Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion

Honda Accord: Shock Reviews

Your shocks absorb the road, and there are many different types for various driving styles. See how they compare here.

By Scott Deuty - March 27, 2015

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 Quality – Koni

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.

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