Honda's vans are not so great....Interesting.

Scotty thinks the 2012 Accord 5 speed automatic transmission will last, but prefer standard tranny. Also likes their 4 cylinder engine over 6 but either works. Prefers 2.0 L 4 cylinder engine over the smaller one 1.5 L and avoid Turbo Charging as it wears out the engine quicker and can lead to oil dilution (gas leak past piston rings into oil chamber).

Scotty says the Honda Civic has an excellent, reliable engine. And his civic customers have not had transmission issues. Those creep in on Accord and larger cars. Honda is good at making small cars. Even so, standard transmission may be the way to go.