I have had very little go wrong with my car. That may be because I car was very well maintained and accident-free prior to my ownership and I have done nearly all the maintenance checks recommended in the Acura Recommended Maintenance Schedule.
My clutch just went a few days ago, at 95,000 miles and cost (at an Acura dealership) was $950 to have the clutch, pressure plate, etc. replaced.
Other than that, only very minor things have occurred: I have had to replace the radio antenna twice; I had to replace the front glass once due to damage from gravel on the roadways.
In general, I love this car for its practicality and reliability. It is a small car which handles very well on curves, breaks like a dream, and is economical on gas.
The only general cautions are that I have found it a little noisy on the highway, and this car is definitely not for the big man (for example, my husband who is 6 feet tall finds the seating rather cramped).
Lastly, I have had an Acura Integra LS previously to this, but it was a 4-door and was automatic. If I were to pick between the two, I would choose my first Acura because it addresses some of the problems I have had with my current one: more space, and no potential clutch problems.
Never go to the DEALER, especially for major items. Had you found a good mechanic, you would have paid under 600 clams for that new clutch.
As for the clutch being bad, your case is rather isolated, as everyone else has praised the clutch, shifting, et cetera; perhaps you just don't know how to drive stick right... If you think it's okay to downshift by simply shifting into a lower gear (let alone from 5th to 2nd- big no no without double de-clutching!) and letting out the clutch, that it's good to ride the clutch and slip it on upshifts, you never learned how to drive stick right and need to get help NOW before you ruin another clutch...
The sedan may be more practical for hauling people, but wouldn't you say the hatch is better for hauling stuff?
As for the slushbox being a better bet than the manual, read the other reviews and then read my second paragraph. The auto STEALS too much power and has trouble finding the right gear; how can you say it's better when the manual is one of the best in the business???
Ww the guy above seems like he ruined his clutch in his car before. Mr. know it all on how to drive a manual car now. Sedans are better for hauling things. The seats in the rear can be pushed down which offers more space for the car. The automatic has trouble finding the right gear? I don't know what you are talking about because the transaxle shifts correctly to me. It may shift a little harsh, but can be corrected by adding a conditioner. Losing power? It doesn't lose power for an automatic because I think it can still go faster than you. I think an automatic can shift better than your granny/harsh shifting.
95,000 miles for the clutch to go out is normal. It is a lot better for the clutch to go out than to pay over 2k for an auto transmission. You have not had any problems that you can claim would be from the manufacturer.
I don't know about that guys.I'm a honda guy and now have a 88 civic dx and a 96 integra ls. The 88 civic has 223k miles and original clutch, the 96 integra has 176k miles and has the original clutch and neither show signs of going out any time soon.
OK, seriously man. 223K on the original clutch may be a testament to both the quality of the clutch and your skill using it, but it's also a testament to your own stupidity. You're begging for trouble with that many miles on the original clutch. Just because the car keeps going forward doesn't necessarily mean that the clutch is fine. Replace it before you get screwed.
My 1994 Accord clutch has 245,000 miles on it pal! Still runs great and when it goes, I will probably buy a new Accord.
Greaat car. little or none maintenance for 1996. it 2007 now.
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