2000 Honda Accord

This car was my first car out of college. It was also the first car that I bought with my first real full-time job. In a way it was my mini-rebellion against my parents. I was supposed to take 6-months off before enrolling in graduate school. Instead, I got a job and started enjoying life!

As of now (6/2009), this car is still going on strong. Although I have a 4-cylinder, it has performed well and has been extremely reliable. There have been no engine issues and has been reasonable to maintain. I normally do oil change every 5,000-10,000 miles depending on my schedule. The only problems that I've were recalled seat belt sensors and a cracked windshield. I brought it to the dealership and they replaced the sensors for free. The crack started from a rock on the freeway. It was 5 years after I purchased the car and the warranty had JUST ran out by a matter of weeks (of course!!!)

I only not the best when it comes to taking care of my car but it has taken care of me. It has relatively good gas mileage. My wife and I use the car whenever we take long trips because it saves us on gas (our other car is a 2003 Honda Element)

Here are some memorable moments that I've had in the car: My first trip to Yosemite (in downpouring rain and later snow) with my future wife. The roads were muddy and slushy but the car made it (we didn't need chains yet). We visited Bridal Veil and tried to hike up the mountain. It started to rain during our hike and turned into an absolute downpour. We ultimately had to give up because it was extremely slippery, messy, dirty and freezing cold! We took shelter at the doorsteps of the chapel (it wasn't opened).

The second experience is going to Tijuana with our car. We were only supposed to drop off my wife's cousin at San Isidro but missed the last exit. We were forced to go into Mexico and wait in the 2-hour line to return to the United States. Of course, we didn't bring our passports and were in our pajamas. It was a long, hot and slow wait but we finally made it back. To this day, I have never missed that exit again.

I've recommended this car to family members and friends. We have owned various brands including Ford, Honda, Saturn and Toyota. Overall, we found the Honda Accord the most reliable and the most dependable. My brother-in-law just bought another Honda Accord (2008, Hybrid).

We're looking into buying a new car soon. I definitely will purchase a Honda again because they have served us extremely well. I'm considering another Honda Accord or even a Honda Civic. We don't have kids yet and gas prices are high so I don't mind downgrading. However, my wife wants a Honda CRV in the event that we start a new family. I personally don't like driving a big car on the busy freeways. There's just too many reckless and rude people out there. Yes, it's probably safer but it's also a bigger target for their recklessness.