Honda Accord
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- From 2003 onwards, the North American Honda Accord (USDM) became a different vehicle than the worldwide Accord. See Honda Accord (JDM) and Honda Accord (European) for the worldwide 7th generation car. See also Honda Accord Hybrid.
The Honda Accord is an automobile manufactured by Honda. The Accord was introduced in 1976 as a mid-sized hatchback, with styling similar to an upsized contemporary Honda Civic. A conventional four-door sedan was debuted in 1977.
- 1 Concept
- 2 First Generation (1976-1981)
- 3 Second generation (1982–1985)
- 4 Third generation (1986–1989)
- 5 Fourth generation (1990–1993)
- 6 Fifth generation (1994–1997)
- 7 Sixth generation (1998–2002)
- 8 Seventh generation (2003–present)
- 9 Worldwide
- 10 Design quirks
- 11 Performance Modifications
- 12 Resale Values
- 13 Awards
- 14 Trivia
- 15 See also
- 16 Notes and references
- 17 External links
Concept
Original plans for the Accord were to make it a mid-size car, along the lines of the Ford Mustang. The Accord was originally planned to be a V6-powered car with a long hood and sporty pretensions. Honda chose the name Accord, reflecting "Honda's desire for accord and harmony between people, society and the automobile." The initial design was changed to a fuel efficient, low emission vehicle since it was introduced during the fuel crises of the 1970s. In the United States and Japan, a version was produced using Honda's CVCC technology, meeting emission standards of the 1970s and 1980s without a catalytic converter.Like the smaller Honda Civic, the Accord uses front-wheel drive and a transverse (sometimes called "East/West") engine layout.
The Accord became the first Japanese car to be produced in the US in 1982, when production commenced in Marysville, Ohio.
First Generation (1976-1981)
The first gneneration Honda Accord was launched in 1976, right at the peak of the fuel crisis. Because of this, the Accord sold well, due to its small size and great fuel economy, taking one of the best selling car spots. In contrast though, the first generation Honda Accord is known to be a very troublesome car, with many reported problems of transmission failure, interior discoloration, and trim pieces falling off. http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2004/01/26/cx_dl_0126feat.html Though these problems were quickly delt with, which brought quality up.Second generation (1982–1985)
In 1982, the Accord was redesigned, and it became the best-selling Japanese car by name in the US, holding that position for 15 years. Modernizing both interior and exterior, the second generation Accord is mechanically very similar to the original. Quality was also vastly improved over the origional, making it one of the most reliable cars on the US market, which is a position it still holds today.Third generation (1986–1989)
- In 1986, the third-generation Accord was introduced. Pop-up headlights and a sporty hoodline were borrowed from the Honda Prelude. Three versions were available in the US. The low-end DX featured standard items such as cruise-control, rear window defogger and digital clock. The mid-grade LX was loaded with standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, high-power AM/FM cassette, body colored bumpers and rear seat armrest. Both the DX and LX models featured a 98 bhp carbureted engine. The top of the line LX-i featured in addition, a 122 bhp fuel injected engine, sunroof, 14" alloy wheels, and full-logic cassette player. Manual transmissions were standard on all Accord models. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional on all trims.
- In 1988, the Accord coupe was introduced. Built in Marysville, Ohio, this was the first Japanese car to be produced in a factory located in the United States and exported back to Japan.
- In 1989 Honda brought back the SE-i trim which included leather seats, a Honda-Bose music system, bronze-tinted glass, machined 14" alloy wheels, dual exhaust and 4-wheel disc brakes. The SE-i was available in both coupe and sedan versions. Only two colors were offered in the sedan and coupe.
Fourth generation (1990–1993)
- In 1990 the Accord underwent a major re-design based on a larger "CB" chassis. The more conservative Accord now bears resemblance to the Acura Legend. All Accords sold in North America now come with a 2.2 litre fuel injected engine standard. The Accord has matured into a larger car now approaching the likes of the Ford Taurus but still given "compact" status. The LX-i and SE-i trims are dropped. Available trims in the US were DX, LX, and EX. The Canadian Accord trims varied slightly from the US models with LX, EX and EX-R. (In some countries, EX stands for 'Extra') A 125 HP engine is offered with the DX and LX trims. Cruise control was dropped for the DX and air conditioning remains a dealer-installed option. The LX keeps the same features as the previous generation including air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors. The EX adds 15" machined aluminum-alloy wheels, sunroof, upgraded upholstery, dual exhaust, rear stabilizer bar, and a 135 HP engine. A redesigned manual transmission with hydraulic clutch remains standard equipment while an all-new electronic controlled 4-speed automatic transmission is optional on all trims. Some new dealer-installed accessories are now offered. They include a single-disc CD player or 6-disc CD changer, fog lights, security system, trunk wing spoiler, trunk lip spoiler, luggage rack, full and half nose mask, center armrest, equalizer, window visors, sunroof visor, car cover, and cockpit cover.
