Honda Accord 1990-93

    Notes:  The Honda Accord is recognized as one of the highest-quality cars on the market, and they were eagerly snapped up by buyers around the world, especially in Japan, Korea, the US, and Canada.  This earlier version of the Accord does not have the best engines, all 4-cylinder models with modest differences in power, but fuel economy is good.  Automatic transmission versions can be a bit jerky in shifting.  Despite the length of the Accord, rear legroom and headroom front and back are modest.  The ride quality and handling are outstanding, the vehicle is mechanically reliable, and the gauges and controls well thought out.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

125 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,900

G, A

305 kg

1.26 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

130 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,940

G, A

305 kg

1.27 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,010

G, A

305 kg

1.29 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,800

G, A

305 kg

1.27 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

130 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,840

G, A

305 kg

1.28 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,910

G, A

305 kg

1.3 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp I-4 Wagon

$6,274

G, A

510 kg

1.42 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

130 hp I-4 Wagon

$6,314

G, A

510 kg

1.43 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Wagon

$6,384

G, A

510 kg

1.45 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

125 hp I-4 Coupe

272/26

76/7

64

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

130 hp I-4 Coupe

280/27

78/8

64

72

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Coupe

295/28

82/8

64

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp I-4 Sedan

270/26

75/7

64

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

130 hp I-4 Sedan

278/27

77/8

64

72

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Sedan

293/28

81/8

64

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp I-4 Wagon

243/23

68/6

64

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

130 hp I-4 Wagon

250/23

70/7

64

72

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Wagon

263/25

73/7

64

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda Accord 1994-97

     Notes: This is a much-improved version of the Accord.  Aside from the more aerodynamic body style, this version of the Accord has several other additions that improve quality.  A welcome addition is the optional V-6.  Shift quality with the automatic transmission still lags behind other competing cars, but is improved over previous models of the Accord.  Wind noise has been cut, and the wheel track, 8 centimeters wider than earlier models, improves handling and stability in high-speed turns.  Legroom in the front and rear is better, but headroom is still a bit short.  The trunk is low, wide, and flat, and the rear seat folds down (unfortunately, not totally flat) to transport larger cargoes.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

130 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,160

G, A

295 kg

1.3 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

145 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,270

G, A

295 kg

1.33 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-6 Coupe

$6,460

G, A

295 kg

1.38 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

130 hp I-4 Sedan

$6,060

G, A

295 kg

1.3 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

145 hp I-4 Sedan

$6,170

G, A

295 kg

1.33 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-6 Sedan

$6,360

G, A

295 kg

1.38 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

130 hp I-4 Wagon

$6,350

G, A

440 kg

1.38 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

145 hp I-4 Wagon

$6,460

G, A

440 kg

1.41 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

170 hp V-6 Wagon

$6,650

G, A

440 kg

1.46 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

130 hp I-4 Coupe/Sedan

274/26

76/7

64

72

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

145 hp I-4 Coupe/Sedan

297/29

82/8

64

81

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp V-6 Coupe/Sedan

334/32

93/9

64

95

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

130 hp I-4 Wagon

260/25

72/7

64

72

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

145 hp I-4 Wagon

282/28

78/8

64

81

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

170 hp V-6 Wagon

317/30

88/9

64

95

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda Civic 1992-95

     This is Honda's smallest and least-expensive car; still, it is more expensive than most cars of its class, because of the good quality. They suffer from underpowered engines, especially in hill-climbing ability and running with the air conditioner on, though fuel economy is excellent.  Wind and engine noise is small, but the noise of the tires against the pavement can be very loud.  They have a smooth ride for a subcompact, especially in sedan configuration.  Handling is modest, with the small tires and narrow body causing a lot of body lean in turns.  Interior room is good for a car of its size.  These cars were very popular in the first-time car crowd in the US, and the car was also a big seller in Japan and Korea.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

70 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,260

G, A

250 kg

1.01 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

92 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,430

G, A

250 kg

1.05 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

102 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,500

G, A

250 kg

1.07 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,670

G, A

250 kg

1.11 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

70 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,360

G, A

260 kg

956 kg

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

92 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,530

G, A

260 kg

996 kg

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

102 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,600

G, A

260 kg

1.02 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,770

G, A

260 kg

1.06 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

70 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,160

G, A

255 kg

1 ton

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

92 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,330

G, A

255 kg

1.04 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

102 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,400

G, A

255 kg

1.06 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,570

G, A

255 kg

1.1 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

70 hp I-4 Coupe

194/19

54/5

45

39

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

92 hp I-4 Coupe

243/23

68/7

45

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

102 hp I-4 Coupe

262/25

73/7

45

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp I-4 Coupe

306/29

85/8

45

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

70 hp I-4 Hatchback

204/20

57/5

45

39

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

92 hp I-4 Hatchback

256/24

72/7

45

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

102 hp I-4 Hatchback

276/26

77/7

45

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp I-4 Hatchback

322/31

89/8

45

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

70 hp I-4 Sedan

196/19

55/5

45

39

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

92 hp I-4 Sedan

245/23

69/7

45

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

102 hp I-4 Sedan

265/25

74/7

45

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp I-4 Sedan

309/29

86/8

45

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda Civic 1996-00

     Slightly larger than earlier models, the newer Civic now qualifies as a compact, rather than a subcompact car.  Interiors are very large for a car of its size, with most adults able to fit in without squeezing.  The rear seats fold down for larger cargoes.  The engines provided are much more powerful than earlier models, topping out at a 160 horsepower DOHC I-4.  Gas mileage, though not as good as the earlier Civic, is still excellent.  Ride is above average for a compact car, with the exception of some overreaction to wavy surfaces. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

