Honda Accord
Introduction
The Honda Accord is an automobile manufactured by Honda. The Accord was introduced in 1976 as a compact hatchback, with styling similar to an
upsized contemporary Honda Civic. A four-door sedan was debuted in 1977.
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. The Accord became the first Japanese car to be produced in the US in 1982, when production commenced in Marysville, Ohio at Marysville Auto Plant.
It is also produced in Guangzhou, China by the Guangzhou Honda joint venture since 1999.
First Generation (1976-1981)
The first generation Honda Accord was launched in 1976 as a two-door hatchback with 68 horsepower, a 93.7-inch wheelbase, and a weight of about 2,000 pounds.
It was larger than the tiny Civic at 162 inches long. The Accord sold well, due to its moderate size and great fuel economy. In 1978 an LX version of the
coupe was added which came with air conditioning. In 1979 a four-door sedan was added to the lineup, and horsepower went to 72 horsepower. In 1980 the
optional two-speed automatic of previous years became a three-speed automatic. In 1981 an SE model was added for the first time, with novio-leather seats.
Second Generation (1982-1985)
In 1982, the Accord was redesigned, and it became the best-selling Japanese nameplate in the US, holding that position for 15 years. Modernizing both
the interior and exterior, the second generation Accord was mechanically very similar to the original, using the same 75 hp, 1751 cc EK1 CVCC engine.
Fuel economy increased by nearly 15%. Vastly improved quality control, however, made this one of the most reliable cars on the US market, a position it
still holds today. This automobile included popular features of the time such as shag carpet, velour cabin trim and chrome accents. 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.)
redesign in 1984 is often called the second series of the second generation. The LX offered velour upholstery, cassette stereo, air conditioning, power
brakes & steering, power windows, power locks, a digital clock, and roof pillar antenna, along with thick black belt moldings and integrated bumpers.
Flush plastic mock-alloy wheels covers instead of caps on steel wheels that resembled the trend-setting Audi 5000. Supplies were tight, as in the Eastern
states, the wait was months for a Columbus Slate Grey sedan, a then-popular color. Sky Blue, Beige, and Silver paint options were eliminated, and white
was added. These models are still common on US roads today.