- In 1991 Honda unveils the Accord Wagon to the US. The wagon includes a driver's side airbag and is available only in LX and EX trims. The SE returns and includes leather seating, a 140 HP engine, automatic transmission and Anti-Lock Brakes. The SE is only offered with an automatic and as a sedan. It is available in two colors: Solaris Silver Metallic with Graphite Black interior and Brittany Blue Metallic with Silky Ivory interior.
- In 1992 the Accord underwent a minor facelift. The SE is dropped again and the SE 140 HP engine moves down to the EX model. To the cheers of many, the Accord loses the automatic shoulder belts used in 1990-1991. All models now include a standard driver's side airbag. Anti-Lock Brakes are now standard on the EX. The front and rear facias receive a more rounded and updated look. Coupe and sedan models receive a new grille, new headlights, new taillights, slightly thinner body side moulding and updated wheel designs. The EX includes an anti-theft function to deter car stereo theft. A driver's side armrest is now standard on LX and EX models. Some dealer-installed accessories are dropped including the luggage rack, trunk-lip spoiler and cockpit cover. The gold finish kit is added.
- In 1993 Honda releases the 10th Anniversay Edition sedan marking the 10th year for the Accord's US production. It is basically an LX trim but includes ABS, 15" alloy wheels, and body colored side moldings and is available in an automatic transmission only. Only three colors are offered on the 10th Anniversary Edition: Frost White, Granada Black Pearl, and Arcadia Green Pearl. The SE returns for 1993 in both the sedan and coupe. Dual airbags are included on the sedan, but not the coupe. A Honda-Bose music system, automatic transmission, leather trim and body colored side moldings are standard. The SE coupe gets a factory wing spoiler. In Canada, the SE comes with heated front seats and heated sideview mirrors. Both the sedan and coupe receive distinctive 15" alloy wheels as well. All SE sedans are manufactured in Japan, while all SE coupes in the US. The sedan is available in two colors: Cashmere Silver Metallic and Geneva Green Pearl both with Silky Ivory interior. The coupe is offered with two colors as well: Cashmere Silver Metallic and Atlantis Blue Pearl with Silky Ivory interior. This will be the last year for the high-level SE trim package.
Fifth generation (1994–1997)
- In 1994, the fifth generation Accord was released based on the "CD" chassis. With styling cues again borrowed from the Honda Prelude as in 1986, the Accord gained overall size and was now classified as a "mid-size" automobile. It was also a break from the previous generation's boxy, rectangular shape. The Accord became Car and Driver Import Car of the Year in 1994. Trim lines were back to DX, LX and EX while Canada retained the EX-R. The DX and LX received a slightly more powerful 2.2 liter 130 HP engine while the 145 HP VTEC was standard on EX models. The 4-speed automatic transmission remained an $800 option on all trims but now includeed a "Grade-Logic" shift program. The wagon was included in the lineup for 1994. A more streamlined rear facia and lights gave it a sportier look. The wagon was available in LX or EX trim only. All Accord models received a more ergonomic interior with standard safety features such as dual airbags and reinforced side-impact beams. The EX gained standard ABS (now an option for the LX.) Leather seating was offered on the EX as a factory option. Dealer accessories include: Fog lights, gold-finish kit, gold finish grille, cornering lamps, CD player, CD changer, security system, trunk wing spoiler, car cover, full nose mask, half-nose mask, and sunroof visor. In Australia, the fifth generation Accord proved an instant success. It set a new sales record in 1994, with 6,446 sales, or a 1% share of the Australian new vehicle market. This figure would remain unsurpassed until 2004. This generation was also the first where Honda produced the Accord in its Swindon plant in the UK for European markets. This European Accord was based on the JDM Honda Ascot Innova, which in turn was based on the fourth-generation Accord. Europe is a market where Honda did not conquer, as Japanese cars then were deemed plain and characterless. This marketing strategy sowed the seeds for future Accords, as Honda tried to accommodate customer requirements of different markets.
