1989 Honda Accord LX-i 2.3 from North America
Summary:
Best car money can buy
Faults:
Front axles replaced at 90,000 because I didn't heed the warning by my local repairman of worn boots.
Engine began smoking slightly at 135000 miles, but have yet to do anything about it.
Sunroof periodically leaks, but seemed to have fixed itself as long as I don't open it.
Just this week suffered a broken rear ball joint at 142000 miles.
Cooling fan kicks on for no good reason for the past year.
Transmission slips when dropping to a lower gear, especially when making turns.
Very little rust around wheel wells. Seats have worn as expected for 14 years of use including 3 active boys.
General Comments:
This has been an EXCEPTIONAL car. I have been amazed at its reliability and consistent performance. It isn't the quickest auto on the street, but it more than serves my needs.
It does sit awful low to the ground which makes it difficult to change oil and filter, but nothing a jack and patience can't overcome.
I had to trade in my JEEP to buy a van in order to accommodate 3 car seats. I got stuck with my wife's Honda... but couldn't be happier with the trade I made with my wife.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th February, 2003
17th Mar 2010, 17:00
Good review. I have an '87 Accord sedan, same as yours, but a year older with 168k on the clock. Mine also does the transmission slip around corners and I busted a rear ball-joint as well.. I noticed one of the back wheels was crooked when walking up to the car, then as I drove it home, it caved in as soon as I hit the railroad tracks. So sounds like common issues.
I've also owned an '89 Accord, same engine, but with the stick instead of the automatic, and BOY what a difference! The 5-speed would blow the doors off my automatic Accord, even though it had over 300k miles.. I mean there really is no comparison. The automatic tranny totally blunts that little motor's surprising power, which is a shame. Still, I enjoy the late 1980's Accord in any form. And I'm more the Chevy rear-wheel drive V8 kinda guy. Used to make fun of Honda's, but not anymore ;)