Faults:
Previous owner supplied all service records. Only major problem was upper ball joint on front suspension was knocking. Mileage unsure.
Engine had a history of overheating before I bought it. Suspected to be from chronically dirty cooling system. Replaced radiator/flushed system when I bought it (188,355 miles.) and no problems since.
Driver's-side exterior door handle broke and replaced at 206,000.
Connecting-rod bearings (at crankshaft) began to wear out and became noisy. Replaced at 219,000.
A/C didn't work when I bought it. Converted system to R134a for $350 at 230,000.
Cruise control master switch was stuck in the 'on' position when I bought the car. Replaced with used part ($10).
Alternator failed at 249,000.
Water pump sprang leak at 256,000.
Cracked head and failed oil pump at 261,000. Complete engine rebuild (All gaskets/seals, new clutch, transmission rebuild, engine overhaul - mainly "preventive" maintenance).
Driver's-side power window motor chipped tooth and needed replacing at 282,000.
Upper ball joint separated on left rear suspension at 301,000. Replace upper rear arms/joints on both sides for $150.
Replace warped front brake rotors at 306,000 (Previous owner had same problem, so this made third set of new rotors).
Rear-ended by Ford F-350 at 311,000. Shattered left tail-light assembly, wrinkled quarter panel, minor bumper damage, yet no frame damage. $1,200 damages, but car held up extremely well.
Blown head-gasket at 328,000 (Not Honda's fault; used generic gaskets during 261,000-mile engine rebuild - big mistake).
Left-side drive axle joint loosened and cause massive driveline shutter. Replaced at 329,000.
Various dash lights have burned out. Many too difficult to reach to fix.
General Comments:
331,500 miles to date and still going strong!
Despite the aforementioned repairs, this has been an extremely reliable car, given how much driving I do.
Always, always use Honda Genuine Parts if you replace anything! My lesson has been learned.
This car feels very solid. Doors close with vault-like sound. Suspension/steering combo gives it a heavy feel.
Best power steering I've ever experienced. Can steer with pinky at stop or low speed. Tightens up at higher speed. Great compromise!
Typical Honda fun-to-drive quality about it.
Weak brakes by design. Too small, rotors warp, brake pads go quickly, and pedal becomes squishy. However, brakes have never been dangerously poor - just weak.
Luxurious ride and good handling, though, a tad too much body roll. I have to remind myself this is only a family sedan!
Adequate power from the 98-hp standard engine. Feels more powerful than it really is!
Good cargo space for a compact, especially with fold-down rear seat.
Fuel efficiency is remarkable. On average I get 32 mpg. That's about 500 miles per tank of gas.
Pop-up headlights give the car a unique look and make parallel parking and judging distances a breeze!
All my friends can't believe the car has 331,000 miles. They all say it rides and drives like a new car.