About the 1994-1997 Honda Accord:

The Honda Accord was introduced in 1976 as a larger alternative to the Honda Civic. By 1994, the Accord had already evolved from four generations. The 5th generation (beginning in 1994) Accord was powered by a very reliable, time tested 2.2 16 valve 4-cylinder engine that made 130 hp in DX and LX models while top of the shelf EX models received an additional 15 horsepower thanks to exhaust and intake modifications. In addition, Honda's VTEC system was made standard in all EX models. In 1995, Honda finally introduced a much needed V6 engine into the Accord line. The engine had previously seen duty in the Acura Legend, and made 170 hp from 2.7 liters. In 1996, the Accord received a slight makeover (more noticeably in the front and rear) although were left untouched mechanically. Prices vary from $3,000 to $7,000...depending on year, condition and mileage. Do not be discouraged by higher mileage Accords that appear to be well taken care of. These cars will run reliably for a very long time.


why I purchased this vehicle:

I bought this 1996 Honda Accord EX in the summer of 2002 with 45,000 miles on the odometer. Two years later, it has just rolled 120,000 miles. I was moving to Michigan for college, and needed a decent sized and fuel efficient vehicle. The Honda Accord offered everything I was looking for and more. It was comfortable, just the right size and had an excellent reputation for longevity and reliability.

Reliability:

I cannot speak enough about the reliability of this car. Mechanically, it has been a gem. I have had zero problems under the hood. The only unexpected repair I have made outside of routine maintenance has been a broken power window regulator cable. That's it folks. The car starts every single morning (No matter how cold or hot) and runs all day long without fail. Because of it's exceptional reliability...I have driven it on many long distant road trips without a single worry. Put this car on the highway, and it will go on forever. Longevity of parts has been outstanding. Overall, a completely stress free car to own for a college student living on a tight budget (and one who likes to make frequent trips back home!) This car truly sets the reliability standard of the world.

Performance:

EX versions of the Accord were equipped with a 145 hp 2.2 4-cylinder engine with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) while DX and LX models settle for a 130 hp version of the same engine without VTEC. Obviously, this is not a very fast car. 0-60mph takes approx. 9.5-10 seconds with the 4-speed automatic and 8.9 seconds with the 5-spd. manual. It has adequate power for average day to day driving, but it's not going to blow anyone's doors off. Highway passing can be a challenge, so plan your move carefully...especially if you have a car full of people and their luggage with the AC on (Yikes!) The 2.7 V6 engine offers the best straight line performance (as well as smoother operation) but because of the V6's additional weight, handling is not as crisp. In addition, the V6 was only available with the 4-speed automatic. I have found both engines to be excellent power plants. However, the 4-cylinder is not as refined as the V6, nor is it as responsive...but many will agree that it far exceeds the V6 in terms over overall dependability. The automatic transmission is reliable, but far from refined. Shifts can be felt with a jolt, and it has a tendency to downshift with an unnecessary cause. Grade Logic was made standard on the V6 and optional on LX and EX trim beginning in 1996. This feature allows the transmission to select and lock in the appropriate gear for an incline. My model was not equipped with Grade Logic control. Braking is adequate, although sometimes I find ABS to do more harm than good in some situations. The brake pedal feel could use a bit more refinement.

Handling:

Although not the best in this arena, the Honda Accord more than holds it's own. It's compact size, lightweight body and Honda's wishbone suspension all come together to make this car fun to drive. While some body roll is apparent, the Accord is far more confident in the turns than something along the lines of a Ford Taurus or Buick Century. I also find the handling to be more responsive than the Accord's closest competitor, the Toyota Camry. However, the Camry offers a smoother and quieter driving experience. The Accord is definitely more of a driver's car, but nothing to the extent of BMW territory.

