The
Honda Accord is a series of
automobiles manufactured by
Honda
since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant which has been
one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. The Accord
nameplate has been applied to a variety of vehicles worldwide,
including coupes, wagons, hatchbacks and a
crossover.
In 1982, the Accord became the first car from a Japanese manufacturer
to be produced in the United States when production commenced in
Marysville, Ohio at Honda's
Marysville Auto Plant.
The Accord has achieved considerable success, especially in the United
States, where it was the best-selling Japanese car for fifteen years
(1982–97), topping its class in sales in 1991 and 2001, with around ten
million vehicles sold. Numerous road tests, past and present, rate the Accord as one of the world's most reliable vehicles.
The Accord has been on the
Car and Driver 10Best list over 26 times.
Since initiation, Honda has offered several different
car body styles
and versions of the Accord, and often vehicles marketed under the
Accord nameplate concurrently in different regions differ quite
substantially. It debuted in 1976 as a
compact
hatchback, though this style only lasted through 1981, as the line-up
was expanded to include a sedan, coupé, and wagon. By the Accord's sixth
generation in the 1990s, it evolved into an
intermediate
vehicle, with one basic platform but with different bodies and
proportions to increase its competitiveness against its rivals in
different international markets. For the eighth generation of the Accord
released for the North America market in 2008, Honda had again chosen
to move the model further up-scale and increase its size.
This pushed the Accord sedan from the upper limit of what the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines as a
mid-size car to just above the lower limit of a
full-size car,
with the coupe still rated as a mid-size car. The current ninth
generation Accord for the North America market is again classified as a
mid-size car, falls just short of full-size car classification with the
combined interior space of 119 square feet (11.1 m
3).
Background
After a period of developing idiosyncratic automobiles such as the
Honda 1300
that met a lukewarm response in both Japan and North America, Honda
considered pulling out of automobile manufacturing altogether by the
early 1970s. However, Honda released a more conventional automobile in
1972 called the
Civic
which immediately reversed their flagging fortunes due to its economy,
reliability and low cost in an era of rising fuel prices. Honda's
CVCC
technology, which would be later used in the Accord helped Honda meet
emission standards of the 1970s and early 1980s without an expensive
catalytic converter that kept costs down.
Buoyed by their success with the Civic, Honda turned their sights to
developing a larger companion model. For the new model, Honda chose the
name Accord, reflecting "Honda's desire for accord and harmony between
people, society and the automobile."
Soichiro Honda was the owner of a
Pontiac Firebird, to which the Accord's predecessor, the
Honda 1300 bore a striking frontal resemblance.
Initial planning done by Honda for what would become the Accord was for a sporty competitor in the
pony car market, at roughly the size of a contemporary
Ford Mustang powered by a six-cylinder engine.
With the continuing fuel crisis and tighter emissions regulations
surrounding the automotive market, Honda engineers changed their focus
on the Accord from a Mustang competitor and built upon the Civic's
successful formula of economy, fuel efficiency and a
front-wheel drive layout in a larger package.
In 1989, the Accord would be the first vehicle sold under an import
brand to become the best-selling vehicle in the United States.
First generation (1976–1981)
1979–1981 Honda Accord hatchback (Japan)
The first generation Honda Accord was launched on May 7, 1976 as a
three-door hatchback with 68 hp (51 kW), a 93.7-inch (2,380.0 mm)
wheelbase, and a weight of about 2,000 pounds. It was a platform
expansion of the earlier
Honda Civic
at 162 inches (4,115 mm) long. To comply with recently enacted emission
regulations enacted in Japan, the engine was fitted with Honda's
CVCC
technology. The Accord sold well due to its moderate size and great
fuel economy. It was one of the first Japanese sedans with features like
cloth seats, a tachometer, intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM radio as
standard equipment. In 1978 an LX version of the hatchback was added
which came with air conditioning, a digital clock, and power steering.
Until the Accord, and the closely related
Prelude, power steering had not been available to cars under two litres.
On October 14, 1977, a four-door
sedan was added to the lineup, and power went to 72 hp (54 kW) when the 1,599 cc (97.6
cu in)
EL1 engine was supplemented and in certain markets replaced by the 1,751 cc (106.9
cu in)
an EK-1 unit. In 1980 the optional two-speed semi-automatic
transmission of previous years became a three-speed gearbox (a 'proper'
self-shifting four-speed automatic transmission was not used in the
Accord until the 1983 model year). Slightly redesigned bumper trim, new
grilles and taillamps and remote mirrors were added on the 4-door
(chrome) and the LX (black plastic) models. The CVCC badges were
deleted, but the CVCC induction system remained. In 1981 an SE model was
added for the first time, with
Novillo
leather seats and power windows. Base model hatchbacks, along with the
4-door, LX, and SE 4-door, all received the same smaller black plastic
remote mirror. The instrument cluster was revised with mostly pictograms
which replaced worded warning lights and gauge markings. Nivorno Beige
(code #Y-39) replaced Oslo Beige (#YR-43). Dark brown was discontinued,
as was the bronze metallic. The shifter was redesigned to have a
stronger spring to prevent unintentional engagement of reverse,
replacing the spring-loaded shift knob of the 1976 to 1980 year model
cars.
The Accord competed with Japanese competitors such as the
Toyota Corona,
Nissan Bluebird,
Mazda 626 and
Mitsubishi Galant, which were also part of the mid-size Japanese market, as well as the
VW Dasher in Europe.
Second generation (1981–1985)
JDM Second Generation, Second Series Four-door sedan. Second generation
Japanese and European Accords had molded headlights instead of the glass
headlights used in the U.S; the
United States Department of Transportation required glass units.
Second Generation, Second Series European 'Three-door' Honda Accord coupé.
Debuting on September 22, 1981 in Japan and Europe, and as a 1982
model in North America, this generation of the Accord being produced in
Japan, became the first to also be built in the U.S., at Honda's plant
in
Marysville, Ohio.
Since its first year in the American market, it also became the
best-selling Japanese nameplate in the U.S., holding that position for
about 15 years.
[11] In Japan, a sister model called the
Honda Vigor was launched simultaneously with the new Accord. This allowed Honda to sell the product at different sales channels called
Honda Clio, which sold the Accord, and
Honda Verno, that sold the Vigor.
On May 24, 1984, it was one of the first Japanese engineered vehicles
to offer computer controlled, fuel-injection with one injector per
cylinder, also known as multiple port fuel injection on the EK series
1.8 L engine, known as Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection, or
PGM-FI.
Modernizing both the interior and exterior, the second generation
Accord was mechanically very similar to the original, using the same
1,751 cc (1.751 L; 106.9 cu in) EK1 CVCC engine. Vehicles with a manual
transmission and the CVCC carburator earned 13.6 km/L (38 mpg
-imp; 32 mpg
-US)
based on Japanese Government emissions tests using 10 different modes
of scenario standards, and 110 PS (80.9 kW; 108.5 bhp), and 23 km/L
(65 mpg
-imp; 54 mpg
-US) with consistently maintained speeds at 60 km/h (37.3 mph).
Vehicles with PGM-FI (EK3 series engine) earned 13.2 km/L (37 mpg
-imp; 31 mpg
-US)
based on Japanese Government emissions tests using 10 different modes
of scenario standards, with 130 PS (95.6 kW; 128.2 bhp), and 22 km/L
(62 mpg
-imp; 52 mpg
-US) with consistently maintained speeds at 60 km/h (37.3 mph).
This automobile included popular features of the time such as
shag carpet, velour cabin trim, and chrome accents. An optional extra on the 1981 Accord was an
Electro Gyrocator, the world's first automatic in-car navigation system.
Models were available in Silver, Sky Blue, and Beige. The LX hatchback
offered a digital clock and slightly higher fuel economy (due to its
lighter weight).
The U.S.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) imposed
stringent lighting requirements
on U.S. models which prevented Honda from including the aerodynamic
molded headlight units which were used on Accords sold outside North
America. The U.S. NHTSA required the use of sealed beam glass units to
prevent fogging and allow for easy and readily available replacement of
units damaged by rocks or other road hazards. U.S. Accords were also
required to have a side marker light installed on the side of the rear
fenders. European Accords included additional rear fog lights embedded
into the rear bumper (mandatory there since 1980), as well as headlamp
spray washers, as required by European
ECE Regulation 45.
Japanese Accords were unique from all other markets in that they
included adjustable ride height control and side view mirrors installed
on the mid-forward fenders.
