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Hatchback

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

ACCORD

It has no image at all, but it's good in so many areas you won't care.

Used Honda Accord Hatchback 1998 - 2003

It's not the cheapest to buy or to own. Prices are now pitched fairly, but you'll spend more running it than you would on a Mondeo or Vectra.

The 1.8 models fall into group 8 insurance, but the 2.0 is group 11 and the 2.3 in group 13. Move up to the Type-R and you enter group 16, although that's pretty reasonable considering its 209bhp.

The 1.8 will return up to 33mpg on average, which is fair for a family-sized car. The 2.0 covers just a mile fewer per gallon, while the 2.3 and Type-R travel up to 30mpg overall.

An Accord needs servicing more often than its rivals and the bills are high if you use a main dealer. Switching to an independent garage is an option, but only if they use the Honda parts and high-quality oils that the car needs.

Finally, although spares are expensive, you shouldn't expect to be buying them often.

It has no image at all, but it's good in so many areas you won't care.

The entry-level 1.8 S has all you need: four airbags, anti-lock brakes, remote locking, electric windows and air-conditioning.

That 1.8 is the smallest engine available, but it responds well if you work it hard. Go for a car with a manual gearbox, though, because the auto doesn't suit the engine's narrow power band. And, always choose this hatchback version over the saloon, because it's more useful.

You can also consider two other petrol engines - a 2.0 and a 2.3 - but the extra power doesn't add much to the car, and just increases running costs that are already high-ish. There's no diesel.

Trim-wise, you can also pick from SE, Sport and Executive, which bring varying levels of luxury, topped by the Executive's leather seats and wood-effect trim.

For high performance and super-sharp handling, the Type-R is a gem, its tuned 2.2 delivering 209bhp, while its big alloys and sports interior lift the Accord's humdrum appearance.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

Family

Providing it gets the costly servicing it demands at the recommended 9000-mile intervals, an Accord should run and run.

It is one of the most dependable of all cars, highly praised in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey and taking a regular slot in the top 10 of the What Car? Reliability Index.

Owners sing its praises, one telling how his car ran faultlessly for the three years he owned it, needing no more than servicing and a couple of bulbs replacing. They are the minicab drivers' car of choice for good reason.

The engine and transmission seldom give trouble, although the oil level in the Type-R needs watching because it drops with use. All Accords thrive on frequent driving. Exhausts rot through within a couple of years if the cars are used only for short hops and the brake discs rust, too.

This is a car that hides its talents. Under that bland metal you'll discover revvy engines and a lovely chassis. It rides firmly but remains comfortable most of the time, although the Type-R is stiffly sprung.

It's also spacious, comfortable and well equipped. Even the cheapest S trim offers four airbags, anti-lock brakes, a full suite of electrical gadgets and air-conditioning.

Four Euro NCAP stars for protecting occupants in a crash and two for safeguarding pedestrians is a creditable score for a late-1990s model.

Wind noise is reasonable, but the engines work best when revved. The racket they make when you do that is attractive, but it may not be to your taste.

Driver comfort is excellent and there's plenty of room in the cabin, although space to stow odds and ends isn't over-generous.

Cars with sunroofs lose a couple of inches of headroom, which can spoil things for taller drivers. The boot is big but the suspension intrudes and restricts the width.

Used Honda Accord Hatchback 1998 - 2003 reliability

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Used Honda Accord Hatchback 1998 - 2003 review

Providing it gets the costly servicing it demands at the recommended 9000-mile intervals, an Accord should run and run.,It is one of the most dependable of all cars, highly praised in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey and taking a regular slot in the top 10 of the What Car? Reliability Index.,Owners sing its praises, one telling how his car ran faultlessly for the three years he owned it, needing no more than servicing and a couple of bulbs replacing. They are the minicab drivers' car of choice for good reason.The engine and transmission seldom give trouble, although the oil level in the Type-R needs watching because it drops with use. All Accords thrive on frequent driving. Exhausts rot through within a couple of years if the cars are used only for short hops and the brake discs rust, too.

What to look for when buying a Honda Accord 1998 - 2003, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Honda Accord Hatchback 1998 - 2003 reliability

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