Honda | Media Newsroom

OVERVIEW
With the introduction of the new 1990 model, the Honda Accord enters its fourth generation with automobiles designed to provide a higher level of sophistication, comfort and style. The new Accord 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan are longer, wider, roomier, more powerful and have a contemporary, international look. Engineered for smooth and silent running, they combine performance with comfort and are built to Hondas high quality standard.

The new Accord's styling is sleek and distinctive. It blends traditional Accord design elements-wedge profile, large greenhouse, aggressive hoodline-into an entirely new shape defined by softer contours and smoothly flowing lines. With a substantially increased glass area, flush surfaces and a wide stance, the new Accord combines sporty looks with practical improvements like a more rigid chassis, improved visibility and increased occupant space.

The structural integrity of the new Accord's body has been increased by a complete redesign. With more torsional and bending rigidity, the chassis provides a stable platform for the Accord's improved 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension system. A new speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering system maintains road feel while keeping steering effort at a comfortable level.

Under the hood, there is a new 2.2 liter 4-cylinder, SOHC 16-valve engine, with a Honda-designed secondary balancer system, which significantly reduces vibrations. It's tuned for smooth power delivery in the low to mid ranges, where most driving occurs, and complemented by a pair of new transmissions: a 5-speed manual or a compact, electronically controlled, 4-speed automatic with driver-selectable Sport mode and lockup torque converter.

The new Accord's increased size provides more interior space, and the seats, fittings and trim have been redesigned to take full advantage of it. Front seat occupants enjoy larger seats, and rear occupants have more leg and foot room. Interior fabrics and trim are carefully selectedto enhance the bright, airy feeling in the Accord's large cabin, and help create a feeling of comfort and well being.

The new Honda Accord strikes a fine balance between style, comfort, ride, performance and handling. lt is a highly refined automobile that is engineered and built with uncompromising attention to quality, and is a worthy successor to a highly respected line of cars.

MODELS AND TRIM
The 1990 Accord is available in two body configurations, 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe. Both are identical in exterior dimensions except for height: the coupe is 20 mm (0.79 in.) lower. There are three Accord trim levels: DX, LX and EX.

The DX includes such standard features as tinted glass, adjustable steering column, speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering, reclining front seatbacks, remote trunk and fuel filler door releases, tachometer, and in 4-door sedans, child-proof rear door locks.

Accord LX versions have, in addition, standard power windows, dual power side mirrors, AIN4IFM stereo cassette sound system, cruise control, and air conditioning.

The Accord EX offers a higher output engine, sport-tuned suspension, driver's seat adjustable lumbar support, power moonroof, alloy wheels, and an AM/FM ETR High-Power stereo cassette sound system.

Most of the Accord's comfort and convenience features are standard. Only a few options are available, including an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter.

THE ACCORD STORY
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

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