1997 Accord Special Edition: 138,000 miles and still like new!

[AmericanRevolution]

Well, as some of you know, I have a '97 Accord SE. Over the past 2-3 years I've done some mods to it. None the less, I'll be giving a review pre- and post-modification.

We purchased this car when it had just a couple thousand miles on it - it was a dealer repo after the original owners didn't pay for it after 4-6 months brand new.

When we recieved it, the only problem: a cigarette burn in the front passanger seat. Everything else, miles aside, were perfect.

This car is astoinding, particularly being a 1997 car. The car has what was a class-leading interior back when it was new (1997 was the last of the Gen 5 Accord's). Even now, the interior is great! I must say, the materials are top-notch. Yes, there's a little black plastic, but only around the gauges and middle two vents. There's also plastic wood trim. Could be better, but for a car back then, it was top notch.

The ride is smooth, the interior fairly quiet. Could be a little quieter, as it would not be class-leading in that category now. However, for a 1997, it was, once again, very good.

The quality is... well, typical '90's Honda. The car keeps running, requiring very little maintance. The engine - F22 series - is an engine that keeps on running, even if you beat on it. Around 135,000 miles, we did have a couple minor issues, but they were timing belt and basic wear-and-tear sort of issues.

The brakes, however, have needed replacing twice. The first time, they simply kept getting weaker around 100,000 miles. Then around 125,000-130,000 miles, those new rotors - from Honda, not aftermarket - became warped. I'm seriously looking into grabbing a pair of Brembo's and new brake lines - the brakes are among the very rare weak spots. At the time of the 2nd replacement, some minor suspension work was required as well - the struts, as well as one or two other parts - not springs - were going out. Those were replaced.

Another weak spot - this car was dubbed by my parents as the 'Gutless Wonder'. Great car, ****************ting power. 130 HP on a car weighing just over 3,000 isn't exactly going to thrill anyone, especially when it takes over 10 seconds to get to 60, and passing power was nilch!

And while the ride was smooth, spirited driving could get someone sea-sick! Sure, it wasn't floaty, but it was tuned soft enough to give tons of body-roll, not to mention that under very braking or acceleration, I don't know how the bumpers managed not to kiss the cement.

One other issue did pop-up... nothing major, but rather it was just annoying. When the heat or fan was on, occasionally you would hear a buzzing sound, almost like a screw was loose or a piece of paper was stuck and buzzing in the air. More of a mix between it. We never found out what was wrong, and it still occassionally happens.

Besides those minor problems, this car has been absolutely trouble free! Great, solid, reliable, and comfortable car.

However, I will say that the car is a bit on the small side - it would be great for a performance sedan if the suspension, engine, and brakes were tuned for spirited driving. With three in the backseat, it tends to get pretty tight. However, with four in the car, it remains comfortable. The seats are supportive, but could be better - on trips lasting more than five hours, expect a required stop to get out and stretch.

With four people, space is not an issue - long legs, tall body, large build, no problem!

The trunk, especially the entrance, is relatively small unfortunately.

Stock ratings:
Comfort: REAR SEAT (3 PPL): 5/10 REAR SEAT (2 PPL): 7.5/10
FRONT SEAT: 7/10
The ride is also quite soft, very comfortable.

Interior Quality: 8/10 - top quality, although not up to par with the top of the new cars (although better than some, such as the Malibu, and on par with that of the G6) Top notch for when it was new.

Interior size: 6/10 - the rear feels larger than it is. The cabin in airy. The front feels big, yet from the drivers seat is still a little confined, perfect for a performance feel. Passangers would be pleased with their space, even though it is a relatively small car by todays standards.

Trunk: 4/10 - Quite small, and an even smaller entance! And the seat folds forward, but not in two parts - nor is the opening as big as it should be.

Style: 8/10 - Still among the best looking midsize family cars ever built, and its proportions are great!

Engine: 9/10 - Outstanding! Yes, it is underpowered, but they never intended for this to be driven like a dragster. Extremely reliable!