106 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,910

G, A

250 kg

1.03 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,980

G, A

250 kg

1.05 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

127 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,070

G, A

250 kg

1.07 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,310

G, A

250 kg

1.13 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

106 hp I-4 Hatchback

$6,010

G, A

265 kg

1.01 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Hatchback

$6,080

G, A

265 kg

1.03 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

127 hp I-4 Hatchback

$6,170

G, A

265 kg

1.05 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp I-4 Hatchback

$6,410

G, A

265 kg

1.11 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

106 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,810

G, A

255 kg

1.05 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,880

G, A

255 kg

1.07 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

127 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,970

G, A

255 kg

1.09 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp I-4 Sedan

$6,210

G, A

255 kg

1.15 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

106 hp I-4 Coupe

281/27

78/8

45

59

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Coupe

299/29

83/8

45

64

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

127 hp I-4 Coupe

323/31

90/9

45

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp I-4 Coupe

380/37

106/10

45

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

106 hp I-4 Hatchback

287/28

80/8

45

59

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Hatchback

305/30

85/8

45

64

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

127 hp I-4 Hatchback

329/32

92/9

45

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp I-4 Hatchback

388/38

108/10

45

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

106 hp I-4 Sedan

276/27

77/8

45

59

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Sedan

294/28

82/8

45

64

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

127 hp I-4 Sedan

317/30

88/9

45

71

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp I-4 Sedan

373/36

104/10

45

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda Civic CRX 1988-91

     Notes: This sports coupe version of the Civic was produced at the turn of the previous decade.  It was meant for buyers who wanted a small sporty car at a reasonable price, but it was discontinued after the 1991 model year in favor of the del Sol, much to the consternation of CRX owners.  A coupe similar to the CRX in concept and design was introduced with the redesign of the Civic line in 1996.  The CRX has the terrible door-mounted seat belts that were found on so many of the cars of this time period; they do not stop forward momentum as well, and tend to get the occupants tangled up when they enter or exit the vehicle, but the practically ensure that people will wear them.  The manual transmission shifts very smoothly; the automatic transmission is merely OK.  Handling starts at very good for a 1988 model, and improves steadily after that.  Ride also steadily improves with time, but remains somewhat choppy throughout production.  The CRX has a hatchback to access the trunk, which is fairly large for a car of its size.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

62 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,600

G, A

250 kg

986 kg

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

70 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,660

G, A

250 kg

1 ton

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

92 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,830

G, A

250 kg

1.04 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

105 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,920

G, A

250 kg

1.06 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

108 hp I-4 Coupe

$4,850

G, A

250 kg

1.07 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

62 hp I-4 Coupe

178/17

50/5

45

34

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

70 hp I-4 Coupe

196/19

55/5

45

39

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

92 hp I-4 Coupe

246/24

68/7

45

51

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

105 hp I-4 Coupe

271/26

75/7

45

58

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

108 hp I-4 Coupe

278/27

77/7

45

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda Civic del Sol 1994-97

     Notes: This is a sports coupe version of the Civic that is designed to be both sporty and inexpensive.  It is fun to drive, but not roomy, especially in trunk room.  As with most inexpensive cars, the automatic transmission is not the best, sucking away some performance.  Handling is excellent, with the del Sol being nimble, agile, and maneuverable.  Hard braking can lead to pronounced nosedive, and versions with antilock brakes are only a little better in this regard.  The wind isn't so bad with the top removed, but with it removed, body flex and twisting are very noticeable, especially on rough roads.  The roof pillars on the rear corners create huge blind spots.  In addition to the glove box, there are two lockable bins behind the front seats. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

102 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,360

G, A

240 kg

1.04 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

106 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,390

G, A

240 kg

1.05 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

125 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,530

G, A

240 kg

1.09 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,790

G, A

240 kg

1.16 tons

1+1

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

102 hp I-4 Coupe

269/26

75/7

45

57

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

106 hp I-4 Coupe

276/27

77/7

45

59

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

125 hp I-4 Coupe

311/30

86/8

45

69

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp I-4 Coupe

370/36

103/10

45

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda CR-V 1997-00

     This is a smaller SUV.  Its chief problem is its underpowered 4-cylinder engine, with acceleration up to 100 kph taking 11.3 seconds with an automatic transmission, and about a second less with a manual transmission.  Everything else about the CR-V is above average, from its smooth, car-like ride to excellent options package.  The automatic transmission can get a bit jerky, not an uncommon feature with Honda automatic transmissions.  The rear seat is billed as being for 3 adults, but that's not seating in a comfortable manner.  The cargo area is large, and fold-down rear seats increase this, but access to this area can be cumbersome, requiring getting past an external spare-tire holder, lifting glass window, and swing out tailgate.  Once open, the cargo floor panel can be folded out to provide a picnic table.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

