How many Hondas have you owned?

|I recently got to thinking about the Hondas I've owned and how the cars
| have changed over the years. When I bought my first one, Hondas had a
| well-earned reputation for high reliability and economy coupled with
| innovative engineering. I still have trouble believing that a top-of-
| the-line Civic is now a $20K+ car - it wasn't that long ago that
fully-
| loaded Accords barely breached that price.
|
| Hondas I've owned:
|
| 82 Prelude, bought in late 1986 to replace a '76 Plymouth Duster whose
| frame had cracked. I'd gone to a few dealers hoping to find a clean
| Civic 1500 S, but there were none to be had, and a salesman convinced
me
| to test-drive a Prelude instead. An uninsured driver drove right
through
| a red light in 1990, and I t-boned him at about 30mph, totaling my car
| less than a month after I'd had the engine completely rebuilt.
|
| 83 Accord sedan - bought for $400 in 1992 when I was short of cash but
| also needed a beater for the times when my usual two-wheeled transport
| (another Honda, a CB750F) wouldn't suffice. The engine wouldn't rev
| above 3000rpm without starting to stutter and then die completely. It
| was fine on city streets, but was unsafe to drive on the freeway.
Drove
| it for about six months as it was and sold it for what I paid for it.
|
| 80 Accord sedan - bought in 1993 for $500 for my wife, as a short-term
| replacement for her VW Rabbit that was totaled by yet another
red-light-
| running uninsured driver. I wish I still had this car - it was in that
| distinctive shade of light metallic green that was a popular factory
| paint color with Hondas then.
|
| 86 Accord LXi hatchback - bought in early 1995 for my wife. Owned
until
| 2003 with the only major problem being a broken (5-speed manual)
| transmission that required replacement with a rebuilt one. Still ran
| well when we sold it, but the AC had quit working a couple of years
| previously, and as it was 17 years old she decided she'd rather have a
| newer vehicle with fewer maintenance issues.
|
| 90 CRX Si - bought in 1993 with roughly 20K miles on it. Still my
daily
| driver, with just over 126K miles now. Like the 86 Accord, at nearly
17
| it's started to have an increasing number of age-related problems that
| I'm either going to have to address soon or decide to buy a new car
| (probable suspension rebuild, AC quit working a year ago, a couple of
| patches of rust on the A-pillar and sunroof, some original rubber
parts
| decaying, and other cosmetic issues). My favorite out of all the
Hondas
| I've had.
|
| 99 Accord EX V6 sedan - bought in 2003 as a replacement for our 86
| Accord. Just recently passed 90K miles, and hope to continue driving
it
| for many more years (keeping my fingers crossed on the well-known
| transmission issues). Plenty of room, very comfortable in the European
| sense (stiffer suspension than many other Japanese or American
sedans),
| more than adequate power for almost every situation.
|
| Hondas I'd like to own: I'd really like to keep the CRX and completely
| rebuild it into a serious weekend hot rod (suspension and braking
| upgrades and an engine swap for a tuned, naturally-aspirated B-series
| motor in the 250HP range). Replacing it for a daily driver would be a
| new Fit Sport (the true successor to the older-generation Civics), but
I
| don't see that happening until the supply increases enough to where
| they're commonplace on dealer lots and better deals are being made.
|
| I'd also like to restore a 1st- or 2nd-gen Civic. These used to be
| plentiful, but now you hardly ever see one on the street. And every
time
| I sit in an S2000, I want one, but then reality sets in after I
remember
| the price tag. Beautiful cars, but like the new Civics, I always start
| thinking of what else I could get for the same amount of money or
less.
|
| So, how many Hondas have you owned, and which ones would you like to
| own?
|
| Dave
|
My first Honda was a Lime Green 1975 Honda Civic. It was the four speed
and it got 30 mpg in town and on the highway. No air conditioning, but
the ventilation was pretty good. No problem in California, but pretty
sweaty in Key West Florida.
My second Honda was a 1984 Accord. I had ordered a 1983 and was on the
waiting list (sound familiar?) when the dealer said I could have a 1984
for the same price as the 1983.
My third Honda would be a Honda Fit if it wasn't for the short supply.