Performance: 3/10 - Brakes fade easily, and the peddle feel is crap. The engine, while outstanding in quality and reliability, just isn't up for anything outside of cruising, and feels quite sluggish. The suspension is to soft for spirited driving, and the stock tires squealed even if you took corners at the posted "Suggested speed" more often than a pig being hogtied. The throttle response was also late when called upon - and the four speed auto always is sluggish as well. Thank God you can select your own gear - sorta - putting it into Drive 4, D3, 2, or 1. Helpful if you want to be able to accelerate quicker or pass someone, however not wise to do this alot.

Chassis: 8/10 - Very willing chassis. Unfortunately, the suspension and stock tires aren't willing to allow it to use what its got.

Sound System: 5/10 - Decent, but deck is reluctant to play burned disks and the speakers are easy to blow and are only mediocre in sound quality.

Post-mods review:


Well, so you might be wondering what a few mods will do. I must say that the F22 engines are not very keen on NA build - they love boost, however.

I have a Cold Air Intake by Injen, a 4-2-1 header by DC Sport, and a cat-back exhaust by OBX-R. I also have KYB struts from when the struts were replaced.

The result? Lots of noise, not much blowing away. However! I will say that you CAN feel a difference. Instead of the sluggish 10.2 or so seconds it took to get to 60, the 15 or so horsepower gained did do a respectable job, given such a minor boost. The car takes nearly 9 seconds now to get to 60. As I said, nothing that'll blow you away, but it does make a difference. I must say, I still thirst for more power, and a manual tranny swap is likely the next stop for this car, as the auto seems to be showing its age with my driving - Honda's automatics can't handle much power, nor can they seem to handle quick driving.

The KYB struts, in the mean time, have markedly improved the suspension. The ride is actually a bit smoother than stock, yet the car leans less and allows you to drive quicker around corners. No Solstice-like handling, but definately a great balance between comfort and performance. I've also added 17" rims (over stock SE-specific - and great looking I might add - 15" rims) with 215/45/17 rubber.

Other modifications do not have to do with driving performance. However, an upgraded sound system - the stock CD player stopped playing burned CD's around 2002 or 2003, and the stock speakers were easy to blow - definately made a huge difference. A new Panasonic deck - MP3 capable - as well as new Pioneer speakers and IMPP 10" make for a very solid, yet inexpensive sound system 10 fold better than stock.

I might as well add this: I am going to be upgrading the headlights, as the stock headlights don't do their job well at all - I'm always having to check to make sure the lights are on at night.

Modified Rating:
Comfort: REAR SEAT (3 PPL): 5/10 REAR SEAT (2 PPL): 7.5/10
FRONT SEAT: 7/10
The ride isn't as cushy, yet feels more comfortable.

Interior Quality: 8/10 - Unchanged aside from new deck.

Interior size: 6/10 - Unchanged.

Trunk: 4/10 - Unchanged.

Style: 9/10 - With the new 17" rims, it looks even sharper!

Engine: 9/10 - Unchanged!

Performance: 5/10 - The I/H/E setup isn't a carmans Xtacy, but it does do a respectable job for the 15 extra ponies and a few extra pounds of torque - more than a second is cut off, and you get a rush in the upper RPM range. The suspension also goes from cushy to solid - great balance of comfort and performance. The new low-profit, high-grip 215/45/17 tires also give even more life to the twisties!

Chassis: 8/10 - Yes! I'm finally able to exercise the chassis a bit more, and it's great!

Sound System: 7/10 - My value system setup is lightyears ahead of the stock system, but it isn't competition ready.

[giagastormer]

Excellent review. Without a doubt, you have the best looking Accord of that year, it isn't all riced out. But you have subtle touches that enhance the appearance quite a bit, those rims are AWESOME!

You took what you had, and did what you could with it, I respect that.

[AmericanRevolution]

I'd like to update everyone on a recent happening.

