Hi, I would like some opinions on the 98-02 accord. I like these cars and am sort of shopping around for the right one. I want a 4 cyl with a manual trans, any problems to watch out for on these ones? Are they good cars? What can I expect for fuel mileage? Thanks guys.

 

I've owned a 2001 4cyl, 5spd. coupe for the last five years and 260 000 kilometers.

If you expect a fast car, stay away. It will move itself, but it's underpowered for the weight it has to haul. As far as being reliable, they are.

If you live in canada, expect DRL module problems, wich is a really easy fix. Lately, people (including myself) are having problems with door lock actuators. Mine stopped working a few months ago, i'm just too cheap to replace it. So far, if you put aside regular maintenance, i've replaced: timing belt/balancer shaft belt/waterpump/ + all seals timing belt side only once since i had the car. They are still in good condition. Front upper control arms once (both sides) + lower balljoints 2-3 times, wheel bearings (all four), stabilizer bar links + bushings. (We have ridiculously bad roads here in Quebec, and i'm very perfectionnist with my car) and the list goes on and on..

It's reliable, it never failed on me NOT ONE SINGLE TIME, nothing major ever broke, i just maintain the crap out of it because i like it (it's my hobby..). Hey, the alternator is the factory one, and it's still running after all this time. Still got the original axles..

As of fuel mileage, now at 332 000km i average 9-10 liters/100 km. It's abit above average, but i've got a heavy foot and like high revs.

 

I wouldn't say it's underpowered... Oh, it's definitely not fast, but compared to other cars in it's class with a 4 banger, it wasn't too shaby. Plus, I'll trade a bit of extra power they could have added for the super reliability mine has displayed. Never had one problem with the engine.

Yeah the door lock actuator for my passenger side is starting to act up. Only time the car stranded me was when the distributor finally gave. That's a common problem with Hondas though, moisture eventually gets in and will work its "magic" until its finally killed the dizzy.

I, like Nathan007, maintain the hell out of the car so that helps keep it reliable. However, my dad owned the car for the first 140,000 miles (it's at 225,000 now) did not...

Yet the only thing he managed to do that was lasting was really dent and scratch up the exterior, and put some sun damage on the interior. He even ran it without oil once (oil started leaking out after an oil change and the only reason he brought it in was for another service)! There were no changes in performance or sound. Still runs just fine to this day. The thing will not quit! *knock on wood*

One thing I would absolutely recommend. Get a manual trans. The autos frankly, suck, and the manual won't let you down. Plus, it'll help with the mpg. I get in the high 20's mixed driving and low 30's on the highway.

 

Agreed, I would only go with the manual. I've never seen one that was a manual in a shop.

 

Ok sounds good, I could care less about the power, I am sure it will have enough for what I will be using it for and ya I am only considering a manual transmission. Well I will keep my eyes peeled for the right car so thanks.