[Goober]

Ok a review is needed; what does one need to know about these early Rubis? Are they reliable and maintainable?

 

[Jeepwm69]

01-04 are a crapshoot on the Hondamatics. I've seen them croak with 1k on them and I've seen them with 14k on them.
Drum brakes, all time 4wd.

I'd pass unless dirt cheap. The 05-up are much nicer

 

[Goober]

Thanks Jeep
I remembered there was a year group couldn’t recall if it included the 05.

 

[wheelsquad]

01-04 are a crapshoot on the Hondamatics. I've seen them croak with 1k on them and I've seen them with 14k on them.
Drum brakes, all time 4wd.

I'd pass unless dirt cheap. The 05-up are much nicer

Nailed it.

 

[Hondawasaki]

im working on a 99 450 parts are outrageous and hard to find .. so if it is cheap and you want to part it out do it. the crank alone can go for 650 if good. but agree that the Electric shift are very problematic

 

[mac102004]

99 450 would be a totally different machine. The Hondamatic unit in the 500 is non repairable, $1000-1500 part. I think basically if you find one and the Hondamatic unit has been replaced on it you should be good to go. They had an updated one at some point. I’d be less concerned buying an 03-04 than an 01-02.


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[wheelsquad]

This thread pretty well explains the issue with the first generation hondamatic units.

http://www.hondaatvforums.net/forums/repair-maintenance/76538-rubicon-hondamatic-rebuild.html