We are at roughly 139,100 or 139,200, right in there, and have been experiencing tranny issues that have been getting more and more prominent over the past month or so, and a few hundred miles.

It's beginning to slip all the time (automatic) and has even, over the past week on numerous occassions, refused to start off in 1st gear, and I've eventually had to nail the gas low in the RPM range in 2nd gear (like when turning a sharp corner to get onto the freeway entrance), it hessitates, then it seems to think "Oh ya, I've got a 1st gear!"

On other occassions it has refused to shift past 3rd gear, even when it reaches the redline on the freeway, thus forcing us to drive slowly on the freeway.

This is really our first issues with this transmission, and thats with my driving fairly hard, and indeed, sometimes treating it like a manual - you can select your D4, D3, 2, and 1 gears.

The shop is going to take a look at it this coming friday (six days from this post - it's 12:30 AM on Saturday morning...) and we may need a new tranny, or it could be a simple fix such as flashing the chip or whatnot. I'll update you when we know more!

[AmericanRevolution]

Update on the tranny... we're gonna need a new one. We've been quoted at the shop we go to at about $3,000 to rebuild it.

[Tiger]

Your tranny lasted much longer than any of ours did! We've had 3 Accords and a Civic over the years. At about 80k things BAD started happening to 2 of the 4. The other 2 lasted a bit longer...then the rats srated leaving the ship. Usually we were emotionally attached to our cars, but said good riddance to those! Not an emotion in the house.

That said, your Accord is sharper than ANY of the new one's. You gonna replace the tranny? Or trade it in to a dealer?

[kodos78]

I agree, we had a '99 Accord, and the tranny was starting to slip after 60k miles. The white paint also would peel if you sneezed too hard on it (appears to be a common problem with the Honda white in that generation). The interior trim in the back came up too!

The '97 that the OP has is my favorite design on the Accord. Been downhill since then As far as I'm concerned. Too bad the tranny has gone out, but after 140k miles and no other problems I don't think that's too bad. Though $3k to rebuild sounds pretty darn steep!

[member12]

you are pretty good at reviews. Yours is an automatic...a lot of Japanese cars have auto tranny problems around 115K-130K miles. Nothing you can really do about it. It happens to everyone. I think every Japanese car me or my family has ever driven (626s, Accords, or Camrys) all had a transmission replacement or overhaul before 120K. The Mazdas were around 85K. One toyota was around 65K, the other at 120K.

A freind of mine has one just like that except it is green at it has a spoiler. Their car has been very reliable. I really wish Honda made good looking cars now. Your Honda may be a little plain, but it is a clean look that is still attractive nearly ten years later. The paint jobs on those pre 1998 models were so much better than the ones Honda' has now.

Your car does look to be in excellent shape. If I had to pick a commuter car, it would be either a Honda Accord like yours, or the pre-2001 Civics.

Take care of it.

Overall, I have a good impresson of all Honda quaility, but I don't think they are worth all the hype they get. That is three or four people in this thread with Honda transmission problems, or had mentioned it.

Revolution, are you fond of the new Civics?

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by member12

you are pretty good at reviews. Yours is an automatic...a lot of Japanese cars have auto tranny problems around 115K-130K miles. Nothing you can really do about it. It happens to everyone. I think every Japanese car me or my family has ever driven (626s, Accords, or Camrys) all had a transmission replacement or overhaul before 120K. The Mazdas were around 85K. One toyota was around 65K, the other at 120K.

A freind of mine has one just like that except it is green at it has a spoiler. Their car has been very reliable. I really wish Honda made good looking cars now. Your Honda may be a little plain, but it is a clean look that is still attractive nearly ten years later. The paint jobs on those pre 1998 models were so much better than the ones Honda' has now.

Your car does look to be in excellent shape. If I had to pick a commuter car, it would be either a Honda Accord like yours, or the pre-2001 Civics.

Take care of it.

