Faults:

Rear twin exhaust pipes corroded. Dealer tried to clean up before collection, then ordered chrome sleeves which as yet haven't been received, two months later, although supplying Honda franchise very good generally.

Someone (whilst valeting?) shut the driver's door on the seatbelt buckle, causing small rip on door trim. Repaired using super glue.

Some small rattles from the rear seat/parcel shelf.

General Comments:

A superb car. Not the best driver's tool as quite big and heavy for the engine/transmission combo, but comfortable, easy to drive and (above all) known to be reliable.

VTEC engine very smooth, and transmission shifts are imperceptible. Economy is average at around 30mpg in mixed conditions. More autos from other manufacturers should follow Honda's lead and put a gear indicator on the instrument panel.

The Tiptronic-style manual shifting option is a gimmick, but a well-thought-out one; it won't let you over-rev the engine by trying to select a lower gear at too high an engine speed.

Thoughtful touches mark out this car - from the clear, legible instruments to the hook on the bootfloor that you connect to the hatchback, to hinge up the bootfloor for when you need to change a wheel. Nice.

Chock-full of goodies, as expected - full electrics and air-con, but also an electric sunroof (largely superfluous with a/c) and cruise control. Sport model also comes with 16" alloys and rear spoiler, and the first owner added side skirts. Not really neccessary, but does make it look nice!

Ride can be a jiggly at times, but handles well. Excellent room in the front, although rear legroom is not huge, but the boot space is voluminous.

Faults:

No mechanical problems of any kind during the first 60,000 miles.

The original factory speakers (5 watts each) offer the poorest quality sound I have ever experienced. I replaced these speakers within a week of purchasing this vehicle. How can Honda install 5 watt speakers on a top of the line EX-V6 sedan? Simply unacceptable.

General Comments:

Pick up speed and power on city streets is average, but when you drive this car onto the freeway, that is where it will blow you away with its passing power and torque. If you are not careful and don't watch your speedometer you will easily go over 100mph in a flash! On the freeway it feels as if you have a 280hp engine not a 200hp. I have personally out-raced new top of the line BMW's, Mercedes, Audi's, and other vehicles with price tags above $40,000. Now don't try that on city streets because the pickup speed is not that great, but on the highway this V-6 un-modified engine is truly a gem.

A warning to all 1998-2001 Honda Accord owners: If you perform sharp/quick turns with these cars regardless of what model you own, your car can easily start spinning from the rear and make a 360. This goes for both wet and dry pavement because the rear has a lot less weight than the front and the small 15 inch tires have a very poor grip on the road.