In 1983, Honda upgraded the automatic transmission to a four-speed, a
major improvement over the earlier, three-speed 'Hondamatic'
transmission. The manual five-speed transmission remained unchanged. A
new 120 mph (190 km/h) speedometer replaced the earlier 85 mph
(137 km/h) unit. The Special Edition (SE) featured Novillo leather
seating, power windows, power sunroof and door locks. Gray was added as a
color option.
Refresh (1983–1985)
By 1984, the Accords sold in the eastern U.S. were produced at the new
Marysville
plant, with quality considered equal to those produced in Japan. In
late 1983, for the 1984 model year, the Accord body was restyled with a
slightly downward beveled nose; and, the slightly more powerful ES2
1,829 cc (1.829 L; 111.6 cu in) CVCC powerplant was used, yielding
86 bhp (64 kW). The redesign in late 1983 is often called the second
series of the second generation. Honda integrated side marker lights
into the side of the tail light units which satisfied the D.O.T.'s side
marker requirements and ended the difference between cross market tail
light configurations. European Accords however, now included signal
lights on the forward fenders, just behind the wheel well. The U.S.
Accord still lacked the molded head light units.
The LX offered velour upholstery, auto-reverse cassette stereo, air
conditioning, cruise control, power brakes, power steering, power
windows & power door locks (sedan only), a digital clock, roof
pillar antenna, along with thick black belt moldings, integrated bumpers
and flush plastic mock-alloy style wheels covers that resembled the
trend-setting
Audi 5000.
Supplies were tight, as in the Eastern states, the wait was months for a
Graphite Gray sedan, a then-popular color. The LX hatchback was the
only 1984 version of the Accord to include dual side view mirrors.
The 1984 sedan was available in four exterior colors, Greek White and
three metallic options: Columbus Gray, Regency Red (burgundy), and
Stratos Blue (steel). The regular hatchback was available in Greek
White, Dominican Red, and the metallic Stratos Blue. The '84 LX
hatchback came in three metallic colors only: Graphite Gray, Regency
Red, and Copper Brown.
In 1985, the Special Edition returned as the SE-i, capitalizing on
the final year of the second generation's production. A fuel-injected,
110 bhp (82 kW) non-CVCC ES3 engine was exclusive to this model. The
moniker, SE-i, was adapted from the SE trim, but included the "-i" to
signify the higher trim level's fuel-injected engine. This 12-valve,
1,829 cc (1.829 L; 111.6 cu in) engine was the first non-CVCC engine
used in an Accord, and was the same basic engine design used by Honda
until 1989. Like the previous SE trim in 1983, the SE-i featured
Novillo
leather seating, power moonroof, bronze tinted glass, a premium sound
system with cassette, and 13-inch alloy wheels. The level of luxury
equipment on the SE-i was essentially items that were installed on the
Honda Vigor VTL-i, that was only sold in Japan.
Available options differed from market to market. The 1.8-liter
engine, updated four-speed automatic transmission, and 'EX' trim level
options were first made available in New Zealand during the 1984 model
year refresh alongside the 1.6-liter 'LX' model.
Japan generally received more options earlier than the rest of the
world. In 1981, the Accord offered an adjustable ride height air
suspension in the Japanese market. From 1983 in Japan and 1984 in
Europe, the second generation Accord was available with anti-lock brakes
(called ALB) as an option. This braking system was the first time that
an Accord used four-wheel disc brakes. Fuel injection became available
in 1984 in the Japan market with the earlier introduction of the
ES3
engine in the SE-i. Models took a year to arrive in North American and
European markets with less stringent emissions laws continuing, using
carburetors throughout second generation production.
Third generation (1985–1989)
The third generation Accord was introduced in Japan on June 4, 1985
and in Europe and North America later that year. It had a very striking
exterior design styled by Toshi Oshika in 1983, that resonated well with
buyers internationally. One notable feature was the flip-up headlights.
Because this generation was also sold as the Honda Vigor, the Accord
received the concealed headlights. Honda's Japanese dealership channel
called
Honda Verno all had styling elements that helped identify products only available at
Honda Verno. As a result, Japanese market Accords had a
Honda Verno styling feature, but were sold at newly established Japanese dealerships
Honda Clio with the all-new, luxury
Honda Legend
sedan, and international Accords were now visually aligned with the
Prelude, the CR-X, and the new Integra. Honda Accords of this generation
were manufactured without the concealled headlights and sold in Europe.
The third generation Accord became the first Honda to employ
double wishbones at both the front and rear ends. While more expensive than competitors'
MacPherson strut
systems, this setup provided better stability and sharper handling for
the vehicle. All had front sway bars and upper models had rear sway bars
as well. Brakes were either small 4-wheel discs with twin-piston
calipers (only available on the JDM 2.0-Si model ), larger 4-wheel discs
with single piston calipers, or a front disc/rear drum system. ABS was
available as an option on the 4-wheel disc brake models, though not in
North America. Base model Accords rode on 13-inch steel wheels with
hubcaps with more expensive models having the option of 14-inch alloy
wheels.
The Accord's available engines varied depending on its market: Japan received the
A18A,
B18A, and
B20A; Europe received the
A16A1,
A20A2,
A20A4,
B20A2 and
B20A8, and North America received the
A20A1 and
A20A3.
The Accord's trim levels ranged from spartan to luxurious. In the
Japanese home market, the Accord was available with a full power
package, heated mirrors (optional), a digital instrument cluster
(optional), sun roof (optional), cruise control, and climate control
(which was also optional). Some North European export models also had
heated front seats and head light washers. North American and Australian
Accords were not available with most of these options, presumably (and
in the U.S. in particular) because Honda was seen as a builder of
economy cars, and not to cannibalize sales from the recently introduced
Acura line.
Throughout the different markets, in addition to the sedan model the
Accord was available with different bodystyles which included a 3-door
hatchback, a 3-door
shooting-brake called
Accord Aerodeck,
and a 2-door coupe which was added in 1987 for the 1988 model year. The
3-door hatchback was not available in Europe while the Aerodeck was not
available in the USA and Canada. The coupe, which was, built
exclusively in Honda's Marysville, Ohio factory, were 'reverse exported'
back to Japan where it was known as the US-Coupe CA6.
Accord AeroDeck
The third-generation Accord was sold in Japan and Europe as a
three-door hatchback with a flat roof over the rear seats, known in
Europe as a
shooting-brake. It was offered only in Japan and Europe. The bodystyle of a flat roof hatchback was also used on the third generation
Honda Civic subcompact, the second generation
Honda City supermini and the first generation
Honda Today kei car. The
Honda CR-X
was the only three-door hatchback that adopted a fastback, sloping rear
hatch, demonstrating a performance car appearance identified with
Honda Verno products during the mid-1980s.
In North America, the Accord Coupe was offered instead, and the
popularity of the coupe showed to win out over the AeroDeck, and upon
the coupe's introduction in Japan and Europe in 1987, the AeroDeck was
cancelled due to lack of sales at the end of the generation's
production.
The "Aerodeck" name was reused on the
Honda Civic 5-door stationwagon (estate),
sold in the UK from 1996 to 2000. In parts of Continental Europe, the
Honda Accord 4-door station wagon (estate) was also called the Accord
Aerodeck from 1990 until 2008, when the name of the estate was renamed
the "Accord Tourer".
Here's a Japanese television commercial for the Aero Deck The AeroDeck was only available in Japan at
Honda Clio dealerships as a variation of the Honda Accord.
The cargo handling abilities of the AeroDeck were ceded to the fourth
generation Accord station wagon (estate) in 1990. The AeroDeck was
unique to the Accord model line, as the AeroDeck was not available as a
Honda Vigor,
as the Accord and Vigor were mechanically identical. The AeroDeck
returned an aerodynamic value of .34, and the 2600 mm wheelbase returned
a spacious interior for both front and rear passengers, on par with a
mid-size sedan. Unfortunately, the appearance was not well received in
Japan, as the introduction of the Accord Coupe was more well liked. The
appearance was more popular in the United Kingdom.
The Aerodeck was equipped with a four-wheel double wishbone
suspension, which gave both a comfortable ride and cornering
performance. In addition, speed-sensitive power steering is included,
which gives the car easy turning assistance at speeds below 40
kilometres per hour (25 mph) during operation, such as parallel parking.
Note that the top model in Japan "2.0Si" is to 4w-ALB (4-wheel ABS )
are standard equipment (with option to upgrade in other trim packages).
"2.0Si" to the type B20A DOHC 16-valve 2.0L PGM-FI 160PS (145PS net output) engines are equipped with, shared with the
Honda Prelude, and
Honda Vigor.
