Used 1996 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews
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Happy Owner
I sold a 2002 Ford Ranger, still under factory warranty to purchase a nine year old Honda Accord. I didn't see the point in paying so much more for the truck. I absolutely love my Accord. Maybe because I'm saving a lot of money on gas and monthly payments, or maybe just because it's a great car! When I purchased it, it had just over 100,000 miles and was in near perfect condition. I suspect it will last longer than the Ranger I sold that had 55,000 miles!
mm
I've owned my Accord for nearly 10 years. It is by far the most reliable and problem free car I have ever owned. It is not the most exciting car to drive; however, I bought the car for reliability and gas mileage and have gotten my monies worth. Currently, I have 165K miles and hope to get 250K.
A Reasonable but Not Exciting Used Car
This review concerns the 5 speed manual LX 4 cylinder model. Driving: The manual shift has always provided a little annoying hesitation coming out of first gear. I like the extra power of the manual transmission for passing. Interior displays are easy and logical. Not an exciting car to drive--but okay. Reliability: This car is now 10 years old and I have had some difficulty with the usual suspects for older cars: brakes and exhaust have been replaced. I have also replaced the starter (strangley). Otherwise the power features continue to work fine. Average amount of repair/maintenance I'd say. Overall I am reasonably happy with the car.
my Accord
Great all around car. Good in snow. could use more power. Controls well laid out. Had problems with Ac, starter, fuel injectors.
My Best Friend
This is my second Accord, I have 152,000 miles on the present one and I really do not ever want to get rid of it. I have only had to replace batteries and I have been faithful getting timing belt, etc changed on schedule. I was a home health rn. working out in the country and put many miles on it, son had it for 1 semester at college, this car drove me to Florida about 2,000 miles round trip when I evacuated New Orleans from Katrina.I have retired to northern Michigan 3 months ago,and "my best friend" now has nice warm garage and loves to drive on the snow! My son lives here also and after my luck with honda, bought a Honda station wagon from private owner 1984/186,000 mi+ runs like a top.
1996 Honda Accord DX Sedan
I bought this car new and it has been the model of reliability. I bought it because my last car, a 1990 Oldsmobile Calais 442, was on its 3rd head gasket and multiple oil leaks after only 80K miles and wanted a car that would stay out of the shop. My Accord has not been in the shop except for maintenance items to be replaced. It is very roomy in the front, ok in the back and overall comfortable on long trips to drive of which I have taken it on many. The performance is acceptable for what it is. I like high performance cars and I would have bought the VTEC or V6 if I had the money at the time but it was not to be. However, it has competent acceleration and handling for a DX family car.
Great car with minimal repairs
I got this car when my dad was disabled in 2001. He had kept it in the garage with 7,500 miles. Six years later and 181,500 miles later (it has 189,000 now...mostly highway miles) the car has held up. I just replaced the struts and rotors and got new brakes. I also did the usual coolant change and transmission fluid change and had to replace two cv joints. The engine seems to purr now, I guess it is just breaking in! I plan on driving this thing for a long time. The body is in excellent conditions with one scratch and a small ding and the paint still shines when I wash her. I plan on seeing if this things will last me for another 80,000 miles.
Accord beats Passat
When my 2002 VW Passat wagon was diagnosed with over $3000 in repairs for bad components such as starter, wiring to accessories, suspension, etc. I sold it at a huge loss and found a 96 Accord Wagon with 79k miles on it. It is such a superior car in reliability and ease to service, there is little to compare. I have two 96 Accords now, they are amazingly reliable, and 11 years on these cars is nothing they are lively, cheap to own, safe, and fun. I regularly get 25-30 mpg, they start in any weather, owners can service most components, and the web forums are very popular and informative. Pick one of these cars up, they are young at 150k, you cant go wrong at the prices they go for now.
Second Times a Charm
This is actually my second Accord.I love the way this car performs and handles. All the controls are in the right place and the interior is in impeccable condition for a pre-owned vehicle. Gas mileage is great. Although it still doesn't have the same performance as my 2000 which I loved, it still comes in a very close second. The VTEC moves out when you mash on it effortlessly even with the automatic. And the ABS stops on a dime. After keeping it a for a few more years, I'm gonna get yet another Accord.
