What transmission does a 2001 Honda Accord have?

A 2001 Honda Accord was offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission (available on four-cylinder models) or a 4-speed automatic transmission (standard on V6 models and optional on four-cylinder models). In North America, the V6 was automatic-only. Here’s how the options break down and how to identify what’s in your specific car.

Model-year overview

Honda’s 2001 Accord (sixth generation, final years of the 1998–2002 run) paired front-wheel drive with two engine families and two transmission types. The transmission you have depends on engine, trim, and market, with the U.S. lineup being the most common reference.

By engine and trim

The choices varied primarily by engine. Here’s how the transmission offerings map to typical North American trims and body styles for 2001.

• 2.3L inline-four (LX, EX; sedan or coupe): 5-speed manual standard on many trims; 4-speed automatic optional.
• 3.0L V6 (EX V6, LX V6; sedan or coupe): 4-speed automatic only (no factory manual option).
• All configurations: Front-wheel drive.

In short, four-cylinder models could be had with either a manual or an automatic, while V6 models were automatic-only for this generation and year in North America.

Transmission types and key details

While the driving feel differs, both transmissions were conventional for the era and designed for efficiency and smoothness rather than sportiness.

• 5-speed manual (I4 only): Cable-operated shifter with hydraulic clutch; Honda MTF recommended.
• 4-speed automatic (I4 and V6): Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter; originally specified for Honda ATF-Z1, superseded by Honda ATF DW-1.
• Common automatic identifiers used by Honda in this era include codes like BAXA/MAXA for four-cylinder models and B7XA for V6 models (markings can vary by plant and market).

These transmissions were typical for early-2000s sedans: the manual is straightforward and durable with routine fluid changes, and the automatic emphasizes smooth commuting.

Regional differences

North America

As sold in the United States and Canada for 2001, the lineup strictly used a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic; the V6 did not offer a manual.

Other markets

Outside North America, engine and trim mixes differed (e.g., 2.0L variants), but the same broad rule applied: four-cylinder cars offered manual or 4-speed automatic; V6s were automatic.

Maintenance and reliability notes

The sixth-generation Accord’s automatics, especially from the late 1990s to early 2000s, are known for higher-than-average failure rates as mileage accumulates. Proactive maintenance helps.

• Automatic service: Use Honda ATF DW-1 (the modern replacement for ATF-Z1); perform periodic drain-and-fills rather than high-pressure flushes.
• Manual service: Use Honda MTF; change fluid at recommended intervals for smoother shifting and longevity.
• Cooling: An auxiliary transmission cooler (for automatics) can be beneficial in hot climates or heavy traffic conditions.

Sticking to Honda-specified fluids and conservative service intervals is the best way to extend transmission life on this model year.

How to verify which transmission your car has

If you’re unsure which transmission your particular 2001 Accord has, these quick checks can confirm it.

1. Check the shifter: A PRNDL gate indicates an automatic; an H-pattern confirms a manual.
2. Look at the window sticker or owner’s manual: The original Monroney (if available) lists transmission; manuals specify fluid types.
3. Inspect underhood labels and the transmission case: Honda transmission ID tags are stamped on the case; codes like BAXA/B7XA can be visible with good lighting.
4. Run the VIN with a Honda dealer: A dealer can pull the exact build specification from the VIN.

Because trims and options overlap, the VIN or a direct visual inspection is the most definitive way to identify your transmission.

Summary

The 2001 Honda Accord came with two transmissions: a 5-speed manual for four-cylinder models and a 4-speed automatic offered across four-cylinder and V6 trims (with the V6 being automatic-only in North America). If you need to confirm what’s in your car, check the shifter, owner documentation, transmission case tag, or have a dealer decode the VIN.

Does the 2001 Honda Accord have transmission problems?

Unfortunately, this was a problematic year for Honda transmissions. The internal seals and valve bodies often failed, leading to significant issues in these units, which cannot be rebuilt and will need replacement.

How do I know which transmission my Accord has?

Placard on the driver’s side door. Open the driver’s side door and look for a white placard with small black lettering. This card contains specific details about the year the car was made, its transmission, engine specifications and other details.

What transmission does the 2001 Honda Accord have?

Three engines are available for the Accord: There is 3.0-liter, 200-horsepower, 24-valve V-6 and two 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engines. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on 4-cylinder models and a 4-speed automatic transmission is available for the 4-cylinder engines and standard on V-6 models.

How much is a new transmission for a 2001 Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord automatic transmission is a key part of the car and is expensive to replace. A 2001 Honda Accord transmission replacement can range from $1,760 to $2,760.