(first posted 2/14/2018) What’s there to be said about the Honda Accord that hasn’t been said already? It consistently ranks among the top ten best-selling vehicles in America. It was the first import to become the best-selling car in America (in 1989). It has been included in Car and Driver’s 10Best list a record 32 times to date — more than any other vehicle. It’s also the eighth-best-selling automobile nameplate of all time, with over 17.5 million sold globally since its introduction.
Through the present day, the Honda Accord has also managed to transcend the boring appliance image often associated with its prime competitors, including the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, and still appeal to enthusiasts who need a safe and reliable family sedan and want one that boasts superior driving dynamics, rev-happy engines, and the availability of a manual transmission. So, for a car with such a lengthy and celebrated history, is there a generation of Accord that is the best of the best?
It’s a difficult question to answer, if there is indeed a simple answer. Over the course of its four-plus decades, the Accord has changed its image, size, and appeal numerous times over the years, responding to the ever-changing market conditions and demands of buyers. And for the most part, every generation Accord has been one of the strongest vehicles in its class, even if some generations lacked a little emotional vigor compared to others.
Comparing a 192.1-inch long 2018 Honda Accord sedan powered by a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 mated to a 10-speed automatic to a 162.4-inch long 1978 Accord hatchback powered by a 79-horsepower carbureted 1.6-liter inline-4 mated to a 2-speed automatic to a 187.6-inch long 2003 Accord Coupe to a 240-horsepower naturally-aspirated fuel-injected 3.0-liter V6 mated to a six-speed manual is like comparing apples to oranges to orangoutangs.
Even going the more subjective route, and naming my own personal favorite generation of the Accord poses a perplexing challenge, as I’ve had numerous first hand experiences, quite possibly more than any other car, with so many different Accords over the years. I also owned a 2010 Acura TSX for four years, which was essentially an eighth generation Japanese/Euro/Oceanic-spec Accord in premium trim, with a different grille and a V6 stuffed under the hood.
I guess if I were to name best Accord, it would be the Accord I find the most perfect: the fourth generation Accord, sold for the 1990-1993 model years and code-named “CB” for its chassis. I came to the conclusion of naming it the most perfect based on a combination of factors. In terms of size, I’d describe it as being “just right”. Smallish-midsize interior volume, without being very large on the outside.
To this day, styling is somewhat timeless. Unquestionably an effort to increase mainstream appeal, styling took a more conservative route than its avant-garde hidden-headlight predecessor, in the process gaining a more expensive look that echoed that of the flagship Legend. While still on the smaller side, the 4th generation Accord was significantly larger and more spacious than its predecessor, enabling it to better compete with midsize sedans such as the Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus.
A model of Honda engineering at its finest, the new Accord rode on an all-new chassis, designated the CB. Every North American-spec Accord sported the all-new 2.2-liter inline-4, making 125 horsepower with single exhaust or 130 with dual. Featuring all-aluminum construction, four valves per cylinder, multi-point programmed fuel injection, it was the largest engine made available to the Accord yet. Engine vibration was greatly reduced by a second-order balance system, inertia axis engine mounts, and on automatic transmission models, a centrally-located compound engine mount.
The standard transmission was a 5-speed manual with overdrive, featuring gear ratios optimized for improved smoothness. Optional, though more common was an all-new electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic with overdrive, lockup torque converter, and driver-selectable normal and sport modes.
The Accord’s renowned four-wheel double-wishbone was also completely redesigned. Upper and lower arms were lengthened for increased suspension travel, combined with new spring rates and shock absorbers for a smoother and quieter ride. The suspension geometry was altered to minimize camber change, reducing front-end dive when breaking and front-end lift while accelerating, while at the same time allowing for wheels to be more perpendicular to the road surface for better handling. Front stabilizer bars were found in even the base DX trim, while EX models gained a rear stabilizer bar and a thicker front.
In addition to offering more space for passengers, the CB Accord’s interior benefited from an 18% increase in glass area, redesigned front seats for greater comfort, and enhanced fit and finish. One-piece construction was now used for the entire instrument panel for fewer squeaks and rattles, while the layout of controls was improved for better ergonomics.
Incorporating higher-grade plastics and fabrics, a greater amount of soft-touch and padded surfaces, sturdier switchgear and hardware, and a more aesthetically pleasing design, the 4th generation Accord’s carried an overall more premium look and feel than its predecessor and direct competitors, and one that wouldn’t be out of place in an entry-level Lexus, BMW, and you guessed it, Acura.
