1999 Honda Accord LSi 1.6
Summary:
Excellent value car
Faults:
Broken cover for the radiator - fixed for around 1 EUR.
Noise and vibration from the gear lever, happens when accelerating - not solved yet, but shouldn't be too expensive.
Middle muffler is teared inside - expensive to replace, from the dealer around 1,000 EUR.
General tear and wear from a 15 year old car.
General Comments:
The car is very comfortable, low noise on highway speeds (120 kph). It pulls OK for the power and weight, but it is not an S2000. If you push it, it will drain the fuel tank in a blink of an eye, but then again, it is not what this car is about. If you want a high revving and exciting 4 door Honda, buy a Civic instead.
Despite the above quoted problems, for the money I purchase the car, I would recommend it. It is really a good bargain nowadays.
Had to buy one, since it is one of only a couple of cars my wife enjoys the styling of (for the money) and she has a point. It is still a good looking car.
The servicing is expensive at the dealerships, but you don't have to do it so many times, so it's OK for me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd January, 2013
24th Feb 2008, 13:49
Hi, this is the original reviewer.
I sold the accord after 9000 kms.
I didn't have any problem with it, but around here petrol is very expensive and the normal fuel consumption of the accord with a VERY light foot was 8,8 litres /100 km.
The depreciation of this car in Portugal is amazing (because it isn't a diesel engine), so I had a good chance to sell it and I took it.
With time I became aware of some design faults, such as road noise which is unacceptable for a car like this.
On the other hand, the handling isn't that great. On tight corners, the tires reach the limit way too soon, and most smaller/modest cars can (at least) keep up with the accord on a twisty road.
This was a huge disappointment, because my '96 civic is still very fun to drive on twisty roads.
Another thing is the auto gearbox: It's smooth, but like most regular Honda's (the not sporty ones), it has long gear ratios. The top speed (220 km/h) can only be achieved in fourth gear. This means that the car isn't that fast after the first two gears.
I sold the Accord and bought a Audi A4 with a diesel engine and 130hp.
It is a lot faster (6 speed gearbox), handles like a small sports car on twisty roads, pulls at any rpm, and has a fuel consumption of 5,9 litres/100 kms.
The Accord is a good car for old people, and I have no doubts than it is more reliable than any Audi, but if you want a fun car, stay away from the Accord.