Reliability and dependability are important elements to any relationship. It’s a shame however to learn that not everything in this world share these two traits. In fact, just look at the monitor in front of you, I’d place my bets that none of you would say that they weren’t let down by the Windows operating system. That's not all, think about flight schedules, traffic enforcers, Internet service providers…the list goes on. If there weren’t one reliable object, person or company in the planet, then we’d suffer Armageddon even before you could say ‘Captain Planet’. 

It’s a good thing though that there is a company named Honda Cars Ltd, who holds on to their tradition of making dependable and reliable cars. Amazing feats of Honda’s excellent build quality have been told much like a fable is told to children. For instance, my uncle, an Accord owner since 1992, hasn’t had a glitch in his car even after driving it for 200,000 kilometers! We're proud to say that I’ve included myself in the same list after being amazed at the 1998 Honda Accord VTi-L reliability. 

At roughly the same kilometer reading as the Nissan Cefiro we also have for long-term testing, there are big differences between the two. The Cefiro already suffered a problem with its engine computer, air conditioning unit, suspension and steering. Add this to the problem of having pathetic technicians at their service centers. On the other hand, the Honda Accord suffered no big problem during its first 20,000-kilometer trek in Metropolitan Manila. 

Before being checked-in for its preventive maintenance, our Honda Accord VTi-L never failed to impress the editors. In fact, all of our editors commend its powerful engine and commanding chassis. Although the Ward’s AutoWorld 1999 Best Engine nominee didn’t have the same silky smoothness and quietness of the Nissan’s VQ engine, had more power available at a fatter band. Engine reliability is also commendable having no problems from the engine department for the duration of this test period. Sometimes we’d like to conclude that Honda VTEC engines are simply bulletproof! (editor’s note: there have been zero warranty claims for the VTEC power train in Europe every since its launch in the early 1990s).Fuel efficiency is the big question mark here. Sometimes the Honda Accord could go as high as 6.8 km/liter, or sometimes as low as 5.8 km/liter (averaging at around 6.1 km/liter), maybe because of it’s dual cam profile needing more gas at higher the higher rev range? Maybe. 

The body and suspension construction is simply great as well. Although this car isn’t as soft and agile as the Nissan Cefiro, it still proved to be a good tourer especially for those infrequent 4 hour Tagaytay excursions. However, I have to say that it’s clutch and gas pedals are too hard for my tastes. Sometimes I felt that I’d be having a carpal-tunnel syndrome on my right foot after driving for 50 kilometers in heavy traffic. I never had any such problems with the Nissan Cefiro or even my good old Mitsubishi Galant. On the note of the clutch, the Accord had small clutch noises at 15,000 kilometers. This was the only warranty claim we had when they had to replace the clutch cylinder.

Though the Accord hasn’t impressed people with it’s handling characteristic, it has impressed people with its space and general comfort. The leather seats just have the right support even for long trips, but cowhide is showing some signs of wear and tear. Though we did try putting in leather protectors, it seems that it’s no match for Manila’s intense summer heat. The ventilation system on the other hand is par excel lance. The breeze it delivers can nullify any heat wave nature could bring…just ask my friend who likes the cold very much (you know who you are…hehehe). The stereo system completes the interior package, which provides a pleasant music experience. Although it’s not an Audi or BMW system, Honda’s 6-speaker system (40 watts per channel) still provided crystal clear sounds.

Overall, Honda Accord VTi-L, though cost originally a bundle for it’s PHP 1,200,000 estimated price tag, every peso was worth it not because of it’s comfort or it’s features. However, it does save us from having to go to the service centers every few months. It saves time and effort from having to go to the Honda guys and that’s something very golden.
 

Marque and Model: 1998 Honda Accord VTi-L  Total Distance Travelled: 19,998 Distance covered after last update: 19,998 Engine: 2.3 SOHC VTEC 16-valve inline-4 Transmission: 5-speed manual Performance: 157 bhp at 5700 / 210 Nm at 4900. Average fuel consumption: 6.2 kms. / liter Pros: Bulletproof build quality, especially wonderful engine; great stereo system; powerful air con; great ride quality; huge interior space. Cons: Buzzy engine sound; not-so-quiet interior; hard to modulate clutch and gasoline pedals; bland looks; less than luxurious switches and stalks. Problems Encountered: Clutch noise (solved by replacing clutch cylinder).

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