1985 Honda Accord LX Hatchback 1.8 3BBL 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A nice, well oiled machine!

Faults:

Replaced the clutch when I first bought it, and that was the first time it was replaced.

A 65 amp fuse burns out often (in the fusebox under the hood, next to the colorful fuses) :)

Second, starter died at 210,000 miles. First time the starter was replaced. Starter was easy to replace.

Soon after the starter went out, the alternator went bad. Inside, the battery light came on as the indicator. Alternator was a mother to replace.

General Comments:

This is a very, very reliable car. Everything I replaced was an old part and was the first time it ever broke. I wore and tore the car badly. It's a peppy little car as a stick shift and can take on new Escort ZX2s (Accord is all stock).

The car handles very well with good tires, and is loose with general weather tires, as there is no tilt to the car during turns.

This model (1984 and 1985 Accords) has very few, if any, performance parts. If you are looking to hop it up, I recommend a new engine from a newer car. I did happen to find body stylings from Vestatec at www.classicgarage.com! Very nice indeed.

I would recommend this car to anyone because this car looks decent, is peppy and handles well high as well as lowered.

One simple hint for the alternator, take off the oil filter and take out the drive axle, because you have to go under the car.

One last statement, if you keep the EGR valve in decent condition, you will NEVER EVER hear or feel a back fire from this car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2001

1985 Honda Accord LX 1.8L 4 cyl from North America

Summary:

Treat it right and it will take care of you forever

Faults:

Cracked boot, 1997.

Heater fan, 1998.

Replaced the timing belt, 1999.

General Comments:

A great car. Very cheap to drive. It gets about 34 mpg, mixed driving. It never let me down on the road.

It survived an accident in which a '73 Bronco rotated 180 degrees in the fast lane of the freeway, facing me, and most of the front end of the car slid under the Bronco's bumper. I drove it off the freeway. It needed a replacement hood and a right fender and that was it. Last week I got rear ended in it and it will now be junked. But I didn't get hurt. I will miss it.

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

Review Date: 1st November, 2000

1985 Honda Accord 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Reliable vehicle for a long time

Faults:

Hey, it's 15 years old:

Fuel pump.

New clutch (twice).

Power steering.

Air conditioner compressor.

Radiator.

Fuel line leak.

Exterior poor after many years.

General Comments:

It's only a 4 cylinder but because of the light weight of the car, with 5 speed manual, it always drives sporty for me.

With my low mileage, I believe the engine, now well maintained by an independent "Honda only" shop, will last a long time. It has leaks, but it's not bad for its age.

Exterior and the interior show their age. Still like that styling; Accords of that era are smallish for today's tastes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2000

1985 Honda Accord EX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

It's a lifer if kept up...

Faults:

Watch out for the seal at the base of the air cleaner housing, where it sits on the carb. A bad seal means very poor performance in damp/rainy weather. Carb is also interesting to repair... needs some babying.

Unfortunately the rear end is a bit on the light side - be aware of how heavy your rear passengers are, you can easily overload the suspension. Rust is another big thing... look out... clean it up as soon as you see it.

General Comments:

Wonderful Car.... Love-em...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2000

1985 Honda Accord LX 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Good reliable transportation

Faults:

Nothing serious, mostly carburator problems. No stalling experienced.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable car. Good handling, although 1.6L is too small for this LX model. I would prefer an EX with 1.8L.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2000

1985 Honda Accord LX 1.8 4cyl from North America

Summary:

Roll the dice, you may get lucky, you may not

Faults:

The major problem is the carb.

Very complex and very very expensive to fix.

Stalls.

It's nice to drive, great handling.

The 4 cyl is a dog for me but fine for my wife.

Beware 1985 and 1985 Honda if there is a carburettor problem.

General Comments:

Accords are very good cars but very very expensive to fix.

Not many places to take it to get it fixed.

So beware.

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

Review Date: 28th March, 2000

1st Jan 2001, 19:27

Yeah I had one too. 5-speed. They are very expensive to fix.

600 for brakes.

600 for clutch.

1000 for a new carb (not installed).

Slow but good on gas.

Honda brakes need a puller to get the brake rotors off, so beware of Honda's.

20th Sep 2001, 11:30

I have an AT '85 Accord Hatchback, and it's been a great car, really reliable with a surprising amount of get-up-and-go. The only things we've ever had to mess with on it were the alternator, a CV boot, and the radiator, and I don't think it was too pricey since we went to an import specialist. After 2 years of just sitting it still cranks up and purrs. Love my old Honda. ^_^

17th Jun 2005, 19:27

I recently bought a 1985 Honda Accord, and boy oh boy I wish I knew what I was getting myself into... Not only carburator problems, but it seems like no one knows how to work on them. I Like the car, but the money to fix and keep isn't worth it! Also... the best place to take a Honda to get one fixed; are you ready for this? Is at a Honda dealership, they have all the tools, and the know how, to work on them... the problem there is once again the cost! Good luck folks with your future 1985 Honda Accord.

17th Dec 2006, 20:48

I have two 1985 Honda accord hatch backs. one was rolled, but has a like new motor. I got the other one for $40 without a motor. I love my Honda and it is not hard to work on only if you no what you are doing. it is a 5 speed and has a lot of get up and go and can spin the wheels for a block. I love my Honda and wouldn't trade it for the world.