 

That was pretty inexpensive. My dad's 1970 Ford Custom 500 (low-end
Galaxie) cost $2,200 new, and his was totally base outside a trailer-towing
package and the 351W engine.

I've never seen the 600 from the rear, so thanks for the pic. Looks like it
had a US-style single red lamp for tail/brake/signal, no? I wonder what
they did for the UK market, which required amber signals from 1965.

 

That was pretty inexpensive. My dad's 1970 Ford Custom 500 (low-end
Galaxie) cost $2,200 new, and his was totally base outside a trailer-towing
package and the 351W engine.

I've never seen the 600 from the rear, so thanks for the pic. Looks like it
had a US-style single red lamp for tail/brake/signal, no? I wonder what
they did for the UK market, which required amber signals from 1965.

 

But the new Civics are larger and more powerful than the old Accords!

87 Accord sedan 4 stick
(should have traded for a Prelude mid-90's, and/or the Accord coupe
circa 1998, but hadn't yet discovered the wonders of leasing)
99+ Acura CL Coupe 6 auto
2004 Accord sedan 4 auto
2007 Accord sedan 4 auto

Wouldn't mind an RL, especially if they ever drop a V8 into it (and
someone drops an extra $50k into my bank account), would probably
prefer the TSX to my Accord, but the premium fuel requirement puts me
off, and I'd even more like to own and ride some of the two-wheel
Hondas, but probably never will, sigh. For that matter, I'd like the
Civic Si sedan, but I'd probably end up spinning and totalling it the
second I actually put my foot into it. Never have trusted myself with
anything seriously fast on the road, and would want a better weight
distribution if I did.

Looking forward to the 2027 Accord with 100% auto-navigation, you nap
in the back while it takes you where you're going.

J.

 

But the new Civics are larger and more powerful than the old Accords!

87 Accord sedan 4 stick
(should have traded for a Prelude mid-90's, and/or the Accord coupe
circa 1998, but hadn't yet discovered the wonders of leasing)
99+ Acura CL Coupe 6 auto
2004 Accord sedan 4 auto
2007 Accord sedan 4 auto

Wouldn't mind an RL, especially if they ever drop a V8 into it (and
someone drops an extra $50k into my bank account), would probably
prefer the TSX to my Accord, but the premium fuel requirement puts me
off, and I'd even more like to own and ride some of the two-wheel
Hondas, but probably never will, sigh. For that matter, I'd like the
Civic Si sedan, but I'd probably end up spinning and totalling it the
second I actually put my foot into it. Never have trusted myself with
anything seriously fast on the road, and would want a better weight
distribution if I did.

Looking forward to the 2027 Accord with 100% auto-navigation, you nap
in the back while it takes you where you're going.

J.

 

Not likely, unfortunately.
http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-5007.html

A Honda V8 would be really something, but it looks like they're going to
stall at a 3.5L V6. Too bad.

I prefer Honda's early-'90s high-tech approach to their current
enviro/safety angle.

 

Not likely, unfortunately.
http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-5007.html

A Honda V8 would be really something, but it looks like they're going to
stall at a 3.5L V6. Too bad.

I prefer Honda's early-'90s high-tech approach to their current
enviro/safety angle.

 

I have owned just one and I just got it. It is a 2007 Civic EX coupe
manual. I love the car. Its quiet comfortable and great on fuel. I
have had it only about a month or so and i have no complaints about the
car what so ever. If it continues to treat me this way than it will be
the first of many honda's I will own.

 

First Honda car I ever saw was in Oakland Califiornia. It was a three
wheeler that looked like a cross between a motorcycle and a car. I
think this was around 1971 or 1972.

My first Honda car was a 1975 CVCC Civic that cost $3.500 out the door.
I can remember driving an earlier model while mine was in for
maintenance. I think it was a 1974 Honda that had the worst torque
steer I've ever felt. I was amazed at how much improved my 1975 was
over this earlier model.

My next Honda was a 1984 Accord that cost me $10,500 with tax and
license. I had ordered a 1983, but the model year changed while I was
on the waiting list and I was offered the chance to buy a 1984 for just
$300 more.

