1996 Honda Accord EX review from North America

New motor mount at 45,000 miles.

Alignment problems from day 1. After several attempts to correct, I gave up.

A/C condensation drainage hose failed and flooded passenger side carpeting. It took us months to rid the smell of mildew.

Another motor mount at 60,000 miles.

Transmission computer module developed a problem, causing transmission to shift from 1st gear into Overdrive. Second and third gears were inoperable.

I have learned to keep head lamp and brake lamp bulbs in stock.

Front wheel bearings failed at about 75,000 miles.

Power door locks are inoperable.

Exhaust B-pipe was in need of replacement at 80,000 miles after several holes had rusted through.

Anti-lock Braking System sensor failed at about 84,000 miles.

Speed Sensor failed at 90,000 miles.

Radiator developed coolant leak at 93,000 miles.

Transmission is currently taking over 30 seconds to shift out of Park and into Drive.

CV boots are in need of replacement.

Air conditioning compressor may fail pretty soon.

This car has not lived up to the Honda reputation. It has been a constant money pit from the very beginning.

Engine is unrefined and underpowered. When cold, the valves and lifters tick and tap very loudly. While driving, the engine emits a knock between 1500 and 2,000 rpm.

Road noise can be heard clearly throughout the cabin. The seats are supportive for long road trips, but are uncomfortable for short distances.

When the road becomes rough, so does the ride. The car is very jittery and feels unrefined. I suspect the struts may need replacing. I can add them to the mile long list.

Handling is not sporty, but rather numb. The car has a good amount of body roll during turns. My previous car was a Firebird, so I may be spoiled in that arena. Steering feels very loose, and not crisp as the Honda myth suggests.

Overall, this car has been a quite the disappointment. I expected a reliable, trouble free car that would run to 100,000 miles without much attention. It goes in to the shop nearly every month, and the repair bills usually run several hundred dollars. According to the Honda myth, these are supposed to be low maintenance vehicles. That is not the case, they are extremely expensive to keep maintained and I am convinced that the maintenance list will never end. I have had to replace the distributor, all hoses, brakes, exhaust pipes, timing belts, water pump, engine seals, cv boots, motor mounts, tie-rod ends, wheel bearings, battery, radiator, sensors, wires and I could go and on. Now my air conditioning compressor is moaning and may fail soon... all before the car has even rolled 100,000 miles. I have never had so many problems with an automobile until I bought a Honda. Reliable my foot!