I Miss Her
Bought my '96 brand new and never regretted it. In over 145K miles, only needed to replace alternator and plug wires. This car never failed to start, the fit and finish was excellent, and it was a solid, well built car. Some idiot decided to steal it, so I no longer have one, but I just wanted to let everyone know what a great car they are. Have not done the research, but I hope that the new ones have kept all the quality features of my '96.
great car
Purchased car new and have little to no major mechanical problems with it. Extrememly satisfied with this car. Great gas mileage both intercity/highway. Great pick up with only the V4 option. Would consider purchasing this car again. Reliability is tops! Highly recommended. You definately get more than your money's worth with this car. Still runniing in good condition long after the payments have ended!
'96 Honda
I purchased my Honda in Aug 1995. I have close to 186,000 miles. It has been a reliable vehicle, but of course now that it has more miles on it, it is starting to cost a pretty penny for repairs. I had problems with the power windows and locks after about 5 years of ownership. I've had more problems in the past 2 years with the high mileage. I've replaced the radiator, axles, oxygen sensor and a list of other things. My paint has worn and I was told that it is a paint defect. I know other people with the green car with the same problem. I can't complain because I've had the car for almost 12 years with no major problems.
Great car
I've owned this car for 6 years now and have about 87k miles on it. I have put the standard upkeep into the car such as brakes, a new muffler, air filter, and soon a new timing belt. The only recent problem has been the driver's side airbag needing to be replaced. I absolutely love this car - my previous one was a 1990 Taurus that needed two transmissions in ten years. I can get about 30 mpg on the highway with the ac cranked up. This car is comfortable and fun to drive. The dashboard is well layed out. I plan on owning this car for several more years before I move on to a newer model. What amazes me is that this car is 11 years old and does not look out of style.
Still alive and kicking!!!
I got this baby when it was barely broken in at 25K miles. Now the car has 142K and so far, it cost me $300 in repair (muffler and tubing, recently) O2 sensor was replaced at 110K under warranty from Honda but even if I had to pay for it, it would have been under $1000 total in repair over the life of the car. This car still rides well and gives me 26M/Gal in Mixed hway and city driving. (during winter. now a days about 28M/Gal) I am hoping to drive until 200K. That will be coming in 3 more years.. :)
Solid car, check the brakes!!
These cars are all they are cracked up to be. Starts everytime. Change the oil and the engine will run 300,000+ miles. Do not be fooled into thinking you won't spend a dime on maintenence! Things do break like every other car. CV shafts, ball joints, brake rotors, etc. Which by the way, before buying this car (94-97 Accords) get the front rotors checked!! If they are bad (pulsation in the steering wheel) knock $400 right off the price of the car. Or ask that they be replaced before purchasing!
Love It
I bought this car new, and have had it for 11 years and 147000 miles. We've never had a day of trouble. It's required just basic maintenance. It still drives great and I don't worry about commuting in it.
Bland but Reliable
Been driving the wife's Accord LX for almost 2 years now. Only has 65,XXX miles. Always there for you, just do the maintenance. It's boring as hell though after driving a '92 Camaro RS V8. 2.2 4Cyl sounds like a diesel even after valve adjustment. Great highway MPG (Over 30 with the 4 Cyl) Get the V6 if you are looking. Better performance. Why is A/T shifter able to shift from Overdrive to Drive at all times? I think my wife was screwed over by the dealer as the paint on the left rear door is different (no accidents either).
Rated: A+ Experience: First Hand
Jester, my Honda, has about 140,000 mi. The driver is #1, its fun to drive, with a wide but tight suspension; the 5 speed transmission is powerful; a comfortable bucket seat (power); there are 99.9% non-blindspots with huge windows all the way around; the sound system is good, but the CD player is better; the trunk is unbelievably large (width and depth!).
Always stick with a Honda!
Recieved this car recently as my first car, and have had this car in my family for years, and I love it! You can never go wrong with a Honda! Performance is still up-to-par with most modern cars. Take my advice, BUY A HONDA!!
VERY GOOD!!
THIS IS A NICE CAR.IT IS FUN THAT I DRIVING EVERY TIME.THE NEXT CAR,JUST HONDA ACCORD.
The most comfortable car I have owned.
The car has a very sophisticated feel to it when you drive it. The leather seats and 6-way power seat are really a nice addition. It has the feel of a sports car, yet is quiet and extremely economical. When I take road trips I don't want to get out of my car because it makes me so relaxed to drive it.
an excellent vehicle
i love to drive my accord, its my first car, and it drives wonderfully. It has a smooth ride, its very reliable, and the power windows and locks are nice. the various controls are very easy to understand and access, its a great car.