Initially offered in three tiered trim levels, DX, LX, and EX, all included items such as standard cloth upholstery, integrated rear headrests, adjustable steering column, height-adjustable front seat belts, remote trunk release, fold-down rear seatbacks, and rear seat heat ducts.
LX models added items including power windows and power locks, air conditioning, cruise control, upgraded Moquette upholstery, and body-colored bumpers, while EX models further added enhancements including a power moonroof with sunshade, adjustable driver’s lumbar support, 15-inch alloy wheels, front chin spoiler, and a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust increasing output 5-15 horsepower depending on model year.
The range-topping Accord SE sedan was offered for 1991, adding features such as leather upholstery, 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, and a higher output of 140 horsepower thanks to a revised 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system.
The SE was dropped for 1992, but returned in 1993 on coupes and sedans with additional standard features including dual front airbags, premium Bose sound system, special machine-finished 15-inch alloy wheels, body colored exterior trim, and factory wing spoiler on the coupe.
Sedans and coupes were also joined by an Accord wagon for the first time ever in 1991. Offered only in LX and EX trims, the Accord wagon boasted an impressive 64.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, some 50 cubic feet more than just the trunk capacity of the sedan. Like the Accord coupe, all wagons, even for export to Europe and Japan, were produced in Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant in the U.S, and proudly displayed in badging on the steering wheel and C-pillars.
Neither overly premium or spartan, unlike more recent Accords, the 4th generation never made any defiant sporting or luxury claims. It could be sporty in looks and performance, and it could be luxurious in comfort and amenities, but neither in a pretentious, unrealistic manner. It was a model of well-roundedness, emphasizing comfort, convenience, quality, style, performance, handling, practicality, value, and above all, refinement.
Buyers seemed to appreciate all that went into the 4th generation Accord too, as they bought over 1.5 million 1990-1993 models in the U.S. alone. In fact, the Accord was the best-selling car in America for 1990 and 1991, a title first claimed by the 3rd generation Accord in 1989. Only with the advent of the redesigned Camry and Taurus both in 1992, did the Accord lose this crown and see a significant sales drop by its final 1993 model year. An all-new larger Accord would arrive in 1994, though Japan’s weakening economy dictated some noticeable cost-cutting, making it a somewhat less enthusiastic vehicle.
The 1990-1993 Accord was is perfect example of Honda doing what it did best — building an honest-to-goodness car that was stylish, fun-to-drive, reliable, and available in a wide range of flavors offering something for everyone. It was an appealing car in its own right without any fluff, and that’s what makes the fourth generation Accord so perfect.
Photographed: Post Office Square in Boston’s Financial District – April-June 2015
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Best car I ever owned, by a long shot. 1992 EX, Rosewood. 567,000 miles with hardly a hiccup, and then I moved overseas. Would buy a new one right now. Size was perfect, handling smooth yet sure, enough power and a transmission you could shift with a thought. Interior hadn’t been cheapened yet. Loved that car.
The car that ate Oldsmobile’s lunch. The CB was not positioned as a luxury car, but the quality of materials and assembly made it feel quietly upscale in a way that used to be the meat of Olds and Buick.
JDM and European Accords of this vintage didn’t necessarily have the F22A engine. Base power in Japan was the 1,849cc FA18A, which was still carbureted, as was the cheaper version of the 1,997cc F20A. The FA18A and F20A had the same bore as the 2.2, but a shorter stroke; I think the FA18A also did without balance shafts. There was also a DOHC 2.0-liter version for the 2.0Si, which we didn’t get.
Interestingly, CB Accords outside North America offered ABS from the start and a driver’s side airbag was a standalone option in Japan from launch. It’s too bad it wasn’t on U.S. cars because the early U.S. CB’s motorized belts were one of its few really obnoxious features.
Also of note: You could order a JDM Accord sedan with four-wheel steering! It wasn’t offered on the coupe or wagon, presumably for logistical reasons, but it seems to have been reasonably popular in Japan.
Yes, I was quite critical of Honda at the time for its lax attitude towards safety features. In 1990 and 1991, every Taurus, every Camry, every Plymouth Acclaim, and numerous other competitors had a standard airbag at least for the driver instead of the Accord’s annoying motorized seatbelts. Many competitors also offered anti-lock brakes on all models at least as a stand-alone option, whereas Honda didn’t offer them until 1992 and then only on the top-line EX trim. (some sources including Wikipedia say ABS was a rare special-order option in ’90-’91; I don’t remember this, and did Honda *ever* offer special-order standalone options?)
The Camry didn’t get a driver-side SRS until 1992, the same year as the Accord.
