Faults:

First problem was lurching when A/T shifted between 2nd and 3rd gear. Solution: A/T replaced under warranty.

2nd problem was hatchback handle to open hatch broke. Solution: Dealer replaced handle under warranty.

3rd problem IS hatchback leaks on person opening hatch through the latch mechanism. Have had this into the dealer twice for repair (Mar 08 and Nov 08). Still seems to leak (even though it is not raining) so will check again after the rain this weekend.

When solving 3rd problem, each time the "clips" on the hatch that hold the cables to the hatch cover appear to be broken. They were replaced last time and I plan to call them again as I found this when I brought the car home today (after 7 days in the shop).

All work has been done under warranty even though now under extended warranty (which they say does not cover leaks).

General Comments:

Car handles magnificently... my first really sporty sedan.

Has anyone else had leak problems with the hatchback?

Faults:

- My rear wiper is not working anymore.

- Sometimes my fuel pump would make weird noise on rare occasion. BTW I've never ran out of fuel or got extremely low on the tank.

- Premature rust under all 4 doors.

- Excessive wear on shift knob.

- Excessive wear on driver seat.

- Spray nozzles gone bad.

General Comments:

Pro:

- Handling is almost spectacular for its class

- Steering feel is sharp

- Good suspension compromise

- Room space is good

- Exterior and interior design well done

- Smooth shifting

- Good clutch feel

- MSRP cheaper than rivals like Accord & Camry

- People dig my Blazing Cooper color

Con:

- Thirsty for a 2.3 4bangers

- Low on torque

- Road noise

- Interior not cheap, but so so materials

- Oversensitive TCS

Probably not the finest piece of engineering, but more than the overall car with very few flaws. I wouldn’t say I love this car like my previous Prelude 98, but I appreciate every single quality out of it...

Faults:

Was making a weird fan noise, and shifted very poorly when we first got it. Took it to the dealer; they updated the transmission software, and replaced the fan control. Problem solved; never came back. Shifts great now.

General Comments:

This has been a great car.

It comfortable seats five adults, and has a plenty of room in the cargo area.

Great power when going up hills and over the mountains.

Steering is light and predicable.

Seats are very comfortable, especially in the back.

Ours has leather, sun roof, heated seats, Bose stereo, and all the bells whistles, all the accessories have held up well.

The dash and some of the trim pieces are starting to show wear, but nothing that needs replacing.

All in all, this has been about 90% of what our 98'Audi A4 was, but without the issues, and roomier.

Faults:

Front brake pads worn out at 39k miles. Other than that, it has only needed the routine maintenance that would apply to any car. The brake pads were the only "issue" in the 15 months that we've owned the car.

General Comments:

Very smooth power, and nicely optioned too. Ours has leather, sunroof, and a Bose stereo that will peel the skin off of you if you turn it up loud! The in-dash CD changer is a GREAT option for long trips as well. I love the looks of the car, too. The only thing that I would change about this car would be for it to have rear wheel drive. If that were so, it would be the perfect! The only ergonomic flaw that I've found is the atrocious rear-3/4 vision. Backing up, or changing lanes, can be dicey due to the car's high rear haunches. I've simply learned to be careful when backing or changing lanes! Nice car on the whole, though... glad we bought it.