Is the 1997 Honda Accord a good car?

Yes—if it’s been well maintained, the 1997 Honda Accord remains a solid, dependable, and inexpensive commuter in 2025, but its age, rust risk, and dated safety tech mean you must buy carefully and temper expectations. The model’s reputation for durability is deserved, yet condition, maintenance history, and rust exposure now matter far more than the badge.

What “good” means for a 1997 Accord in 2025

The 1997 Accord—last year of the fifth generation—was admired for reliable powertrains, straightforward engineering, and sensible ergonomics. Today, it can still be a practical daily driver or starter car, provided you prioritize a clean, rust-free example with proof of major services. It will not match modern vehicles for crash protection, infotainment, or driver-assistance features, but it can deliver low running costs, decent fuel economy, and simple ownership.

Strengths that still hold up

These are the attributes that keep the 1997 Accord relevant for budget-minded buyers and enthusiasts alike.

• Durable engines: 2.2L four-cylinders (130 hp non‑VTEC; 145 hp VTEC on EX) routinely exceed 200,000 miles with proper care; the 2.7L V6 (about 170 hp) is smooth and long‑lasting if maintained.
• Simple, serviceable design: Timing-belt layouts, distributor ignition, and ample aftermarket parts make DIY and shop work straightforward and affordable.
• Parts availability: Excellent coverage for mechanical and wear items, with low costs compared with many contemporaries.
• Usable efficiency: When new, EPA estimates were roughly 22–24 mpg city and 28–31 highway for four‑cylinder models; V6 versions typically returned around 19–26 mpg (transmission and body style dependent).
• Driving manners: Light steering, compliant ride, and tidy dimensions make city driving and parking easy; five‑speed manual cars feel notably livelier.
• Body choices: Sedan, coupe, and (rare) wagon variants allow flexibility; EX trims commonly add features like four‑wheel discs and ABS.

In short, if you find a well-kept Accord—especially a four‑cylinder with a manual gearbox and documented maintenance—you’re likely to get a dependable, inexpensive car that still feels coherent and easy to live with.

Weak spots and age-related issues

By now, age and climate history dominate the ownership equation. Inspect for these common problems and plan for preventive maintenance.

• Rust: Rear wheel arches/quarter panels, rocker panels, and underside subframes are prime corrosion areas—especially in snowbelt states. Extensive rust can be a safety and repairability red flag.
• Timing belt and water pump: Due every ~90,000 miles or 7 years (whichever comes first). Overdue belts risk catastrophic engine damage on the V6 and can strand any model.
• Balance shaft seal (four‑cylinder): The front balance-shaft seal can pop out and cause major oil loss; many cars have a retainer kit installed—verify this during timing-belt service.
• Ignition and fuel control: Main relay failures (hot no‑start), distributor/igniter wear, and aged ignition switches are all known mid‑’90s Honda issues; ensure the ignition-switch safety recall was completed and budget for relay/distributor refresh if original.
• Suspension wear: Front compliance/upper control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear trailing arm bushings commonly need replacement; watch for clunks and uneven tire wear.
• Automatic transmission aging: Generally more durable than some early‑2000s Honda autos, but 25+ years of use means fluid condition and shift quality matter; avoid harsh shifts or slipping.
• HVAC/electrical niggles: A/C leaks (including evaporator), blower resistors, and window regulators can require attention; interior plastics and seat foam may be tired.

None of these faults are deal-breakers in isolation, but multiple deferred items or structural rust can quickly erase the Accord’s low-cost advantage.

Safety and technology context

Safety was decent for its era—dual front airbags were standard, and ABS was standard on many EX and V6 trims (optional on some others). However, there are no side airbags, no electronic stability control, and crash standards have advanced significantly since 1997. Expect fewer crash-protection features and higher injury risk compared with even mid‑2010s compacts. Verify recall completion—most notably the Honda ignition-switch recall applicable to many mid‑’90s models—and check the VIN with NHTSA for any outstanding actions. If you’ll highway-commute regularly, invest in top-tier tires, fresh brakes, and ensure all lighting is up to spec.