At that time adopted an aluminum block still rare, despite the light
weight engine DOHC, in those days was the world's commercial vehicle
output per engine weight. In addition, DOHC 16-valve 1.8L B18A-type CV
Dual Carburetor 130ps, type A18A SOHC twelve valves 1.8L Single
Carburetor 110PS, SOHC 12-valve 2.0L PGM type for the European market
and A20A4-FI · 130PS, A20A2 2.0L SOHC 12-valve engine had a single
Carburetor type 105PS.
Visibility from the driver's seat and passenger seat was better due
to the lower instrument panel design of the front window and a large
windshield. And switches are arranged efficiently and at the time was
the driving position can be fine-tuned adjustments.
Because of the shape of the vehicle and the flat roof that continued
to the rear of the vehicle, opening the rear hatch had some drawbacks in
low clearance environments. The lower part of the hatch was not like
one used on a station wagon that went all the way down to the rear
bumper, so loading cargo into the back wasn't as convenient as a
conventional station wagon with a one piece hatchback. The rear hatch
also wrapped into the rear roof, similar to a
gull wing door
so that the rear glass was in two pieces, one for the back window, and
another partially on the rear roof. When open, the hatch rose above the
roof at a right angle, providing additional overhead clearance when the
hatch was open.
Moreover, because of the emphasis on aiding rear-seat passenger
entry, a longer front door was installed, and because power windows were
not installed on the lower trim packages "LX", "LX-S" and as such, the
window regulator opening felt heavy.
Fourth generation (1990–1993)
Fourth generation
series CB1/2/3/4 |
 |
| Overview |
| Production |
1989–1993 |
| Assembly |
Marysville, Ohio, USA (Marysville Auto Plant)
Sayama, Japan
Nelson, New Zealand(Honda New Zealand)
East Liberty, Ohio (East Liberty Auto Plant) |
| Designer |
Toshihiko Shimizu (1987) |
| Body and chassis |
| Class |
Midsize |
| Body style |
2-door coupe
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon |
| Layout |
FF layout |
| Related |
Honda Ascot
Honda Ascot Innova
Honda Inspire
Honda Vigor
Rover 600 |
| Powertrain |
| Engine |
1.8 L F18A I4 SOHC
2.0 L F20A I4 SOHC
2.0 L F20A I4 DOHC
2.2 L F22A I4 SOHC |
| Transmission |
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase |
2,720 mm (107.1 in) |
| Length |
1990-91 Coupe & Sedan: 4,694 mm (184.8 in)
1991 Wagon: 4,724 mm (186.0 in)
1992-93 Coupe & Sedan: 4,704 mm (185.2 in)
1992-93 Wagon: 4,745 mm (186.8 in)
4,680 mm (184 in) Sedan & Wagon (Japan only, all years) |
| Width |
1990-91: 1,725 mm (67.9 in)
1992-93 Coupe & Sedan: 1,704 mm (67.1 in)
1992-93 Wagon: 1,715 mm (67.5 in)
1,695 mm (67 in) (all bodystyles in Japan) |
| Height |
1990-91 Coupe: 1,369 mm (53.9 in)
1990-91 Sedan: 1,389 mm (54.7 in)
1991 Wagon: 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
1992-93 Coupe: 1,326 mm (52.2 in)
1992-93 Wagon: 1,351 mm (53.2 in)
1992-93 Sedan: 1,341 mm (52.8 in) |
| Curb weight |
1,237 kg (2,728 lb) |
The 4th generation Honda Accord, introduced on the "CB" chassis, was
unveiled in 1989. Although much larger than its predecessor the sedan's
styling was evolutionary, featuring the same low slung design and
wraparound rear window as the 3rd generation Accord. For the first time a
3-door hatchback was no longer available internationally.
Pre-facelift Honda Accord sedan (North America)
Facelift Honda Accord wagon (North America)
This was one of the first U.S. production cars to feature
optic reflectors
with completely clear lenses on the headlamps replacing the more
conventional lens diffused lighting. Unlike most manufacturers moving
away from traditional sealed beam lighting, Honda chose to transition to
a multi-reflector headlight style while maintaining the use of a glass
lens instead of plastic. The styling reflected influences from the
flagship
Honda Legend, as Japanese Accords were now sold at
Honda Clio dealerships, where the Legend, and the
Honda Inspire,
were sold. The growing popularity of the Accord internationally was
evident in the ever increasing dimensions, which now matched almost
exactly with the first generation Legend introduced in 1986.
For this fourth generation Accord, Honda made significant engineering
design improvements. All Accords sold in North America came with a
completely new all aluminium 2.2-liter 16-valve electronic fuel-injected
engine standard, replacing the previous 2.0-liter 12-valve model from
the past generation. Also noteworthy, all Accords equipped with
automatic transmissions used an electronically controlled rear engine
mount to reduce low frequency noise and vibration. The mount contained 2
fluid filled chambers separated by a computer controlled valve. At low
engine speeds, fluid is routed through the valve damping vibration.
Above 850 rpm, fluid is routed around the valve making the engine mount
stiffer.
1993 Honda Accord interior (Europe)
In the U.S., the LX-i and SE-i designations were dropped, being
replaced with the DX, LX, and EX trim levels. The Canadian Accord trim
levels varied slightly from the U.S. models with LX, EX and EX-R roughly
corresponding to the American DX, LX, and EX, respectively. Fourth
generation Japanese-assembled EXi Accords sold in Australia offered the
same
4-wheel steering
technology as was available optionally on the U.S. Honda Prelude, but
was not included on the New Zealand-assembled versions. The four-wheel
steering system was also available on the Accord's Japanese platform
mate, called the
Honda Ascot FTBi. U.S. Accord Coupes were available in the same DX, LX and EX trims as the U.S. Accord Sedan (LX, EX and EX-R in Canada).
A 125 horsepower (93 kW) 4-cylinder engine was offered in the DX and
LX models (F22A1), while the 1990 and 1991 EX received a 130 hp (97 kW)
version (F22A4). Cruise control was dropped from the DX sedan, with air
conditioning remaining a dealer-installed option. The LX kept the same
features as the previous generation including air conditioning, power
windows, door locks, and mirrors. The 90-91 EX added 5 horsepower due to
a different exhaust manifold design, slightly larger exhaust piping and
a twin outlet muffler. 15-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, sunroof,
upgraded upholstery, rear stabilizer bar and a high-power 4-speaker
stereo cassette were standard on all EX models. Some models though rare
were special ordered with an
anti-lock braking system
(at that time abbreviated as ALB, now all automakers refer to it as
ABS). A redesigned manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch was
standard equipment in all trims while an all-new electronically
controlled 4-speed automatic transmission was optional for all models.
Some new dealer-installed accessories were now offered including a single-disc in-dash
CD
player or trunk mounted 6-disc CD changer, stereo equalizer, fog
lights, security system, rear wing spoiler, trunk lip spoiler, luggage
rack, full and half nose mask, center armrest, window visors, sunroof
visor, car cover, and a cockpit cover.
Because of tightening auto safety regulations from the NHTSA, all
1990 and 1991 Accords sold in the United States came equipped with
motorized shoulder belts for front passengers to comply with passive
restraint mandates. These semi-automatic restraints were a two component
system; a motorized shoulder belt along with a non-integrated and
manually operated seatbelt. The shoulder belts automatically raced
around each window frame encircling both the driver and front seat
passenger whenever the front door closed. The process reversed to
release them when opened. The lap belts however, still required manual
fastening.
Honda of America badge (installed on the "C" pillar
In 1991 Honda unveiled the Accord Wagon, manufactured at the
Marysville, Ohio plant. The Ohio plant exported right-hand drive wagons
and coupes to Europe and Japan, and in Europe the station wagon (estate)
was called the "Aerodeck" (in reference to the 1985–1989 2-door
vehicle). All station wagons sold outside the United States were afixed
with a small badge on the
"C" pillar
denoting the vehicle was built at the Ohio facility. European and
Japanese vehicles had options not available within the U.S. including
automatic climate control systems, power seats and several other minor
features. The Accord Wagons were available only in LX and EX trim in
North America or just 2.2i in Japan. They had larger front brakes to
compensate for the added weight and unlike other U.S. Accords, included a
driver's side airbag as standard equipment. Other than a retractable
tonneau cover in the rear cargo area and keyless entry on EX models, the
wagons were equipped the same as their coupe and sedan counterparts.
