This is my 3rd posting on this problem. You can add my list to those who will not purchase another Honda for sure. I have been having starting problems since I purchased the car dealer cant figure this one out..It happens every three or four months like it is not getting any gas.. It finally starts but sputters for a few minutes.. For all you Honda lovers good for you but for me take this car and shove it...
I'm not trying to make light of your problem although since this only happens every three or four months, it doesn't sound monumental...at least to me. Still, I guess it should be perfect and start right up every time.
We can go to any forum here, pick a make or model, and there will be complaints.
Just don't jump from soemthing that has few problems to something that has lots!
"Will be looking at the Toyota Camry SE, VW Passat V-6 and probably an Audi A-4. "
As an ex-Accord and current Audi A4 and a Camry owner, I welcome you to the dark side I had so many problems with my '97 Accord, I decided to forget about reliability and made the plunge for an A4. Gorgeous car and zero problems after 2 years.
I've never owned an Audi, but I can say with no hesitation that my wife's VW Beetle has nowhere near the build quality or reliability of my Honda. I know Audis are upscale from VW, but are they more reliable?
Consumer Reports collects their info too anecdotally. It's in questionaires sent to some subsribers and returned, if the subscriber wishes to complain or boast about their experience with their car.
JD Powers sent me surveys more than ten years ago and I received a series of carefully worded and sequenced surveys about my experience with the vehicle up I believe 6 months. The questions eliminated subjectivity. I can't remember them and at the time it was not a big deal. I'd been surveyed about TV and radio listening habits earlier.
9.11.01 A survey of fleet operators covering the reliability of 620,000 vehicles run by leasing companies today revealed that Honda Accord is the most reliable company car on the road - and not to be out done, another Honda comes in second - the Civic.
The survey listed vehicles according to the lowest number of breakdowns per 100 cars on their fleets...
Audis are beautifully designed but they have shoddy quality when compared to Hondas over the LT. I believe the surveys reflect that experience.
Audis tend to rack up huge costs as the mileage increases. They're best taken as a two-year lease - then someone else has to deal with all the expensive problems.
"This survey of some of the hardest working and most frequently driven cars in the UK shows that fleets do not have to pay the earth for dependable motoring." http://www.swindon-business.net/nov2001/nov09.html
I think isellhondas is right: Audi/VW has made great improvements but their vehicles are yet to be proven for the long haul. But, there are encouraging signs. For example, CR rates both the Civic and the Passat as equal in the reliability department(both average). I have leased mine(for two years) and the lease is about to end. I am debating whether to keep it or let it go. It will be difficult though, as the driving experienece is heads and shoulders above anything else I have driven. Well, enough of this diversion. Back to Accords...
Are you sure about the CR rating for the Civic? I just looked in 3 locations on the April 2001 issue of CR and Civic has the highest reliabilty rating possible while the Passat is Average.
I am quoting from Consumer Reports New car preview 2002 p 71. On the cover it says "display until feb 6 2002". Probably the rating you saw was for the last generation of civic. It does show one thing though...Honda is slipping.
I have read where the Passat now has a 4 year 50 miles bumper to bumper warranty which is decent. This model is made in Germany which definitely has higher quality assurance controls than their Mexican plant that produces the VW Beetle and Jetta. Personally, the Audi A-4 is over priced for what you get overall.
The Lexus line has some interesting cars at the low end that have outstanding quality and high customer satisfaction according the Powers survey. BMW also has some great cars that are fun to drive and that also have high quality standards.
Read Phil Edmonston's "Car Lemon Guide 2001". According to his research data, the current generation Honda Accord in fact has slipped in quality. He no longer recommends the vehicle. Very interesting information backed with REAL data. Go to your nearest Barnes & Noble book store and take a look for yourself.
I think the guy is pretty credible. He has been at it for more than 20 years. I am sure people in the car industry doesn't like to what he has to say....he uncovers the naked truth about every single product sold in the market, whether it is made in the good old USA, Japan or Germany.
