<P> Mechanically , the 4 - cylinder engine was the all new K - series . For the first time the 4 - cylinder Accord gained a direct ignition ( distributorless ) coil - on - plug ignition system , which had previously been introduced on the V6 . The direct ignition system provides a slight horsepower and fuel economy gain , as well as improved long - term reliability , relative to the traditional system with a distributor and spark plug wires . In addition , Honda provided a new recommendation for engine oil viscosity , 5W - 20 instead of the previous 5W - 30 viscosity . Because of the lower viscosity , engine parts move with less friction , which increases fuel economy . Together with other improvements , this change effected an increase from the previous generation 's ( with VTEC 4 - cylinder F23A1 engine and the manual transmission ) 22mpg city / 29 hwy rating , to 23mpg city / 31 hwy , according to 2008 EPA ratings . The 4 - cylinder engine could be mated to a 5 - speed manual transmission or to a 5 - speed automatic transmission with overdrive ( also new for 2003 ) . A specific 4 - cylinder model was the first production car in the world to meet California 's Super Ultra Low Emissions standards . </P>
<P> Mechanically , the 4 - cylinder engine was the all new K - series . For the first time the 4 - cylinder Accord gained a direct ignition ( distributorless ) coil - on - plug ignition system , which had previously been introduced on the V6 . The direct ignition system provides a slight horsepower and fuel economy gain , as well as improved long - term reliability , relative to the traditional system with a distributor and spark plug wires . In addition , Honda provided a new recommendation for engine oil viscosity , 5W - 20 instead of the previous 5W - 30 viscosity . Because of the lower viscosity , engine parts move with less friction , which increases fuel economy . Together with other improvements , this change effected an increase from the previous generation 's ( with VTEC 4 - cylinder F23A1 engine and the manual transmission ) 22mpg city / 29 hwy rating , to 23mpg city / 31 hwy , according to 2008 EPA ratings . The 4 - cylinder engine could be mated to a 5 - speed manual transmission or to a 5 - speed automatic transmission with overdrive ( also new for 2003 ) . A specific 4 - cylinder model was the first production car in the world to meet California 's Super Ultra Low Emissions standards . </P>
what engine does a 2003 honda accord have
what engine does a 2003 honda accord have
K - series
K - series