Faults:

Transmission completely failed at 105,000 km. Garage said the clutch plates on this model were too small, and were beefed up to industrial strength on the next version (2003).

Two engine mounts needed replacement at 152,000 km.

Driver's window jammed at 140,000 km.

Driver's door inside opener lever broke at 145,000 km.

General Comments:

Other than the transmission failure, a super reliable, super comfortable car, with a very good engine for the period (late 1990s).

Fit and finish of the interior is very good, and has worn extremely well. Paint slightly dodgy though - aubergine colour and is fading on the bonnet (hood).

I've carefully measured economy on highway trips, and get 31 imperial mpg (26 US miles per US gallon). Good by 1998 standards - I generally travel around 110 kph (68 mph) and pass everything I can.

The engine is as sweet today as when I bought it. Uses around 100 ml of oil per 1,000 km, but until around 140,000 it used none. I've always changed the oil and filter myself at around 10,000 km.

Faults:

Discovered a boot leak once winter set in, the dealer failed to disclose that there had been a minor accident to the back end (as a result, there is some interior rust behind the carpet and the pare wheel was rusting). The small gapping was fixed (with bathroom sealant) just above the light cluster in the boot.

Replaced the tyres 6 months in as they were all cheap korean and chinese of different brands - car feels so much safer now that it has decent tyres on it (Dunlop 300E's, apparently one of their best under AU$200 in a long time).

General Comments:

This is my first car and am pretty happy with it. There have been no major problems with the car, typical Honda reliability. My family have owned 5 Hondas now and always love them.

I did have some problems with the dealer (a Kia dealer selling it 2nd hand) as they tried to rip me off as well as sell me the Accord in bad condition. An RAC check showed that one tyre was illegally worn down, tail lights were out and the 'new' brake pads that were squeaking as they were wearing in... well, the rears had less than 10,000kms left on them, but the front still has about 30,000 left. At least the Honda dealer we go to is great and do a brilliant job.

Unfortunately, I believe this one was made in the USA and suffers some minor quality differences (higher noise than normal in the cabin for this car).

The engine is pretty sedate, but does well when it get above 5000rpm, sounds half decent as well once you get it up there, but not up there with the modern Mazda 6 (nowhere near a WRX). Normal driving gives about 10.5l/100km.

The interior is bright and a nice place to be, coloured in beige upholstery and dash, so much nicer than the standard black you see everywhere on todays cars.

The manual transmission is a bit clunky and the distance between each gear is a fair travel, so 1st gear can be a stretch to get to. At least there is a solid gate pattern so you know where each gear is so you're not fumbling around trying to find it.

The seats are more of an American sit 'on' than 'in' and as a result you don't really feel connected to the car, and can slide across them if you take a corner to fast. The back seat is also comfortable, but is not sculpted to fit a body shape, rather it's a flat bench. Unfortunately, this model didn't get head rests in the back that you can adjust, you just get these small useless 'bumps' on top of the backrest, so long distance passengers should invest in a pillow to use instead. The interior is very spacious, but I do prefer the interior of the Accord before (1993-1997), even thought it was a lot cosier, you sit in the car and it's more comfortable.

Overall a great car that has enough sting when you need it, but does its job as a cruiser and easy driver very well.

Faults:

Rear brake pads worn and needed replacing.

Steering wheel worn badly prior to purchase (was glued tighter by dealer).

General Comments:

This is not the most exciting car in the world to drive, but as a family car it is reliable and roomy.

The interior is spacious, and the faux-wood paneling is a nice touch.

Build quality isn't as good as the Japanese-built models (this one is made in Thailand I think), but there aren't too many rattles, and it still looks pretty good when kept clean.

Faults:

No faults, it is a Honda after all.

General Comments:

The dashboard is set out well and easy to follow.

Interior lights for Africa 2 map lights, one in the centre of roof, one in the glovebox, and one in the ashtray.

It has quad cup holders (2 in front and 2 in back).

The seats are quite uncomfortable and not to my liking. There are adjustments, but no adjustment for the lumbar support.

Electronic power steering means you can have either hard, medium or soft power steering.

Faults:

Clutch master cylinder replaced, replace front brake discs.

General Comments:

The Accord impressed me with its large size, much bigger than the older model, but still perceived by other people as a "medium" sized car however it is up there with the Maxima and the Camry. Ride is excellent, the brakes are reassuring and the car is quiet. Performance is OK, but not too exciting and good economy is the trade-off. With airbags and side intrusion bars my family and I feel very safe and comfortable. The boot is huge. Ventilation and the air conditioning are excellent.