Actually he hates the Ford Taurus. He has a laundry list of open issues with this 16 year old basic platform. Scary stuff.
He considers Korean cars to be cheap copies of better Japanese autos.
He tends to favor the Japanese automakers but he has had harsh finding not only on the Accord, but the Toyota Camry as well. If you read between the lines, he still would take either to a comparable domestic or Korean auto.
I don't hate Honda. Remember, I spent close to $140K on their products over a 12 year span.
Rather, what I find both ironic and irrititating is their lack of truly interesting and innovative vehicles (Yea NSX, S2000 and Insight are maybe the only ones but they are hardly mainstream cars)like the Civic and Accord were in the 1980's and the consistent decline in product quality.
tell your Honda buddies to wake up and smell the coffee if they want to remain competitive. We are tired of the sleeping pill models of late. Honda can do better, that's for sure.
teo, what sedans does he like/recommend? Is there a ranking? How does he like the Accord compared to Camry, Hyundai, Kia, Taurus, 626, Altima, Maxima, Impala, Grand Prix, Passat, etc?
He tends to favor small Japanese subcompacts and rear wheel drive cars and sport cars. He says that if you are going to keep ant FWD car beyond the limited warranty period you should always consider getting an extended warranty contract. He considers FWD vehicles as a whole more expensive to repair when they are old than comparable RWD counterparts.
He thinks highly of BMW's however, he advises to approach them with caution specially the larger more expensive models such as the 7 Series. To Him most VW's are junk as well as most Korean cars.
He also states that Japanese cars last "Troublefree" for about 4 or 5 years and then after that they tend to go down hill with things breaking here and there (His words not mine)
He considers most GM FWD large sedans to be average and Cadillacs to be a waste of money.
In all and all he is more pro-import than anything else.
What does he like? I think he just likes selling books!
As far as innovation...I really have to disagree. The Insight was a major leap into the future and is paving the way for similar cars. Watch for the hybrid Civic Sedan later this year.
The S-2000? Wow! 240 H.P. out of a small 4 cyl engine?
But...you are correct. "Yesterday's hit's won't win today's ball games"
Hopefully the corporate types are well aware of this and will continue to produce exciting products like the new CRV, Pilot etc...
The new CRV needs a V6 to better compete with the Escape/Tribute. Styling on the new CRV is questionable at least. Not bad but not to attractive to the eye either. In all honesty I would prefer for Honda to import again a parctical Civic based wagon than this not-quite-suv, not-quite-car CRV concept.
As far as power go's...if you were to DRIVE a CRV and then drive the Escape I think you would feel differently. Two more cylinders do not necessarilly make for more power.
"Regarding this so called expert, I guess my 13 year old FWD Honda is the exception to his rule LOL."
Exactly. 13 years ago Honda products were exceptional values that provided outstanding quality and reliability like no other comparable product in the market. Today?? Hmmmmm....
Well "correctly" is an adverb and "correct" is either a transative verb or an adjective. Did I use the incorrect correct?(my old English teacher is going to be so disappointed)
Guess I'd better not expect much of a discount on a CRV right now huh? LOL! First the Odyssey, now this....maybe I should quit my job and go to work at a Honda dealership - LOL!
Where I live, the Honda dealership where I go will give you $50.00 off the MFG suggested list and two movie passes to the Regal Cinema! Now that's a deal!!!!
My 96 Honda Accord Wagon started to leak trans fluid at 33k miles. I checked under the car. It is from the major bolt that hold the side trans cover. I have tightened half turn, it is still leaking. I think my next car will not be a Honda.
That sounds like a very minor repair. How many miles do you have? I'd take it to any repair shop you trust since it sounds like something easy to fix. I'd say the worst your looking at is some kind of gasket, a few qts. of tranny fluid, and an hour labor. Outside of the gasket, or whatever is leaking, that's just normal maintenance anyway. Definately no reason to stay away from Hondas. Good luck, let us know how you make out.
