Since the day I purchased my '04 EX-L 4cyl 5A sedan new in February 2004, it has always been driven rather conservatively. Right now, it's got 47K miles of trouble-free motoring (knock on wood)! I drive conservatively because I know the limitations of my physical disability and, as such, alter my driving style to compensate for the generally slower reaction time. I'm sure other driver's appreciate this, as I always stay to the right on highways.
I have also never pushed the car above 70mph, but I'm not sure if this would be good or bad for the engine over the long term. I occasionally (a few times per week) moderately accelerate as the left highway lane is clear and the road beckons. Can my fellow forum members elaborate whether this is a good idea to "open" the throttle from time to time?
Last week, on a trip down to D.C., my sister insisted that she drive my car back north to N.Y., as she berates me that "I drive too slow." I'm hesistant to let her drive, because I've seen the way she is beating her Civic into the ground. (It's full of dings, scratches, and paint hazing, where my Accord is spotless and in creampuff condition inside and out!) I'm relegated to the passenger seat as my sister flies up I-95 at speeds approaching 80 and 85 mph!! I explain to her to please slow down, as I care so much about my car and the engine's longevity, but she ignores my repeated requests. I emphasize that it's my Honda, I pay the insurance, so let me recommend you follow MY rules. Of course, this led to constant shouting matches between the both of us and unpleasant silence on parts of the trip.
Should I worry about damage to the I4 because of the "excessive speed" my engine has been exposed to, thanks to her heavy foot? I'm just not used to seeing the tach at 3K RPM or higher. I got the ATF, brake fluid, and coolant changed back at 36K miles, and even stopped at my dealer before this trip so the mechanics could check all of the fluids and tire pressures, and they added air to the tires (no charge for this service).
I swore never to let her drive my baby again! I wish there was a button on the passenger side that I could have pushed that limits the speed of my car when she was driving -- that would have been really cool!!
P.S. The most recognized "Honda-BMW" on the Internet is no more. I have properly replaced all the Honda emblems on the car. Everyone here is probably going to wish me Kudos for this!! lol Pics to be posted soon!
I occasionally (a few times per week) moderately accelerate as the left highway lane is clear and the road beckons. Can my fellow forum members elaborate whether this is a good idea to "open" the throttle from time to time?
Of course, this led to constant shouting matches between the both of us and unpleasant silence on parts of the trip. 
Pics to be posted soon!