1998-02 Honda Accord Sedan

1998 Honda Accord sedan (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Overview

The late '90s and early 2000s cemented the reputation of the Accord as a well-built, reliable, and popular car. It was the top seller nationwide in its class in 2001, and you’ll still see plenty of 1998-2002 Accord sedans on the road. If you’re interested in updating and upgrading the sound system in your Accord, you’re in luck. There are plenty of good options available, ranging from simple speaker swaps to replacing the existing car radio with a new receiver.

Replacing your factory radio

If your goal is to do a complete system makeover for your Accord, the best place to start is the in-dash receiver. Not only do aftermarket models have more power and sound-shaping options than the factory radio, but technology has come a long way since the car was built. New receivers have a lot of features to offer, like iPod® controls and Bluetooth® connectivity, to name a couple, that weren’t available when theses Accords rolled off of the dealer’s lot.

Double-sized factory radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Regular DIN-sized factory radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Although the radio cavity opening is the same in both cars, both single- and double-DIN radios were installed in the Accord at the factory. It’s necessary to remove the vents and surrounding panel to access the radio’s mounting bolts.

The Accord sedan came with a variety of different radio packages, including cassette and CD options. Depending on the model, the factory radio was either a double-DIN model (above, left), or a single-DIN model with a storage compartment below (above, right). In either case the replacement options are the same – you can install an aftermarket double-DIN receiver into the existing opening or add a single-DIN model with the use of a mounting kit. You'll also need a wiring harness to properly connect a new stereo. (Crutchfield includes the dash kit and harness needed for this installation free with most orders, along with our step-by-step instructions for your Accord.)

The Accord's dash disassembled (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Tools needed: Small flat-blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, panel tool, and a shop rag (to help prevent scratching the trim panels) .

Steering wheel audio controls:  If your Accord has steering wheel audio controls, we currently carry one adapter that lets you use them with an aftermarket stereo. The ASWC-1 interface from Axxess allows you to connect the steering wheel controls in a wide variety of vehicles to almost any brand of aftermarket stereo. (Note: your new stereo must have a 3.5mm steering wheel control or wired remote control input.) In most cases, this interface automatically detects which vehicle it's connected to — if not, you can manually program the interface for your vehicle by following a step-by-step process with LED confirmation.

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Replacing your factory speakers

Accord front door (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front door speakers

The front doors of the Accord will accept 6-1/2" size speakers. These fit the existing openings, but you may run into issues with mounting depth, as most aftermarket speakers are deeper than the factory-installed models. You can work around this issue by using a hacksaw blade to cut out the back of the plastic mounting bracket to give the speaker magnet and basket some extra depth.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, flat-blade screwdriver, hacksaw (to increase the depth allowance)

The Accord’s front door speakers can be replaced with many aftermarket 6-1/2" models. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

You may need to cut out the back of the speaker mounting bracket to make room for a new speaker. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear deck speakers

The Accord’s rear deck speakers are 6" x 9" models. This is an easy installation – the rear speaker grilles are secured to the deck by screws on the underside, and the new speakers fit the existing openings with no modifications. There are plenty of excellent speakers that will fit into the openings.  

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, small flat-blade screwdriver

(Crutchfield Research Photo)

Tweeters

The top-end speaker system in the Accord was a 6-speaker system that added a pair of tweeters in the dash. The tweeters are easily accessed by prying out the grille with a small flat-blade screwdriver. If you want to replace the speakers you’ll need to fabricate a bracket for the new tweeter – there’s no aftermarket mount available.

Some Accord models are equipped with tweeters in the top corners of the dashboard. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Shop for speakers that fit your Honda Accord

Bass in your Accord

There’s ample room in the trunk of the Accord for a sub box. In fact, most sealed dual 12" subwoofer enclosures, like this Sound Ordnance model, will fit. Be sure to measure the space you have available and compare with the specs of the box you’re looking to install.

Other Options

iPod control and auxiliary inputs

If you’d like to add an iPod interface or auxiliary input to your Accord’s factory radio, you may be in luck. If the radio has a button labeled "CD," and the radio does not have a built-in CD changer, you can add one of several different interfaces that will add an auxiliary input or let you connect your iPod. In each case you’ll need to plug the adapter’s harness into the rear of the factory radio, so you’ll have to remove and reinstall the radio. The adapter uses the port that the external factory CD changer is plugged into, so you’ll have to disconnect it if the Accord is equipped with one.

Bluetooth connectivity

Several Parrot Bluetooth cell phone interfaces will plug into the Accord’s factory radio with the addition of a special T-harness. You’ll have to remove and reinstall the radio to make the connections.

Security

If you're interested in installing a security system, or adding keyless entry, you’ll need to do some wiring – there are no vehicle-specific car harnesses available for a plug-and-play installation. If you want to add a remote start system, you'll need a transponder bypass. We recommend the FLCAN module from FlashLogic for this and to help make the installation of most alarm systems easier.

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