1990 Honda Accord LX 2.2L, 4 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

Cheap, reliable, and reasonably comfortable

Faults:

At about 170,000 miles, the transmission computer went berserk and started putting us into incorrect gears, shifting too early or late, shifting between gears back and forth. We spent about $500 to put in a computer from a junkyard Accord, and it seems to work well.

At about 175,000 miles, the alternator fried. We were able to replace it, again from a junkyard Accord, for $150 parts and labor.

Minor issues: at about 165,000 miles, the left front window (power) fails to go up. It goes down, and the driver can still put it up, but the passenger can't. We haven't gotten it fixed, although we bet it's a faulty switch (cheap). The driver's door handle is starting to fall apart: the plastic casing that fits into the door is cracked, and the casing has to be held in place with one hand while the lever is pulled with the other. Again, probably a cheap fix, but not really worth it to us.

Very recently (~ 179,000 miles) we have noticed some lateral instability in the rear end of the vehicle when it's traveling at high speeds (65 MPH +). We are guessing it's the struts, which would be costly to replace (maybe $600?).

All told, though, the car has been excellent. It's never really broken down (even when things go wrong, the performance tends to degrade gracefully), and it's never failed to start.

General Comments:

This car is not a fantastic performer, but it is superbly reliable and economical to drive and maintain. Also, there are going to be a lot of Accords around for parts for a long time coming, which lowers the cost of repairs. Highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2002

25th Jan 2005, 16:53

I am 16 years old and I have recently purchased my own 1990 Honda Accord. I have had no problem with the car at all. I love it as my first car. Good Luck with yours.

1990 Honda Accord LX 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A stylish, highly reliable, long term car

Faults:

My master cylinder blew on the clutch at 174,000 miles.

I replaced the brake rotors at 176 thousand miles because they were too thin to re-grind.

General Comments:

My Honda Accord LX is a dream.

I purchased it for about 4 grand and it's been more reliable than many new cars out there.

The Accord is more than competent in all respects.

I love the low look of the older models and find the new Accords to be a bit too pedestrian.

I sometimes wish it had a V-6, but the 4 cylinder works well when revved hard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2002

1990 Honda Accord LX 2.2 Litre, SOHC, 4 cylinder,16 from North America

Summary:

Quick, well priced, hidden sports car

Faults:

* Right window doesn't completely roll up in one spot and makes whistling noise.

* Glove box is misaligned and the light stays on.

* A few rattling noises.

* Trunk doesn't really leak, but allows water to get in through condensation. It makes the trunk smell moldy.

General Comments:

* The 5 speed transmission is actually quite quick. Can take lots of other cars.

* Tight handling, feels real sporty.

* Amazing room in the back seats. Feel like you're in the front (2 door).

* Engine has very nice sound.

* Axle bearing went though. Makes a clunking noise when you turn.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2002

17th Jun 2004, 09:59

My 1990 accord glove box light remains because misalignment of the glove box door. The misalignment is not noticeable, but the light remaining on can be seen at times.

Had the emission light go on one cold winter, but it eventually went off and have no problems with it since.

The 1990 Accord Sedan I have is very reliable. Other than timing belts, changing water pump, the car has been very reliable. For instance I have 97,000 miles on the car and have not done brake work yet. Gas mileage is good and handles very well on the road.