1996 Honda Accord EX from North America - Comments

A/C recharge.

Brake caliper refurbish.

Wheel bearing replacement.

This car is my first car, and I am nothing but fully satisfied. After buying it through my family for a steal of $2000, this car has satisfied me every day.

After looking at any other car in the price range I purchased this one for, and after blue-booking my specific car, I know that I am a lucky driver.

I have had no problems with the transmission, engine, or any other major issues, and neither did the previous owner. Even if I push the four-banger a little harder than I should, there are no later consequences.

What I am impressed by most is the interior. My family also owns a 94 Ford and a 96 Saturn, and for the time period, my Accord's interior has the finish of a luxury car. Even compared to my friend's 2000 Ford Focus, my Honda's interior is years ahead of the American cars. The cloth fabric has no blemishes, the gauges and dials are easy to use and read, and the whole interior overall is put together with nothing to be desired.

My EX has a sunroof, and it only makes the car easier to love. The interior space is a little cramped, probably because my passenger seat is stuck almost all the way back, but the trunk is huge. I can fit two full hockey bags (or about four golf bags) with no problem closing the lid.

For a family sedan with limited power and a four speed tranny, this car is very fun to drive. To hit the gas and feel the transmission down-shift and see the tachometer needle tremble is something that only a Honda could do. With only 145 horsepower, it's no performance car, but it does very well in situations demanding of quick pickup, such as merging.

As far as condition goes, the exterior is a little beat up, but the car is still very sharp. Amid the dents, scratches, and dings, my Honda looks great for its age.

This car is great, and I know I will be driving it for at least five more great years.

"To hit the gas and feel the transmission down-shift and see the tachometer needle tremble is something that only a Honda could do."

Actually any car on the road can do that. But a Honda is one of the only cars that can do it in such a slow manner that it would bring anyone who has ever owned a car with over 200 hp to tears. I pray you never drive a Ferrari you may well crap yourself when it down-shifts and the tach needle pins itself at 9k rpm's and no one wants stains on their Italian leather which alone is worth more than most whole hondas.

Hondas are the type of cars that send you from A to B, anytime, anywhere. That's it. Nothing more than a reliable moving metal box. If you need power, speed and looks...well, there are many other options out there. It is kind of true that there is a general hype about these cars, mostly due to their reliability, but sometimes that's even part of Honda's excellent marketing division. Hondas, good cars... nothing else.

Oh and a Pontiac Grand Brougham (Brogham) with the body cladding is classy? A Ford Taurus with its beautiful fish bowl windows? Aztek? Coming UAW!!! Stop bitching about Honda having boring cars when you have got nothing to prove except a Ford Fusion that does not beat an Accord LX unless it has leather, AWD, and a V6, and does not fare as well as the Accord in crash tests (NHTSA)