well, i guess in that case you just got a lemon that's all.... hondas are very reliable... i have a friend that has a 1989 honda CRX Si (non-vtec). she drives like crazy and revs up like crazy... and has 162,000 miles on that engine... and still able to rock on stock civic dx or exs. there are no modification to the engine and the stock shock is dead... so the car seems to be lowered.. haha... but all in all.. the engine is still running fine... and still has lots of power. so i truly believe honda is reliable... in every aspect. u gotta love your car.. don't hate it... and yes... i feel you about the dealership... they are a biatch at times... that's why i try not to bring it in for maintaince...and try to do it myself.