Hello,

I'm in the market for a used Honda Accord. I'm currently looking at used 4th, 5th, and 6th generation Honda Accord models. I currently own a 1990 Honda Civic Hatch (great car!) with a manual 5 speed transmission; I need more room!

I realize that a Manual Transmission is going to be more Reliable than an Automatic Transmission. I would like to get an Automatic Transmission model because I'm tired of shifting all the time!. I have read numerous posts about problematic 6th Gen Auto transmissions. How do the other generations rank?... Also, is the Automatic Transmission problems only tied to the V6 Accords?

I don't plan on tuneing/modding the car; it will be used as a Daily Driver. I would like to take it long roadtrips from time to time in the summer so reliability is extremely important! Any other serious things I should pay attention to besides the tranny? Any other common problems?.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

Imho, I would say the 5th gen Accord AT were the most reliable out of the 4th, 5th, and 6th. Not saying the AT on a 5th gen is bullet proof though.

The 4th gen AT were pretty reliable too, it was just some of the Transmission Control Units (TCU) would get blown capacitor(s), and burnt resistors. Fixable though.

Many 6th gen Accord V6 AT were problematic; but, it wasn't just the AT on the V6, some of the 4 cylinder AT were problematic. Even some 7th gen Accord ATs were problematic.

Edit: I bought my previous 5th gen Accord new, it went 300,000 without a problem from the AT. Also, the car in general didn't have any major problems. Parts did start to need replacement more frequently due to wear in the last two years I had it though. I gave the car away to my nephew two years ago.

 

Thank You.

I guess my next decision to make is determining if the Auto version is actually worth it over the Manual. I mean, if I'm going to be creating a ton of problems for myself just by getting the auto then the manual would be my best bet.

How long can i expect a 5th gen auto transmission to last? I realize that there is no definite answer to this, but we all know a 4 cyl Honda Accord Engine could potentially last well over 200,000 miles (I have read some instances of even 300,000! ).

Any type of rule of thumb with an auto transmission? I'd just hate to be servicing it frequently and giving all kinds of headache

 

I edited my previous post which included some of this same info. My 1995 Accord EX went over 300,000 miles without major problems. My automatic transmission never gave a single problem, I just changed the fluid at every 30,000 miles, along with other normal maintenance at every 30,000 miles. My nephew is still driving it.

Some Hondas will go 400,000 - 500,000 miles.

Things you have to do are the normal timing belt changes. Also, make sure the car has the retainer over the balancer shaft oil seal; otherwise, you can have a major oil leak with oil pouring out and ruining the engine.

 

94-97 tranny's by far.

 

Also, only use Honda ATF-Z1 fluid for the automatic transmission.

 

Many cars that you look at will likely have a rebuilt transmission. I would not be scared of a car with a rebuilt transmission. My 92 got a new tranny at 60K and I have 360K+ now - the rebuilt tranny was modified with whatever was wrong with the original (forgot what it was now). Just keep a high-quality fluid changed very often.

The change interval that honda recommends on the Z1 is not enough, IMO. If you must use it, I would do a flush and refill every 7500 to 10K just to be sure. It is only 3 quarts, so it is cheap insurance... we all would error on the side of caution with our engines, so why not the tranny? Once it starts to turn even the slightest shade of black, it is starting to cause more wear than normal in your transmission.

 

My .02 on the 5th gens..95 EX 4 cyl auto. Orig engine and trans, just over 361K......T-belt and stuff this weekend as I plan on at least another 100K. I've kept up with tranny fluid drain and fills, using Z1 and have had no issues-I've owned it for about the last 160~175K. Just one of many on the road but wanted to share my personal experience, each can and will be different.....of course the two 3rd gens I have with auto trans are over 200K as well.

 

I know a lot of people with 90-93's that have tons of miles with no problems who have never changed the fluid. Not saying it is good but just saying. I have a 96 with the 4 cyl auto and do the drain and fill every 10k for insurance. So I'd say 90-97 4 cyl at least have been pretty reliable in my book.

 

Rebull and everyone else are completely correct. As a tech at honda. I can tell you, I have literally never seen, since I have been there, a 90-97 accord with a tranny swap going down. And I cannot tell you how many 6th, and 7th gens (mainly the v6's but some 4 cyl for the 6th gen's) having the trans with either serious issues or just plain toasted and being swapped out. That being said. A manual could be better for MPG. But either way, you are taking a gamble on the previous owners driving habits. For all you know the previous owner dogged their 5 speed out and rarely changed the fluid and the synchros are all rounded off. At the same token, the auto trans owner could have never changed fluid and maybe towed a small trailer behind it past the weight capacity. So it couldnt hurt to sit down and think about the money that could arise if a problem arises. Such as what a rebuilt auto and labor would be. Or, having a manual rebuilt and/or new clutch and such.

Finding an owner that has all service history records is a must in your position.

 

I have a 97 accord very reliable 13yrs. n still goin recently swapped engines plan on changing transmission which has almost 200,000miles. no major problems since i've had da car

 

I've had 2 automatic 4th Gen Accords. I loved them both. I can't speak for the transmission that came with it, but that was a super easy h22 swap if you keep the automatic it comes with a pretty powerful transmission. Just a thought.

I currently am driving the last auto, converted to a manual for torque related issues. The torque converter just couldn't handle the power if you decide to turbo or in my case, just some bolt ons and a tune... Those torque converters in the Honda trannys are only made for the stock power.

My suggestion if you just are looking for a good reliable daily driver, then go for the automatic, they are great. Hope this helps...

 

My 98 accord (6th generation) 4-door sedan 4-cyl has 200k on the original engine and transmission. I drain and fill only every 20-30k with honda z1 fluid only. I am the original owner.

 

My buddys 97 auto took a dump at 240K.

 

90-02 manual transmissions are the most reliable hands down. The 90-97 autos are pretty good transmissions when they are taken care of.

my 90 Accord has 210 on the auto and it shifts great.

94 accord manual with 186k is also in great shape

 

98-02 accord v6 and i4 autos were horrible transmissions also the 03 automatic in the 7th gens has horrible transmissions to

 

This is gonna sound bad, but I've got a 94 Accord Ex thats got just under 189k. I've owned it for at least 50k, and I've never done anything with the trans fluid. I'm basically just driving it 'til it dies, but it just refuses to. The tranny still shifts fine, a bit hard from 1st to 2nd, but I've heard that's pretty normal for this generation.

 

Bottom line: V6 Auto transmissions and powertrain mounts do not last as long as I4s do. Regular drain & refills of the fluid (also known as preventive maintenance) is the best practice.

 

Yup, i've got a 97 4cyl. 126k miles. I do a drain and refill (2.5 qts Honda ATF) every other oil change. It is easier than changing the oil!

 

1996 Accord EX original trans @ 240.100 miles. Shifts perfectly, no leaks and was beat on a few times in its life. My wifes 99 V6 accord trans @ 145K allready developed a small leak and at times slips between shifts, and slams into gears at times too. Funny, cause her car was driven with more care then mine has.

 

you are either lucky or very unlucky.

you are lucky that the v6 trans has lasted so long (typically only make it 100k) or you are unlucky because honda will most likely replace it for free anymore.

the 98+ v6 auto transmissions are trash.

 

well does any body know where i can pick up a trans for cheap mines taking a crap! 98 lx 223,xxx. slipping really bad!!!

 

look into syncrotech trans....or call a local auto dismantler.