The 2004 Honda Accord was offered with a variety of tire sizes depending on the trim level and engine. This article will provide a detailed overview of the different 2004 Honda Accord tire sizes including specifications, OEM wheels, and compatibility across trims. We’ll discuss how tire size affects performance and go in-depth on the 2004 Honda Accord Tire Size options.
Overview Of 2004 Honda Accord Tire Sizes
The seventh generation 2004 Honda Accord was available with four different tire sizes ranging from 15 to 17 inches. Tire sizes were dependent on the trim level and engine equipped in the vehicle. Smaller 15 and 16 inch tires were standard on lower trims while uplevel models came equipped with larger 16 and 17 inch tires from the factory.
2004 Honda Accord Tire Size options:
- P195/65R15
- P205/65R15
- P205/60R16
- P215/50R17
Along with tire size, OEM wheel size and design also varied across trims levels. Let’s take a closer look at the tire size differences between trims.
Entry Level Tire Size – P195/65R15
The base DX trim sedan came equipped with 15 inch steel wheels and P195/65R15 tires from the factory. This tire size is considered an entry level size focused more on fuel economy versus performance.
The 15 inch tire size provides:
- Smoother, more comfortable ride
- Improved fuel economy
- Lower cost of replacement tires
However, the smaller tire size does result in:
- Reduced steering response and handling
- Lower levels of traction
- Shorter tire tread life
The P195/65R15 is a good match for the base 4 cylinder engine providing an emphasis on ride comfort and affordability. Enthusiasts looking for more performance will want to upgrade to larger 16 or 17 inch tire sizes.
Mid Grade Tire Size – P205/65R15
Moving up to the LX and EX trims opens up larger 2004 Honda Accord Tire Size options. The LX 4 cylinder sedan and coupe, along with V6 coupes, came equipped with 15 inch alloy wheels and P205/65R15 tires from the factory.
The P205/65R15 tire offers:
- Improved handling over smaller 15 inch tires
- Better traction than P195 R15 tires
- Longer tread life than lower profile tires
The slightly wider tires and lower profile sidewall provide better grip and responsiveness while maintaining good ride quality. This is a nice overall tire size upgrade over base models.
Uplevel Tire Size – P205/60R16
2004 Honda Accord EX models (both 4 cylinder and V6) were equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels and P205/60R16 tires from the factory.
Key benefits of the 16 inch tire size:
- Noticeable improvement in steering response
- Better cornering grip and traction
- More precise handling and braking
The increased width and lower profile sidewalls offer enhanced performance and handling over the 15 inch tire sizes. While ride comfort decreases slightly, the payoff is much better road feel and responsiveness.
Top Tire Size – P215/50R17
At the top of the line, the 2004 Honda Accord EX V6 coupe came equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels and P215/50R17 high performance tires.
Key highlights of the 17 inch tire size:
- Maximum grip and traction
- Very precise steering and handling
- Excellent braking performance
The 17 inch tire is best suited for a performance oriented driving experience. The lower profile provides a stiffer sidewall for more responsiveness at the expense of ride quality. These offer the highest limits when pushed hard into corners.
2004 Honda Accord Tire Size Comparison
2004 Honda Accord Tire Size | P195/65R15 | P205/65R15 | P205/60R16 | P215/50R17 |
Trim Availability | DX | LX, LX V6 | EX | EX V6 Coupe |
Performance | Low | Medium | Medium High | High |
Ride Comfort | High | Medium High | Medium | Low |
Fuel Economy | Best | Good | Average | Worst |
Cost | Low | Medium | High | Highest |
How Tire Size Affects Performance?
Tire size has a significant impact on a vehicle’s handling, ride quality, braking traction, and fuel economy characteristics. By understanding tire size metrics, you can select the best tire for your needs.
Section Width
The section width is the measurement of the tread portion in millimeters. Wider tires have more rubber contacting the road providing more grip and traction, at the expense of slightly reduced fuel economy.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the sidewall height as a percentage of the section width. Lower aspect ratios like 50 or 60 have shorter sidewalls, making the tire stiffer. This improves handling and response. Higher aspect ratios like 65 or 70 have more sidewall which absorbs bumps better for a smoother ride.
Rim Size
Larger diameter wheels paired with lower profile tires further improve stiffness and responsiveness. Smaller wheels provide a smoother ride.
Treadwear Rating
The treadwear rating predicts the longevity of the tire. Higher ratings like 300 or 400 last longer than lower ratings like 200 or 220.
Performance Ratings
Performance ratings gauge traction, temperature resistance, and tread stiffness. Higher ratings like AA or A offer the best year round performance.
By selecting the right tire size, you can tailor your 2004 Honda Accord to the desired mix of ride quality, fuel economy, and performance for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The OEM Tire Size For My 2004 Honda Accord?
The 2004 Honda Accord tire size depends on your trim level and engine. Refer to the trim overview earlier in this article to determine the factory size based on your specific Accord.
What Tire Size Should I Upgrade To?
Moving one size up from OEM spec is a great way to improve performance while maintaining good ride comfort. For most models, that means going from a P195 or P205/65R15 size up to a P205/60R16. V6 models can upgrade to a P215/50R17 size.
Will Bigger Tires Fit On My Stock Wheels?
You can usually increase the width by 10 mm without issue, but should check clearances. Upgrading to a lower profile or larger diameter wheel is not recommended without upgrading the wheels.
How Much Does Tire Size Affect MPG?
Larger, wider tires with lower profiles can reduce fuel economy by 3-5% over narrower, taller OEM sizes. Proper inflation is key to maximizing MPG for any tire size.
Should I Upgrade To Wider Tires?
Wider tires improve cornering grip and traction, but come at the expense of fuel economy and ride comfort. Only upgrade width if better performance is your priority.
Conclusion
The 2004 Honda Accord was equipped with a range of tire sizes depending on trim levels. Understanding the different tire size specs and characteristics allows you to select the best fit for your driving needs and priorities. With this guide, you can make an informed tire decision to optimize the performance of your 7th generation Accord.
