1988 Honda Accord LX-i 2.0L 4 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

This car will still be going strong in ten years

Faults:

Driver's side power window broke at 120,000 miles.

Sunroof accumulated water, which poured on my head when opened. Happened at 140,000 miles, and was reported to by typical. Didn't happen again after fixing, though.

Valve cover gasket went out at 195,000 miles.

Alignment was fussy.

Bearing in transmission wore out, making second gear grind every time, unless you paused briefly before engaging.

Clutch went out at 170,000 miles.

General Comments:

Fun and sporty sedan to drive, with spirited acceleration and excellent handling.

Excellent gas mileage (near 30mpg).

At 200,000 miles, this car was as good as it was at 100,000.

Seats are hard, and hard on your back for even short trips.

Lots of options, and an excellent value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2002

1988 Honda Accord LX 2.0 carb from North America

Summary:

Reliable, fun, performing, super cheap to run

Faults:

Rebuilt carburetor at 260,000 km.

My head gasket blew at 308,000 km.

General Comments:

I have not had any problems with this car in the 14 years I've owned it.

All regular dealer maintenance done up to 300,000 km. This will be the best car I've ever owned even after its gone.

My accord still performs as good as it did when I bought it, I have run it on synthetic oil for the last 12 years. The compression is almost the same as the original specs. I have put $3000 on it in the past 3 years, but it included a complete suspension overhaul ($1500).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2002

1988 Honda Accord 2.0SI (Australian model) 2 litre EFI from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

This car is perfect for anyone who wants to mix luxury with a little speed

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong with the car, however some of the lights on the heater/air-con panel don't work every time, and the interior of the car needs to be protected from the harsh Australian sun, as it will warp, but this is to be expected from a car of this age.

General Comments:

This car is a fine example of Honda's commitment to quality. It handles well at moderate speeds considering that it is built as a family car, and the factory gearbox (5 Speed, pulled from the Prelude) handles the torque perfectly.

The only gripes I have about the Accord are that the gearbox was designed for a car with a higher torque curve so sometimes it doesn't have the right gear for a corner. Also the car needs a few more kilowatts, it just isn't powerful enough when carrying 4 adults on a highway.

The ergonomics of the car are great for it's purpose (to accommodate a family), and the car has more gadgets than most European luxury cars (standard sunroof, cruise control, full electrics).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2002

1988 Honda Accord LXi 2.0 EFI from North America

Summary:

Great car for the long haul..

Faults:

The vacuum hose coupling on the ignition timing module was broken when I got the car, so the engine was "searching" for the proper idle speed (it would surge between 1,000 RPM and 2,000 RPM once every second). Some super glue fixed that issue.

The front suspension rods needed to be replaced. They weren't in bad shape, but they dried up and were creating an awful squeaking sound with every bump.

The primary temperature sensor went out, causing the car to overheat and thus killing the secondary temperature sensor (the one that kicks the fan on when the car is turned off - I don't understand why the car needs one whole sensor for that, but I'm sure there is a good reason).

Rust on the wheel wells in the rear and some rust around the trunk lid.

Driver side power window module has a loose wire that causes the window not to operate from time to time. Will fix that one day.

Replaced timing belt. General maintenance at 150k miles. I don't like rubber timing belts, and I know the design of the Honda engine would force the valves to collapse into the piston compartment if the belt ever broke, ruining the engine.

A/C compressor needed to be replaced and the system upgraded to R134 - Was next to nothing because my Dad does HVAC work, and the compressor was picked up from a salvage yard for $50. The R134 conversion kit was only $39.95.

The car has an intermittent start problem if it is not warmed up all the way, or if it is left parked in direct sunlight. Usually, if it let it sit for 2 - 5 minutes, it will start right up the second time around.

Over all, total repair costs were about $250 - not bad for a free car.42.

General Comments:

The car is nice, for a 1988.

I owned a 2002 Chevy Malibu, which I loved, but needed to turn it in because I lost my job.

The Honda Accord was acquired from a family member who did not need it anymore, and did not see any worth in it.

It's a good car. The ride isn't as smooth or quiet as my new Malibu was, but it will fit the bill.

I don't like the fact that the car sits so low to the ground, or the fact that the driver door won't lock unless it's closed. I know it's a feature that can be overridden, but I need to find out how.

Overall, I love the car, and I think it runs as good as new, especially for having 150k miles on it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2002

27th Jul 2002, 22:21

In order to lock the door while it is open, pull either of the door handles (inside or outside) while locking the door.

23rd Dec 2007, 08:32

I bought my '88 Accord LXi manual transmission about a year ago - it had 151,000 miles on it at age 19. I have to say it has been extremely reliable, with no major problems in the least! I have had a leak in the seal around the sunroof, and occasionally rain will seep in; also, a power steering fluid small leak. Other than that, I think the car is good to go for another 19 years!

1st Aug 2008, 00:18

I like the feature of the door. You cannot lock your keys inside the car. I can't remember how many times it saved myself. I believe it is designed this way, I can't tell you how many times I accidentally locked my keys in my old car (Ford).