're not charging much for them
over and above the leather seats and other previous EXL gimmicks.


J.

Unkie Stan

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Apr 9, 2013, 2:18:01 PM4/9/13
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replying to Observer , Unkie Stan wrote:
I own a 2013 Accord LX and the tire noise from the Firestone Affinity tires
is really loud.
I've had 2 out-of-round tires replaced, wheel alignment and balancing twice
(once at the dealer's
and once at a Firestone store) and the noise goes on. Maybe a different brand
of tire would solve
the problem but at 5000 miles I'm not ready for that expense. My 2005 Accord
was quitter. If it
wasn't for the tire noise, I would say that this is the best Accord of the 3
that I've owned
('99, '05 and '13). As near as I can tell, the Active Noise Cancellation
feature is the audio system
volume control- turn it up until you can't hear the tires.

--
posted from
http://www.motorsforum.com/honda/2013-honda-accord-noise-level-50010-.htm
using MotorsForum's Web, RSS and Social Media Interface to
alt.autos.honda and other automotive groups

JRStern

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Apr 10, 2013, 9:50:04 PM4/10/13
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On Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:18:01 +0000, Unkie Stan
<065b0505594b06f549...@example.com> wrote:

>replying to Observer , Unkie Stan wrote:
>> observer wrote:
>>
>> I read one review that said the new Accords (2013) while noisy
>> compared to other brands, is definitely quieter than previous Accords.
>> Any truth to this and is it noticeable to the ear (not by benchmarks)
>> ? I've got a 2003 and on most highway roads, it's noisy, some not
>> but on city driving (lower speeds ofcourse) it's not too noisy. I
>> always thought a change of tires could change the noise level a lot
>> but since I never read this elsewhere, not so sure now.
>
>I own a 2013 Accord LX and the tire noise from the Firestone Affinity tires
>is really loud.

Previous Accord models were purposely left a little noisy because that
was supposed to equate to sporty feedback.

My 2013 EXL is noticeably quieter, it's both by design and the active
noise cancellation widget.

I'm not even sure what kind of tires I have, I would have said
Michelin, I'll have to go check.

J.


Pawalleye

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Apr 10, 2013, 11:12:45 PM4/10/13
to
I have a 2012 EX-L and it is very quiet. I am guessing though it is
what one is used to. My previous vehicle was a pickup and it was loud.

P.

Flatlander

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Apr 11, 2013, 4:02:06 PM4/11/13
to
On Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:12:45 -0500, Pawalleye <pawa...@gmail.com>
wrote:
We have a 2012 EX-L and, although quiet for a Honda, it isn't quiet
compared to some of the competition. Particularly over certain road
services.

Also just bought a 2009 Civic coupe and yeah...a world of difference
from the Accord. Lots noisier by comparison. And big differences in
ride. It is definitely a matter of what one is used to.

JRStern

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Apr 12, 2013, 9:30:50 PM4/12/13
to
On Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:12:45 -0500, Pawalleye <pawa...@gmail.com>
wrote:

My previous was a 2010 EX and there's a big difference, I believe the
2012 EXL also had the active noise cancellation fwiw, and the 2010 did
not.

J.

Mike Trainor

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Apr 26, 2013, 8:34:19 AM4/26/13
to
On Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:12:45 -0500, Pawalleye <pawa...@gmail.com>
wrote:

>On 4/10/2013 8:50 PM, JRStern wrote:
>> On Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:18:01 +0000, Unkie Stan
>> <065b0505594b06f549...@example.com> wrote:
>>
>>> replying to Observer , Unkie Stan wrote:
>>>> observer wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I read one review that said the new Accords (2013) while noisy
>>>> compared to other brands, is definitely quieter than previous Accords.
>>>> Any truth to this and is it noticeable to the ear (not by benchmarks)
>>>> ? I've got a 2003 and on most highway roads, it's noisy, some not
>>>> but on city driving (lower speeds ofcourse) it's not too noisy. I
>>>> always thought a change of tires could change the noise level a lot
>>>> but since I never read this elsewhere, not so sure now.

>I have a 2012 EX-L and it is very quiet. I am guessing though it is
>what one is used to. My previous vehicle was a pickup and it was loud.

How true!

I got a 2013 Accord LX-S in December last year . No model choise,
as I do not like autmatic transmissions and was confined to the LX-S.

Though it is the bottom of the ladder, it is infinitely quieter than
the 2000 Subaru Legacy I drove for 12+ years. I was skeptical
about the voice recognition for the telephone because of the
noise level, but it works fine.

