Honda Accord: Shock Reviews
Your shocks absorb the road, and there are many different types for various driving styles. See how they compare here.
This article applies to the Honda Accord (1992-2000).
Shock absorbers are best purchased according to your use. This evaluation saw every type of use from normal passenger car driving to floating across speed bumps at high speeds. How you drive your car will determine your choice of shock absorber. This review will cover the performance-rated shocks as well as the OEM replacements. We also provide price ranges to assist in your purchase.
Shock Absorbers
Koni Yellows/Sports |
Blistein Sports |
KYB GR-2 |
Tokico Illumina | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price (set of 4) |
$600 | $700 | $300 | $500 |
Comfort |
Stiff but preferred |
Acceptable |
Comparable to stock |
Adequate |
Performance (Adjustable) |
Best/Adjustable | Best | Soft ride | Not favorable |
Lifespan |
Possible leakage | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Warranty |
Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
Best Value – Koni and KYB
Koni Sport Yellow Shocks
Price – $400-$600
Comfort – A bit stiff but suspension was tuned that way
Performance – Highly complimented/Adjustable
Lifespan – Hard to say; one forum member claimed they leaked
Warranty – Lifetime
Koni shocks were very well-liked according to the forums that were evaluated. Bear in mind that most of the threads had performed other modifications such as spring upgrades. With the exception of one person who claimed they leaked off after a while, the Koni's are the talk of the internet. At $400-$600 per set with a lifetime warranty, your investment may outlast your car. As far as adjustable, the Koni website claims their products have two methods of adjusment: 1. An external knob and 2. Adjustment while off the vehicle. That may explain the price difference as the website didn't go into further detail even though a 2000 Honda Accord was entered as data. Recommended if you're looking for quality shocks with a great warranty.
Bilstein
Price – $160 per shock
Comfort – Acceptable
Performance – Not adjustable
Lifespan – N/A
Warranty – Limited Lifetime
Bilstein seemed to be the "other" shock mentioned with Koni. Koni was given an edge; however, Bilstein had mostly positive compliments. For $160 per shock, they put you up in the $700 range which is pricier than Koni, especially when you consider that you can't adjust the Bilsteins. The warranty is limited lifetime for as long as you own the car. It's a little ambiguous as to whether modifying your vehicle voids the warranty. Recommended if you're looking for great shocks and you don't mind spending the money.
KYB GR-2
Price – $65
Comfort – Like a new stock vehicle
Performance – Soft ride/Not adjustable
Lifespan – N/A
Warranty – Lifetime
The KYB GR-2 is referred to as an "OEM replacement" more than a shock upgrade. There were a lot of comments on the ride being too soft. No references to lifetime or warranty were mentioned, but a lifetime warranty was posted on the KYB website. Recommended if you're looking for an OEM feel.
Tokico Illumina
Price – $118 per shock
Comfort – Adequate
Performance – Not favorable/Not adjustable
Lifespan – N/A
Warranty – Limited Lifetime
Some referred to the Tokico as junk, while others commented that they liked them. They are considered performance shocks and cost a little more than the OEM, but some may not go as far as calling it performance. At $118 per shock, they are priced in the performance range between KYB and Bilstein. However, they don't perform as well as them. Not recommended, unless you prefer the look of them over performance and warranty.
Related Discussions and Sites
- Anyone Use Bilstein Shocks - Honda-Tech.com
- KYB vs. Bilstein - Honda-Tech.com
- Tokico Illumina Shocks OEM Springs Review - Honda-Tech.com
- Sport Series Yellow Shocks SALE - Tunersports.com
- Koni Yellow GC vs. Tokico Illumina Skunk 2 - Honda-Tech.com
- KYB GR 2 Shocks - Honda-Tech.com
- Bilstein Shocks - Summitracing.com
- KYB Shocks - Autopartswarehouse.com
- KYB Warranty - KYB.com
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Ground Control Koni Yellow Review - Honda-Tech.com