Honda Accord: Body Modifications

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

For whatever reason, most people tend to believe that to make a car look better you simply need to add a diffuser, spoiler, or tint the windows. While those are certainly great options, there are other ways to set your ride apart from others. Below are a few examples of what you can do to make your Accord look several steps above the next one.

Body Kits

DIY Cost – $145-500

Professional Cost – $500+

Skill Level – Hard; some kits may require the removal of panels.

Aside from (or in addition to) new bumpers, side skirts, door panels, hoods, and spoilers, this option will give your car a new and personalized look. Not only will it help your car stand out, but (with some kits) your car's performance and aerodynamics may also improve. The cost is generally going to be on the higher end because some kits require painting, which increases labor costs. Most Honda owners go with sections rather than complete kits, but if you can afford to get them all at once, then the bonus will be in having your paint match seamlessly. Recommended for it looks, performance and aerodynamics.

Rims and Tires

DIY Cost – $500+

Professional Cost – $750-1,000

Skill Level – Easy to moderate; if the tires come pre-mounted and balanced, the skill level is quite low. If not, then you will need to take it into an auto shop.

Aftermarket rims and tires are a quick, easy way to give your car a new look and attitude. Plus, you won't have to wait days or weeks for it to be completed. All it takes is an hour or so and you will be back on the road, showing off your new rims and tires. When considering the different options for getting new rims and tires, it's important to know the specifications for your car, such as wheel well size and the bolt configuration. Also, the size of the rims and tires can either affect your car's performance positively or negatively. For example, larger wheels give the car slightly better handling, but also adds pressure to the suspension system. So knowing your car's specs before purchasing these mods will help you narrow down which rims and tires are right for your car. Recommended for its fast and easy installation.

Headlights and Tail Lights

DIY Cost – $75-300

Professional Cost – $200-500

Skill Level – Moderate; it will require removal of body parts.

A headlight and tail light upgrade can give your car an aggressive new look during the night. There are a couple of aftermarket options, such as High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon lamp kits or (Halo) Angel Eye Projector LED headlights. Some kits may require an easy plug-and-play installation, but some may require the removal of body parts, which can be more time consuming and difficult. In addition to the headlight bulbs, another option can be to smoke out the headlight assemblies, or completely replace them with compatible aftermarket housings. These upgrades are a popular choice because of how cool they look at night. Recommended for its various upgrades.

Carbon Fiber

DIY Cost – $80-1,000

Professional Cost – $200-1,500

Skill Level – Hard; you will need to handle these parts more delicately.

The most important thing about replacing parts with carbon fiber is the lightened load and weight of the car. Without even adjusting or enhancing the engine for performance, a carbon fiber setup will make your car faster and more fuel efficient. The cost of carbon fiber is high because the technology to produce the product is expensive. But it has a fantastic look, and it is recommended if you are able to afford it. Recommended for its light weight and fuel efficiency.

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