THE ACCORD STORY
The Honda Accord has stood for innovation in manufacturing, environmental performance, safety and luxury, offering buyers top quality and reliability in a fun-to-drive package.
The introduction of the first Accord in June of 1976 was significant for both American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the automobile industry. For Honda, then known for its smaller Civic, it was the first step toward becoming a full-line auto manufacturer and a major presence in the U.S. market. The Accord defined a new kind of car – a practical automobile that combined fuel efficiency, high quality and value with sporty style and spirited performance. And in 1982, Accord became the first Japanese-nameplate vehicle produced in America.
The introduction of the first Accord in June of 1976 was significant for both the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the automobile industry as a whole. For Honda, then known mainly for its economical Civic, it was the first step toward becoming a full-line auto manufacturer and a major presence in the U.S. car market. For the industry, the Accord defined a new kind of car-a practical automobile that combined economy and value with sporty style and spirited performance.
That first generation Accord was available only as a 3-door hatchback. It was 162.8 inches long, had a 93.7-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 1.6 liter, CVCC 4-cylinder engine. Only one trim level was available and the suggested price was $3,995. In all, 18,333 Accords were sold that first year.
The original Accord design was refined over the years and new models were added. An upscale LX version appeared in 1978, and in 1979 a 4-door sedan was introduced along with a more powerful, 1.8 liter engine. The first generation Accord enjoyed a long and successful run through the 1981 model year.
The next all new Accord debuted in the fall of 1981 as a 1982 model. This generation included the first passenger cars built in America by a Japanese automobile company. Honda of America Manufacturing began production of Accord 4-Door Sedans in Marysville, Ohio, in November of 1982.
The third generation was launched in 1986 with five versions: the DX Hatchback, DX 4-Door Sedan, LX 4-Door, LXi Hatchback, and LXi 4-Door. Longer and more luxurious, these Accords had a 1955 cc engine and 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. In 1988, a new coupe was added to the line, which had grown to include seven versions offering a wide variety of trim and equipment choices.
Over the years the Accord has progressed steadily upward in class, to the point where it is often compared to more expensive European sedans. With the fourth generation, the Accord moves further up the scale as it continues to set new standards for the competition.
Honda Accord Chronology
1976
Launched in June as a 1976 model, the first Accord has a 93.7-inch wheelbase, 162.8-inch overall length and is powered by a 1600 cc, 4-cylinder OHC “CVCC” engine. Suggested retail price is $3,995.
1977
Essentially a carryover model, the ’77 Accord is EPA-rated at 38 mpg/city and 48 mpg/highway. Base price: $4,595.
1978
The Accord LX Hatchback is added to the line with variable-assist power steering as standard equipment. Base price: $5,229; $6,095 for the LX.
1979
A new 4-Door Sedan expands the Accord line to three models:
Hatchback, LX Hatchback, and 4-Door Sedan. Engine displacement is increased from 1600 cc to 1751 cc. Base prices: Hatchback $5,949; 4-Door Sedan $6,515; and LX Hatchback $6,949.
1980
A 3-speed automatic transmission replaces the 2-speed previously available. Base prices: Hatchback $6,199; 4-Door Sedan $6,765; and LX Hatchback $7,199.
1981
New SE (Special Edition) 4-Door brings the Accord line to four versions in the last model year of the first generation. Base prices: Hatchback $7,249; 4-Door Sedan $7,895; LX Hatchback $8,229; and SE Sedan $9,950.
1982
Second generation is introduced as 1982 models in the fall of 1981. With all-new bodies, these Accords have a 96.5-inch wheelbase. Base prices: 3-Door Hatchback $7,399; 4-Door Sedan $8,245; and LX Hatchback $8,499.
1983
Production of 1983 Accord 4-Door Sedans begins in November 1982 at the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio. Special Edition 4-Door Sedan is added, with moonroof and leather trim, and the automatic transmission has four speeds rather than three. Base prices: Hatchback $7,499; 4-Door Sedan $8,345; LX Hatchback $8,549; and SE 4-Door $11,795.
1984
Engine size is increased from 1751 cc to 1829 cc, raising horsepower from 75 to 86. Base prices: Hatchback $7,699; LX Hatchback $9,949; 4-Door Sedan $8,549; and LX Sedan $9,949.
1985
New SEi Sedan with fuel-injected engine added to line, along with 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter. Last model year for second generation Accord. Base prices: 3-Door Hatchback $7,895; LX Hatchback $9,095; 4-Door Sedan $8,845; LX Sedan $10,295; and SEi 4-Door Sedan $12,945.