Honda Accord wagon (Europe)
Return of the SE (1990)
Honda reintroduced the SE (previously SE-i) model for 1991. It
returned to the lineup without the traditional Bose high powered audio
system but with an AM/FM stereo cassette 4x20 watt EX audio system;
leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather seats and door panels, a
fuel-injected 140 hp (104 kW) engine, 4-speed automatic transmission,
and ABS as standard equipment. For the first time, a manual transmission
was not offered in the SE. Two colors were available: Solaris Silver
Metallic with Graphite Black interior and Brittany Blue Metallic with
Ivory interior. Unlike previous editions, the 1991 SE was not equipped
with uniquely styled alloy wheels but instead carried the EX model
wheels.
Update (1991–1993)
Facelift Honda Accord sedan (North America)
Facelift Honda Accord EXi sedan (Australia)
Accords received a minor facelift in 1991 for the 1992 model year.
The SE trim was dropped again but left behind its 140 hp (104 kW) F22A6
engine for use in the EX model. This engine added 15 hp over the DX and
LX trims and 10 hp over the 90-91 EX trim due to a further revised
exhaust system. The system used the same EX-SE twin outlet muffler, a
revised air intake tract, a revised camshaft and a revised intake
manifold using IAB butterfly valves which open at 4600 rpm to increase
air intake breathing at high rpm. It was similar in design to the 92-96
Prelude Si and VTEC models. For the 1992 and 1993 model years, the
motorized shoulder belt system were replaced with a standard driver-side
airbag
and conventional shoulder/seatbelt arrangement for all but the center
rear passenger. Anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes became standard on the EX.
The front and rear
facias
received a more rounded and updated look. Coupe and sedan models
received a new grille, new headlights, clear parking lights, slightly
thinner
body side molding,
updated wheel designs and for the first time, the EX coupe used wheels
different from the EX sedan. The sedans received restyled shortened
taillights with inverted amber turn signal and backup light positions.
The coupe and wagon taillights though still resembled those from the
1990–1991 Accord. The coupe used the new revised inverted positioning of
the signal and backup lights but the wagon taillights however remained
the same as the 90-91 models. EX trim levels included a radio anti-theft
function to deter stereo theft. A front driver's seat armrest was now
standard on LX and EX models. Some dealer-installed accessories were
dropped including the luggage rack, trunk-lip spoiler and cockpit cover.
A gold finish kit was added.
10th Anniversary Edition and return of the SE (1992)
In 1992, Honda introduced the 10th Anniversary Edition sedan to
commemorate the 10th year of U.S. Accord production. The 10th
Anniversary Edition was based on the Accord LX sedan but came equipped
with several features not available in the LX trim. The upgrades
included ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, 15" EX coupe six spoke alloy wheels,
body colored side moldings, chin spoiler, and standard automatic
transmission. Three colors were offered for the 10th Anniversary
Edition: Frost White, Granada Black Pearl, and Arcadia Green Pearl. The
10th Anniversary models also included the same premium seat fabric found
in EX models. The Frost White and Arcadia Green cars were paired with
the same interior color as their LX/EX counterparts, Blue and Ivory,
respectively. The Granada Black cars were paired with Gray interior,
while the Granada Black EX had Ivory interior.
The SE returned in 1992 as both a sedan, and for the first time since
the 1989 SE-i, as a coupe. The SE sedan featured standard dual front
airbags; the first Accord to do so. An 8-button, 4-speaker Honda-Bose
audio system, automatic transmission, leather trim, body colored bumper
and body side moldings were standard. The SE coupe included a factory
rear wing spoiler which differed slightly in design from the already
available dealer installed accessory rear wing spoiler. In Canada, the
SE came with heated front seats and heated side view mirrors. Both the
sedan and coupe received distinctive 15-inch alloy wheels as well. All
SE sedans during 1990-1991 and 1992-1993 were manufactured in Japan,
while all SE coupes were produced in the U.S. The 1993 sedan was
available in two colors: Cashmere Silver Metallic and Geneva Green
Pearl, both with Ivory interior. The coupe was offered with two colors
as well: Cashmere Silver Metallic and Atlantis Blue Pearl, both again
with Ivory interior. Sadly, 1993 would be the swan song for the SE as an
exclusive, high content, limited edition Accord model. Later
generations would use a "Special Edition" designation rather than the
previously used "SE" designation. These models were a combination of an
Accord LX with several EX features similar to the 1993 10th Anniversary
Edition LX.
At the end of the model life of the CB Accord, a "pillared
hardtop" model called the
Honda Ascot Innova
was launched in Japan, based on the CB Accord chassis, but with a
different, much more modern-styled body, taking cues from the 1992
Honda Prelude.
Honda Ascot
JDM series CB Honda Ascot
The 4th generation Accord spawned a sister model in 1989 called the
Honda Ascot which, while mechanically identical to the Accord, featured
unique sedan bodywork, although it bore a resemblance to the Accord. The
Ascot was sold through the
Honda Primo network in Japan while the Accord was distributed through the
Honda Clio network.
Honda Vigor and Honda Inspire
Unlike previous generations of the Honda Vigor, which were simply
upmarket versions of the Accord, the 3rd generation 'CB5' model was
spun-off as a model in its own right and was based on a different
platform which featured a longitudinal engine layout compared to the
transverse set-up of the Accord. A sister model to the Vigor, the Honda
Inspire, was also unveiled in 1989 and, bar a different front grille,
front and rear lights and bumpers, sported identical bodywork. The Vigor
was available in the USA and Canada under the
Acura brand.
North America, Japan and Philippines
The 5th generation North American Accord was launched on September 9,
1993 and was based on the new 'CD' chassis. Larger than its
predecessor, primarily to better suit the requirements of the North
American market, the new model grew in width but shrunk in length,
leaving it classified as a
mid-size car in North America. It thus became too wide to fit within the
favorable tax bracket in Japan, where its role was to be partially taken over by the slightly narrower second-generation
Honda Ascot (sold at
Honda Primo Japanese dealerships) and
Honda Rafaga (sold at
Honda Verno).
Previous generations of the Accord sold in Japan were limited to a
width dimension of 1,695 mm (67 in) while international models were
slightly wider, however this generation no longer complied. The engines
offered with the Accord also exceeded the maximum limit of 2000cc to
remain in the favorable "compact" tax bracket. The final design was
selected on December 18, 1990 and frozen for production in April 1992,
after several alterations were made between mid-1991 and then. Design
patents were filed in the United States on December 16, 1992. Production
later began at Marysville assembly on August 24, 1993.
[15][16]
Honda of Japan marketed four different size engines in the Japan-Spec
Accord Sedan:1.8, 2.0, 2.2 VTEC and 2.2 DOHC VTEC. The Japanese-spec
Accord models were marketed as the following: EF, EX, 2.0EX, 2.0EXL,
2.2VTE, 2.2VTL, 2.2VTS and SiR. All Honda Accord versions were sold at
Honda Clio locations in Japan.
1993–1995 Accord VTi sedan (Australia)
1995–1997 Honda Accord VTi sedan (Australia)
1995–1997 Honda Accord EXi sedan (Australia)
1994 Honda Accord LX Interior (U.S.)
1996 Accord SiR Wagon interior (Japan, US import)
The DX, LX and EX models remained the American trim lines while
Canada retained the LX, EX and EX-R. The 5-speed manual transmission
remained mostly unchanged, while the 4-speed automatic noted for its
hard shifts, now included Honda's "Grade-Logic" shift program, which
would prevent "gear-hunting" by holding the current gear while driving
on a sloped incline. All Accord models received a more ergonomic
interior with standard safety features such as dual airbags and
reinforced side-impact beams. Exclusive to the EX was the F22B1 SOHC
VTEC version of previous generation 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (making 145 hp
(108 kW) up from 140 hp (104 kW) on the previous generation EX),
anti-lock brakes (now an option for the LX), 4-wheel disc brakes,
15-inch alloy wheels, and a rear stabilizer bar. Leather was an option
in the EX trim with leather equipped models now being referred to as
EX-L. DX and LX models came equipped similarly to the previous
generation and were fitted with a revised version of the previous
generation's 2.2-liter non-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. This F22B2 engine was
rated at 130 hp (97 kW) up from 125 hp (93 kW) the previous generation.
The Accord was again named
Motor Trend
Import Car of the Year for 1994. The Accord coupe as in the previous
generation looked almost exactly like the sedan, and was the last
generation of the Accord to offer a wagon variant in North America until
the introduction of the Accord Crosstour in 2009.
