Honda Quintet

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Honda Quintet: A Comprehensive Guide

The Honda Quintet, also known as the Honda Ballade in some markets, was a compact five-door liftback produced by Honda from 1980 to 1985. Positioned as a slightly more upscale and sporty alternative to the Civic, it aimed to blend practicality with a touch of premium features. While not a sales chart-topper, the Quintet occupies an interesting niche in Honda's history, showcasing innovative engineering and design choices for its time. It falls into the compact car class, offering a blend of fuel efficiency and decent passenger space.

Generations

First Generation (1980-1985)

• Years: 1980-1985 (with minor cosmetic updates throughout the production run)
• Key Changes:
• Introduction of the five-door liftback body style.
• Available with a range of Honda's early CVCC engines, focusing on fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
• Early models featured carburetors, while later models saw the introduction of fuel injection in some markets.
• MacPherson strut front suspension and beam axle rear suspension provided a comfortable, albeit not particularly sporty, ride.
• Interior features included available power windows, sunroof, and upgraded trim, distinguishing it from the basic Civic.
• The Ballade version (sold in Europe and other regions) was essentially the same car, often with minor trim differences.

Reliability & Common Issues

The Honda Quintet, like many Hondas of its era, is generally considered reliable, but due to its age, certain issues are common:

Engine Reliability:

The CVCC engines, while innovative for their time, can suffer from issues related to their complex carburetor systems. Common problems include:

• Carburetor Problems: Clogging, vacuum leaks, and difficulty with tuning are frequent issues. Rebuilding or replacing the carburetor might be necessary.
• Cooling System: Radiator leaks, hose deterioration, and water pump failures are common due to age. Regular maintenance and replacement of these components are crucial.
• Oil Leaks: Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals are prone to leaking due to age and deterioration of rubber components.

Transmission Reliability:

Both manual and automatic transmissions are generally reliable, but:

• Manual Transmissions: Clutch wear is inevitable, and synchro wear can occur, leading to difficulty shifting gears.
• Automatic Transmissions: Shifting issues, slippage, and fluid leaks can occur, especially if the transmission fluid hasn't been regularly changed.

Suspension & Brakes:

• Suspension: Bushings, ball joints, and shocks/struts wear out, leading to poor handling and ride quality. Replacements are often necessary.
• Brakes: Brake lines can corrode, brake calipers can seize, and master cylinders can fail. Regular inspection and maintenance are vital.

Electrical System:

• Wiring: Brittle and corroded wiring can cause electrical shorts and failures. Careful inspection and repair are essential.
• Charging System: Alternator and battery failures are common due to age.
• Switches and Relays: Corrosion and wear can cause failures in various switches and relays.

Rust:

Rust is a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. Check:

• Rocker Panels: A common area for rust.
• Wheel Arches: Another rust-prone area.
• Floor Pans: Check for rust from underneath the car.
• Strut Towers: Rust in this area can be structurally dangerous.

Driving Experience

The Honda Quintet offers a driving experience typical of its era. It's not a sports car, but it provides a comfortable and practical ride.

Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency: The CVCC engines were known for their good fuel economy.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension provides a relatively smooth ride, especially on well-maintained roads.
• Practicality: The five-door liftback design offers good cargo space.
• Reliability: Hondas of this era are known for their inherent reliability, but age is a factor.

Cons:

• Performance: The engines are not particularly powerful, especially by modern standards.
• Handling: The suspension is tuned for comfort, not sporty handling.
• Age: Finding parts can be challenging, and many cars will require significant restoration.
• Rust: A major concern that can significantly impact the car's structural integrity.

Buying Advice

Buying a Honda Quintet in today's market is largely for enthusiasts or collectors. Here's some advice:

What to Look For:

• Well-Maintained Examples: Look for cars with documented maintenance history.
• Rust-Free Examples: Prioritize finding a car with minimal rust. It will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
• Complete and Original Cars: Original parts and components are becoming increasingly rare and valuable.
• Fuel-Injected Models: If available, fuel-injected models are generally more reliable and easier to maintain than carbureted models.

What to Avoid:

• Cars with Extensive Rust: Rust repair can be very expensive and time-consuming.
• Cars with Significant Mechanical Problems: Unless you are a skilled mechanic, avoid cars that require major engine or transmission work.
• Cars with Heavily Modified Engines or Transmissions: Modifications can often decrease reliability.
• Cars with Missing Parts: Finding replacement parts can be very difficult.

Price:

Prices can vary widely depending on condition, mileage, and location. Expect to pay more for well-maintained, rust-free examples. Project cars can be found for less, but be prepared for significant restoration work.

Final Thoughts:

The Honda Quintet is a unique and interesting car that offers a glimpse into Honda's past. While it may not be the most practical choice for everyday transportation, it can be a rewarding project car or a fun weekend cruiser for the right enthusiast.

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