1986
The third generation Accord, introduced in the fall of 1985, featured a longer, 102.4-inch wheelbase, new body styling, larger 1955 cc engine, and retractable halogen headlights. New 4-wheel double wishbone independent suspension is an important technical advance. Base prices: DX Hatchback $8,429; DX 4-Door Sedan $9,229; LX 4-Door Sedan $10,995; LXi Hatchback $11,149; and LXi 4-Door Sedan $12,675.
1987
Essentially the same lineup as 1986, with some detail changes. Base prices: DX Hatchback $9,759; DX 4-Door Sedan $10,625; LX 4- Door Sedan $12,799; LXi Hatchback $12,785; and LXi 4-Door Sedan
$14,429.
1988
A new coupe, exclusively produced at the Marysville plant, is a major addition to the Accord line. Base prices: DX Hatchback $10,535; DX 4-Door Sedan $11,175; DX Coupe $11,335; LX 4-Door Sedan
$13,460; LXi Hatchback $13,695; LXi 4-Door Sedan $15,200; and LXi Coupe $14,460.
1989
SEi versions of Sedan and Coupe feature 4-wheel disc brakes, leather-trimmed interior, and Honda/Bose Music System in final year for third generation Accord. Current base prices: DX Hatchback $11,230; DX 4-Door Sedan $11,770; DX Coupe $11,650; LX 4-Door Sedan $14,180; LXi Hatchback $14,530; LXi 4-Door Sedan $15,920; LXi Coupe $14,690; SEi 4-Door Sedan $17,985; and SEi Coupe $16,975.
®Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation, covered by patent rights issued and/or pending.
Honda Accord Sales in the U.S.
| . | Import | Domestic | Total |
| 1976 | 18,643 | . | 18,643 |
| 1977 | 75,995 | . | 75,995 |
| 1978 | 120,841 | . | 120,841 |
| 1979 | 157,919 | . | 157,919 |
| 1980 | 185,972 | . | 185,972 |
| 1981 | 172,557 | . | 172,557 |
| 1982 | 195,524 | . | 195,524 |
| 1983 | 171,735 | 50,402 | 222,137 |
| 1984 | 123,049 | 133,601 | 256,650 |
| 1985 | 122,444 | 145,976 | 268,420 |
| 1986 | 112,767 | 212,237 | 325,004 |
| 1987 | 104,791 | 230,085 | 334,876 |
| 1988 | 114,619 | 248,044 | 362,663 |
| 1989* | 51,402 | 92,961 | 144,363 |
| * January through May 1989 | |||
First-Generation Accord: 1976 – 1981
- 1976: Accord was initially available only as a three-door hatchback powered by a Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC) 4-cylinder engine.
The revolutionary CVCC engine technology debuted in the 1975 Civic and cemented Honda’s place in history as a leader in powertrain innovation. That year, Civic became the first automobile to meet the tightened emissions standards of the U.S. Clean Air Act without the need for a catalytic converter.
The 68-horsepower rating for the Accord’s 1.6-liter CVCC engine may seem low by modern standards, but a typical V8 engine produced about 140 horsepower at the time. The 2,000-pound Accord had a better power-to-weight ratio than traditional larger vehicles that weighed in at over 3,500 pounds.
Cutting-edge for its time, the front-wheel drive Accord featured an all-aluminum cylinder head, a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 2-speed Hondamatic semi-automatic transmission.
Standard equipment was generous. The innovative interior layout featured a combination of comfortable seating, logical controls and high-quality switchgear, along with a maintenance reminder system that recommended when to change the oil, rotate the tires and more.
- 1979: The first-ever Accord sedan debuted. It was equipped with Accord’s first power steering system and its first true automatic transmission, a 3-speed, which was optional on all Accords. Engine displacement increased to 1.8 liters in all U.S. models, increasing output to 72 horsepower.
- 1981: A new luxuriously-appointed Special Edition model included leather upholstery, alloy wheels, power windows and a sound system with a cassette deck – incredible features during an era when manually-operated windows, vinyl seats and optional AM radio ruled the automotive industry.
| Model Years | 1976 – 1978 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter SOHC (CVCC) inline 4-cylinder 68 hp 85 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 2-speed Hondamatic semi-automatic |
| 1979 – 1981 | |
| Engine | 1.8-liter SOHC (CVCC) inline 4-cylinder 72 hp 85 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 2-speed Hondamatic semi-automatic, 3-speed automatic |
Second-Generation Accord: 1982 – 1985
- 1982: Still available as a three-door hatchback and four-door sedan, Accord became the first passenger car produced in America by a Japanese automobile company. Honda of America Mfg. began production of Accord sedans in Marysville, Ohio on November 1, 1982. A longer wheelbase and a restyled, larger body presented a more upscale look.
- 1983: A new four-speed automatic transmission helped improve Accord’s EPA-rated fuel economy.
Accord earned a spot on Car and Driver’s inaugural 10Best Cars list.