Honda of Japan produced three high-performance models of the Accord
(sedans, coupes, and 96–97 wagons) for the Japanese market (JDM)
referred to as the SiR which was available for sale at
Honda Clio dealerships in Japan. The sports car approach to the Accord SiR was aimed at aligning the Accord with the
Honda Verno sports sedan that replaced the Vigor, called the
Honda Saber a platform mate shared with the
Honda Inspire.
The compact sedan role the Accord previously filled was now relegated
to the Honda Rafaga and Ascot. The Honda Accord SiR models were not hard
to tell apart from the Accord EX model; they came equipped with the
Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC engine instead of the F22B1 SOHC VTEC engine
found in the EX. The Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC engine specs were 190 bhp
(142 kW; 193 PS) at 6800 rpm; peak torque 152 lb·ft (206 N·m) at 5500
rpm with a compression ratio of 10.6:1. The Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC
engine was similar to the H22A1 engine found in the North America market
used in the Prelude DOHC VTEC of the same era. The Japan-built Accord
SiR Sedans (94–97) came available with a 5-speed manual transmission as
standard equipment or an optional "Grade-Logic" four-speed automatic
transmission. The Honda of America-built (HAM) Accord SiR Coupes and
then the 96–97 Accord SiR Wagons had the "Grade-Logic" four-speed
automatic transmission as standard equipment (5-speed manual
transmission were not available for these two models). It came with
cloth sport seats styled similar to the Prelude or optional leather
seats, both exclusive to the SiR. The SiR also had some power options
found on the Accord EX. The Accord SiR Coupes (94–97) and the Accord SiR
Wagons (96–97) were exclusively available for the Japanese market
(JDM). Honda Accord SiR chassis codes for the sedan were the CD6, the
coupe-CD8 and the 96–97 wagon-CF2. The Accord SiR Coupes and the Accord
SiR wagons (96-97) which were exclusively built in the U.S. at Honda's
Marysville Ohio plant (HAM) but were marketed for Japan export only for
this particular model was not offered in North America. The Accord SiR
Coupes and then the Accord SiR Wagons were built with the Japan-spec
H22A DOHC VTEC powertrains which were shipped from Japan and were
installed into the HAM-built Accord SiR models. The 1994–1997 "CD"
Accord chassis was designed for the H22A DOHC VTEC powertrain to be
installed; because the firewall was curved at the top to allow more
space for the tilting backwards of the H22A DOHC VTEC engine near the
middle of the firewall. The H22A DOHC VTEC engine was the most powerful
inline four-cylinder engine Honda built for the Prelude and the Accord
before the 1995 U.S.-spec V6 sedan. The Accord SiR suspension was
improved with stiffer front sway bar(27.2mmXt4.0 mm), stiffer rear sway
bar (16 mm), stiffer front coil springs and stiffer rear coil springs.
Features for the 94–95 Accord SiR models (sedans and coupes) included
the following items: cruise control, automatic climate control (Similar
to the first generation Acura CL), Bose stereo system, 7,400 redline
tachometer, optional electronic traction control and optional limited
slip differential for automatic transmission, optional SRS and airbags,
factory installed driving lights, optional factory installed "pop up"
navigation radio head unit, sound insulation liner under front hood,
black housing front headlights, no side molding was available on the
Accord SiR sedan, optional rear sunscreen, optional sunroof and power
retractable outside mirrors. Features for the 96–97 Accord SiR models
(sedans, coupes and wagons) included the same as above while adding;
optional cruise control, rear window wiper on the sedan, optional
leather interior and a colored side molding for the sedan as well.
In 1994, the 1995 Accord debuted a
V6 engine, the 2.7L
C27 borrowed from the first generation
Acura Legend,
in the U.S. market. The V6 was offered in both the LX and EX versions
of the sedan, LX models being referred to as LX-V6 and EX models as
EX-V6. EX-V6 models came equipped similarly to the EX-L with leather
seats being the only option in the EX-V6. Addition of the taller C27
engine required substantial alterations to the CD platform, with V6
models sporting a redesigned engine layout, taller front fenders, and a
different hood than I4 models; however, these differences are difficult
to spot without both models parked side-by-side. Both versions of the V6
received a dual-outlet exhaust, a 4-speed automatic transmission,
15-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels on the EX-V6 and 15-inch steel
wheels with full covers on the LX-V6, and a slightly updated front
grille. The Accord saw very few other changes for 1995 with the
exception of a few different exterior and interior color combinations.
In 1995, the Accord underwent the usual mid-generation facelift for
1996. More rounded bumpers, a slightly modified front fascia with new
signal lights and rear taillights gave the Accord a softer look. All
Hondas now complied with the federal government's requirement of OBD II
engine diagnostics though all three engine choices remained the same. In
order to increase the Accord's competitiveness against its rivals in
different international markets, Honda CEO
Nobuhiko Kawamoto
decided on one basic platform for the sixth-generation Accord, but with
different bodies and proportions for local markets. In the U.S. the
1996 model lineup included the 25th Anniversary Edition, a model
positioned between the DX and LX.
In 1996, Honda released the "Special Edition" version of the Accord
(not to be confused with the SE). It was offered in three colors:
Heather Mist Metallic, San Marino Red and Dark Currant Pearl. The
Special Edition received a factory installed security system with
keyless entry, single-disc CD player, body colored side molding,
distinctive alloy wheels and a sunroof. It was offered in an automatic
transmission only and was fitted with the same engine as the LX.
In New Zealand, the 5th generation Accord was assembled at Honda's manufacturing site in
Nelson
and was released in March, 1994. It was available in LXi, EXi and EXi-S
trim levels. A facelift was released in December 1995, which coincided
with the release of VTEC engines in the upper-spec models. Trim levels
were LXi, VTi, and VTi-S. These were the first NZ-market Accords to have
airbags – two in the VTi-S, one in the VTi.
U.S. built coupe and wagon models of this generation were shipped to
Europe with both left and right hand drive but there was no V6 option.
This generation of Accord is one of the most frequently stolen cars
in the U.S.A. with the 1994 model being stolen more frequently than its
siblings.
The
Acura Integra and
Honda Civic are also popular targets for car theft.
Sixth generation (1997–2002)
For the sixth generation, Honda split the Accord into three separate
models, designed for the Japanese, North American, and European markets.
However, the wagon was discontinued in North America while the coupe
was discontinued in Japan.
Japan
Sixth generation series CF3/4/5
Japan |
 |
| Overview |
| Also called |
Isuzu Aska |
| Production |
1997–2002 |
| Assembly |
Sayama, Japan
Guangzhou, China (Guangqi Honda) |
| Designer |
Toshihiko Shimizu; Gen Tamura[19] (1996) |
| Body and chassis |
| Class |
compact |
| Body style |
4-door sedan
5-door wagon |
| Layout |
FF layout |
| Related |
Honda Torneo |
| Powertrain |
| Engine |
1.8 L F18B I4 138 hp (103 kW)
2.0 L F20B I4 SOHC 148 hp (110 kW)
2.0 L F20B I4 DOHC 197 hp (147 kW)
2.2 L H22A I4 220 hp (164 kW) |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase |
2,665 mm (105 in) |
| Length |
4,635 mm (182 in) sedan & wagon |
| Width |
1,695 mm (67 in) sedan
1,720 mm (68 in) wagon |
| Height |
1,420 mm (56 in) sedan
1,440 mm (57 in) wagon |
| Curb weight |
1,230 kg (2,712 lb) sedan
1,330 kg (2,932 lb) wagon |
The Japanese models, introduced September 4, 1997, became narrower than the previous generation, returning to the favorable
compact car tax bracket, except for Euro R and wagon, which were classified as the larger mid-sized classification. A nearly identical sister car, the
Honda Torneo, replaced the previous
Honda Ascot and the
Honda Rafaga in Japan, which was sold at both
Honda Verno and
Honda Primo Japanese dealerships, while the Accord remained at
Honda Clio locations. This was the last generation that was
badge engineered as the
Isuzu Aska.
When the previous generation Accord grew in exterior dimensions, this
reclassified the Accord as a midsized car in Japan. The second
generation Honda Inspire was manufactured in two platforms, with the
smaller
G20A
five-cylinder engine installed in a shorter and narrower sedan that
complied with "compact" regulations. This effort reflected Honda's
positioning of
Honda Clio as a luxury car dealership that sold the luxury sedans
Honda Legend and
Honda Inspire, similar to their efforts in North America with the
Acura
brand. Honda continued to offer the Accord station wagon in Japan. All
trim levels sold in Japan were available with Honda's newly created,
internet-based
telematics service called
Internavi.