The dilemma for a number of manufacturers in this period with regard to airbags for the U.S. market was that contemporary U.S. regulations expected airbags to be passive restraints rather than supplemental restraints as in Japan, Europe, or the U.S. today. A passive restraint bag is expected to protect passengers who are not belted, and thus must be considerably more powerful to deploy more quickly.
My guess is that a bunch of manufacturers in this period had problems finding suppliers who could provide U.S.-compliant airbags in adequate numbers. (I know this was a problem for Lincoln, which was one of the first U.S. brands to offer dual front airbags and then had problems getting enough of them.) JDM airbags were not compliant, and because the U.S. standard was a requirement for all models, Honda needed someone who could supply 400,000 or so more powerful airbags or else substitute passive belts. So, the delay in this regard I suspect was related to waiting for suppliers to tool up to supply adequate quantities of equipment.
As for ABS, I don’t know. The “rare special-order option” line is wrong, probably resulting from someone confusing North American Honda offerings with the approach in other markets.
American Honda doesn’t do standalone options; big-ticket optional features were either bundled with specific trim or treated as a specific trim level. On the 1991 Prelude, for instance, American buyers could choose a plain Si, Si 4WS, or Si ALB (the latter indicating antilock brakes), whereas the only American Accord with ABS in 1991 was the SE, as Brandon notes.
This was NOT true in Japan, as I said above, where ABS, an airbag, and 4WS were standalone options at launch. I think four-wheel discs and ABS were standard on British and probably European Accords as well.
The JDM 2.0Si of this generation doesn’t seem particularly desirable, as it only had 148 hp and 137 ft-lb. The fifth generation SiR is much more convincing, with 188 hp and 152 ft-lb. That would have been an interesting alternative to the V6 we got, although I would assume an automatic transmission would significantly blunt the experience.
….it´s also one of the most boring cars that ever existed.
Clearly you never drove one, because the driving dynamics were quite good despite the conservative styling.
My sister had an LX with 5-speed, same color as our featured car. It was a hoot to drive, particularly compared to my AMC Concord. Nice low beltline with airy greenhouse, revvy engine with smooth shifting gearbox.
She had it for at least 10 years, it expired when my brother in law performed some maintenance which resulted in the engine losing all it’s oil one day. The body was still in great shape, one of my co-workers bought it and put the engine from his rusty Accord into it and drove that for another 5 years. I think the car had 500k kilometers and the engine about 700k when it was finally done.
I used to sniff at boring Accords when I had my 85 VW GTI. Yes, I had a pocket rocket that was a real drivers car, not some vanilla Japanese Cutlass Supreme. And then one day I noticed a road test which disclosed that the Accord was more powerful and generated some superior performance numbers. Later experience showed the only real difference in performance was the VWs need for frequent repairs. I did a full turnaround in my opinion of the Accord in a fairly short time after actual exposure to one.
I certainly have never driven one. Why would I?
Actually I was not exactly commeting on it´s driving dynamics.
I mean…come on…look at it….its the epitome of dullness.
Go look at its competition in Europe in 1989-1992, and tell me about how exciting looking the Vectra and Ford and Passat was.
Seriously, what’s going on here is a classic case of “Euro-snob” reaction to the Accord. Europeans (car makers and buyers) had read about the huge inroads the Japanese had made in the US, and were deeply scared about the same thing happening in Europe. So a not-so subtle campaign against the Japanese resulted, and I hate to say it, but it’s roughly comparable to xenophobia.
Many Europeans simply indulged in a bias against Japanese cars, even though they were decidedly more reliable than their own cars. Those that tried them loved them, especially for that reason. But many just said “Nein”. And called them boring, without any direct experience of them.
I’m all too familiar with this phenomena. Europeans think Americans were nuts to buy so many Japanese cars, and love them so, at the expense of their own industry. It shows a fundamental difference in thinking between the two continents.
Dude, are you high?
Dude, I’m permanently high.
Meanwhile, you haven’t answered my question. Just how exciting were the Vectra, Sierra and Passat in 1990?
What have Vectras and Sierras got to do with it?
Do you have your drivers licence?
Smart
Boring? Really? Perhaps if you’re bored by absolute perfection in design and engineering. There are tens of thousands of these still cruising the highways with hundreds and hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock. Overbuilt and over-engineered, Detroit threw up its hands when it tried to compete with it. I try to avoid superlatives, but this could perhaps be the best car ever built.
What have Vectras and Sierras got to do with it?
“Absolute perfection in design” ? Lol…please….stop it !
Mind you….when perfect generic boredom was the goal, you might have a point there…
Ahhh, if it lost all of its oil, it probably lost the balance shaft seal which was a common issue. It happened to my neighbor’s Accord of that era (ending its life), leaving an oil trail into our cul-de-sac.