Performance and economy snapshot

The 2.2L four-cylinder is the best all-around bet for longevity and running costs, with the VTEC EX offering a small performance bump without a big penalty at the pump. The 2.7L V6 is smooth and stronger in highway passing but is rarer and typically paired with an automatic. Expect real-world fuel economy in the mid‑20s for four‑cylinders and low‑20s for V6 cars. Manuals feel peppier and are generally cheaper to keep on the road as the cars age.

Costs and the current market

As of 2025, driver‑quality sedans and coupes typically list from about $1,500 to $5,000 depending on mileage, rust, region, and service history. Pristine, low‑mile, rust‑free examples—especially EX manuals or rare wagons—can command $6,000 to $9,000 or more. Annual maintenance on a sorted car often runs $500–$1,200, excluding major catch-up work; a timing belt/water pump service is commonly $600–$1,000 parts and labor. Insurance is usually low, and parts remain cheap and widely available.

What to check before you buy

Because condition is everything on a 1997 model, use a systematic inspection and verify paperwork before committing.

1. Service records: Look for timing belt/water pump dates, valve adjustments, transmission fluid changes, and any balance-shaft seal retainer work (four‑cyl).
2. Rust audit: Inspect rear wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, front and rear subframes, and brake/fuel lines; lift the car if possible.
3. Recalls and VIN history: Confirm ignition-switch recall completion; run the VIN through NHTSA and a vehicle history service for accidents, title issues, and odometer anomalies.
4. Engine health: Cold start, idle quality, and oil leaks; consider a compression or leak‑down test on higher‑mile cars.
5. Transmission behavior: Smooth upshifts/downs, no slipping or flares (auto); precise engagement and clutch take‑up (manual).
6. Suspension and brakes: Listen for clunks, check for uneven tire wear, pull, and vibration under braking; inspect bushings and ball joints.
7. HVAC and electrics: Verify A/C performance, blower speeds, heater, windows, locks, lights, and instrument illumination.
8. OBD‑II scan: Check for stored/ pending codes and readiness monitors (1997 is OBD‑II), especially in emissions-testing regions.

A clean, rust‑free Accord with recent major services and a calm test drive is worth paying a premium; a cheap but rusty or neglected example often costs more in the long run.

Verdict

The 1997 Honda Accord can still be a “good car” if your priorities are low purchase price, mechanical simplicity, and proven reliability rather than modern safety tech or amenities. Aim for a well‑documented, rust‑free four‑cylinder—ideally with a manual transmission—and walk away from cars with structural rust or missing maintenance. Do that, and you’ll likely end up with one of the most economical, long‑lived used sedans of its era.

Alternatives to consider

If you want similar dependability with newer safety or features—but still on a budget—these models are commonly cross-shopped.

• 1998–2002 Honda Accord: Newer design and interior, but research known automatic-transmission issues on some V6/early‑2000s models.
• 2003–2008 Toyota Corolla or 2000–2006 Toyota Camry: Conservative but very reliable, with better crash protection than a 1997.
• 2001–2005 Honda Civic: Efficient and simple, though ride/noise can be less refined than Accord.
• 1999–2003 Lexus ES 300/330: Comfortable and robust; higher parts costs but strong longevity.

These options trade a bit of the fifth‑gen Accord’s old‑school charm for improved safety and more modern amenities while staying affordable.

Summary

A 1997 Honda Accord is a good choice today if it’s the right car: rust‑free, properly serviced, and priced to reflect condition. Expect reliable, inexpensive transportation with simple upkeep, modest performance, and outdated safety tech. Choose carefully, prioritize maintenance records and rust inspection, and a clean example can still deliver years of honest, low‑cost motoring.

What is a 1997 Honda Accord worth?