- In 1995, the Accord debuted a V6 engine, the 2.7 L C27 from the Acura Legend in the U.S. market to compete with other V6-powered mid-size cars such as the Ford Taurus, Mazda 626, and Toyota Camry. The V6 was offered in the LX and EX versions of the sedan. Both versions of the V6 received dual exhaust, a 4-speed automatic transmission, 15" wheels and a slightly updated front grille. The Accord saw very little other changes in 1995 with the exception of a few different exterior/interior color combinations.
- In 1996, the Accord underwent the usual mid-generation facelift. Rounder bumpers, a slightly modified front facia, and rear taillights give 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 1997, Honda releases the "Special Edition" version of the Accord (not to be confused with the SE). It was offered in two colors: Heather Mist Metallic 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 only offered in an automatic and was fitted with the same engine as the LX.
Sixth generation (1998–2002)
- 1998 another major redesign took place for the Accord. Now in its sixth-generation, the largest Accord to date reverted back to its more conservative roots. The wagon had been discontinued in the US and Canada but remained available for purchase in other parts of the world including Europe and Japan. Internationally, the Accord split into three distinct versions, one for European markets, one for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and one for the US and Canadian Domestic Markets (USDM). These are commonly referred to as the European Honda Accord, JDM Honda Accord and USDM Honda Accord. The USDM Honda Accord is based on the JDM Honda Inspire while the JDM and European versions are sold in the US as the Acura TSX. In the US, quite a few changes have taken place for the Accord including a distinctive differentiation of the sedan and coupe models. Since the coupe was released in 1988, it had borrowed all exterior parts including lights and body panels from the sedan. Some minor differences were hardly noticeable and coupe sales were lack-luster compared with sedan sales. The 1998 Accord coupe is now known as the "Accord Coupe" and has styling cues borrowed from the exotic Acura NSX. An exclusive front facia, rear tail lights, wheels and many other body panels now set the Accord Coupe away from the more family-oriented sedan version. The sedan keeps the DX, LX, EX, LX-V6 and EX-V6 trims while The Accord Coupe is offered only in LX, EX, LX-V6 and EX-V6 trims. On the sedan, the DX model is fitted with a 2.2 litre, 130-HP 4 cylinder engine while the LX and EX trims include a more spirited 2.3 litre, 150 HP 4-cylinder VTEC engine. All 4-cylinder models come with a 5-speed manual transmission standard with an automatic optional. The DX remains the value-oriented trim with no audio system, manual windows, manual locks, no cruise control and 14" steel wheels. The DX Value-Package adds a radio-cassette player, air conditoning, and cruise control. The LX trim adds power windows, power locks, cruise control, door courtesy lights and 15" steel wheels. The EX trim adds a power sunroof, a single-disc radio/CD player, alloy wheels, keyless entry, ABS and upgraded cloth. Leather seating is a factory installed option for the EX. All V-6 sedan and coupe models receive the new 3.0 litre, 200 HP VTEC engine. The LX-V6 includes all features of the 4-cylinder LX except 16 inch steel wheels. The EX-V6 receives standard leather trim, ABS, automatic transmission, automatic headlights, and a fully automatic climate control. Some dealer-installed options include: 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.
- The Accord Euro R / Torneo Euro R (JDM release) was also in 2001, featuring a 220hp H-series (h22a7) engine, and 'R' features such as Recaro seats, LSD, sports suspension, and titanium gearknob.
- 1999 The accord was given foldable mirrors.
- In 2001, both the Accord sedan and coupe underwent a minor facelift. A new front facia, rear bumper, side skirt alteration, new taillights and wheel designs freshen the Accord's look. The interior sees little changes with the exception of some fabric and audio configuration changes. The LX and LX-V6 now include a standard CD player, and the EX and EX-V6 now include a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with cassette player and automatic climate control. The Special Edition returns to the coupe and sedan models. It includes all the features of the LX, but adds exclusive alloy wheels, keyless entry and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with cassette. Honda makes the decision to continue this generation of Accord an extra year. The typical Accord generation cycle was a 2:4 trend. A new model would be released and run for years 1 and 2 unaltered. It would then receive a facelift for years 3 and 4 and be replaced by a re-design and repeat. This generation will run a total of 5 years until being replaced by the seventh generation (2003) Accord. The move proved interesting for Honda because Accord sales remained steady despite the additional year.
- In 2001, the Special Edition is dropped and the DX Value-Package is re-introduced.
- In 2002, the Special Edition returns for the last time on the Accord.
