I purchased my 1996 Honda Accord in 96 with 20,000 miles on it and I am convinced it is a lemon. Shortly after buying it I had to get the front struts replaced. Then I had to get the EGR valve replaced by the dealership which they said they replace due to a recall only to discover later it was not replaced and I had to pay to have it replaced myself. After numerous break jobs, cv boot replacements, struts, and the big one the transmission going out after only 80,000 mile, not to mention the three year battle with Honda to repaint my car because of bad factor paint job it still is a bad car!!! The paint job I fought so hard for is now worse than the original paint job!!

The worst part about it is the accident I was involved in due to the transmission going out. Thank God I was not injured and not sighted for the accident..that was the last straw for me. Now I am not in a position to replace my wrecked car. I would never buy another car from Honda ever!!! Honda should be ashamed of their selves for putting out such a bad product and knowing that they don't stand behind it!! I tell everyone I know don't buy a Honda. As soon as I can afford to replace the piece of S....t it won't be with a Honda!!

I am the original owner of this 96 Honda Accord LX 2.2L My husband and I gave it to our youngest son when he graduated HS 4 yrs ago. All required service per Honda manual always done. Non-stop problems with this car ref to repairs. Nov 28, 2008 with only 79,758 miles, our private mechanic replaced the transmission with a completely rebuilt one for $1,658. Didn't want to wait for son to get stranded. Transmission had been slipping and banging into gear. Then 6 months later at 81,000+ miles it gave out again upon exiting Exwy in Orlando Fl car would rev when accelerated but car would not go past 20mph. Had to be towed to Miami again! Repaired free 2nd time, still under 1 yr transmission warranty with private mechanic. Code showed P0715, it was due to a Torque converter failure. Researching the net I found many Honda complaints. Also found out that Honda was forced by US Gov't in June 98 to resolve clean air act violation and had to extend the emissions warranty to 14 years/150,000 miles / bulletin 98-081 http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/recall/fr33394.htm for certain model-yr 95, 96, 97 American Honda cars / revised bulletin 3/18/03 to 98-081A to include add'l FREE service repairs if taken to Honda dealer with emissions related repair and has to be done within 45 days when dealer gets customer in: They also have to change oil/filter, replace distr cap, rotor, ignition wires, spark plugs when car mileage is at 75,000 - 150,000 FREE of charge to owners. American Honda was suppose to notify all owners in writing about this Emissions Warranty Extension. I NEVER GOT A LETTER! I had already paid my private mechanic for all those repairs! Including for a 02 sensor which cost $152 to get replaced. Also check for more info on this at http://www.hondacarforum.com/honda-2/11433-honda-extended-emissions-warranty-96-97-98-hondas-except-passports.html to read more. Although the car is 13 years old it only now has 83,000+ miles. Besides the transmission we have also had to replace the AC 2x's, Front axles/ shaft assembly, alternator and all drive belts, Timing belt and tensioner, water pump + hoses, tie end rods, camshaft oil seal, replace the master cylinder [brake], flushed cooling system / replaced radiator hoses, gaskets/thermostat, radiator flushed, 2 DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS replaced, muffler replaced, 02 Sensors replaced, spark plugs/wires, cv gasket set, r/r rotor, dist cap. In the last year and 3 months alone we have spent $4,846 on car repairs. I am probably not alone in this situation. I plan to write in as many places as possible to make sure all older make Honda Accord owners will know about this and expose this knowledge about the extended emissions warranty to as many as possible. American Honda failed me and probably many others too!!!

It's now 2006, I wanted to update my last rant on the 96 Accord EX transmission.

The transmission finally went out completely right after my previous complaint was made (transmission slips when cold). I limped it enough to the dealership; opted for a NEW transmission at $2200. My other options were old-rebuilt $1800 or old-not rebuilt $1200.

So far, I think I have made the right decision, although it cost me a lot more. Now that I'm over paying the credit card off, I've finally cooled off enough to say... yes, I still love the darn thing! It fits.