Faults:

Recently replaced the exhaust from the front flex pipe to the muffler. (never had been done)

Replaced the engine head gasket and the oil pan gasket.

Replaced the starter.

All repairs on this car were regular maintenance due to wear & tear.

General Comments:

This is definitely one of the most reliable car ever made! All you need to do it change the oil regularly and do a tune-up once a year and the car will you a life time.

This car is very comfortable and reliable.

The model stil looks good after 16 years.

Mechanicaly, it is very sound. Parts are easy to find.

However, the one considerable problem with this car is the rust. Especially on the rear quarter panels and belows the doors.

Also, there are minor electrical problems with some fuses and interior lighting, but what do you expect after 15 years!

Faults:

Wire connected to alternator had disconnected and caused battery to drain and die while driving. Not cars fault, I believe after looking at the car more closely (after buying it of course : () that it appears to have been in an accident, wiring and stiff is all messed and poorly taped together.

There is a leak somewhere in the roof that I haven't been able to locate. When it rains, water comes in on the driver and passenger side, getting the floor and seats wet. It also comes and drips across the top and the back of the headliner, so everything gets wet!

Moister and dust easily gets into the car, especially into the trunk.

Seat kills my back.

Rust seems to pop-up everywhere.

General Comments:

Overall I find it pretty good though, this is my first car, but have also just bought another 1991 Accord EX-R from a friend (but this one is a coupe and 5speed :D). The car I'm reviewing though I believe wasn't well maintained by the previous owner (s) the engine sometimes seems a little sluggish and slow, and is very loud compared to other 4 cylinder engines. It almost sounds like a diesel car.

Faults:

Power steering rack replaced when purchased as the previous owner had let the fluid run dry from a leak.

Replaced radiator twice.

Power steering leak

Oil leaks.

Replaced master brake cylinder.

Drivers door lock broke inside door.

General Comments:

Purchased the car in 1996 and knew I had to have an Accord EX. Unfortunately I bought it at a questionable lot and the car had some issues. The big one was the power steering rack was fried. Warranty paid for repair. The previous owner had not done regular maintenance in a long time. Too bad I didn't buy it new.

Car had been broken into previously and strangely rewired so the clock never worked, nor does it remember radio presets. In addition, the passenger seat belt retracts improperly (only if the car is running and you open the door). If you shut the car off, it won't retract. Dealer lied and said Honda had to pay for it since it's a safety issue. Honda refused.

Car has been well maintained with all service items done on time. Last year I had the engine taken apart and cleaned up (lots of carbon buildup) as it smelled dirty when driving (probably not healthy to breath). Fortunately, I have an awesome mechanic that only charges $30/hr and is extremely honest.

It still has the original engine and tranny which I find amazing. How many American cars from that year have that with 216k showing?

The paint is just now starting to oxidize on the hood (about a 2 inch strip) and there are several small dime size oxidization patches on the roof. The quality of the paint overall is outstanding, especially for its age. The teal paint (my favorite color for the year) still has an great shine.

Inside still looks great with not a rip in the seats. Dashboard, inside gauges/switches still look new. Interior build quality was obviously high.

Typical things for this year Honda are the not so smooth shifting tranny, rough idle at times, oil leaks, and rust on the rear quarter panels. I have the first three (which I wouldn't consider major issues) but not a spot of rust. Not much snow in the PDX Oregon area.

I can't drive for 5 minutes without seeing another accord with this body style. Very popular for obvious reasons.