A 1997 Honda Accord is generally worth between $500 and $5,000, depending on its condition, mileage, and trim level. For a typical, running example with average mileage and condition, expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000, while a poorly maintained one might be worth less than $1,000, and a well-preserved or higher-end model could be closer to $5,000.
 
Factors influencing the value:

• Condition: A car in excellent condition with low mileage will be worth significantly more than a rough one with high mileage. 
• Mileage: Higher mileage means a lower value. 
• Trim Level: The DX (base), LX, and EX models have different original prices and current resale values. 
• Location: Prices can vary by region. 
• Dealer vs. Private Sale: You’ll likely get more for your car in a private sale than selling it to a dealer or a trade-in. 

How to get a precise estimate: 
To find the most accurate valuation for a specific 1997 Honda Accord, you should use online appraisal tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds and input the car’s specific details.

How long does a 1997 Honda Accord last?

A Honda Accord that is not maintained well has a much higher chance of developing major engine and transmission problems before hitting 100,000 – 200,000 miles. With that being said a very well-maintained Honda Accord has the potential to last well past 300,000 miles and further before needing any major work.

Which year of accord is most reliable?

The 2013 Honda Accord is widely considered the most reliable year for the Honda Accord, based on both owner satisfaction and reliability ratings. Other years that are often cited for their reliability include 2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2017. These models generally have fewer reported issues and are considered good choices for used car buyers. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• 2006-2007: These models are often praised for their reliability and are considered solid choices for those seeking a used Accord. 
• 2008-2012 (8th Generation): While some issues were reported with the 2008 and 2009 models (like excessive oil consumption), the later years in this generation, particularly 2011 and 2012, are generally well-regarded for their reliability and comfortable ride. 
• 2013: This model year stands out as a top pick, consistently receiving high marks for reliability and owner satisfaction. 
• 2015: Another strong contender for reliability, with some owners reporting no issues even after 100,000 miles. 
• 2017: This year is also highlighted for its reliability and improved fuel efficiency. 
• 2020-2022: These newer models have also earned positive reviews for their reliability and are considered solid options, particularly the 2020 and 2021 models. 

What year was a bad year for the Honda Accord?

Honda Accord years to potentially avoid include the 1998-2002 models due to significant issues with the sixth-generation design, as well as 2003-2004 (V6 transmission problems), 2008-2010 (oil consumption, brake wear), 2013 (CVT hesitation, infotainment), and 2018 (engine problems, infotainment, recalls). 
Specific Problematic Years and Their Issues

• 1998-2002: These models, part of the sixth generation, are known for a high number of problems, including transmission issues, steering malfunctions, and potential airbag faults. 
• 2003-2004: The V6 models from these years experienced automatic transmission failures and problems with slipping or jerky shifting. 
• 2008-2010: The four-cylinder models in these years faced issues like excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear. 
• 2013: This year saw problems with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) and early complaints about the infotainment system. 
• 2018: This model year suffered from numerous recalls and engine issues, as it was the first year for the turbo 4-cylinder engines. 

More Recent Model Year Considerations 

• 2018-2019: Early models in the tenth generation experienced HVAC and AC compressor problems and Bluetooth glitches, though these issues were often addressed in later production runs or software updates.
• 2018-2020: A fuel pump recall affected vehicles from these model years.

What to Look For

• Infotainment and Software: Issues like freezing screens or Bluetooth connectivity problems were reported in some earlier models and were often remedied in later model years or via updates. 
• Engine Issues: Some models, like the 2018, had significant engine-related problems. 
• Brake Wear: Excessive and premature brake wear was a noted problem in some 2008-2010 models. 
• Transmission Concerns: Transmission issues, including slipping, jerky shifting, or complete failure, were a significant concern for models like the 2003-2004 V6s. 
• CVT Hesitation: The 2013 model year was marked by CVT hesitation, a common problem with some vehicles equipped with CVTs.