1996 Honda Accord EX 2.2 VTEC

Summary:

Reliable like the sunrise each morning

Faults:

Power door-locks didn't work on the rear doors when I bought the car.

Front motor mount replaced at 50,000 miles.

A/C hose clogged and leaked water on passenger floorboard at 60,000 miles.

TCU (Transmission Control Module) was disconnected by shady dealership and caused transmission to malfunction at 70,000 miles.

Original factory battery replaced at 87,000 miles.

Exhaust B-pipe rusted out and was replaced at 90,000 miles.

First major tune-up at 90,000 miles.

Radiator hose clamp failed and was replaced at 100,000 miles.

Rear driver's side speaker blew at 110,000 miles.

Original CV axles/joints replaced at 120,000 miles.

Driver's side power window regulator and cable failed and were replaced at 125,000 miles.

Radiator replaced at 130,000 miles.

Clear coat began peeling off hood at 145,000 miles.

Water inside passenger side taillight at 150,000 miles.

Some Honda dealerships are shady and overcharge for regular scheduled service.

Nothing else besides routine maintenance.

General Comments:

First and foremost, the car has been exceptionally dependable. No major repairs or break downs in the 100,000 miles I've traveled in it. I enjoy being able to depend on my car without a shadow of a doubt. Longevity of engine components is outstanding. Items such as the alternator, starter, AC compressor, etc. are still the factory originals. It continues to run reliably with nearly 151,000 miles. I have to say, I have been very impressed with it's reliability.

The car still feels tight and solid after 9 years and 151,000 miles. Aside from the clear coat peeling off the hood, it still looks and feels like a new car.

It provides a relatively smooth and quiet ride on the highway and has no trouble traveling above highway speeds. 75 mph requires 3,200 rpms, which may seem high, but the engine has a 7,000 rpm red-line.

The interior design and materials are dated, but ergonomics and switchgear are excellent. The materials are of decent quality, panel gaps are kept to a minimum and there are absolutely no squeaks or rattles to be heard.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, but could use more cushioning. The fabric is durable, showing no signs of wear. Backseat leg room is cramped.

With the right set of tires and factory suspension in good condition, the Accord handles better than a Camry (it's closest competitor) and has much better driver feedback. The Camry is more isolated from the road. Hondas are the BMWs of Japan.

Did I mention it was reliable?

Overall, I've been more than satisfied with the Accord. It's been a genuine car and VERY faithful. Having been around mine, several of my friends and co-workers have gotten one for themselves! I couldn't have asked for a better car, and feel very fortunate to own such a wonderful car. I give Honda two thumbs up for this Accord.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th March, 2005

20th Oct 2006, 16:48

Well yea, I'm not really sure what you mean by semi-automatic, because as far as I know honda only makes 5/6-speed standard or Automatic. There's no middle ground here.

1996 Honda Accord LX 4 cylinder

Faults:

The power windows are on the brink. I replaced the driver side motor to find out that the switches are the problem. I had to leave the new motor in because I had cut the cables off the old and apparently good motor. The car only gets about 240 miles per tank of fuel. the tranny shifts hard even though it has new tranny fluid. We had a 92 Accord and it was twice the car this one is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2005

1996 Honda Accord LX 2.2 SOHC

Summary:

Okay

Faults:

50,000 miles- new brake pads

69,000 miles- new muffler

75,000- new brake pads

100,000- had to replace CV boots

101,000- had to replace axle seal for transmission

102,000- had to replace center pipe

116,000- new brake pads and rotors

118,000- had to replace window regulator and run channel, and switch.

119,000- had to replace blower motor

120,000- had to replace motor mount

145,000- had to replace starter

149,000- had to replace AC condenser motor

153,000- had to replace battery

164,000- new brake pads again

165,000- had to replace front sway bar links

167,000- had to replace exhaust system (Cat-back)

171,000- had to replace windshield wiper transmission (links)

175,000- need struts front and rear; need new wheel bearings, need new fan motor again, need new motor mount again; need another window regulator, transmission slipping.

General Comments:

This was a good car when I first bought it. It was relatively low maintenance and very sleek looking.

Once I hit 100,000, it was one problem after another, some of them re-occurring. I thought a Honda was supposed to go for 250,000 and 300,000 miles.

At the rate that I'm at, it may not be cost efficient to keep mine, nor may my car get to 200,000 miles. Maybe that's why they offer a 100,000 mile extended warranty because all of the problems occur after 100,000 miles. Lots of them. Will probably never buy another Honda. May lease one, but never gonna buy one again. Not worth it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th March, 2005

10th May 2005, 14:45

If that is all you had to replace in almost 180,000 miles worth of driving... I'd be counting my blessings. Spend that amount of time in most other cars, and you'd be begging for the Honda back.

But while Honda makes good, dependable and well made cars... they are still machines and like anything else, need maintenance and upkeep. No matter what car you buy... you're going to be replacing brakes, mufflers, suspensions, seals, batteries, etc. These items simply don't last forever on ANY car. If anyone lead you to believe that the Honda would run 300,000 miles on nothing more than oil changes, then consider yourself fooled.