1999 Honda Accord LX Coupe review from North America

Replaced 2 fuel gauge senders (gauge inaccurate) at 10,000 & 21,000 miles.

Replaced power steering pump (high steering effort when parking) - 28,000 miles.

Replaced power door lock actuator (inop) - 44,000 miles.

Replaced (Delphi) alternator - 60,000 miles.

Replaced transmission at 67,000 miles - Shifts and initial engagement became violently harsh.

Replaced main relay (intermittent crank, but no-start) - 78,000 miles.

Rack started leaking at 80,000 miles. Replacement estimated at $800-900.00.

Temperature for climate control has a mind of its own in cold weather - you hear a servo operating, and the temperature of the air coming out of the vents fluctuates. Replacement of "module" estimated at $300.00.

Engine pings when climbing hills - do not have to be steep, just long. EGR valve replaced, but to avail.

Engine is noisier than expected. Engine can knock (sounds like rod bearings) when starting after vehicle sits for more than a few hours if the drainback valve on oil filter isn't up to snuff - quality of filters is variable. Upon warm restart, engine makes noise like loose mechanical lifters for a few minutes when idling. Oil pressure light stays out at idle - even on the

hottest days, so oil pressure doesn't seem to be an issue. Has mild piston slap when cold.

View through passenger side of windshield is mildly distorted.

Acceleration is good, but tip-in of throttle is more sudden than necessary given the power. Engine is smooth, and has a

pleasing sound. Uses no oil between changes. Warms up quickly. Averages 21 MPG with mainly city driving.

Transmission is its own worst enemy - always trying to out think the driver. Example - if you accelerate from a stop, and

decide you'd like to pick up the pace, you ease the throttle open a bit more, and just as you find the right increase in

acceleration, the transmission clumsily drops back a gear, and you find yourself picking up speed more quickly then you want

to. Kickdowns tend to be carried out with a feeling similar to that which one gets when you step into an unforeseen hole,

and the 2-1 shift when coming to a stop always makes the car lurch slightly-but-noticeably -> In cold weather (< 32F), 2-1 often happens with a bang until the transmission warms up. Overall, the transmission is rather awkward, and a bit too busy with upshifts/downshifts.

Steering has nice feel.

Roadholding is not strong point - Front end gives up grip rather suddenly, and at low force levels.

Ride is OK, but suspension bottoms fairly easily - damping and spring rates seem good, but suspension travel feels limited.

Original struts still pass annual safety inspection, ride height within specs.

Road noise is bit much on coarse surfaces.

Brake have nice progressive feel, and pad life is decent - 35,000-40,000 miles per axle.

Interior (cloth) is comfortable, and is of decent quality.

A/C is reasonably powerful.

Car is maintained by selling dealer - all Honda parts used.