so, i have a 97 honda accord sedan 2.2L vtec. ive never owned a honda before, so im look for performce ideas, and good looks ideas (inside and out).
this is me

 

Its an 18 year old car. I know its your baby, I've been there before. First make sure its in top running shape (plugs, fluids, timing belt and hoses along with a tranny service) then maybe detail the inside and make sure you have a good radio. I really couldn't think about performce upgrades to a car who's value is really low. What I mean is the price of your upgrades might be more than what the car is worth. My 2 cents.

 

Well, your car is your car so not really much of a point in asking people what aesthetic mods to do since its really just a matter of taste. I like to modify cars in a manner which makes them look simple, clean, and OEM. That being said, nice buy. Seems to be in decent shape. Not sure I'm liking the current mods. Personally I prefer OEM style taillights and side markers. Besides that I would do exhaust, HIDs, LED interior, maybe some lowering springs, and some white Acura CL rims (could get them on craigslist and spray paint them).




Something which can make modifying your car cheaper is finding out what parts from which cars fits yours and then looking on craigslist for parts from those cars. Also try local u-pull-its and auto salvage yards. Or people parting out similar cars on craigslist.


You can also start looking through a bunch of modified Accord pics and take note of what you like and what you don't, and try to get a general idea of where you want to go with you build.

 

Performance wise, what are you looking for?
What do you want the car to do?

Although these are some very nice handling cars, they were still only 145HP. Todays Civics with a 1.8 make that much power in a much more aero friendly package.

Pull one of those funky wheels off and weigh it. Lots of aftermarket wheels are heavy even for a stock size, that will slow your car down not only in straight line but in handling as well. Better off with some stock alloys or as 305_DB7ish stated some 97-99 CL rims.
Verify the lug nuts are properly torqued, and tires inflated.

If the car is an original EX with an F22B1 the exhaust tip screams 'midas'. Albeit the car may be a bit choked in the muffler department from the single tiny tip wonder.

First thing would be to do maintenance, verify the car is in good tune and the timing belt does not need to be replaced. Check receipts(if any) for other components that have been replaced.

Replace brake fluid, check pads/rotors for wear, check brake hoses, verify caliper sliders are lubed. Verify parking brake works and the self adjusters in the caliper or drum is not seized.

I am a firm believer in the front wheel bearings should be replaced ~100K miles. They don't usually make noise, but they can cause some undesirable front tire wear that may be blamed on other items. Timkein(NTN) bearings are ~$30 each from RockAuto.

While the front end is apart, this would be ideal to replace the lower balljoiint, and install new front rotors. A few members have had the lower stud break on high mileage cars. ~$20 each dealer.

Check shocks for wear/leaking.

Check the sway bar bushings/drop link bushings for wear. You can replace all of these bushings for ~$40 and it greatly improves the cars handling. If still original hardware on the front endlinks, purchase Prothane 8-403 bushings to replace the worn bushings. Rear droplinks do not need to be replaced unless the link itself is damaged or rusted. Rear drop link bushings are only ~$2 each from Honda, need 4. Sway bar bushings(front/rear) can be purchased from RockAuto for ~$10 shipped.

Look for any worn/torn/crack suspension bushings.