Performance models
Accord/Torneo Euro R (CL1, 2000–2002)
Honda Accord Euro R (CL1)
The Euro R included an
H22A
engine, 5-speed manual transmission, Recaro seats, leather-wrapped MOMO
steering wheel, helical-torsen LSD, sports suspension, sports exhaust
(including 4-2-1 stainless headers) and an aluminum-alloy gear shift
knob. It was also fitted with a unique factory body kit that included
flares and was available in some colors not available to other accords
(such as Milano Red). The Accord (sold at
Honda Clio locations) and the
Torneo (sold at
Honda Verno and
Primo locations) are the same car, aside from minor cosmetic differences in the exterior.
The 2002 model was named the Euro-Rx. This model came with a few
slight modifications from the 2000/2001 model. These included factory
rear privacy glass, a titanium gear knob, optional Red-checker interior
(original gold-checker) and bronze coloured alloy wheels. The high-stop
spoiler also became standard on all models.
[20]
Honda also addressed two common issues that had become apparent. The
ECU was upgraded to resolve the issue of cold-starts causing hesitation
on acceleration and the gearbox syncros were upgraded to a higher
quality alloy to lengthen their lifespan.
[20]
Accord SiR-T (CF4, 1997–2000)
The SiR-T model included a 2.0L F20B engine rated 200 PS (150 kW;
200 hp) at 7200 rpm (180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) automatic) and 144.5 lb·ft
(196 N·m) at 6600 rpm, 11.0.1 compression, 85 mm X 88 mm (Bore and
Stroke) 7800 rpm redline. The H-series DOHC VTEC engines were limited to
7800 rpms. The F20B had a unique blue valve cover and like all the
larger displacement Honda engines, the F20B was mounted with a tilt
towards the driver. F20B engines could rev at higher rpms than H22As
because it had a shorter stroke. The F20B had an 85 mm x 88 mm bore and
stroke when compared to an H22A which had a 87 mm x 90.7 mm bore and
stroke. The F20B was also classified as a low emissions engine.
Accord SiR (CF4, 1997–2002)
2000 year model Honda Accord CF4
The Accord SiR was based on the SiR-T, but used the S-Matic automatic
transmission. The engine was rated at 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) but with
better midrange characteristics. Moving the gear-stick over to the right
allowed manual selection of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear using up and
down shift actions just like the sequential gearboxes used on the JGTC
NSX. When a particular gear is selected, the gear stays in position at
all rpm. When pushed against the rev limiter, the engine would bounce
against it just like a manual. However, the gear ratios for each gear
were the same as the normal mode. The transmission still worked like a
normal automatic transmission in all other operating modes.
Accord Wagon SiR (CH9 FWD 1999–2001, CL2 AWD 2000–2001)
The SiR wagon model included the only 2.3-liter H23A DOHC VTEC
H-series engine in the Honda line-up. The H23A engine was rated at
200 hp / 190 hp (AWD) at 6,800 rpm and torque of 162.8 lb·ft (220.7 N·m)
at 5,300 rpm, 10.6:1 compression, 87 mm (3.4 in) X 95 mm (3.7 in) bore
and stroke, and a 7300 rpm redline like other H-series VTEC engines from
factory. The H23A also came with a blue valve cover and was the largest
displacement of the H-series Honda engines. The H23A was mounted with a
tilt towards the driver. The H23A had a longer stroke than the H22A.
Specifications for the H23A were; 87 mm (3.4 in) X 95 mm (3.7 in) bore
and stroke and H22A has 87 mm (3.4 in) X 90.7 mm (3.6 in) bore and
stroke. The H23A had better acceleration because the peak torque
occurred sooner at lower rpm when compared to the H22A.
North, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand and Philippines
Sixth generation series CG1/2/3/4/5/6
North America |
 |
| Overview |
| Also called |
Guangzhou-Honda HG 7230 |
| Production |
1997–2002 |
| Assembly |
Marysville, Ohio, USA
Sayama, Japan
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Nelson, New Zealand (1998 only)
Guangzhou, China |
| Designer |
Shinji Takashima; Toshihiko Shimizu (sedan: 1995)
Don Herner; Eric Schumaker (coupe: 1995, 1996)[21] |
| Body and chassis |
| Class |
Mid-size |
| Body style |
4-door sedan (US body, chassis no. CG1/CG5/CG6)
2-door coupe (US body, chassis no. CG2/CG3/CG4) |
| Layout |
FF layout |
| Related |
Acura CL
Acura MDX
Acura TL
Honda Inspire
Honda Odyssey (North America) |
| Powertrain |
| Engine |
2.0L F20B5 I4 147 hp (110 kW)
2.3L F23A1 I4 150 hp (112 kW)
2.3L F23A4 I4 148 hp (110 kW)
2.3L F23A5 I4 135 hp (101 kW)
3.0L J30A1 V6 200 hp (150 kW) |
| Transmission |
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase |
Sedan: 2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Coupe: 2,670 mm (105.1 in) |
| Length |
1998–2000 Sedan: 4,796 mm (188.8 in)
2001–02 Sedan: 4,811 mm (189.4 in)
1998–2002 Coupe: 4,745 mm (186.8 in) |
| Width |
1,786 mm (70.3 in) |
| Height |
1998–2002 Sedan: 1,445 mm (56.9 in)
1998–2002 V6 Sedan: 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
1998–2000 Coupe: 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
2001–02 Coupe: 1,394 mm (54.9 in)
2001–02 V6 Coupe: 1,405 mm (55.3 in) |
| Curb weight |
1,356 kg (2,990 lb) |
The American Accord was only available in sedan and coupe form,
becoming the largest Accord to date, sharing a platform with the JDM
Honda Inspire/
Acura TL. While previous generations of the Coupe were considered
two-door versions
of the sedan, the 1998 Coupe was the first to be given an exclusive
front fascia, rear tail lights (which resemble those found on the
NSX),
wheels, and many other body panels, and was now marketed as a somewhat
separate model, the "Accord Coupe", to set it away from the more
family-oriented sedan version. It also allowed the Coupe, which was
exported to other markets, to fit in more easily with the local Accord
versions. The tail light appearance was duplicated on the Japanese market
Honda Domani
for the second generation of production. The coupe's design was styled
by Don Herner and directed by lead designer Eric Schumaker into August
1995 in Torrance, CA. It was later scanned as a clay model and
transferred to engineering in August 1995 at Honda R&D in Raymond,
Ohio. It was developed by Honda engineer Laura Minor into production
form until January 1996, being then developed into prototypes for
testing.
Starting with this generation,
cabin air filters
(also known as pollen filters) were installed as standard equipment and
are located behind the glove compartment internationally.
Development began in late 1993, with design work starting in 1994. A
design for the sedan by Shinji Takashima and Toshihiko Shimizu was
chosen in January 1995 and later frozen for production by the middle of
1995. Prototype test mules were tested from mid-1995 in CD Accord body
panels, with full body prototypes being used from 1996. Design patents
were filed on March 8, 1996, with development ending in March 1997.
1998–2000 Honda Accord sedan (U.S.)
1997–2001 Honda Accord V6 sedan (Australia)
For the 1998 model year, the sedan was offered in DX, LX, EX, and
EX-V6 trims while the Accord Coupe was offered only in LX, EX, and EX-V6
trims. The DX model was fitted with a 2.3L I4 engine rated at 135 bhp
(101 kW) (from the past generation Accord), while the LX and EX included
a 2.3L I4 VTEC engine rated at 150 bhp (110 kW). All 4-cylinder models
came with a 5-speed manual transmission standard, and with a 4-speed
automatic as optional equipment. The DX remained the value-oriented trim
with no audio system, manual windows, manual locks, no cruise control,
rear drum brakes, and 14-inch steel wheels. The DX Value Package added a
radio-cassette player, air conditioning, and cruise control; this was
known as the Accord DX in Canada where it was the base model of the
lineup. The LX trim added power windows, power locks, door courtesy
lights and 15-inch steel wheels; an SE (special edition) package
available since 2000 added 15-inch alloy wheels. The EX trim added ABS,
alloy wheels, keyless entry, rear disc brakes, and upgraded cloth.
Leather seating, CD player, and power sunroof were factory installed
options for the EX. All
V6 sedan and coupe models received a new 3.0L V6 SOHC
VTEC engine rated at 200 bhp (150 kW) and 195 lb·ft (264 N·m) (from the
Acura 3.0 CL),
ABS
and automatic transmission. Some dealer-installed options included:
gold finish kit, gold finish exhaust tip(s), gold finish wheel center
caps, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, tape deck, fog lights, wing spoiler,
alarm system, sunroof visor, car cover and accessory chrome wheels.