Ride Quality:

Although the car rides fairly smooth over newly paved highways, driving on less than perfect roads is not a pleasant experience. The structure of the car twitches in distaste over abrasive surfaces. Road noise is also more intruding than I feel it should be. Wind noise, however, is kept to a minimum. Bottom line, I expected better structural rigidity. Overall, solidity is certainly the Accord's worst attribute. Perhaps aftermarket suspension upgrades and better quality tires can greatly improve the Accord's ride characteristics.

Interior:

I find the interior of the Accord to be very comfortable and user friendly...but dated. The seats are stiff but supportive and are covered with a durable cloth material. The seats are hardly worn after eight years and 120,000 miles. Most controls are logically designed and easy to use, however, door panel switches are not back lighted at night. There are also several other nifty features that are missing. The interior dome lights cannot be turned on via a single switch, but must rather be turned on individually. When driving, it can become a great inconvenience to reach back and turn on the dome light. Modern conveniences such as theater lighting and aux. power (which allows ten minute use of all power accessories after engine has been shut off) are also missing. One feature that I do find brilliant is the fool proof lock system that will not allow the driver to lock his/her door without the ignition key. This makes locking your keys in the car nearly impossible. If you insist on locking the door via the button, you must hold open the exterior door handle flap. Most of the materials are of decent quality and are better than what most other manufacturers palm off in this price range, although there are a few cheap areas that Honda has since improved. While most cars in this class offered a cloth headliner, Honda still used cheap plastic. Back-seat legroom can be tight for adults, and I'd be hard pressed to fit three back there comfortably. Children under 5 ft. tall will have no complaints, however. Front leg room is adequate, while hip and head room are exceptional. Because of Honda's low cowl design, visibility is excellent in the front... although rear visibility is limited. EX models are equipped with a power seat height adjuster...which may be beneficial for short drivers, even though I find the lowest setting to still be relatively high. The back seat folds down, although it is a bit tricky to master and may require two people. More convenient is the small center pass through door that allows access into the trunk from the back-seat. It comes in handy when you need to haul items such as a roll of carpet or a pair of skis. Trunk space is generous... I've always had enough room for everyone's luggage and various other items (such as mom's scooter) 1996 models have a larger trunk opening, but gone are the hydraulic trunk lifts.The trunk lid moves freely on it's hinges...rather than stay in a stationary position.

Exterior:

Not too much to speak of here. The 1996 Honda Accord looks handsome and mature. It's vanilla styling will likely offend no one... but it certainly won't turn heads. This is a straight to the point vehicle that doesn't try to be something that it isn't.

Fuel Efficiency:

My best averages have been 32 miles per gallon on the highway, and roughly 24 in the city. The 17 gallon fuel tank allows between 400-450 miles between fill-ups on the highway. I find that the fuel gauge is not completely accurate, although I believe this was done on purpose. When the gauge indicates Empty, there is roughly 3-4 gallons of fuel remaining in the tank. If I felt confident enough to push the envelope...500 miles could be achieved on a full tank of gas. 5-spd. manual versions are even more fuel efficient. This makes traveling easier and more cost efficient.

Safety:

Fortunately, I have never been involved in a collision while in this vehicle. According to the NHTSA crash test ratings, the 1996 Accord protects it's occupants relatively well. Driver side impact gets a 4 star rating while the passenger side gets 3 stars. Dual side air bags were standard, as were side impact steel beams. Some competitors offered more advanced safety features such as side air bags, daytime running lamps and liquid-filled mounts that dropped the engine underneath the car in the event of a frontal collision. The Accord's front bumpers were still rated at 2.5 mph, while some competitors had improved to 5mph.

Maintenance and repairs:

Always remember to replace the timing belt, balance shaft belt, water pump and oil seal every 90,000 miles. Both the 4-cylinder and V6 are interference engines, meaning that if the timing belt snaps, extensive engine damage will likely occur. This maintenance procedure can cost anywhere between $300 and $700 (including the price of parts) so shop around. It is definitely worth the investment. Automatic transmission fluid should be replaced every 30,000 miles using only Honda ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) which can be purchased from the local Honda dealer.

