Honda Accord VI (CG/CH) (1997 – 2002)

Reliability score : 7.8/10

The 6th generation Honda Accord (chassis CG/CH/CF/CL) is a pivotal model, characterized by an extensive regionalization strategy: Honda designed three distinct vehicles for Europe, North America, and Japan. The European version (CG/CH), manufactured in Swindon, UK, stands out for its dynamic road handling and excellent reliability of its gasoline engines (VTEC). However, as Honda did not have its own diesel engine at the time (the famous 2.2 i-CTDi would only arrive in the next generation), the brand turned to Rover. The 2.0 i-TD (or 2.0 TDI) engine is therefore a Rover L-Series block. While it offered an economical alternative for high-mileage drivers of the era, it stands out for its lack of refinement (noise, vibrations) and peripheral reliability inferior to Honda's usual standards. To

✅ Strengths

Exceptional reliability of gasoline engines (F and H Series)
Sharp road handling (double wishbone front suspension on European models)
Generous interior space and trunk volume
Assembly quality from the Swindon plant (correct aging of plastics)
Type R (CH1) version has become a true collector's item

⚠️ Weaknesses

Noisy, rough, and less reliable diesel engine (Rover) than the rest of the car
Declining availability of spare parts (especially for the Rover 2.0 i-TD engine and bodywork)
Disastrous automatic transmissions on North American V6 models
Average sound insulation on the highway (road noise)
Susceptibility to corrosion on the rear wheel arches (especially in cold/humid regions)

🎯 Verdict

The 6th generation Honda Accord is a sedan with two faces. If you opt for a gasoline engine (1.8i or 2.0i), you are buying one of the most reliable sedans of its decade, capable of exceeding 300,000 km with basic maintenance. However, the 2.0 i-TD diesel requires much more caution. This Rover engine is not bad in itself (the block is solid), but its peripherals (EGR, mass air flow sensor, injection pump) and complex maintenance (double timing belt) often negate the economic advantage at the pump, especially given the increasing rarity of parts. Only buy at a very low price, with an impeccable service history. If you are looking for a reliable diesel from this era, a Peugeot 406 HDi or a VW Passat TDI will be better choices. If you want a Honda, get it in gasoline.