13th Jun 2003, 09:00
I think Hondas are wonderful cars. My family has a 1997 Accord LX and a 1997 Civic LX. I just recently bought a 1997 Civic EX and I love it. Before I had a 1987 Accord LX which was passed down to me from my parents who bought the car in 1988. We never had any problems with it and it only went to a shop when we needed the oil changed and to replace the timing belt once. I got the car when I was 16 and four years later it now has 250,000 miles on it. I always plan on owning at least one Honda because they are dependable and affordable.
4th Dec 2005, 17:52
I own a 1997 honda civic dx. I only had it for 6 months I already had a cracked exhaust manifold and I replaced one of the O2 sensors. I just don't understand why all the 97 manifolds crack so often. Good car, but hi maintenance.
3rd Mar 2006, 17:53
I own a 2000 Honda Civic DX which has been reliable in the sense it has never quit running or even run poorly. Honda has a good reputation for reliability and most problems with a particular model are usually cleared up in the next years production. There is one problem however which Honda has failed to address and that is the continuing failure of the Oxygen sensors. These are located upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter and output signals to the computer to set fuel/air mixtures. I have replaced one of these at 45,000km and am now replacing the second at 65,000. My research of postings indicates that I am far from alone with this $300 a pop problem. My question is why have Honda not made corrections to these devices considering this problem appears to have existed on Civic and Accord vehicles since the mid 90s? Having owned two previous very reliable Honda Civics from the 80s era I expected similar performance from my present vehicle, but have been very disappointed. I would certainly hesitate before purchasing another.
26th Dec 2007, 18:47
I have a 1987 Honda Civic hatchback DX and it has over 261,000 miles. It still runs well except it idles a bit rough, and I haven't done anything to it except change oil in the last 3 years. It has been my beater.
I also have a 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback DX and haven't had any problems with it. I've done the scheduled maintenance and it's never broke down on me. Did get a check engine light once, but it was an easy fix.
Another gripe is that the driver window always gets stuck. I've fixed it and it's been fine, but now I can't roll it down all the way. I know a lot of other Civics of this year has had similar problems, and there was a recall on that. Also when braking the car shakes a little, and it's a little noisy going on the freeway.
Worst part about having this car is that it's a hot item for thieves, and it is relatively easy to steal.
27th Dec 2007, 13:01
8th Jul 2007, 19:42.
"Stop messing up your cars."
Strange how every Honda fanatic here has 3 or four Honda's in their family with over 200,000 miles and they are all trouble free. These are the same people who sneer at anyone in jealousy who buys something other than an import that turns out to be way better than a Honda. Even if the writer was abusive to his cars, It's no excuse for a Honda to fall apart after only 7 years. The lack of power in this and every Honda says it all.
My first and last Hondas is my 2003 Accord, with 2.2 Liter engine. After dealing with flimsy brake rotors warping too often, High oil consumption, transmission failure in less than three years, and rust worse than anything I've ever seen, all this after being religiously maintained, this is my first, worst, and last Honda. I never let my kids drive it. The car is now complete junk and only has 134,000 miles on it. It is currently rotting in the back of my driveway, In back of my 1986 Chevy Scottsdale C20 4x4, My 1969 Ford Galaxie 500, my 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL (which is superior to the Honda Accord Past and present in every way, shape, and form, 48,000 miles and not a peep of trouble), and my wife's 2004 Chevy Impala (also Superior to the Honda Accord). I'm sending the Accord to the crusher as soon as the snow here melts.
Honda and Honda junkies definitely needs to straighten up their Act!
19th Jan 2008, 16:29
The point is he owns American cars just as old or older than the Honda that have far less problems, and don't rust as quick. Most Hondas are overrated.
28th Mar 2008, 16:34
I have a 2001 Honda Civic and the manifold cracked on it. Apparently it is a widespread problem with late '90 early '00 models. My mechanic told me that he changed quite a few lately. Because the manifold is welded to the catalytic converter, the part is very expensive. It could cost almost $ 1,000 to replace (parts and labor). I tried to get the manufacturer to pay for it, but they refused because the car is outside warranty.
26th May 2008, 20:40
Cracked exhaust manifold is one of the weakest link in the Civic. I even had the same problem on my 79 Celica when it was about 4 years old, but Toyota replaced it for free when it was out of warranty. I wish I still had that car, the 20R motors were bullet proof.
1st Jun 2008, 00:22
Some people are too quick to blame the manufacturer for issues caused by ignorance and/or neglect. In my opinion, Japanese cars are vastly superior in both design and efficiency when compared to their American counterparts. I've had a '97 Honda Civic DX for about 8 years now, and have driven it over 250k miles. Through routine tune-ups and maintenance, I have never had a problem with it.
2nd Jun 2008, 21:59
Japanese 4 cyls are by far the best 4 bangers going. Now I'll agree with you on the V6's and V8's; American is better, but your Altima is a Japanese. Altimas are horrible after 2001; the new models brought new problems, have fun with that one.
Hondas burn oil; only problem I see with them. There are so many aftermarket parts available it's worth it for sure. Even if you had to drop a new engine in a Honda, d16 106hp engine is $400-500 plus installation, Ls b18 142hp $700-800, h22 200hp around $1200.
Come on, the car's are worth it if you are on a tight budget or not. The only trouble I ever had with a Honda is burning oil, and the body falls apart before the engines. If you get one, "WHEN IT" (cuz it will) starts rusting on the quarter panels, attack it right away and you'll be good.
20th Aug 2002, 14:40
I am on my second Honda Civic in 15 years, 10 with the first (240K miles) 84 Wagon. Five years with 97 DX hatchback (117K). I will not buy another Honda.
This one needs a "manifold", oxygen sensor and perhaps a catalytic converter. $1500+ I might as well have a GM car for the hassle.
Honda dealers in California USED TO BE SO GOOD. NOW they act like GM dealers (My dad worked for a GM dealer for 40 years; I grew up on showroom floors. Their service sucks, especially their treatment of women in the process).
My last Honda.