- 1984: Engine size increased from 1751cc to 1830cc, raising output to 86 horsepower.
- 1985: Fuel injection debuted, exclusive to the Accord SE-i increasing output to 101 horsepower.
| Model Years | 1982 – 1983 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8-liter SOHC inline 4-cylinder 75 hp 85 lb.-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
| 1984 – 1985 | |
| Engine | 1.8-liter SOHC inline 4-cylinder 86 hp 93 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic |
| 1985 | |
| Engine | 1.8-liter SOHC inline 4-cylinder with fuel injection 101 hp 94 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic |
Third-Generation Accord: 1986 – 1989
- 1986: Ten years after the first Accord was introduced, the larger third-generation Accord launched with sedan and hatchback body styles featuring a new sportier exterior design with a low cowl and large greenhouse, plus retractable headlights. Accord’s new racecar-inspired double wishbone suspension design at both the front and rear wheels was a first for front-wheel drive cars. A new 2.0-liter engine produced 98 horsepower in carbureted form. Fuel injection expanded to additional trim levels increasing horsepower to 110.
- 1988: The first-ever Accord Coupe was added to the lineup. The first product designed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., it was produced exclusively at the Marysville, Ohio, plant and became the first domestically assembled Japanese nameplate vehicle exported to Japan.
After just six years of U.S. production, the one-millionth Honda Accord was built in Ohio.
- 1989: Accord became the top-selling car in the United States for the first time and would go on hold the sales title for three consecutive years through 1991.
| Model Years | 1986 – 1989 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter SOHC 12-valve inline 4-cylinder 98 (carbureted) – 110 hp (fuel injection) 114 lb.-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic |
Fourth-Generation Accord: 1990 – 1993
- 1990: Available as a 4-door sedan or 2-door coupe, the fourth-generation Accord debuted with larger dimensions, positioned squarely in the midsize class. The new fuel-injected 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine was larger and featured four-valves per cylinder. Power increased considerably, with output up to 130 horsepower. Transmission choices were a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic with sport-shift mode.
Honda of America Mfg. began production of its first right-hand drive vehicles – Accord Coupes – for export to Japan.
- 1991: The first Accord wagon was added to the lineup – designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas.
| Model Years | 1990 – 1993 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2-liter SOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 125 – 130 hp 136 – 141 lb.-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic |
Fifth-Generation Accord: 1994 – 1997
- 1994: Available as a coupe, sedan and wagon, the fifth-generation Accord was the largest yet with a longer wheelbase that increased interior space. Performance, fuel economy, safety performance, and Accord’s environmental impact were also improved.
A 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine was now equipped with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) and produced 145 hp on EX models.
The Accord’s new VTEC® cylinder head combined the fuel efficiency and low emissions characteristics of the ultra-fuel efficient VTEC-E® system used on the Civic VX Hatchback with the performance characteristics of the variable valve-timing system used in the high-performance Civic Si.
American Honda exported its 100,000th U.S.-made vehicle for the year, making the Honda Accord the No. 1 export model from North America in 1994.
- 1995: Accord received a V6 engine for the first time, a significant milestone for this class. The 24-valve, 2.7-liter engine produced 170 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6-powered Accords featured a different, longer nose and a different grille.
| Model Years | 1994 – 1997 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2-liter SOHC 16-valve VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 130 – 145 hp 139 – 147 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic |
| 1995 – 1997 | |
| Engine | 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 170 hp 165 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
Sixth-Generation Accord: 1998 – 2002
- 1998: A totally new Accord debuted with an all-new body, a completely redesigned chassis and two new larger engines. A Coupe and sedan were offered. (Also see: 1998 Honda Accord)
For the first time Accord’s two body styles did not share the same wheelbase or design. The Coupe was styled in the U.S. while the Sedan was designed in Japan. The wheelbase for the 2-door Coupe was 105.1 inches, while the Sedan rode on a longer 106.9-inch wheelbase.
A new larger 2.3-liter VTEC® 4-cylinder engine produced between 135 and 150 horsepower depending on trim level. Accords with the new larger 3.0-liter VTEC® V6 engine were the first with 200 horsepower.
- 1999: The Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio produced the 5 millionth Accord made in the U.S.
- 2000: Accord became the first internal-combustion, gasoline-powered vehicle to achieve Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) status, which was the most stringent emission standard in the world. The first SULEV Accord was offered in California on EX Sedan 4-cylinder models with an automatic transmission.
- 2001: Accord was the best-selling car in America and the five-millionth Honda Accord was sold in the United States.
| Model Years | 1998 – 2002 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3-liter SOHC 16-valve VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 135 – 150 hp 145 – 152 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic |
| Engine | 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve VTEC® V6 200 hp 195 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
