If you want an ultra-reliable set of wheels, here it is. This car has blown the doors off of reliability measures overall, and specifically for engine reliability. It's a roomier version than earlier models, and runs like silk--or at least a high-quality polyester. :-)

It Ain't Broke

I looked at a reliability study based on statistical data for many cars, many makers, many models. In the data I had, the Honda Accord scored the highest possible scores, 9.9, for both overall reliability and engine reliability. There were very few cars that were even close to the Accord's marks. Thus far, my silver Accord has lived up to the study: it has been unstintingly reliable.

Safety

When I was researching this car, I reviewed the safety of it. The numbers and results came out superb with a few odd exceptions--like the right leg area of the driver. Since I'm left-footed, it didn't matter to me. :-) Seriously though, the safety ratings, while not as impeccable as the reliability ones, were outstanding overall.

Features to note include: 1) this car has a front passenger side airbag to go along with the driver side one. 2) it has a rear bumper that has been tried and tested. 3) the car is very driveable, responsive and maneuverable--great if you have to suddenly dodge dangers on the road.

Size

I appreciate the increase in size from former models. Our family used to have an earlier Accord, and this newer one is a class above the former one in size.

Granted that I have to push the driver's seat back as far as it will go to accomodate my over six foot frame, but when I do push it back, it's enough. My wife pushes the driver's seat all the way forward, and it can handle both of us! The passenger side front seat adjusts back just as far.

Trunk Space

My wife and I talked about the "cello test". You see, I have this white travel case for my cello that looks like a cross between a refrigerator and a big guitar case. The test was whether or not this case could fit in the trunk.

At first, we were disappointed that the answer seemed to be "no". However, when we played around with a mini removable portion of the trunk, to our wonder and amazement, it fit! Although my cello case fits, we're not even going to try to fit a piano in there for my wife...that would call for a truck.

Gas

The gas mileage, while good, isn't spectacular. I re-fill my 16 gallon tank about once a week. If you're looking for a super gas efficient car, this one isn't it. It's not like one of those Volkswagen Rabbits that used to hop around for about 50 some miles/gallon. However, the Accord isn't a gas guzzler like say older Cadillacs. It's a fairly solid, moderately gas efficient set of wheels.

Interior Features

This car includes a couple cup holders in the middle, along with a handy storage space between the 2 front seats. This storage space has a top compartment that includes a place for change. There is a larger inner compartment where one can store a pile of mints & gum, small booklets, CD's, tapes, or other sundry things.

Sound

Although not a preference, this particular one had no CD player. However, a tape device inserted into the tape deck serves as a CD player adapter. It's a little unwieldy to have a separate CD player hanging out, but it's not a big deal.

The radio & tape player have been adequate. The speakers are fine but not spectacular. All in all, it's not a great suite of sound, but it's functional.

Handling

This car responds to every little provocation of an adept driver. The steering wheel is smooth and responsive.

If anything, the accelerator is perhaps a bit too sensitive, especially initially. After the first rush though, there's not a lot of "juice" when you push deeper on the pedal.

The brakes are calibrated beautifully to slow down, ease to a stop, or screech to a halt for that matter. However, be careful when it rains. The brake performance goes down substantially in the rain. It's important to dry the brakes by pumping the accelerator at the same time. Generally though, the brakes do their job just fine.

Price

I think the price I got this one for was a bargain. It required some searching, then a bit of negotiation in order to get it at a price I was willing to bite on. Given that brand new cars sink a lot in value the minute you drive it off the lot, going used with a car like this one can make a lot of sense. (of course you could only get it used now)

This one also came with mileage in the low 60K range, which made it a pretty good deal. We figured that the M.D. that owned it before might have treated it at least decently. So the mileage we figure is left in it is, we think, worth the dough we dished out.

Satisfaction of This and Other Customers

If you can't tell already, I have joined the legions of satisfied Honda Accord owners. I didn't go for some of the newer ones that are looking more like stealth fighters, or the older ones that would most definitely flunk the cello test.

You know, I must say that I like the Honda philosophy of continuous improvement that is instilled by the leadership of the company. Honda sure knows how to make reliable cars and Accords are the anchor of the ship. Of course, now that I've written an article like this, for all I know, my Honda might become one of those unreliable statistical exceptions--but I'm not counting on it! For me, it is still a model to depend on.

Amount Paid (US$): 8350
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1999
Model and Options: LX