Faults:

The gasket was showing signs of leaks, and was replaced at 131,000.

Rear drum brake boots have accumulated residue of likely brake fluid. Replacement not necessary until recommended brake life ends.

A general tune-up and check at 134000 revealed a slight clutch master leak. Replacement is not necessary, because the leak is nearly undetectable.

General Comments:

Exterior: The styling on the sedans are forgettable. Coupes come in a better, slightly sportier shape. The hatchback... is up to your taste.

Interior: Because the car is a compact and coupe, the limited head and leg room in the rear seats do suggest selection of passengers in the back. The front seats offer good support and comfort for people under 6ft.

Driver accommodation is very good. All instruments are easy access and easy to read, placed in a subtly refined front panel design.

Performance: At first the engine seems to lack some zest and crisp response of some other sport oriented cars, but as time goes on, the balanced appeal of the clearly shows its shape. At higher rpm, the V-TECH kicks in, and in reality, it's pretty much all I need to kick some domestics down the drain.

Handling is the greatest strength of this car. The weight stays locked into the ground, and the car goes right where I point it. Even at higher speeds the car seems surprisingly stable, and being front-wheel drive, it's very easy to regain control even if I over-steer.

Faults:

Just recently (at 127,500 miles), the check engine light started coming on after the car warmed to operating temperature. I have not had this serviced yet, but I suspect a temperature sensor of some sort. Around the same time, my mileage dropped significantly, from 35 mpg around town down to about 28.

Other than this, I have only replaced normal wear items such as brake pads, headlamps and the battery. With regard to regular maintenance items, the car is a joy to work on.

General Comments:

I can't believe my car has 127,000 miles on it. The engine is strong, lively and smooth. There is however transmission wear, specifically the first and second gear synchronizers. The clutch might be starting to go as well, given the occasional chattering.

At 6'1", I'm about the largest person who can effectively drive this car. Considering this, the fit for my height is not bad.

The EX trim package appears to share a good bit of its steering, suspension and brake components with its cousin the Acura Integra. Fore and aft stabilizer bars and MacPherson struts give this car superb control and agility. However, the same relatively long wheelbase that helps grant the car a smooth ride also gives it a turning circle that's large and awkward for such a small car.

Do-It-Yourselfers will like this car on the whole, though the engine itself can be difficult to work with at times. The oil filter for instance is a real pain to get your hands on. Also, the car's front air dam is too low for drive-on ramps, requiring the use of jack stands. Still, the suspension, brakes, interior components, lights, cooling, exhaust and most other components are immediately accessible and straightforward.

I love Honda's anti-lock brakes. They are aggressive, reliable and sure. They've saved my butt a number of times in slushy New England winters.

Good, good car.