Bring Back the Fun with a 5 Speed
Was looking for an affordable fun to drive manual shift after selling my SUV. This is a wonderful car. I needed to do some maintence (90,000 service and tune up, new tires) but it runs like a dream. Seems like it has a lot of miles left.
Great Car!
This is an economical car! Very reliable. Costs for repairs is expensive; suspension and steering was damaged prior to purchasing, costing over $2,500 in repairs if not more. Over all a wonderful, money saving car.Will never get rid of it. It's my 3rd Honda!
Love it.
This probably the best car that I ever brought. So far I am lucky to not have encounter any mechanical problems. I'm buying another Honda/Acura product. I am very happy with it. Keep up the good work Honda.
Honda Accord Reveiw
My dad got this car in 1996 and this car has really proven itself. It is truly amazing and we have over 130,000 miles on it but it still runs like a dream. And it also keep it's retail value! This car is truly amazing!
I love this car
this car is awesome, go and buy it!
when Honda made cars to last forever
the motor with maintance can go forever, nothing ever goes wrong because it dont have all the electronics of todays cars, if they still made these they would be broke, nobody would need to replace.
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Wow ..
Me and my wife got this car 12 years ago.. with 10017..on it.. I was thanking it might last a year or two.. But now this Honda Has 300.010 mailed on it WOW . In 12 years we have put 500 bucks in repaired ..LOVE it
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3.5 /5
Soon-to-be 25 yr old car. 4th owner. Maintained since '11 around 185k. Only 204k mi now. Repaired often it seems per previous owners, but now at its age, guaranteed to need more. They had transmission replaced at some point, only wonder how it was driven/cared then. AC had already given out; has a compromised system. Since owning, multiple overheating issues (radiator, heater hose blown, water pump, now failing head gasket). Power steering rack replaced after boot wore open. Cv axles worn down and clunking, also replaced. Axle seals leaked, replaced. Multiple engine oil leaks, but slow. Some fixed, some stubbornly remain. ABS modulator leaked, accumulator gave up, junkyard replacement. Other routine maintenance. Would rate higher if it could run despite worn parts, age, and mileage like my 230k Toyota 4banger. That said, runs beautifully IF failing parts maintained/replaced.
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Nothing But Problems
I purchased this car on 3/7/07, with 111,777 miles on it. The carfax report indicated that this was a one-owner car. At 111,972 miles I needed to have the following parts put on the car: front brake pads, rotors and wheel bearings $458.00, rear disc brake pads and rotors $139.40, left front CV shaft assembly $161.90, replacement of complete exhaust from catalytic converter back $398.54. As of today, 4/13/07, the alternator went out, add another $376.00 for the part (if you want one with a reasonable/and/or lifetime warranty). Also, I guess some type of pump has gone out because the windshield washer fluid doesn't work. Worst car I've ever owned.
Will not die
I bought my accord (LX, 4 cylinder, automatic) upon graduating high school in 2004. It had 113,000 or so miles at that time, and it's been my only car until now (2013), and now sits at 247,000 miles. I have driven it all over the country, and cannot believe it's still in such great condition. Minor repairs, a new paint job in 2009, and that's it. I have never heard of another car this reliable, and I would highly recommend it if you can find one to purchase!
Cost of Maintaining is crazy!
Burns oil faster then gas (Broken ring $3000) Timing belt at 100,000 miles $400. Universal joints $400. Get a Saturn (Steel Timing belt). when useing the drink holder forget about using the casset player. Lights are way under par mosture-fog over, Tempature control involves opening window, Parking break button sticks, Oil cap almost impossible to remove without burning fingers, Bogs down on hills with curse control on, The trunk is way to small and laying the back seats down involves trying to hold a spring lock key open while pulling the seat down?, Poor rear visabiliy, Crappy radio, and you will bump your head getting in. HONDA ALL HYPE!!!!!!!!!!!
Real Honda satisfaction
Simply a great, dependable car that drives very well. Accord currently has 113000 miles, I've owned it for the last 40000. Outside of routine maintenance (tune-up, timing belt, etc.) only expense was a faulty emission sensor. As with every Honda I've owned, the gas mileage has been better than advertised. I consistently get 30mpg+ with this Accord. I can't imagine owning a different brand of car.
CollegeGuy review
What a great car! It looks great, the V6 is a blast to drive, and with 70K miles on mine, it still feels, looks, and drives like it's 6 months old!