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.

Common issues

Défaillance du turbocompresseur (moteur Isuzu 2.0 i-TD) High

🔧 150 000 – 250 000 km

💶 800 – 1 800 €

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien, surtout les vidanges régulières et la qualité d'huile.

Encrassement ou défaillance de la vanne EGR Medium

🔧 100 000 – 200 000 km

💶 200 – 500 €

Conduire régulièrement sur autoroute pour limiter l'encrassement et prolonger sa durée de vie.

Problèmes d'injecteurs de carburant Medium

🔧 180 000 – 250 000 km

💶 300 – 800 € par injecteur

Utiliser du carburant diesel de qualité et des additifs nettoyants préventifs.

Usure des bougies de préchauffage Low

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 150 – 350 €

Les faire contrôler et remplacer préventivement pour assurer un bon démarrage à froid.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£80 – 150
Timing belt	£550 – 1 100
Clutch	£800 – 1 500
Complete brakes	£250 – 500
Estimated annual budget	£600 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.