1998 Honda Accord VTi L V6 3.0 petrol V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Better than it looks, and excellent value for money

Faults:

Transmission completely failed at 105,000 km. Garage said the clutch plates on this model were too small, and were beefed up to industrial strength on the next version (2003).

Two engine mounts needed replacement at 152,000 km.

Driver's window jammed at 140,000 km.

Driver's door inside opener lever broke at 145,000 km.

General Comments:

Other than the transmission failure, a super reliable, super comfortable car, with a very good engine for the period (late 1990s).

Fit and finish of the interior is very good, and has worn extremely well. Paint slightly dodgy though - aubergine colour and is fading on the bonnet (hood).

I've carefully measured economy on highway trips, and get 31 imperial mpg (26 US miles per US gallon). Good by 1998 standards - I generally travel around 110 kph (68 mph) and pass everything I can.

The engine is as sweet today as when I bought it. Uses around 100 ml of oil per 1,000 km, but until around 140,000 it used none. I've always changed the oil and filter myself at around 10,000 km.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2011

1998 Honda Accord EX V6 VTEC from North America

Summary:

Honda proving its terrific excellence once again!

Faults:

Alternator replaced at 214k miles.

Then just other basic maintaining such as brakes, tires, battery and timing belt.

General Comments:

Car has very good pickup.

Has 216k miles and still runs new.

When things need to get replaced, they are cheap and easy to access.

Very little rust.

Starts right up and warms right up every single time.

Built to last.

Very comfortable, and has very sporty look.

Reliable, gets the job done, and looks good doing it.

Just another car made by Japan that proves foreign is better than American, German, or any other country.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 2010

1998 Honda Accord EX from North America

Summary:

The transmission was not built well, but for some strange reason I still love the car

Faults:

4/15/2000: Replaced brakes at 45,727 miles.

2/2001: Replaced timing belt at 65,920 miles.

3/27/2001: New tires at 68,525 miles.

10/3/2001: Replaced A/C and heater filter.

Engine light came on at 80,000 miles. Catalytic converter had to be replaced.

2/27/2002: Replaced brakes and rotors at 88,541 miles.

8/26/2002: Replaced battery at over 96,000 miles.

5/17/2003: Cut front brake rotors 107,190 miles.

10/24/2003: Check engine light at 115,212 miles. Replaced vent shut valve.

11/28/2003: New tires at 116,479 miles.

3/5/2004: Replaced front and rear brakes at 120,553 miles.

8/3/2005: Rebuilt the transmission at 144,243 miles.

11/1/2005: Transmission appeared to be having problems again at 152,436.

1/18/2006: Transmission slipping slipping. Took for a service at 161,515 miles. It was stated that trans has a 1st to 2nd slide shift and flares 2nd to 3rd gear. Adjustments were made, but did not fix the issue.

2/9/2006: Replaced front and rear brakes at 163,086 miles.

5/1/2006: New tires at 167,969 miles.

7/19/2007: Replaced front end bearings at 186,015 miles.

1/18/2008: New battery at 194,096 miles.

4/16/2008: Engine light came on at 194,000 miles. Replaced oxygen sensor to correct the problem.

5/31/2008: Replaced timing belt, water pump, drive belts at 195,643.

4/16/2009: Replaced radiator at 213,125 miles.

9/24/2009: Replaced starter at 214,275 miles.

General Comments:

Besides the transmission problems with these Hondas, the car is very reliable. I wish I had bought a stick instead, only because of the ongoing transmission issues I have been having. After 5 years, the transmission is currently still slipping in 2nd gear.

The car is quick and handles well.

The seats are uncomfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2010

3rd Jun 2010, 19:33

My 98 Accord EX V6 has 205,000 miles and no issues with the transmission. Great car. Researching a brake change now.

1998 Honda Accord 2.3 EX Coupe F23 from North America

Summary:

This Accord's rear-end is like no other Accord model

Faults:

First I had to replace my passenger axle; cost $20 for the part brand new.

Next the front struts, so I replaced all 4 for a reasonable price. Upgraded to Brembo rotors when I had to fix those.

Replaced headers and upgraded to V6 model dual exhaust at my own expense.

Changed distributor and starter, changed radiator and heater core hose, ignition switch, had timing belt change and new battery.

Both upper and lower O2 sensors.

"NOW!" my dashboard lights are not working, but all the check engine, maintenance requirements, ABS, SBS light all work fine when the car is just started, the shift lights only work when the headlights/park lights are off.

Second, the car will not start, it turns over and almost starts like "psych", thought you were going somewhere and dies. It does this every time I try to crank it. But before it just didn't want to crank anymore at all, it use to stall at start up for like 3 weeks. Is it my computer? HELP ME!

General Comments:

This is my first Honda and I really like the car. I even have a custom wine paint job with Gold pearl and Ice pearl (I have pics).

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

Review Date: 18th December, 2009