What is suprising is the difference between cruising and accelerating.
Even a moderate push on the accelerator, tremendously increases the
noise level as the car revs up. The difference in the levels still
surprises me. I once floored the accelerator just to see what would
happen (was in fourth). The car took off like a rocket, and sounded
like one! The moment I took my foot off, it was like I had gone deaf.

My wife bought a Camry Hybrid in the fall last year. *She* finds it
noisy, compared to her old Lexus 400. I find it much quiter than the
Accord!!

So, as the man says, "it is what one is used to".

mt

JRStern

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Apr 26, 2013, 11:42:15 PM4/26/13
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On Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:50:04 -0700, JRStern <JRS...@foobar.invalid>
wrote:
Yeah it's Michelin.

J.

JRStern

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Apr 26, 2013, 11:44:31 PM4/26/13
to
On Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:34:19 -0400, Mike Trainor
<mtra...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>>I have a 2012 EX-L and it is very quiet. I am guessing though it is
>>what one is used to. My previous vehicle was a pickup and it was loud.
>
>How true!
>
>I got a 2013 Accord LX-S in December last year . No model choise,
>as I do not like autmatic transmissions and was confined to the LX-S.
>
>Though it is the bottom of the ladder, it is infinitely quieter than
>the 2000 Subaru Legacy I drove for 12+ years. I was skeptical
>about the voice recognition for the telephone because of the
>noise level, but it works fine.
>
>What is suprising is the difference between cruising and accelerating.
>Even a moderate push on the accelerator, tremendously increases the
>noise level as the car revs up. The difference in the levels still
>surprises me. I once floored the accelerator just to see what would
>happen (was in fourth). The car took off like a rocket, and sounded
>like one! The moment I took my foot off, it was like I had gone deaf.
>
>My wife bought a Camry Hybrid in the fall last year. *She* finds it
>noisy, compared to her old Lexus 400. I find it much quiter than the
>Accord!!
>
>So, as the man says, "it is what one is used to".
>
>mt

You actually got one with the manual transmission? Rare as unicorns.

I think the noise on acceleration is still a design point, they let it
through on purpose to be sporty or sound powerful and like that.

J.

tww1491

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Apr 27, 2013, 8:37:24 AM4/27/13
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"Mike Trainor" wrote in message
news:fhskn893inm4k3fa4...@4ax.com...
Good choice -- but I thought you could get the EX I4 with the 6spd. If I
were to replace my S2000, I would surely buy the manual Accord.

Mike Trainor

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Apr 29, 2013, 7:23:39 PM4/29/13
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On Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:44:31 -0700, JRStern <JRS...@foobar.invalid>
wrote:

>On Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:34:19 -0400, Mike Trainor
><mtra...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>

>
>You actually got one with the manual transmission? Rare as unicorns.

That was not negotiable. Otherwise, BMWs, Volkswagens, Audis
and Hyundais were on standby. Actually, after a few months
of seeing the digusting grey colour and an interior that is
already looking like a slum as every little speck shows on the
black, I guess I will not be going back to a Honda again.
>
>I think the noise on acceleration is still a design point, they let it
>through on purpose to be sporty or sound powerful and like that.

Ah! "Sporty", but auto! Oxymoron?

There is another defect that I forgot all about that is very irksome.
Every time is rained (now that the snows have gone, or so we hope)
I thought it was hail. There is this awfully loud splattering noise
that sounds just like hail and it appears to come from just to the
left of my ear, near the middle pillar of the car. Finally, I think I
have figured it out. There is broad plastic trim along the trailing
edge of the window and the raindrops hitting it make the sound
of buckshot! Very disconcerting and loud while driving.

I think that this is a real design defect and am going to complain
when I take it in for the first service.

mt

Mike Trainor

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Apr 29, 2013, 7:27:25 PM4/29/13
to
On Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:37:24 -0400, "tww1491" <twa...@cox.net> wrote:


>Good choice -- but I thought you could get the EX I4 with the 6spd. If I
>were to replace my S2000, I would surely buy the manual Accord.

Getting off the thread here, but ... I love the 6 speed as it is
smooth as silk compared to the Subaru Legacy. Perhaps on
par with the Toyotas and Citreons I have driven and better
than the BMWs I have had a chance to drive.