1995 Accord V6, Acura NSX, Acura 2.5 TL; all 1996–97 Hondas and Acuras, except for the Acura Integra Type R and the Isuzu-built Acura and Honda Passport. Problem: Engine malfunctions cause emissions to exceed the federal norm. Warranty coverage: In a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency, Honda extended its emissions warranty to 14 years or 150,000 miles. The automaker has agreed to the EPA's demand that it provide a full engine check and emissions-related repairs at 50,000 to 75,000 miles and give free tune-ups at 75,000 to 150,000 miles. This means that costly engine components and exhaust system parts like catalytic converters will be replaced free of charge. It is estimated the free check-ups, repairs, and tuneups will cost Honda over $250 million. The story of the settlement was first reported on page 6 of the June 15, 1998 edition of Automotive News.
Judging by Honda's past actions in denying its responsibility for these kinds of problems, don't hesitate to complain to the EPA if you encounter a scintilla of evidence that the company won't keep its promise.
1999 Odyssey. Problem: US brands of gasoline (California excluded) may cause the intake manifold EGR port to clog, causing hard or no starts, stalling, poor fuel economy, and overall poor engine performance. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will also come on. Warranty coverage: No matter the mileage or number of previous owners, Honda will replace, free of charge, the rear intake manifold end plate and gasket, the intake manifold cover, and the PCV hose. Although the repair should only take a half-hour to install a special "Intake Manifold Kit," Honda suggest you plan on leaving your minivan at the dealer for at least a half-day. All the details relative to this free correction are contained in TSB #00-009, published March 2, 2000
Comments
I'm not trying to make light of your problem although since this only happens every three or four months, it doesn't sound monumental...at least to me. Still, I guess it should be perfect and start right up every time.
We can go to any forum here, pick a make or model, and there will be complaints.
Just don't jump from soemthing that has few problems to something that has lots!
As an ex-Accord and current Audi A4 and a Camry owner, I welcome you to the dark side
I had so many problems with my '97 Accord, I decided to forget about reliability and made the plunge for an A4. Gorgeous car and zero problems after 2 years.
They are VERY expensive to fix.
Not a slam...just my opinion for what it's worth.
JD Powers sent me surveys more than ten years ago and I received a series of carefully worded and sequenced surveys about my experience with the vehicle up I believe 6 months. The questions eliminated subjectivity. I can't remember them and at the time it was not a big deal. I'd been surveyed about TV and radio listening habits earlier.
--Just my opinion. Imidazol
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
9.11.01
A survey of fleet operators covering the reliability of 620,000 vehicles run by leasing companies today revealed that Honda Accord is the most reliable company car on the road - and not to be out done, another Honda comes in second - the Civic.
The survey listed vehicles according to the lowest number of breakdowns per 100 cars on their fleets...
http://www.hoot-uk.com/content/news/archive/honda/09112001-1.html
Audis tend to rack up huge costs as the mileage increases. They're best taken as a two-year lease - then someone else has to deal with all the expensive problems.
"This survey of some of the hardest working and most frequently driven cars in the UK shows that fleets do not have to pay the earth for dependable motoring."
http://www.swindon-business.net/nov2001/nov09.html
"Teo" must be pig latin for "too dumb to breathe". After all, it "feels" an Impala is a competitive product.
Last time I looked, all the losers were driving Impalas!!! and making spurious attacks on better autos.
I have leased mine(for two years) and the lease is about to end. I am debating whether to keep it or let it go. It will be difficult though, as the driving experienece is heads and shoulders above anything else I have driven.
Well, enough of this diversion. Back to Accords...
Probably the rating you saw was for the last generation of civic. It does show one thing though...Honda is slipping.
The Lexus line has some interesting cars at the low end that have outstanding quality and high customer satisfaction according the Powers survey. BMW also has some great cars that are fun to drive and that also have high quality standards.
I wonder what this guy DOES like?
