Faults:

Engine failed at 135000 km. Due to poor maintenance by previous owner, the bolt securing the main pulley to the crankshaft came loose. This created vibration that caused a stress fracture in the crankshaft. It was cheaper to replace the engine with a second hand model than to fix the crankshaft.

Transmission failed at 136000 km. Previous owners used the wrong oil in the CVT, and it failed as a result.

General Comments:

Apart from the two (major) problems mentioned above, it has been a brilliant little car. Both the engine and transmission were replaced with second hand parts, and roughly 30 000 km later I haven't had any other problems. Based on my initial experience, I would give this car a 3 out of 10 for reliability. Based on my experience since then, I would happily give it a 9. Overall, I rate it a 6.

It's extremely cheap to run. I do 99% of my driving around town and average between 13 and 14 km per litre. Adding in some highway driving easily pushes it out to 17 km per litre. (this model has the D15B, three stage VTEC, with lean-burn mode). The great thing about this car is that it has heaps of power for a 1.5 litre (once you get above 4500 RPM).

I consider maintenance costs part of the running costs, and the cost of the above-mentioned repairs have pushed them up. Without those costs, I would rate it a 10. Considering them, I rate it a 6.

It handles well, and isn't bad around corners - considering that it isn't meant to be a performance sedan. It doesn't feel heavy, and its brakes work well. For its class (affordable Japanese runabout sedans), I think it performs very well and I personally prefer it to the other, similar cars I looked at before buying it. It may not feel as solid as a Corolla or Pulsar, but it inspires more confidence in the corners.

Comfort levels are good overall. Road noise can be high at speed, but that may be a consequence of the tires I have fitted (they were fitted new when I bought the car, and I haven't needed to replace them since).

Overall, I'm very happy with this car and (given a better service history than mine had) wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

Faults:

Windscreen water jet motor needed replacing at 175,000 kilometres.

General Comments:

At first I was a little disappoint/uninspired by this car but my opinion soon changed and I still regard this as a great car!

The engine is a masterpiece! Lovely high free revving little 1.6 power-plant. Was not quick, but satisfying and sounds great over 4400rpm.

Suspension a little soft, after-all this is not a sports car.

A great practical car, and very efficient achieving under 7L/100km consistently.

A very happy buy, and have purchased two Honda's since.

Faults:

The car has no major faults it still runs like new.

There are no knocks or signs of engine wear, it still drives very quietly.

Only the rubber seals on have faded from their original colors, which is expected for the cars age.

General Comments:

The car is not a Honda VTEC, however this means the performance is reasonably paced, but not for generous overtaking on motorways.

Handling is mediocre for a car of its size, though the turning circle is slightly unreasonable for the category its in. A word of caution, do not push the car into corners.

The quality and durability is beyond excellent, it is absolutely superb, fit and finish was and is still remarkable, the paint gleams till today.

The interior is moderately sized and is very generous in its proportions especially in the rear, though the front seats sit very low and can be taxing on longer jouneys.

General reliability is excellent, as this is an attribute of the excellent quality Hondas are renownd for.

To sum it up, it is an excellent car for the non-fussy driver who likes a comfortable reliable car, but its appearance is very mundane so don't expect any attention from other motorist.