1988 Honda Accord L.X. review from North America

Leaking head gasket 120,000.

Distributor gasket destroyed, required new at 132,000 miles.

Brakes (front and back) shot at 125,000 miles.

Exhaust blew out 122,000 miles.

Timing belt 130,000 miles.

Distributor blew (mechanic's exact words) 139,000.

When I was first looking for my first car my uncle had pointed out that his parents had a couple cars. One of which being a 1988 Honda Accord and that if I expressed some interest that they might sell it to me. My mother immediately thought this was best, for in her words "It is a one owner, we know who owned it, what happened to it, and what has been done to it." Without my consent my mother had told me it was this car, or no car. Reluctantly I agreed, I was never one for a four cylinder. The car had received a lot of high praise, "It's a Honda they run forever," "I drive a Honda, I have 280,000 miles and the only reason I don't drive it is because it needs a new clutch!" Well for a car that is supposed to be so dependable and reliable, I do not agree, I have had all these problems that the previous owners never said to have any notice to, in only a three year ownership. For a first car and a beginning driver, I can understand purchasing a car such as this. However for being considered one of the most reliable cars, I find this to be a poor purchase. Maybe I just have bad luck with cars, either way, I will never buy another Honda.