The only trouble is the Subaru was 5 speed and now I tend
to get a bit confused between 4 and 6!! Sometimes I shift
from 5 to 4 when I meant to go to 6, sometimes I drive on
4 for while thinking I am on 6 (till I glance at the tach), ...
and so on. But, it is treat to shift after the Subaru.

mt

JRStern

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Apr 30, 2013, 1:53:47 AM4/30/13
to
On Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:23:39 -0400, Mike Trainor
<mtra...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:44:31 -0700, JRStern <JRS...@foobar.invalid>
>wrote:
>
>>On Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:34:19 -0400, Mike Trainor
>><mtra...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>
>>
>>You actually got one with the manual transmission? Rare as unicorns.
>
>That was not negotiable. Otherwise, BMWs, Volkswagens, Audis
>and Hyundais were on standby. Actually, after a few months
>of seeing the digusting grey colour and an interior that is
>already looking like a slum as every little speck shows on the
>black, I guess I will not be going back to a Honda again.
>>
>>I think the noise on acceleration is still a design point, they let it
>>through on purpose to be sporty or sound powerful and like that.
>
>Ah! "Sporty", but auto! Oxymoron?

There are degrees, and being swaddled in cotton is where they didn't
want to go, hey the Camry is already there.

You might be a little retro on the opinion anyway, a good auto with
paddle-shifters or the like, and why not. The Beemers have this
video-game joystick style shift lever, since it's all drive by wire
anyway, that I really like - makes the Honda heavy-duty shift lever
look like something grafted on from a 1940s Buick.

OTOH, my CVT is starting to feel a little sticky in low-level throttle
response (like trying to accelerate from 25 to 30mph), I can't wait to
see what happens next.

I might drive the manual if they were readily available, but at this
point haven't driven one since I traded in my 1987. And if I ever
went nuts and bought the Beemer, I doubt I'd want the manual. I think
we're just sort of past that, technologically. Though ask me again if
my CVT explodes.

J.

Mike Trainor

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Apr 30, 2013, 9:02:16 AM4/30/13
to
No comments on this yet .... Have others experienced the same.
It does not have to be very heavy rain. Even a moderate
shower in enough at highway speeds. It is not that bad
at street speed, but once you are above the 40 mph (60 kph)
range, it is very obnoxious.

sj

Howard Lester

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Apr 30, 2013, 3:42:04 PM4/30/13
to
"Mike Trainor" wrote

>>There is broad plastic trim along the trailing
>>edge of the window and the raindrops hitting it make the sound
>>of buckshot! Very disconcerting and loud while driving.
>>
>>I think that this is a real design defect and am going to complain
>>when I take it in for the first service.

> No comments on this yet .... Have others experienced the same.

So *that's* what that sound was that I heard as I drove my new Accord home
from the dealership in light rain! Sheesh!

JRStern

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Apr 30, 2013, 9:34:24 PM4/30/13
to
Have not had enough rain in Los Angeles to notice it since I got the
car in October!

J.

Flatlander

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May 1, 2013, 11:11:28 AM5/1/13
to
On Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:02:16 -0400, Mike Trainor
Don't know this is all that unusual an issue. It happened on my 2001
Accord. it seemed sensitive to wind direction and droplet size. Have
not noticed it on the 2012. Some sort of deflector or leading edge
treatment might fix it...but then, Honda should have thought of that.

Pawalleye

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May 1, 2013, 12:45:21 PM5/1/13
to
I have noticed no excessive noise in my 2012 Pilot from rain although we
tend to have more snow than rain in sthe winter.

RH

Mike Trainor

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May 1, 2013, 8:55:53 PM5/1/13
to
On Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:42:04 -0400, "Howard Lester"
<howardx...@verizon.net> wrote:


>So *that's* what that sound was that I heard as I drove my new Accord home
>from the dealership in light rain! Sheesh!

Glad to know that others have herad it!!

The Subaru Legacy had one of those door frames that did not frame the
window -- the door was like a convertible's, ending at the lower end.
As a result, there was no such noise.

What surprises me is that it has been going on for a long time and
Honda has not fixed it. I wonder if they get complaints. I am going
to complain and tell them that it is enough for me not to come
back to Honda ever again. The noise is very loud and is bearable
during 20 min city commutes, but I wonder if I can put up with
it for a couple of hours on the highway!

mt

Howard Lester

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May 2, 2013, 4:14:28 PM5/2/13
to
"Mike Trainor" > wrote

>>So *that's* what that sound was that I heard as I drove my new Accord home
>>from the dealership in light rain! Sheesh!
>
> Glad to know that others have herad it!!

Yes, I herad it, too. ;-)

My '04 Accord sedan did not have this "problem." But I'll take the tradeoffs
of the '13's superior ride quality. Now, how to replace the rear
speakers.... (not a job for an unsupervised amateur, I am sure).



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