1998 Honda Accord EX

Summary:

Great car if you have patience to diagnose and repair problems yourself

Faults:

Problems - Annoying problems with the car from the beginning and poor service from Honda.

Car shifts in a clunky manner on a hill. Has delayed response to pressure on the gas pedal, then lurches forward suddenly. Have requested numerous times that Honda fix the problem, but the response is always the same, checked out, no problem found.

Doors lock and unlock themselves; this problem started about 4 years after I bought the car (no longer under warranty). Have requested that Honda repair problem; they say I can replace drivers door actuator at cost of $295 which might or might not fix the problem, or I can have them diagnose the problem for $80-130, after which they will tell me what it will cost to fix.

Alarm goes off for no reason, could be related to same problem as doors lock and unlock themselves. Again, cost is $80-130 to diagnose and no guarantee that they can figure out problem.

Timing belt was replaced on recommended schedule, but was incorrectly installed resulting in major oil leak. Had to replace timing belt and seals again at my expense, because the Honda dealership had been sold and new owners would not honor the previous owners warranty. I requested a refund from Honda of America, and got partial only refund for parts.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car, roomy interior with lots of legroom. Good gas mileage, engine has been very reliable.

Due to bad experience with original dealer who sold me the car and unreliable service from other Honda dealers, I would not buy another Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd December, 2007

1998 Honda Accord LX 2.3L

Summary:

Terrible

Faults:

Transmission failed (mfg defect) at 50,000.

Replacement failed last month at 80,000.

Manufacturing defect was clutch plate (1-2 gear) installed backward.

General Comments:

Liked the car until it started failing transmissions.

Now I have a 2006 Hyundai Sonata; will never buy Honda again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th August, 2007

11th Aug 2007, 06:42

What did you do to this car to make it ruin TWO transmissions, and one within 30,000 miles? Are you trying to tow a loaded horse trailer through the mountains with it? 17 year old kids drive these cars like there's no tomorrow and don't normally ruin one transmission, much less TWO.

12th Aug 2007, 08:11

Oh no - not again! As soon as one person says that they have had a bad Honda, a load of Honda people write in dis-believing and accusing the owner (s) of various things or says they are not telling the truth! Grow up people - Hondas are just cars (they can break as well!). I however, will not buy one - I will stick with Volvo - because there is more to life than just reliability! Try comfort, safety, practicality AS WELL AS reliability!

28th Aug 2008, 01:32

This is the second review I've read on CarSurvey where a person had a bad experience with a Honda and replaced it with a Hyundai and are happy now.

It's actually very common with the Accord that the transmissions fail prematurely. That was the case with the other review I read as well. The transmission on their Accord failed around 80k miles. Why spend so much money on a Honda and have the major problems that people associate with Hyundai? Sometimes reputation is better than the actual product, and I feel bad for people that spend all that money and still have such troubles.

1998 Honda Accord LX Coupe 2.3 4 Cylinder

Summary:

Fuel pincher, great performance, and few repairs make this car a great value!

Faults:

Not much has gone wrong considering the mileage of this car.

1.) Blower resistor @ 185,000. - Replaced for $85.00 total.

2.) Windshield washer darts replaced @ 185,000.

3.) Rear axle components @ 180,000. Needed a couple of misc. parts for under $150.00.

Besides those very minor repairs, I have gotten a tune up, timing belt, tires, and brake shoes/pads.

General Comments:

This car has been absolutely fantastic for me. With 192,500 miles right now, it still runs and drives fantastic, and has required essentially no major repairs.

Fuel mileage ranges from about 26-30 MPG, driving rather quick. This impressive fuel mileage certainly pays off with fuel prices so high!

The car handles very well, and takes turns better than most cars in it's class and year. The 4 cylinder engine has plenty of power for it's purpose, and is a smooth machine. The transmission shifts great, with no slipping, and no hesitation up hills.

I plan on keeping this car until it dies, and judging by how well it has held up for me to date, I think I will have it for quite some time.

I'd recommend this type of car to anyone looking for a great value, with enough handling, and enough savings for just about any person!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2007

14th May 2007, 23:08

Whoa, windshield wiper darts? You better be careful no pedestrians are around when you turn those bad-boys on!!

I think your mechanic ripped you off, last time I checked, the Accord was a front drive car, with no AWD options, and definitely NO rear axle.

30th Nov 2009, 14:28

Regardless if it's AWD or not, the rear wheels need something to attach to obviously, and if it doesn't have independent rear suspension, what could it have? Maybe an axle.