Overall, I have a good impresson of all Honda quaility, but I don't think they are worth all the hype they get. That is three or four people in this thread with Honda transmission problems, or had mentioned it.

Revolution, are you fond of the new Civics?

He just replaced his Honda with a Cadillac CTS.

[TaHoE]

...ahh the last good looking Accord. Shame mine was such a POS. I am glad yours is running well though...

[2005 Equinox LS]

So not all Japanese parts are superior to something in a U.S car.

[AmericanRevolution]

Originally Posted by Tiger

Your tranny lasted much longer than any of ours did! We've had 3 Accords and a Civic over the years. At about 80k things BAD started happening to 2 of the 4. The other 2 lasted a bit longer...then the rats srated leaving the ship. Usually we were emotionally attached to our cars, but said good riddance to those! Not an emotion in the house.

That said, your Accord is sharper than ANY of the new one's. You gonna replace the tranny? Or trade it in to a dealer?

We ended up replacing my Accord with a family CTS. None the less, at 20 years old, I can't complain that I can drive the CTS! lol Especially when I was gonna spend $5000 of my own money to get a cheap, older car from Honda, Nissan, or Chevy. lol

[AmericanRevolution]

Originally Posted by kodos78

I agree, we had a '99 Accord, and the tranny was starting to slip after 60k miles. The white paint also would peel if you sneezed too hard on it (appears to be a common problem with the Honda white in that generation). The interior trim in the back came up too!

The '97 that the OP has is my favorite design on the Accord. Been downhill since then As far as I'm concerned. Too bad the tranny has gone out, but after 140k miles and no other problems I don't think that's too bad. Though $3k to rebuild sounds pretty darn steep!

The 98+ generations=very bad trannies. the 94-97 were decent trannies but simply outstanding cars in looks and quality and reliability.

Ya, 94-97 (with 96-97 tail) looks best outta all the Accords, I agree. And ya, $3k is extremely steep.

I didn't hear about paint issues though...

[AmericanRevolution]

Originally Posted by member12

you are pretty good at reviews. Yours is an automatic...a lot of Japanese cars have auto tranny problems around 115K-130K miles. Nothing you can really do about it. It happens to everyone. I think every Japanese car me or my family has ever driven (626s, Accords, or Camrys) all had a transmission replacement or overhaul before 120K. The Mazdas were around 85K. One toyota was around 65K, the other at 120K.

A freind of mine has one just like that except it is green at it has a spoiler. Their car has been very reliable. I really wish Honda made good looking cars now. Your Honda may be a little plain, but it is a clean look that is still attractive nearly ten years later. The paint jobs on those pre 1998 models were so much better than the ones Honda' has now.

Your car does look to be in excellent shape. If I had to pick a commuter car, it would be either a Honda Accord like yours, or the pre-2001 Civics.

Take care of it.

Overall, I have a good impresson of all Honda quaility, but I don't think they are worth all the hype they get. That is three or four people in this thread with Honda transmission problems, or had mentioned it.

Revolution, are you fond of the new Civics?

Thanks, glad you like my review.

Ya, especially 98 and newer is where the trannies took a nose dive... 94-97 were decent trannies though.

And no, Honda isn't worth the hype anymore... back in the 90's, they were deserving, as that's when they recieved that reputation as best of the best. Now, they're just good, not outstanding.

I personally HATE the new Civic... as well as the Ridgeline, Element, and 03-05 Accord's (06 with new tail is fine...)

[AmericanRevolution]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

...ahh the last good looking Accord. Shame mine was such a POS. I am glad yours is running well though...

sorry to hear yours was a POS.

[AmericanRevolution]

Originally Posted by 2005 Equinox LS

So not all Japanese parts are superior to something in a U.S car.

haha, nope. Not all. Hell, in the 80's, Mazda's brakes were dubbed "disposable brakes" as you had to replace them on average around 30K miles... we had 2 Mazda's (RX-7 and 626) and had family who had Mazda's... all the same prob in the 80's. Not now though.