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Car Review | The 5th Generation Honda Accord | Japan, North America and Australia (wagon and coupe only for Europe). In 1994, the Honda Accord was moved to yet a larger "CD" chassis, primarily to better suit the requirements of the North American market. It grew in width but oddly 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 smaller second-generation Honda Ascot and Honda Rafaga. The engines offered also exceeded the maximum limit of 2000 cc to remain in the favorable tax bracket as well. Honda of Japan marketed four different size engines in the Japan-Spec Honda 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.

DX, LX and EX 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. 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" 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 model which was available for sale in Honda CLIO dealerships in Japan. The Honda Accord SiR models were not hard to tell apart from the Accord EX model; which came equipped with the Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC engine instead of F22B1 SOHC VTEC engine. 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 four-speed automatic transmission. The Honda of America-built (HAM) Accord SiR Coupes and then the 96�97 Accord SiR Wagons had the 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 and 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 suspenion was improved with stiffer front swap bar(27.2mmXt4.0mm), stiffer rear swap 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 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 1995, the 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" machined aluminum alloy wheels on the EX-V6 and 15" steel wheels with full covers on the LX-V6, and a slightly updated front grille. The Accord saw very few other changes in 1995 with the exception of a few different exterior and interior color combinations.

In 1996, Honda Accord underwent the usual mid-generation facelift. 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 1997, 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 Honda 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. - Car Review

Car Review | Honda Accord SE | Honda reintroduced the Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord SE. Two colors were available: Solaris Silver Metallic with Graphite Black interior and Brittany Blue Metallic with Ivory interior. Unlike previous editions, the 1991 Honda Accord SE was not equipped with uniquely styled alloy wheels but instead carried the EX model wheels.

Accords received a minor facelift for the 1992 model year. Honda Accord 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.

In 1993, Honda introduced the 10th Anniversary Edition sedan to commemorate the 10th year of U.S. Honda Accord production. The 10th Anniversary Edition was based on the Honda Accord LX sedan but came equipped with several features not available in the LX trim. The upgrades included ABS, 4 wheel disc brakes, 16" 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.

Honda Accord SE returned for 1993 as both a sedan and for the first time since the 1989  Honda Accord SE-i, as a coupe. The sedan has two front airbags, the first agreement to do so. An 8 buttons, 4-speaker Bose audio system-Honda, automatic transmission, leather interior, body-color side moldings are standard. Honda Accord SE Coupe includes a rear spoiler that is a little different in design accessories dealer installed spoiler and rear wing is available. In Canada, the Honda Accord SE comes with heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. Both the sedan and coupe have distinctive alloy wheels 15 "and all the sedan in 1991 and 1993 were made in Japan, while all Honda Accord SE coupes were produced in the U.S. The 1993 sedan is available in two colors. Cashmere Silver Metallic and Geneva Green Pearl both with the interior Coupe d'Ivoire is offered with two colors as well:. Cashmere Silver Metallic and Atlantis Blue Pearl, both again with Ivory interior.

Unfortunately, 1993 was the swan song of SE as an exclusive, high-content, limited edition model of the Honda Accord. Posterity would use the "Special Edition" label, not previously used the designation "Honda Accord SE". These models have been a combination of an Honda Accord LX with several Honda Accord EX  features has the same with 1993 10 Anniversary Edition, Honda Accord LX. - CAR REVIEW

The 4th Generation Honda Accord was launched in Japan in 1990 as a based on the "CB" chassis Accord. The 4th Generation Honda Accord was the first not to feature a three-door model, and the first one to be exclusively sold by the Honda Clio dealer network in Japan. A sister car, called the Honda Ascot, differing only slightly from the JDM Accord sedan, was launched for sale in Honda Primo stores that also carried previous-generation Accords. On the other hand, the Honda Vigor, previously closely related to the Accord, became a rather different model, fitted with a longitudinally-mounted inline five-cylinder engine.

Honda Accord Sedan 1990

The 4th Generation is more conservative Accord and now bore a stronger resemblance to its upscale sibling the second-generation Acura Legend. The Accord had matured into a larger car, now approaching the likes of the midsize Ford Taurus, gaining midsize status.

The 4th Generation Honda Accord 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.

For this 4th 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.

Honda Accord 1991

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. 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).

Honda Accord 1992

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.

Honda Accord 1993

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.

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. 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 1985

Second Generation Honda Accord was debuting on September 22, 1981 in Japan and Europe. And as a 1982 model in North America, Second Generation Honda Accord which was 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. In Japan, a sister model called the Honda Vigor was launched simultaneously with the new Accord.

Modernizing both the interior and exterior, the second generation Accord was mechanically very similar to the original, using the same 75 hp (56 kW), 1,751 cc (1.751 L; 106.9 cu in) EK1 CVCC engine. Fuel economy increased by nearly 15%. Vastly improved quality control however, made this one of the most reliable cars on the U.S. 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. 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).

Honda Accord 1982

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 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.

Honda Accord 1983

When Honda New Zealand won a government order for black-and-white traffic patrol cars, it included the European rear bumpers in the assembly kits and rewired fog lamps for additional rear red flashing warning lamps as part of the special police-pack equipment. 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.

Honda Accord 1984

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 novio-leather seating, power windows, power sunroof and door locks. Gray was added as a color option.

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 early 1980s without a catalytic converter.

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 larger than the tiny Honda Civic at 162 inches (4,115 mm) long. The Accord sold well due to its moderate size and great fuel economy. It was the first Japanese small car with features like cloth seats, a tachometer, intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM radio as standard equipment. 

In 1978 an LX version of the coupe was added which came with air conditioning, a digital clock, and power steering. 

In 1979 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) An 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 1984 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. 

In 1981 an SE model was added for the first time, with novio-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 through 1980 model cars.

Honda 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.

Honda Accord 1996

Since its debut, 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.

Honda Accord First Generation (1976)

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 current generation of the Accord released for the North American market in 2008, Honda has 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.