English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Honda Concerto: compact 1990s Honda and what to know when buying used
The Honda Concerto is a compact class car produced from 1988 to 1994 in collaboration with Rover. In this article, we review its body styles, engines, and what to check when buying such an older car in Lithuania.
Concerto in brief
The Concerto was a compact Honda, developed in partnership with British Rover. This shared design also gave rise to the Rover 200 (R8), making these cars technically related.
The model was offered as a hatchback and a sedan. It's simple, comfortable, and economical, with its main advantages being a straightforward design and Honda's engine reputation.
Body styles and who they suit
The hatchback is more practical, with a larger boot and easier loading. The sedan is classic, with a more defined boot shape, and suits those who prefer a traditional body style.
The Concerto is a budget-friendly daily driver or first car, but due to its age, it's worth seeking out a well-maintained example.
Engines and transmissions
The Concerto typically comes with 1.4–1.6-litre petrol engines, with some versions featuring 16 valves. Honda engines are usually reliable if they've been regularly maintained.
The transmission is manual or automatic. Manual is often preferred for its simplicity and reliability.
What to check when buying a used Concerto
The most important thing is the body condition. Older cars can be rusty in the sills, wheel arches, and door bottom areas, so inspect these very carefully.
Check the engine oil levels, cooling system, and the history of the timing belt replacement. Test the clutch and gearbox to ensure smooth shifting.
Since the Concerto is rare in the car market, check the availability of parts. Some components can be adapted from related models, but not all.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly encountered variants.
Concerto 1.4
1988–1994The base variant with a smaller engine.
- Approximately a 1.4-litre petrol engine
- Simple design
- A more economical choice
Concerto 1.6
1988–1994The version with a larger engine and more spirited driving.
- Approximately a 1.6-litre petrol engine
- Often a 16-valve engine
- More spirited driving
Concerto su automatine dėže
1988–1994More comfortable city driving.
- Automatic gearbox
- More comfortable city driving
- Slightly higher running costs
Comparing versions
| 1.4 | 1.6 | Automatinė dėžė | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For daily economical driving | For spirited driving | Comfortable city driving |
| Engine | Around 1.4 litres | Around 1.6 litres | Depends on the version |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
Most buyers will be fine with 1.4 or 1.6-litre versions with a manual gearbox. The key is the condition of the body and a clear service history.
Pros
- Simple design
- Honda's engine reputation
- Economical driving
- Often affordable price
Cons
- Risk of corrosion in older cars
- Hard to find parts for some details
- Less equipped than in modern cars
Frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Concerto reliable?
Usually yes, if it was well-maintained. The main risk is body corrosion and old age.
What's the connection between the Concerto and the Rover 200?
The Rover 200 (R8) and Honda Concerto were developed together, so they share a common structural basis.
Is the Concerto suitable for daily use?
Yes, if the car is in good condition. It's a simple and economical car, but due to its age, it's worth thoroughly checking.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