2001–2002 Accord EX coupe (U.S.)
In Australia, the 6th generation Accord went on sale in December
1997, and was initially imported from the USA. However, in 1999, the
Accord became the first Honda in Australia to be imported from Thailand.
In March 2001, the Accord received a facelift, while at the same time,
the option of a manual transmission was dropped. New colour choices with
the facelift included Naples Gold, Signet Silver, and Nighthawk Black,
the first time that black was offered in an Australian market Accord.
In September 2000, both the American-market Accord sedan and coupe
received a minor facelift. A new front fascia, rear bumper, side skirt
alteration, new taillights and wheel designs freshened the Accord's
look. The interior saw few changes with the exception of some fabric and
audio configuration changes. The LX and LX-V6 now included a standard
CD player, and the EX 4-cylinder now included a 6-disc in-dash CD
changer with cassette player while the EX-V6 offered that stereo plus
automatic climate control. All V6 models also included a traction
control system that could be disabled by a switch, the first Accord to
have such a system included.
The Special Edition returned to the coupe and sedan models for its
final model year, 2002. It included all the features of the LX, but
added exclusive alloy wheels, keyless entry and a single CD/cassette
radio. In the Philippines, only the sedan was available and offered in
VTi and VTi-L trims. The VTi model was fitted with a 2.0L I4 VTEC engine
rated at 152 bhp (113 kW) while the top VTi-L trim was fitted with a
2.3L I4 VTEC engine rated at 157 bhp (117 kW). Both models are available
with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic
transmission.
Honda made the decision to continue this generation of Accord an
extra year. Previously, the Accord ran four years on a single body-style
and facelift before being redesigned. The typical Accord generation
cycle was a 2:4 trend, with a newly released model running for years 1
and 2 unaltered, then getting a facelift for years 3 and 4 before a
major redesign. This generation would run a total of 5 years in a 3:5
trend, with the facelift occurring in year four. Accord sales remained
steady despite the additional year.
Despite the Accord's reputation for reliability, the V6 models were
plagued by transmission failures and prompted class action lawsuits
against the company (4-cylinder models were also affected, but not to
the same extent). This caused Honda to extend the warranties for the
2000 through 2001 models to seven years or 109,000 miles (175,000 km).
1998, 1999 and 2002 cars were considered for extended coverage on a
case-by-case basis. No formal recall occurred. In Canada, recall letters
were sent out to owners who fell within a certain VIN range; this
warranty was later re-extended for some owners to seven years in length.
Beginning in 1997, Honda Accord keys were equipped with
immobilizer
microchips. In late 1998, the Accord was equipped with foldable
mirrors. In 2001, the Special Edition was added and the DX Value-Package
was re-introduced for 2002 models.
The 1998 Accord was also assembled in New Zealand at the very end of overall
CKD
car production due to the abolition of import tariffs on built cars
which made local assembly uneconomic. 1,200 examples of the car (the
mid-sized U.S. sedan version) were built before the Honda New Zealand
factory was closed; the very first Honda-owned factory operation to be
closed down) and the equipment (which included a paint shop acquired
from Nissan when that automaker closed its Australian manufacturing unit
in 1994) was shipped to other Honda assembly units, mainly in Asia.
Small numbers of Accords were imported (right hand drive) from the U.S.
before sourcing switched to Thailand once Accord assembly began there.
The Thai factory continues to supply New Zealand with the latest
generation Accord and now also ships that line and other Honda models to
Australia and elsewhere in South East Asia.
Concerns over airbag safety plague the Japanese automaker. The
company announced it was recalling vehicles citing driver's airbags that
deploy with too much force during collisions. Honda says 2,430 faulty
airbags were installed as repairs to customer vehicles after a
collision. But since the company cannot accurately track down which
Honda received the flawed airbags, Honda broadened its search to include
the 2001–2001 Accord. Since November 2008, Honda has recalled some 1.7
million of its cars for airbag concerns. At its last similar expanded
recall in February 2010, Honda said the too-powerful airbags have been
involved in 12 incidents, including one fatality.
Seventh generation (2003–2007)
The seventh generation of the Accord was launched in 2002 (2003 model year in North America),
and consists of two separate models; one for the Japanese and European
markets, and the other for North America. However, both were in fact
sold in many other markets, fueled by the popular
Cog advertisement for the Accord.
Japan and Europe
Seventh generation Japan and Europe
The European and Japanese Accords were integrated on the previous Japanese Accord's chassis, but with a new body.
No longer made in Swindon, those Accords were made in Japan, and came in both sedan and estate form.
This model was sold in certain markets such as Fiji/New Zealand as the "Accord Euro" and in North America as the
Acura TSX.
Accord Euro R (CL7, 2002–2007)
The Honda Accord Euro R (CL7) was launched in October 2002. A
lightened and more sports focused variant of the Japanese car the Accord
Euro-R was powered by the K20A 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine with 220
horsepower and 21.0 kg-m (206 Nm @ 7000 rpm) of torque through a
lightweight 6-speed manual transmission. The Accord Euro-R was only
available to the Japanese Domestic Market. Some features that
distinguish it are the Recaro seats, the body kit, a MOMO steering wheel
and a special metal gearknob found only in Honda's Type-R variants.
North America
2003–2005 Honda Accord (U.S.)
The North American Accord grew in size yet again, becoming a vastly
different car than its Japanese and European counterpart. This
generation was available in both coupe and sedan forms, while a hybrid
model was introduced in early 2005.
For 2006, it was significantly updated. This generation Accord was the first to use wheels with five
lug nuts
instead of the traditional four on 4-cylinder models. The 4-cylinder
version came with 161 horsepower (120 kW) and 160 pound-feet (220 N·m)
(166 horsepower (124 kW) and 161 pound-feet (218 N·m) for 2005-2007
models) K24A1 2397 cc 4 cyl engine mated to a 5-speed automatic or
5-speed manual. The 4-cylinder engine also utilized a timing chain
instead of a timing belt.
For 2003, Honda began to offer a more aggressive Accord Coupe, equipped
with the 240 horsepower (180 kW) and 212 pound-feet (287 N·m) (244
horsepower (182 kW) and 211 pound-feet (286 N·m) for 2006-2007 models)
J30A4 2997cc V6 mated to a 6-speed manual transmission borrowed from the
Acura TL Type S (without a limited slip differential). This coupe came
with 17-inch wheels (that varied between the 03-05 and 06-07 models),
strut tower bar, perforated leather seating, carbon fiber dash pieces,
and an upgraded 180 watt stereo system. Because of the ability to
maintain activation of the VTEC system all the way through hard
acceleration, the Accord EX V6 6-speed ran from 0-60 MPH in just 5.9
seconds according to Car and Driver, more than a second faster than the
automatic version. For 2006, Honda offered this engine and transmission
combination in the sedan, which only lasted through 2007.
This model was also sold in Japan as the
Honda Inspire from 2003 to 2008. In China the model got the name
Guangzhou-Honda Accord and was sold from 2003 up to December 2009.
The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings of Accord of different model years:
| Model year |
Model |
Type |
Frontal driver rating |
Frontal passenger rating |
Side driver rating |
Side passenger rating |
4x2 rollover |
| 2003 |
Accord |
4dr |
 |
|
 |
|
|
| 2004 |
Accord |
4dr w/SAB |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2005 |
Accord |
2dr w/SAB |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2006 |
Accord |
4dr w/SAB |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2007 |
Accord |
2dr w/SAB |
|
|
|
|
|
Accord in North America and China and Inspire in Japan
2008–2012 Honda Accord (U.S.and China)
The North American version of the Accord has a different body from its Japanese counterpart. This shape is sold as the
Honda Inspire in Japan, and is not sold in Europe. It was discontinued in Japan in September 2012.
Larger than the previous model, the sedan is now classified as a
full-size car by EPA standards. A coupe version is available, as well as a
Crosstour fastback model, which was introduced in the US for the 2010 model year.
Engines include a 2.4 Liter 4-cylinder rated at 177 bhp (132 kW) with
161 lb·ft (218 N·m) for Lx-Se sedans and 190 bhp (142 kW) with 162 lb·ft
(220 N·m) for EX-Ex-l sedans and coupes; as well as a 3.5 Liter V6
rated at 272 bhp (203 kW) and 254 lb·ft (344 N·m).
In Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia and
Singapore, this car which is assembled in Thailand, is sold as the Honda
Accord in left or right hand drive forms. In Malaysia, the Accord is
locally assembled. In
Hong Kong, this car is made in Japan and sold as Honda Accord, and in
Taiwan, the Accord is locally assembled. In China,
Guangqi Honda also makes this vehicle with 2.0L, 2.4L and 3.5L engines. Guangqi began making the Accord Crosstour in 2010.
Ninth generation (2013–present)
| Ninth generation Accord |
| Overview |
| Production |
Aug 2012–present |
| Model years |
2013-present |
| Assembly |
Marysville, Ohio (Marysville Auto Plant)
Sayama, Japan
Ayutthaya, Thailand[34]
Guangzhou, China (Guangqi Honda) |
| Designer |
Shoji Matsui (2010) |
| Body and chassis |
| Class |
Full-size sedan and Mid-size coupe |
| Body style |
4-door sedan
2-door coupe |
| Layout |
FF layout |
| Powertrain |
| Engine |
2.0L R20A3 I4
2.4 L K24W I4
3.0 L V6 (China only)
3.5 L J35Y V6 |
| Transmission |
CVT (I4)
6-speed manual (I4, V6)
6-speed automatic (V6) |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase |
Sedan: 2,776 mm (109.3 in)
Coupe: 2,725 mm (107.3 in) |
| Length |
Sedan: 4,862 mm (191.4 in)
Coupe: 4,806 mm (189.2 in) |
| Width |
Sedan: 1,849 mm (72.8 in) |
| Height |
Sedan: 1,466 mm (57.7 in)
Coupe: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) |
For the ninth-generation Accord, Honda appointed Shoji Matsui, who
served as an engineer on the Accord platform from 1985 to 1996 as lead
project manager. It is the first Accord to use a strut suspension since
the second generation, and the first Honda vehicle to be completely
developed under the administration of Honda CEO
Takanobu Ito.
Honda revealed the Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012
North American International Auto Show
in Detroit. In August 2012, the company released initial details
pertaining to the 2013 Accord sedan, and production versions of both the
sedan and coupe were fully unveiled in early September 2012. The Accord
sedan went on sale on September 19, 2012 in the United States, with the
coupe following on October 15. Corresponding release dates in Canada
for the sedan and coupe models are September 24, 2012 and November 1,
2012, respectively. In February 2013, the Accord is scheduled to enter
Russian market.
On June 2013, the Accord was introduced to the Japanese market, with the discontinuation of the
Honda Inspire, serving as Honda's large sedan and one level below the
Honda Legend.
2013 Honda Accord Coupé Concept
The ninth-generation Accord offers three powertrains: A new
direct injected "
Earth Dreams"
2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at 185 hp (138 kW)
to 181 lb·ft (245 N·m) of torque paired with either a six-speed manual
or
continuously variable transmission, an updated 3.5-liter 24-valve SOHC V6 mated either to a six-speed
manual or
automatic rated at 278 hp (207 kW) and 252 lb·ft (342 N·m), and a
hybrid powertrain that integrates a 2.0 liter
Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid uses a
continuously variable transmission and is rated at 196 hp (146 kW) and 226 lb·ft (306 N·m). Both conventional and
plug-in hybrid configurations will be offered, with the former expected to be released in summer 2013 and the latter in early 2013.
Two additional trim levels are added in North American markets. The
Accord Sport Sedan is slotted between the LX and EX models and features a
2.4-liter 16-valve
DOHC
inline-four engine rated at 189 hp (141 kW) to 182 lb·ft (247 N·m) of
torque, 18-inch wheels and tires, dual exhaust, a decklid spoiler, fog
lights, and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters on models equipped
with the continuously variable transmission. The Accord Touring Sedan is
the lineup's flagship. It is available with either four cylinder or V6
engines in Canada; U.S. Touring models are equipped with the V6 engine
exclusively.
The front
double wishbone suspension has been replaced with a
MacPherson strut
design, while the rear retains a multi-link setup. The Accord's body
now utilizes 55.8% high strength steel, a total of 17.2% are either of
780, 980 or 1,500
MPa yield strength
types which were not used in the previous generation. The Accord's
previous steel front subframe has been replaced with an aluminum and
steel component that weighs 14 lb (6.4 kg) less and is manufactured
using
friction stir welding. Overall the body weight sheds 55 lb (25 kg) .
All Accords come with standard an 8-inch 480 x 320 pixel WQVGA
resolution LCD display screen, single angle
backup camera, Honda's i-MID system which includes
Bluetooth hands free calling with SMS texting and streaming audio,
USB connector, dual zone automatic climate control and alloy wheels. The available navigation system adds a 6-inch
touchscreen
and the 8-inch screen uses a higher 800 x 480 pixel resolution WVGA
display. A tri-angle (normal, wide and top view) backup camera and wide
angle passenger
blind spot side view camera are also available. New safety features include an optional
forward collision warning system,
lane departure warning system and
blind spot monitor. Highline models (EX, EX-L, and Touring grades) offer
Smart Key,
LED daytime running lamps, headlamps, and tail lamps; and an
adaptive cruise control system.
In China, the 9th generation Accord went on sale in September 2013, as a 2014 model.
It is available with a choice of 2.0L or 2.4L 4-cylinder engines, or a
new 3.0L V6 engine exclusive to the Chinese market. The V6 produces 192
kW (257hp) and 297 Nm torque. Transmission choices include a CVT for
both 4-cylinder engines, or 6-speed automatic for the V6; a manual
transmission is not offered. The Chinese market Accord features a unique
front grill and bumper, incorporating more chrome and smaller, circular
front fog lights. The rear features a different bumper with
trapezoidal, rather than circular, exhausts.
Accord Plug-in Hybrid
The production version of the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid was introduced at the 2012
Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Accord PHEV pricing starts at
US$39,780 and sales began in the U.S. in January 2013, with availability limited to California and New York.
A total of 254 units have been sold through July 2013.
Honda unveiled the platform for a mid-size
plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the 2010
Los Angeles Auto Show. The plug-in platform showcased Honda’s next-generation
two-motor hybrid system,
which continuously moves through three different modes to maximize
driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and an engine
direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses
regenerative braking to charge the battery. In
all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6
kWh lithium-ion battery and a 120 kW
electric motor. The
all-electric mode
achieves a range of approximately 10 to 15 mi (16 to 24 km) in city
driving and a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). Fully recharging the
battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5
hours using a 240-volt outlet.
Honda announced at the 2012
North American International Auto Show
in Detroit that first US application of both a 2.4-liter
direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system to be
implemented on the Accord ninth generation, the 2013 Honda Accord
Plug-in Hybrid, with sales scheduled for late 2012 or early 2013.
Production of the Accord Plug-in Hybrid began on December 21, 2012.
Charging port of the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid.
In September 2012 Honda announced that the 2014
model year Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid sedan will be built in
Sayama,
Japan. Honda also explained the plug-in will be available in a single
highly equipped trim level based on the standard features of the Accord
Touring. The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid is scheduled for release in
early 2013, and it will serve as the basis for the conventional hybrid
version of the Accord Sedan that will go on sale by mid-2013.
The production version will feature a 6.7
kWh lithium-ion battery
pack to power a 124 kW electric motor mated with the new Earth Dreams
i-VTEC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine producing
137 hp (102 kW) at 6200 rpm, and together the total system output is
196 hp (146 kW), which surpasses that of the
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (134 hp),
Chevrolet Volt (149 hp) and future
Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.
Honda expected the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid to deliver an
all-electric range
of up to 15 mi (24 km) and a total driving range of more than 500 mi
(800 km) based on the U.S. EPA tests as determined by Honda. The
carmaker also expected the
fuel economy for the Accord Plug-in Hybrid to exceed 100
miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPG-e) (2.4 L/100 km; 120 mpg-imp equivalent), and also expects it to receive an Enhanced
AT-PZEV rating from the
California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The official EPA ratings for the plug-in hybrid are 13 mi (21 km) of
all-electric range with a combined
fuel economy rating of 115
miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPG-e), the highest in its class.
EPA ratings for operation in
hybrid mode are 46 mpg
-US (5.1 L/100 km; 55 mpg
-imp) in combined city/highway cycle, 47 mpg
-US (5.0 L/100 km; 56 mpg
-imp) in city, and 46 mpg
-US (5.1 L/100 km; 55 mpg
-imp)
in highway driving. The 2014 Honda Accord PHEV is the first car in the
U.S. to meet the new LEV3/SULEV20 emissions standards, and will get
single-occupant carpool access in California
by:wikipedia.com