126 hp I-4 SUV

$5,460

G, A

555 kg

1.43 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

146 hp I-4 SUV

$5,610

G, A

555 kg

1.47 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

126 hp I-4 SUV

244/47

68/13

58

70

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

146 hp I-4 SUV

273/53

76/15

58

81

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Honda Odyssey 1995-98

     This vehicle is related to the Isuzu Oasis, but is perhaps a bit more stripped-down and inexpensive than that vehicle, as well as having been built in greater numbers than the Oasis, and is thus somewhat less expensive RL.  It features fully independent suspension that makes the ride quite smooth, body lean in turns minimal, and handling sure.  Braking with the antilock brakes is quick and sure.  Engine power is adequate for most purposes, but can be lacking in passing or other circumstances when bursts of power are required.  Manual transmission is not available, but the automatic transmission is smooth and without hesitation.  Full-power downshifts can produce a forward lunge, however.  The Odyssey is about 75-125mm narrower than most competing minivans, and this can make cargo loading more difficult, as well as putting a third person in the center seat row of the minivan.  The rear doors tend not to open to a full 90 degrees, and this can further limit loading.  Towing capacity is 1.29 tons with the 140 horsepower engine, and 1.35 tons with the 150 horsepower engine, but most Odysseys were not equipped with a tow package.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

140 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,864

G, A

915 kg

1.56 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

150 hp I-4 Minivan

$6,944

G, A

915 kg

1.58 tons

1+6

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

140 hp I-4 Minivan

248/24

69/7

65

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

150 hp I-4 Minivan

262/25

73/7

65

84

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda Passport 1994-97

    This vehicle is similar to the Isuzu Rodeo, being a shared design; however, the mid-level choice of engines on the Rodeo is not available on the Passport, and the options and accessories package is spiced up considerably on the Passport.  Despite the higher RL cost of the Passport, it sold better on the world market than the Rodeo, and is more likely to be encountered.  The ride of the Passport is firm but comfortable, but handling can be a problem, particularly in sharp turns or fast braking, as the antilock brakes are standard only on the rear wheels, though 4-wheel ABS is an option on 1996 and 1997 models.  The interior is roomy, but the back doors are narrow and only open to 70 degrees, and big people may find the back seats difficult to get into.  Unlike the Rodeo, the Passport does not have to be stopped to engage the 4-wheel drive.  The back seat folds flat to increase cargo space.  Towing capacity is 1.53 tons with the 4-cylinder engine, and 1.71 tons with the 6-cylinder engine.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

120 hp I-4 SUV

$6,310

G, A

820 kg

1.61 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

176 hp V-6 SUV

$6,730

G, A

820 kg

1.72 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp V-6 SUV

$6,840

G, A

820 kg

1.75 tons

1+5

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

120 hp I-4 SUV

208/40

58/11

83

66

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

176 hp V-6 SUV

280/54

78/15

83

98

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp V-6 SUV

297/57

83/16

83

106

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

 

Honda Prelude 1992-96

     This is the sports coupe member of the Honda line.  With the base OHC I-4 engine, performance is only adequate, but there are two more powerful choices of engines, both of which were more popular.  All engines have good fuel economy.  The Preludes are known for performance, not cargo space, and room in the back seats and the trunk are lacking.  Unlike most Hondas, the instruments are small and difficult to read, and positioned in odd, counterintuitive places on the dashboard.  Like most Hondas, the automatic transmission has poor shifting ability, seemingly wandering haphazardly through its gear range in normal driving.  Cornering is very stable at all speeds, actually seeming to improve with speed.  Stopping ability is good, but the base S model does not have antilock brakes. 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

135 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,100

G, A

235 kg

1.27 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

160 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,280

G, A

235 kg

1.32 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

190 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,510

G, A

235 kg

1.38 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

135 hp I-4 Coupe

291/28

81/8

60

75

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

160 hp I-4 Coupe

328/32

91/9

60

89

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

190 hp I-4 Coupe

372/36

103/10

60

106

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Honda Prelude 1997-00

     This version of the Prelude, largely the same in looks as the previous models, brings much firmer steering combined with a natural-feeling power assist.  The 1997-00 Prelude rides more softly and is more forgiving of road imperfections, without giving up any handling quality.  There is much more effective soundproofing, both for the engine and the interior, so the vehicle is much quieter than its predecessors.  The new engine also goes through more fuel than the 190 hp engine of the previous Prelude.  It is a slightly longer vehicle with a small increase in cargo capacity, but the back seats are best suited for children.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

190 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,710

G, A

255 kg

1.34 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

200 hp I-4 Coupe

$6,780

G, A

255 kg

1.36 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

190 hp I-4 Coupe

382/37

106/10

60

106

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

200 hp I-4 Coupe

395/38

110/11

60

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1