1993 Honda Accord SE review from North America

This is my second Accord since 2000. When I purchased the car in March 2005, there were very little problems with it. The previous owner replaced the CV Joints, alternator and cooling fan motor. Unfortunately, he used aftermarket (Auto Zone) replacement parts. I have re-replaced the parts (which have already began to fail) with Genuine Honda Parts. He conditioned the seats about once a year and they are in excellent shape. The Bose stereo still works great. I took the liberty to install the factory CD changer. The Bose system is truly an experience with a CD changer and it's a disgrace to not install the CD changer to really experience its quality. One DIN cord and a Honda CD changer ($75 on eBay) is all it takes. The Honda Bose system came CD changer ready. If your Bose system has went bad, it is most likely the external amplifier installed in the trunk of the car (black box to the left, under rear shelf) Honda Dealers have an inexpensive repair program for the amps to bring yours back to life.

Key points on Accord repairs:

-CV joints: CV or Constant Velocity joints are subjected to grueling conditions. Part an entire driveshaft assembly, they work to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. They are under a tremendous load, and must turn the front wheels no matter which way the steering wheel is turned. Most will fail anywhere from 90-130K miles. I HIGHLY recommend replacing them with a Genuine Honda Remanufactured driveshaft. They are approx. $200 retail and will last over 100K miles. If you cheap out and buy AutoZone or NAPA, it will last 6-20K miles, and need replaced again.

-Alternator: Manufactured by Nippon Denso, the alternator produces 80 Amps. Failures can happen at any mileage. Two of its most common failures are the bearing or Voltage Regulator. Again, Honda Remanufactured is the only way to go. Aftermarket alternators are notorious for quick failure in either the bearing or other components.

-Cooling Fan Motor: Most common in the south, you can't miss this part failing. Usually noted by a loud-screeching sound when the A/C is on or the temp needle reaching H at idle, this part again should be replaced with a Genuine Part.

-Other parts will go bad. Most aren't anything more than a minor repair.

I really have enjoyed Honda Cars. They are very fun to drive and I can depend on them to take me wherever I need to go without worrying about breaking down. The SE was truely ahead of its time and I'm glad to see the appreciation they still receive.