The History of the Honda Accord

The History of the Honda Accord

Many people don’t know that the Honda Accord is entering its thirty-third year of production. The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling and most respected cars in the world. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and learn the history of the Honda Accord. 

First Generation: 1976 to 1981

The Honda Accord was launched as a two-door hatchback in 1976. Honda Accord was introduced as a premium model that was above the Civic model. The car was powered by 1.6-liter inline-four engine making 68 horsepower. One of the key selling points of the Honda Accord was its fuel-efficiency, especially the oil crisis that was taking place when it hit showrooms. The original Accord hatchback was only 162.8 inches long. A four-door sedan model was added in 1979. 

Second Generation: 1982 to 1985

The second generation of Honda Accord was noteworthy as the company had started a new factory in Marysville, OH. Due to an increase in demand, the company started assembling the sedan model in the US only. In the year 1984, the company introduced the Accord model with a new four-cylinder engine that delivered 86 horsepower. The boxier style of the new Honda Accord received much praise and it earned a spot on Car and Driver’s inaugural “10 Best Cars” list in 1983. 

Third Generation: 1986 to 1989

The company decided to increase the size of Honda Accord. Besides redesigned sedan and hatchback models, the company also introduced a coupe model in 1988. Some of the design highlights of the new sedan were pop-up headlights and blade-like side profiles. The third generation Accord looked sportier than its predecessors. 

Fourth Generation: 1990 to 1993

The fourth generation Honda Accord was redesigned and had an airy, well-proportioned roofline, clean beltline and clean flanks. The pop-up headlights were replaced with fixed units. The fourth generation Accord was powered by a 125-horsepower, 2.2-liter, SOHC four-cylinder engine. The EX trim was offered with a 130-horsepower engine and the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. 

Fifth Generation: 1994 to 1997

The fifth generation of hte Honda Accord is marked by two milestones. The company introduced the Accord with VTEC for the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. After some time the company also started offering the option of a V6 engine for the Accord lineup. 

Sixth Generation: 1998 to 2002

The company only offered sedan and coupe versions of Honda Accord in the sixth generation. The Honda Accord also got powerful engines like a 135-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine. 

Seventh Generation: 2003 to 2007

The seventh-generation Honda Accord came with even more powerful engines. The base model was powered by a 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The company also offered the option of a 240-horsepower V6 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission for the coupe. 

Eighth Generation: 2008 to 2013

The eighth-generation Honda Accord was offered as sedan and coupe. The company adopted an aggressive styling for the Honda Accord. A 268-horsepower V6 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission was offered as an option. 

Ninth Generation: 2013 to Now

The ninth-generation Accord has been redesigned, and a Sport trim is also offered. The company also offers a hybrid model as well.

There is no doubt that the Honda Accord has created a name for itself in the automobile history. Which generation of the Honda Accord is your favorite?