Seventh generation (2003–present)
- In 2003, the Accord underwent another major redesign. Larger than ever, the Accord is given a new level of refinement with chrome interior accents and higher grade materials. The lineup still includes the seemingly de-facto DX, LX, EX, LX-V6 and EX-V6. Mechanically, the 4-cylinder engine was the new K-series, and the 6-cylinder was the same J-series V6 as the sixth generation's, but its intake runners, exhaust, and headers contributed to a 40 hp (30 kW) increase. A 5-speed automatic transmission was also new for 2003. Now a vastly different car to the worldwide Accord, the North Ameican model grew larger still, gaining more interior room and weight then its international counterpart. Honda sold the North American Accord in a few other markets including Asian (now made in Thailand), Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Australian and New Zealand markets with mixed results. For the first time, Honda offered an "enthusiast" version of the Accord in the US, mating the 6-speed manual transmission from the Acura CL to the V6 Honda Accord Coupe. A specific 4-cylinder model is the first production car in the world to meet California's Super Ultra Low Emission standards. The 2003 model year also debuted Honda's GPS assisted Navigation system as an option for the Accord. Prior to 2003, it was only available on the higher end Acura line as well as the Honda Odyssey. The first 2003 Honda Accord rolled off the Marysville, OH assembly line on September 26, 2002.
- In 2004 Honda announced that they would release a hybrid version of the USDM Accord called the Honda Accord Hybrid featuring Honda's IMA technology. In 2004 Honda also first offered XM Satellite Radio as a factory installed option.
- For 2005, the Accord received minor updates such as revised taillights (all red) and new wheel designs. The Accord became Canada's top-selling mid-size car.
- For its 2006 model year, the Accord received several new improvements. This was motivated on the Accord's 30th anniversary. Some enthusiasts argue that the 2006 model year should be called generation 7.5, and the Accord gives it reminescence to its competitors for 2006 (e.g. Chevrolet Impala and Hyundai Sonata). The exterior was revised with new rear end styling (most noticeably for the sedan), LED taillights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and heated side mirrors for US EX models. Heated mirrors and DRLs were previously available only on Accords sold in Canada. The 2006 model year also featured new wheel designs. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as Electronic Stability Control, and Brake assist became available on the V6 models for the first time. 17" wheels also became standard on the V6 models. The interior was also slightly redesigned with changes such as a new steering wheel cover, differently colored gauges and a differently styled shift knob for automatic transmission models. The GPS Navigation system was updated (4th generation) with a faster processor, more memory, and several new features, such as restaurant information from Zagat. A revised maintenance minder system was also added which gave owners reminders for scheduled maintenance such as oil changes based on operating conditions.
- The 2006 model year is also the first year in which the V6 sedan was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as an option.
- Powertrain improvements were made across the Accord line-up in 2006. The V6 engine's horsepower was increased to 244HP (+4 hp, SAE net revised 8/04*) and the 4-cylinder engine's horsepower was increased to 166HP (+6HP, SAE net revised 8/04*). Horsepower gains were achieved with extensive improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust systems. The 4-cylinder engines were now controlled with Drive-By-Wire (DBW), rather than a throttle cable, providing for smooth operation and enhanced throttle response. (Accord V6 engines already utilized DBW prior to the 2006 model year). Due to these improvements the V6 engine was renamed the J30A5 from the previous J30A4, and the 4-cylinder from the K24A4 to the K24A8.
- The 2006 Accord Hybrid got the same revisions as the other Accords except for a 3.0 L V6 now making 253 hp and a larger battery pack. The things that differentiate the Hybrid from other Accords are the different rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheels, the mirror turn signals and the lack of a folding rear seat. In addition, the Hybrid version does not have the 4-way passenger seat.
- The trim levels were also revised, with the DX trim being eliminated, instead being replaced by the VP (Value Package) trim which included air conditioning, keyless entry, power locks, and cruise control as standard features.
Worldwide
- See also Acura TSX
In 2003, the North American Accord grew larger still to satisfy American demands, while the worldwide Accord (the European and Japenese models) were redesigned without a size increase of a similar magnitude. Comparing the two different Accords, it is clear that the North American version is distinct from the worldwide model, with the North American model being heftier and larger. The F-series VTEC engines made its debut in the European and Japanese Accords, and the 90° C-series V6 engine was replaced by a more-compact 60° J-series unit for the US Accord. Honda offered the North American Accord in a number of Asian markets, with mixed sales. Both variants of the Accord are sold in Australia -- the North American model and the worldwide model. The worldwide model sold in Australia is called the "Accord Euro". The worldwide Accord is sold in North America as the Acura TSX, where as the USDM Accord is sold in Japan as the Inspire. Each model had a number of minor differences. The worldwide model offered a number of hi-tech features not seen elsewhere in the North American range, and minor adjustments to body styling. The Japanese Accord and Inspire also feature Honda's Intelligent Driver System or HIDS which feature safety enhancements such as the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and adaptive cruise control. The first 2003 Honda Accord rolled off the Marysville, OH assembly line on September 26, 2002.