Below is a list of common problem areas with this generation of Accord (usually those with high mileage)
Most are minor and do not need immediate repair.

1.) Plastic radiator may crack. Keep tabs on your coolant levels. Replace with a full metal unit.

2.) Power door locks may become inoperable and emit a 'buzz' when activated. Replace door lock actuator.

3.) ABS sensor may fail and activate ABS light. This is an expensive repair, so know that this will in no way affect your normal braking performance. You'll only lose your ABS feature. DX and LXs do not have ABS.

4.) Because Honda used a non stainless steel exhaust system, the B-pipe and muffler tend to rust out prematurely.

5.) The heat-shield may become loose and cause a vibration between 1500-2000 engine rpm.

6.) If the speedometer becomes inoperable, the vehicle speed sensor is most likely at fault.

7.) If engine tachometer becomes faulty, replace distributor cap and rotor.

1995-1997 Honda vehicles are under a 14 year/150,000 mile emissions extension warranty/recall which entitles you to a free tune up after 75k miles and free SES light diagnostics and repairs. Your local Honda dealership should be more than glad to make a copy of the two page list of everything that the warranty covers. The vehicle speed sensor is included.

Updates:

3/15/2005:

I've just rolled 150,000 miles and the car still purrs like a kitten. I did encounter problem #1 on my list at about 135,000 miles. I started noticing my coolant level dropping and traces of fresh coolant around my radiator. I replaced it with an aftermarket metal unit. I have also replaced the CV joints/axle shafts at 140,000 with Honda remanufactured units. Thats it! It continues to be an incredible car.

11/20/2005:

I have recently sold the 1996 Accord and bought a 2006 Accord EX-L. Please read my review of the new car! The 96 was still going strong with just under 170,000 miles, needing no further repairs.

UPDATE on 1/28/2008!:

The 96 Accord is in my ownership once again! The car is currently at 205,000 miles and still going. According to the previous owner (who has recently purchased a 2008 Honda Accord), the original starter went 180,000 miles, CEL came on at the turn of 200,000 and he just recently had a new set of tires and brake pads installed. That is all that the vehicle has required in the last two years and 35,000 miles. The AC still blows ice cold too! What an amazing piece of machinery! I look forward to seeing it roll 300,000 miles and beyond... stay tuned!

UPDATE in 7/05/2009!:

Well, it has been exactly 100,000 miles since I originally wrote this review and over a year since I purchased the car for the second time. The odometer just rolled 220,000 miles and I just can't believe how well this car has held up and what little has had to be done to it to keep it reliable for 13 years and 220,000 miles.  Folks, these cars were over-engineered and built to last... I don't know how else to put it.  If you can believe, the alternator, AC compressor (yes, AC compressor!), power steering pump, ALL suspension components, steering components (rack and pinion, etc.), wheel hub assemblies, bearings, bushings, etc. are STILL the factory original parts from 13 years ago.  The Denso alternator still puts out a steady 13 volts.  AC blows ice cold... it's NEVER been recharged or serviced.  The engine has NEVER broken down and everything except for the starter (original lasted 180k) and the radiator is original under the hood (excluding routine maint. items, of course).  The engine still starts and runs just as it did the day I first bought the car and the transmission still shifts smooth.  All of the intererior features still work and the materials STILL do not show any wear and tear whatsoever.
The only probem I have encountered since 205,000 miles has been the ABS sensor... which was #3 on my list of common problems. I have yet to encounter numbers 6 and 7 on the list.  Both the vehicle speed sensor and distributor are originals (though I did replace the cap and rotor as preventive maint. during a major tune-up at 90,000 miles), which reminds me... this car hasn't had a spark plug/wire change since then. I need to go ahead and do that (even though there are NO symptoms of needing a tune-up), I hope the plugs aren't siezed in there... 
Amount Paid (US$): 10,000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1996
Model and Options: EX (ABS -Sunroof-VTEC) automatic.