I made a visit to my local Honda dealership today, looking for a Honda
Fit but there wasn't one on the lot. While I was there I checked out
the Civics and Accords. The Civics are selling for around MSRP and the
Accords are selling for around $2000 below MSRP. I think the Accords
are discounted because this is the last model year for that design.

 

First Honda car I ever saw was in Oakland Califiornia. It was a three
wheeler that looked like a cross between a motorcycle and a car. I
think this was around 1971 or 1972.

My first Honda car was a 1975 CVCC Civic that cost $3.500 out the door.
I can remember driving an earlier model while mine was in for
maintenance. I think it was a 1974 Honda that had the worst torque
steer I've ever felt. I was amazed at how much improved my 1975 was
over this earlier model.

My next Honda was a 1984 Accord that cost me $10,500 with tax and
license. I had ordered a 1983, but the model year changed while I was
on the waiting list and I was offered the chance to buy a 1984 for just
$300 more.

I made a visit to my local Honda dealership today, looking for a Honda
Fit but there wasn't one on the lot. While I was there I checked out
the Civics and Accords. The Civics are selling for around MSRP and the
Accords are selling for around $2000 below MSRP. I think the Accords
are discounted because this is the last model year for that design.

 

1974 Civic CVCC,used

1977 Accord HB,new;had paint blister problem,also wiped a cam lobe and not
covered under warranty,IMO,it should have been covered.

1982 Accord HB,new

1986 Prelude SI,new great car,paint did not last long under the Florida
sun;clearcoat degraded fast.

1990 Prelude SI,140HP motor(not the lesser SI2.0 motor),new;damaged by hail
and never the same after

1994 Integra 3drHB GSR,new. both rear side window frames(trim) warped
outward at rear corner;looks to be common,after examining other Integras.


I wish Honda had not stopped making the Prelude,the last model was nice.

Currently,Honda/Acura makes NO auto that I would own.

 

1974 Civic CVCC,used

1977 Accord HB,new;had paint blister problem,also wiped a cam lobe and not
covered under warranty,IMO,it should have been covered.

1982 Accord HB,new

1986 Prelude SI,new great car,paint did not last long under the Florida
sun;clearcoat degraded fast.

1990 Prelude SI,140HP motor(not the lesser SI2.0 motor),new;damaged by hail
and never the same after

1994 Integra 3drHB GSR,new. both rear side window frames(trim) warped
outward at rear corner;looks to be common,after examining other Integras.


I wish Honda had not stopped making the Prelude,the last model was nice.

Currently,Honda/Acura makes NO auto that I would own.

 

My first Honda was a 1999 Honda Accord EX V6 Sedan, which I got new and
leased for 3.5 years. My second Honda was a 2002 Honda Civic EX Sedan Auto,
which I also leased to replace the Accord 99'. Now I have a 2005 Honda
Accord EX Sedan Auto. So far all have been great cars.

The 99' Accord had a transmission brake switch problem that had to be
replaced 2 times and the car also started to knock at about 36k miles even
with using quality fuel.

The 2002 Civic had a trunk latch that was defective from the factory and had
to be replaced after having had it attempted to be repaired a couple of
times. Then soon before I traded it in the complete heating system (fan and
all components) had to be replaced due to a major defect.

The 2005 Accord has been the best so far. The only thing that was wrong so
far is that the console hinge needed to be replaced due to a faulty hinge
which made the second level half open at times.

Al

 

My first Honda was a 1999 Honda Accord EX V6 Sedan, which I got new and
leased for 3.5 years. My second Honda was a 2002 Honda Civic EX Sedan Auto,
which I also leased to replace the Accord 99'. Now I have a 2005 Honda
Accord EX Sedan Auto. So far all have been great cars.

The 99' Accord had a transmission brake switch problem that had to be
replaced 2 times and the car also started to knock at about 36k miles even
with using quality fuel.

The 2002 Civic had a trunk latch that was defective from the factory and had
to be replaced after having had it attempted to be repaired a couple of
times. Then soon before I traded it in the complete heating system (fan and
all components) had to be replaced due to a major defect.

The 2005 Accord has been the best so far. The only thing that was wrong so
far is that the console hinge needed to be replaced due to a faulty hinge
which made the second level half open at times.