Design quirks
There are several inexplicable design behaviors and options that have been used in the Accord over the years. Many opinions are formed as to why Honda chose to design certain aspects of the Accord the way they did.In 1989, the Accord SE-i was offered in the US and was given a host of options. One included a Honda-Bose music system. On these systems, the BASS control could only be turned a 1/4 to the right unlike the TREBLE, and BALANCE whose levels could be normally adjusted.
In the US only, the 1990 Accord included what ended up being an unpopular safety feature: automatic shoulder belts. These belts would automatically retract around the driver and passenger upon entry of the vehicle. They were sometimes referred to "suicide" belts because of their quick activation. The lap belt was still required to be worn requiring extra work by the driver and passenger. Honda discontinued the automatic belts in 1992 on all models in the US.
In 1993, there were a total of 11 different trims offered for the Accord. The DX, LX, 10th Anniversary Edition, EX, and SE. All trims included a driver-side airbag, however only the SE sedan received both a driver and passenger-side airbag. The passenger-side airbag became standard on all Accords in 1994. Opinions at the time were Honda attempting to lure customer's into purchasing the high-priced SE because of the safety benefit. Other reasons may relate to the SE Sedan being exclusively produced in Japan. This SE also lost some of the features previously seen on the 1989 SE-i such as bronze-tinted glass, steering wheel audio controls and luxury carpeting.
A rust problem has been prevalent on the Accord since its introduction in the 70's, yet the design flaw remained until 2003. This flaw caused the Accord to typically form rust in or around the rear wheelwells. Repairs can reach into the thousands depending on the severity of the corrosion. #redirect
Performance Modifications
Despite its "family sedan" heritage (and name), the Accord has an oddly loyal following. Older generations of Accords are often purchased by youthful import tuners who perform modifications, install parts from Japanese market Accords and engine swaps from the sporty Honda Prelude to create the likeness of a sports sedan. In fact, several web-sites are forum's dedicated to different generations of the Accord. In fact, the web-site [cb7tuner.com] is a forum completely devoted to performance modifications, technical information, and general discussion of the 4th generation (1990-1993) Accord as well as [3geez.com] for the third generation (1986-1989) Accord. There is also a [accordracing.com], a site where Accord enthusiasts of the 4th generation and on come together and share there Accords and exchange information on just about anything to do with the Honda Accord. A newer site, [gen5alive.com], has just opened, catering to 5th generation (1994-1997) accord owners. This site is quickly gaining popularity with owners and modifiers as in depth product reviews, instructional diagrams and a closely knit community help provide members with a sense of pride in ownership.Resale Values
The Accord has always been a competitively priced model from Honda because of its competition with the likes of Ford Taurus and Toyota Camry. Even so, the Accord has some of the best resale values in its class. Specifically, more scarce models such as the 1993 SE, 1989 SE-i, and 1990-1997 DX trims yield the highest prices.Awards
- The Accord has been voted Car of the Year in Japan on numerous occasions.
- The Accord set the FIA speed record of Diesel cars in 2004, using a European Accord fitted with a 2.204 liter I-CTDI engine, the first Diesel engine by Honda.
- The Accord has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list 19 times, in years 1983-1991, 1994-1995, and 1998-2005. In the 23-year history of the award it is the vehicle that has appeared the most times.
- The Accord was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1977.
- The Accord was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1994.
- The 1978 Honda Accord hatchback was placed on Forbes Magazine's list of the Worst Cars of All Time.
Trivia
- In the 6th and 7th generation Accords, the intermittent wipers are speed sensitive. More accurately, they are stop sensitive. When the vehicle is at a full stop, the intermittent speeds drops. Since a vehicle at stop has less rain on the windshield, the decreased wiper speed prevents wiper groan and skipping.
See also
- Honda Accord (JDM)
- Honda Accord (USDM)
- Honda Accord (European)
- Honda Accord Tourer
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Isuzu Aska (rebadged) 1994-2002
- Cog (commercial for the Accord)
Notes and references
External links
- [Worldwide official site]
- [AutoGuideWiki.com]
- [1st, 2nd, & 3rd Generation Accord forum]
- [Gen7Accord.com forum]
- [Honda Accord specs]
- [Drive Accord Honda Forums]
- [One of the premiere Honda Accord Tuning forums]
- [ASEAN market Honda Accord]
- [Honda-tech Accord forum]
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