'98-'02 Accords - what can be done to make one more fun to drive?

I've been contemplating what I should get for my next daily driver, and it's going to need good mileage, good reliability, and a reasonable degree of comfort. I see a lot of the sixth generation Accords around, and they seem to match all these requirements well, but I'm worried that after the BMW, the driving dynamics might be a bit of a let down. Is this worry justified? If so, what can be done to give these a bit better handling without making them too harsh to use as a daily driver? (Note - I'm in Atlanta, so this would be on fairly smooth pavement, not trying to negotiate Ohio-sized potholes or anything.)

Sell it, and buy Miata?

We had one for about eight years and I really liked it. Not really an enthusiast's car but very good all around. It was a 4 cylinder LX. I would have liked more power, but only when the car was loaded with family and luggage on the highway or in the mountains. Find a V6 EX if you can, though with the V6 you will be limited to an automatic.

They are great cars.

Honda already did the work for you, the fun Accord is called an RSX

GameboyRMH wrote: Honda already did the work for you, the fun Accord is called an RSX

No, that was the expensive civic. The Fun accord was the TL 6-spd.

Bobzilla wrote: Sell it, and buy Miata?

^^^^This.

I've known a few people with those generation Accords, and they said the gas mileage is only sub-par: mid-20s at best.

I averaged about 25mpg from Orlando to DC and back last summer at about 75mph average. It's an appliance, there is no fun with that gen accord like there is with the CD5. It does have a huge trunk, lots of space, and easy to work on. The fiancee hates it but thats because it was a hand me down she bought from her mother and it's beige on beige (she is all in with Jeremy Clarkson on the hatred of that combo).

DirtyBird222 wrote: I averaged about 25mpg from Orlando to DC and back last summer at about 75mph average. It's an appliance, there is no fun with that gen accord like there is with the CD5.

Ok, that's about how I thought it'd behave in stock trim. On the other hand, they have a sub 3000 lb curb weight and unequal length control arms all around - I've got to wonder if some shock, bushing, and sway bar upgrades are all they really need to fix their blandness, or if the problem's something deeper.

Bilsteins, Eibach springs and anti-roll bars, 17in wheels and tires, cold air intake, cat-back, short shifter, poly front engine mount.

Rich Corinthian Swaybars!

1.00"x.120" is too big for the rear one unless you significantly upsize the front one too.

I have a 2001 LX. Avg 25mpg. If it was a meal, it would be plain, room-temperature oatmeal and a glass of tap water.

A good detail job and XM Radio?

Just had this very thought today! I have an 01 LX 5 spd. Purchased new, now with 166K. I prefer driving it over my 04 TL. The car has a certain "lightness" that I enjoy and I can heel toe it, but it needs to corner flatter. Surprised by the low mpg figures. I have seen over 30 on trips. I would hop in this car and drive it anywhere in the country right now.

Anyway, I'm hoping for good suggestions on springs, shocks, sways.

BTW, I already have a Miata.

I basically like the cars. I agree with majority here that suspension mods and wheels and tires will take you a long way to fixing what's wrong with them.

But you have to figure out beforehand if you're going to be ok with the power or what it will take to fix that. And i dont think they will ever get good gas mileage.

I think my main problem with them is that if you go one generation newer you can get a 240hp 6spd manual right out of the box.