1991 Honda Accord EX review from North America

Main relay died about 1000 miles ago (Cheap and inexpensive, but major problem if not addressed) causes your car not to start.

Door cloth comes off to easy.

Car leaks a little on driver side when put under long periods of hard rain (ex. 3 days when it happened)

On cold days when temperature goes below freezing the automatic seat belts can sometimes pause (sometimes up to 30 sec.) before retracting, and allowing entry.

Paint has become thin and is starting to chip.

The rule of thumb is that if properly cared for the accord will not break. I am pleased to say this is true. I have had this car for about 4 months and have been very satisfied with this masterpiece.

First lets start with the engine. This is what defines an Accord. This 2.2 liter engine under the hood ticks like a clock and sounds like it should be under the hood of a 2003 instead of a 91. That traditional Honda whine, when this baby is fired up is an unmistakable sign of reliability that these engines are known for. Off the line power is acceptable considering the engine's size and age and passing sprints aren't that bad either. What I can't understand though is why the engine is so eager to rev? My mother owns a 2000 Honda Accord and it doesn't rev nearly as high as my does at 80 mph (3500 RPM Vs 3000 RPM) as great as these 4cyl are 4000 RPM at 90 mph makes you wonder if you are stressing the engine when the red line starts at the low 6's. Other than this wierd issue, I have always wanted to know why all Hondas in the 90-93 Series vibrate so badly when the AC is on. Mine will sometimes at idle vibrate and then go into a remedial idle and then back into vibration mode again. Maybe just old age, or maybe everything can't be perfect.

Second I want to talk about the interior. This is a car that you can tell was built with high standards, but also was built in the early 90's. The seats are excellent and the dashboard layout is extremly comfortable. All of the control are in arm distance and you never have to overly stress to reach a switch, not even the to pop the hood. All controls except the locks and windows are lighted and all of the controls are properly placed (many people have criticized Honda for the odd placement of the cruise control and the sunroof switch on the dashboard. I must say being raised around hondas my whole life the controls are in their proper place to me). The only thing to fault about this interior is the cloth on the doors, after about 10 years the glue which originally held it to the door seems to loose grip and the cloth starts to fall off. Even though it seems to be a minor problem I have tried fixing it twice with rug adhesive and it still want to come off (starting in the middle and working its way to the edges). Other parts of the interior such as the AC are fine just as long as its not 100ºF outside.

Third I want to talk about the transmission. This is the weak point of the car if there is any. This unit seems as if it were meant for a Ford Taurus, than for the almighty Honda Accord. Whats the gripe about? Well the shift aren't smooth by any means (aren't harsh either) and the transmission seems as if it has potential to be smooth, but just can't quite make it that way. Also in congested areas around town, the transmission seems painfully slow to downshift, and sometimes it won't. It will just hold the gear that its in and rev the engine harder which doesn't make any sense when I jab the pedal to the floor (i have almost been hit from behind becase of this). If the tranny does kickdown after jabbing the pedal the tranny goes into lower third gear and then works with the powerband swinging the tac needle past 4000 RPM, giving you that sweet engine roar that makes you happy that you own a Honda and getting you out of a tricky situation.

These are great cars for first time drivers. If anyone is looking for a high school, second, or commuter car this is the one. Not just these accords, but any accord is worth consideration. Take a test drive and you will see why its america's best seller.