I've read his stuff and have never been impressed...
Still, I ask, what does this guy like?
Daewoos? Ford Taurus?
One man's opinion...that's all.
He considers Korean cars to be cheap copies of better Japanese autos.
He tends to favor the Japanese automakers but he has had harsh finding not only on the Accord, but the Toyota Camry as well. If you read between the lines, he still would take either to a comparable domestic or Korean auto.
Rather, what I find both ironic and irrititating is their lack of truly interesting and innovative vehicles (Yea NSX, S2000 and Insight are maybe the only ones but they are hardly mainstream cars)like the Civic and Accord were in the 1980's and the consistent decline in product quality.
tell your Honda buddies to wake up and smell the coffee if they want to remain competitive. We are tired of the sleeping pill models of late. Honda can do better, that's for sure.
Makes'em crazy-jealous.
He thinks highly of BMW's however, he advises to approach them with caution specially the larger more expensive models such as the 7 Series. To Him most VW's are junk as well as most Korean cars.
He also states that Japanese cars last "Troublefree" for about 4 or 5 years and then after that they tend to go down hill with things breaking here and there (His words not mine)
He considers most GM FWD large sedans to be average and Cadillacs to be a waste of money.
In all and all he is more pro-import than anything else.
http://www.lemonaidcars.com/
As far as innovation...I really have to disagree. The Insight was a major leap into the future and is paving the way for similar cars. Watch for the hybrid Civic Sedan later this year.
The S-2000? Wow! 240 H.P. out of a small 4 cyl engine?
But...you are correct. "Yesterday's hit's won't win today's ball games"
Hopefully the corporate types are well aware of this and will continue to produce exciting products like the new CRV, Pilot etc...
We can't get enough of them to sell!
Styling is subjective.
As far as power go's...if you were to DRIVE a CRV and then drive the Escape I think you would feel differently. Two more cylinders do not necessarilly make for more power.
Can't please everyone...
Regarding this so called expert, I guess my 13 year old FWD Honda is the exception to his rule LOL.
Exactly. 13 years ago Honda products were exceptional values that provided outstanding quality and reliability like no other comparable product in the market. Today?? Hmmmmm....
Oh, go ahead! Slather it on!
Probably a simple fix.
So...what will you buy next time that will never cause the slightest bit of trouble?
Just curious....
hahahaha!!!!!
Bet things are pretty one-sided over there eh?
1995 Accord V6, Acura NSX, Acura 2.5 TL; all 1996–97 Hondas and Acuras, except for the Acura Integra Type R and the Isuzu-built Acura and Honda Passport. Problem: Engine malfunctions cause emissions to exceed the federal norm. Warranty coverage: In a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency, Honda extended its emissions warranty to 14 years or 150,000 miles. The automaker has agreed to the EPA's demand that it provide a full engine check and emissions-related repairs at 50,000 to 75,000 miles and give free tune-ups at 75,000 to 150,000 miles. This means that costly engine components and exhaust system parts like catalytic converters will be replaced free of charge. It is estimated the free check-ups, repairs, and tuneups will cost Honda over $250 million. The story of the settlement was first reported on page 6 of the June 15, 1998 edition of Automotive News.
Judging by Honda's past actions in denying its responsibility for these kinds of problems, don't hesitate to complain to the EPA if you encounter a scintilla of evidence that the company won't keep its promise.
1999 Odyssey. Problem: US brands of gasoline (California excluded) may cause the intake manifold EGR port to clog, causing hard or no starts, stalling, poor fuel economy, and overall poor engine performance. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will also come on. Warranty coverage: No matter the mileage or number of previous owners, Honda will replace, free of charge, the rear intake manifold end plate and gasket, the intake manifold cover, and the PCV hose. Although the repair should only take a half-hour to install a special "Intake Manifold Kit," Honda suggest you plan on leaving your minivan at the dealer for at least a half-day. All the details relative to this free correction are contained in TSB #00-009, published March 2, 2000