No one other than a Honda specialist has done any work
to my car other than tires, alignment, etc.  

I'll definitely get my mechanic to check it thoroughly
and give me a second opinion.  I wouldn't have expected
the pump to go bad either; however, this car had to have
a new transmission at 55,000, which I would never expected
from a Honda.  Also had motor mounts go bad at about
65,000.  My family has been driving Hondas for about 15 years,
but this may be my last one.  It just hasn't stood up to the
Honda name as the ones we've had in the past.  It has about
90,000 on it now, so I probably won't have it too much longer.

Thanks for the advice!

In the several years I have been reading the two Honda
newsgroups, I do not think I have ever read of a PS pump
failing.

PS system problems that do happen typically are due to
failing to use genuine Honda PS fluid in the system. Has
anyone been adding non-Honda PS fluid to your Accord's PS
system? Have you inspected the system's reservoir to see
where the level is at? Do you see PS fluid on the ground
where the car is usually parked or around the underside of
the pump?

In the alternative, your Accord may simply have needed
either addition of a little PS fluid or a purge of air. Have
you had any maintenance done on your Accord that required
opening the PS system. For example, changing the Timing Belt
on some Hondas is easier if one removes the PS pump. I used
to do this with my 91 Civic until I found a way to keep from
removing it.

If the PS pump or other PS component fails, then the backup
is good old fashioned non-Power  steering. You will have to
apply more effort to turn the wheels.

A brand new OEM (= genuine Honda) pump for your Accord goes
for about $220. See OEM parts sites like
www.slhondaparts.com , under "Engine." Other PS parts are
under "Chassis." I'd seriously consider a pump from a
junkyard, after inspecting the pump and other components for
leaks. Look at the car and see if the  main reason it's in
the yard is a collision. That will tell you the pump is
likely fine.

If you have no confidence in your diagnosis abilities, I
would seek a second opinion.

I took my car to the shop because it was making a terrible whining sound when
I turn the steering wheel when it first cranks up, especially in cold weather.
I was told that I need a new Power Steering Pump, and they quoted me a total
price of about $495.00.  They explained that the part is only about 1/4 of
the cost, the rest is labor.  I've found a part online for a total of about
$85.00.  How much should the labor be?  Is my shop trying to rip me off?  I
have a 2003 Honda Accord (4-door sedan, 6-cyl).

Thanks in advance!