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Honda Legend (1991 on)
by scuzzle
The Honda Legend is an excellent luxury car to buy second hand because they depreciate from new really quickly, which is bad news for anyone buying one new but good news for anyone wanting a used fully loaded reliable executive car at reasonable money.
The majority of buyers looking for a car in this class can't see past BMW, ... Mercedes or Audi so this is a hidden gem that generally goes unnoticed which is a shame as it is a very competant car costing over 25k new.
The exterior stying is not the greatest, the older 2.7 Coupe is probably the best looking Legend, much prettier than the saloon in my opinion which is why I went for one of these at first, although it's 2.7 V6 can start to sound like a tractor when it gets on a bit as the tappets loosen off with high miles. I found my one would go fine for days then occasionally sitting at traffic lights the tappetty noises would start, a quick blip of the throttle cures this but it can get tiresome at times.
Apparently these engines are prone to tappet noise with age.
This is the same engine as fitted to the Rover 827 and if you ever have to get any parts a good tip is to say it's for the Rover and not the Honda as they tend to be an awful lot cheaper for the exact same thing.
I won't go into too much detal with this one as it is pre 91 and this review is meant to be for 91> cars but felt I had to give it an honourable mention as it is the best looking and sleekest one they made.
I replaced the 2.7 with the newer facelift 96> model and a 3.5L powerplant which was a lot smoother and more refined, again available as a saloon or coupe. Personally I thought the facelift did nothing for the car and the older one was better looking. Economy is what you'd expect from a car with an engine this size - not great but passable 25-30 MPG is acheivable.
The ride is comfortable if a little too soft, the car can be a bit wallowy on corners and poor road surfaces. Inside the Legend is fully loaded with everything you'd expect from a high end luxury car,- leather seats, cruise control, electric everything, smooth auto box with sport mode for effortless overtaking. The only let down is the rigid plastic dash and plastic fake mahogany trim which is bearable and totally normal for a Japanese manufacturers idea of luxury.
Reliability is what you'd expect from Honda but be prepared for a fright should anything go wrong, luxury car = luxury price tag for parts seems to be Honda's take on Legend replacement parts.
The latest incarnation has a 3.5L VTEC powerplant and is nearer 30K to buy new and looks like another fantastic car but I won't be buying one anytime soon because I don't think the depreciation issue has got much better. BMW and Mercedes etc. definatley do the luxury car better but once the Legend gets a few years down the line you do get an awful lot of car for your money.
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Honda Jazz 1.4
by clairelouiser
I recently upgraded to a Civic, but before that i had a 1.4 Jazz 07 plate. Size wise, it is a small car. I had a 4 door, which was ideal. Plenty of space, even room in the back to put things under the seats, which was great. Reasonable size boot. Easy to park as it will fit into most spaces. Compact is a good description, not roomy, but ... enough space to use. Power wise, i struggled with this car. There is a hill in Devon called Haldon Hill, if you know the Westcountry it is just outside Exeter. Long, steepish incline. My Jazz hated this hill, foot to the floor and still things over taking me. On the dual carriageway and country roads, it was fine, could manage 70 mph happily, however, you really notice the lack of power going up the hill. I also really noticed windy days, strange, but driving up the M5 i would often feel like i was moving in the wind, i guess because this is a lightweight, small car. In my civic i feel much sturdier. The Jazz was very economical, good use of fuel. I vaguely remember that you can only get petrol in this model, not diesel. As with everything Honda, the look and feel of the interior is quality. Dashboard is bright, cheerful and best of all uncomplicated. Honda customer service really is second to none. If you don't do a lot of long distance driving, this is a perfect local car. Plenty of room for passengers too, not at all cramped in the back.
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Honda Civic 2.2i CTDi EX
by clairelouiser
I've had my Honda Civic since May 2010. It is a 57 plate, so i bought it used. I had gone wanting a Type R, brand new car. I left with a 2.2 used Civic. Mine is black. It is stunning. It looks lovely. I've seen a few others around, mostly in that brown colour, but i'm glad mine is black. Have also seen a few red ones. It does turn heads. ... I live in a poor, rural area, so my car really stands out. I drive regularly down the A38 and A30, for the Westcountry they are as close as we get to Motorways. I also drive every day down very narrow one track roads. Performance wise, this car goes some. My exit from work is straight onto the A30, so i have to have some power to get going up the hill out of harm's way. It does it effortlessly. I power along. The first week i had this car, my sister had her baby, and i left the hospital at 3am. I got followed by the police, who i assume expected me to hurtle off, so just be warned - you're noticeable!! Braking is effortless, and i have always felt very safe in a Honda. Airbags etc. are all standard. Tank takes about £55 in diesel at the current rates, and i get about 500 miles out of that. I don't drive economically. The dash has a display of lights which tells you how economically you asre driving, i could pay more attention. The speedo is digital, massive and right above the steering wheel. I had to sign a disclaimer to say that Honda didn't have to pay if i left the handbrake off - i thought this was weird at the time, but actually, the handbrake is in a funny place, so i think people just forget about it. Mine has parking sensors, new to me, but well worth the extra. Am listening to Persuasion on audio cd, and that sounds great. Radio is very easxy to use. I like the window clear blower button, when it gets a bit misty, i just press and the mist is cleared. AC is lovely also. All in all a lovely car. Still want an R Type, but planning to trade this in next time and get my fancy new car!!
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