Al

 

Yeah I know already, just sayin'.

Of course I once lusted after a six-cylinder Alfa. Then they went and
built (eg, imported) one, and I wouldn't touch it. WTH, my Accord I4
puts out more horsepower than that old 3-liter Alfa. Tech.

High gas prices, Honda proud of fleet mileage, RL not selling anyway,
NSX forgotten - but it would let Acura hold its head up compared to
Lexus and Infiniti, which it really doesn't, right now.

Imagine, if you will, the S2000 scaled up to compete with the Z8.
They don't have to sell enough to ruin the fleet mileage.

Just waiting for the Honda Bots
http://asimo.honda.com/index.asp?bhcp=1

And Honda Jets
http://hondajet.honda.com/

J.

 

Yeah I know already, just sayin'.

Of course I once lusted after a six-cylinder Alfa. Then they went and
built (eg, imported) one, and I wouldn't touch it. WTH, my Accord I4
puts out more horsepower than that old 3-liter Alfa. Tech.

High gas prices, Honda proud of fleet mileage, RL not selling anyway,
NSX forgotten - but it would let Acura hold its head up compared to
Lexus and Infiniti, which it really doesn't, right now.

Imagine, if you will, the S2000 scaled up to compete with the Z8.
They don't have to sell enough to ruin the fleet mileage.

Just waiting for the Honda Bots
http://asimo.honda.com/index.asp?bhcp=1

And Honda Jets
http://hondajet.honda.com/

J.

 

84' JDM Civic Si? (EW5 engine) used
92' Canadian Si used, still own
03' USDM Si new, still own

 

GTV6, Milano, or 164? I failed to mention that after my Prelude was
totaled, I used the insurance money to buy a GTV6. A guy I knew had one,
and once I drove it I knew I had to have one. It was a fantastic machine
- when it was running. I think it spent more time in the shop than it
did on the road, and it was an early model to boot, so it had more than
the usual share of Alfa problems. I can't say I didn't know what I was
getting into when I bought it, but I'd had enough after a couple of
years and sold it after having sunk more money than I care to remember
into it.

I used to daydream about what I envisioned as the ultimate Honda: a mid-
engine CRX with AWD and a 2-liter V8 that would rev to 10K+rpm.

Honda really was a different company back in the days when engineers
actually ascended through the ranks to the highest levels of management.

Dave

 

GTV6, Milano, or 164? I failed to mention that after my Prelude was
totaled, I used the insurance money to buy a GTV6. A guy I knew had one,
and once I drove it I knew I had to have one. It was a fantastic machine
- when it was running. I think it spent more time in the shop than it
did on the road, and it was an early model to boot, so it had more than
the usual share of Alfa problems. I can't say I didn't know what I was
getting into when I bought it, but I'd had enough after a couple of
years and sold it after having sunk more money than I care to remember
into it.

I used to daydream about what I envisioned as the ultimate Honda: a mid-
engine CRX with AWD and a 2-liter V8 that would rev to 10K+rpm.

Honda really was a different company back in the days when engineers
actually ascended through the ranks to the highest levels of management.

Dave

 

I sense a pattern here.

I still have my 750F, although it's been in storage for six years and
would take some effort to get running again. Yet another project I
really need to tackle. It's an '81 that was modified considerably by its
previous owner, a roadracer who used it as his streetbike. It has a big-
bore kit to punch it out to 836cc, a Kerker 4-into-1, a Corbin
Gunfighter seat matching the factory paint colors, tweaked carbs off a
900F with K&Ns, Superbike bars, and probably a bunch of other stuff I'm
forgetting right now. By modern standards it's overweight and slow, but
it was plenty fast for me when it was my sole transportation for a few
years.

I still want a CBX - saw this amazing custom one recently in a bike mag:

http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=221

And if I ever win the lottery, an RC166 - still a near-unsurpassed
engineering achievement forty years later, and still the most spine-
tingling sound ever to emanate from anything on two wheels. Speaking of
engine sounds, Honda's Japanese website has a very interesting section
called "The Sound of Honda" where you can listen to many different
Hondas (both street and racing, motorcycles and cars) running at speed:

http://www.honda.co.jp/SoundofHonda/

Dave