Monzaman, I think that’s the rather dull image of Honda in Europe that’s colouring your perception. It seems as though the Japanese brands invariably obtained a reputation for being old people’s cars. It’s something Honda’s suffered a bit from here in Australia too, at least with subsequent generations of Accord.
Set that aside though and this Accord was very much the equal of a Passat or Vectra, although Honda wasn’t yet focussing on the European market (I believe the following generation saw the Accord name move to the sportier Ascot Innova in Europe) and so an Accord wasn’t going to have the wide variety of powertrain options and trim levels of its Euro competition.
Actually I think they used to have a rather good image regarding their racing heritage. They were also perceived as very capable motor engineers.
The first generation Accord was a big succes over here.
But today I would not be able to indentiy any current Honda even if it hit me right in the face.
Halfway through our test of the Touring 2.0T, I took a weekend off with a $62,000 European-brand long-wheelbase sedan that did absolutely nothing better than the Accord and did several things much worse…..The days of the Accord’s supremacy over all enemies both foreign and domestic, however, are far from over. At $35,800, the Touring 2.0T represents something of a bargain for entry-luxury intenders who can steel themselves to deal with the sidewalk drama and high-pressure sales tactics of their local Honda dealers. No car has been as consistently good as the Accord over the past four decades, and for drivers who do not absolutely require the Sturm und Drang of the old V-6 this is the best Accord, and the best family sedan, ever built.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/a13818067/2018-honda-accord-review/
I find it difficult for me to tell whether I have just seen a brand new Accord or a brand new Civic, looking at them from the front.
Having said that, it is unfortunate that nearly all car makers style all there cars, in their various sizes, to look alike. AND, currently cars in general look so much alike they are in danger of looking like the auto equivalent of white Kleenex.
But today I would not be able to indentiy any current Honda even if it hit me right in the face.
But we’re not talking about a current Honda, are we? We’re talking about one from 1990. That’s quite a difference.
So maybe you’re projecting your feelings on current Hondas on this one?
nope….I was just saying that once upon a time Honda was distinctive.
Honda has a dull, “pensioners’ car” image specifically in the UK, because Honda’s never really had to do fleet deals, and British company-car culture is large and powerful enough to warp reality, or at least the perception of some brands and existence of others (Vauxhall, for instance, because fleet managers in the early ’80s wanted a “British” car, not a “German” Opel).
I used to think that ay too, but 25 years have made a pretty big difference in how I see cars like the subject Accord. Compared to today’s cars, I really appreciate its clean design, airy greenhouse, and simple lines.
Ever driven one? Anything but. It’s Clark Kent until you push it, then becomes an F1 car.
I’m in the UK and I once owned one of these, and it is without doubt the finest car I’ve ever owned. I did about 200,000 miles in it and apart from the usual servicing/ tyres/ brake pads the only repairs it had were a new rear exhaust box and a front coil spring.
I would buy another in an instant if they were still available.
For overall qualities, I’d give the nod of peak Accord to the 1998-2002 generation.
But for style, the 1986-1989 models win – not least for the sadly non-US Aerodeck.
Interestingly, the Aerodeck name continued into the next two generations on the wagon in most markets outside America. As for its’ ’86-89 version I think the Civic wore the style better and the Accord version should’ve been a 5-door.
While I do appreciate all Accords, as the post states there is so much difference between generational models it becomes difficult to qualify any one as exceptional.
Since I currently own a 2000 EX V6 too my feeling is it makes for a far better long distance cruiser than my 93SE. It’s so much more refined and smoother on the highway.
But I’ve also driven several with a few suspension mods that easily change it into a more performance oriented car especially in coupe versions such as yours…
Perhaps that it is the Accord’s allure that they are so good from the get go or with a little work they can become so much more.
Heh – I wish that coupe were mine. Make it a V6 and 6-speed manual!
I agree with you here. I had a ’98 LX sedan with the automatic. Emerald Green (almost black in certain light) with the tan interior. I was able to compare it well to the previous two generations because grandma’s neighbor had a ’91 EX and my best friend’s boyfriend had a 1996 LX. The ’91 was very upscale, for the time, but they were kinda small and kinda loud. The ’96 I thought was cheap in comparison. The headliner was vinyl if I recall. My ’98 was very plush by comparison. The HVAC was all push button, and the fan speed wasn’t set, but rather a rheostat. Still double whisbone suspension. Rear seat legroom was 38 inches. And I never calculated less than 29 mpg on a tank of gas (best I got was 36 on a highway trip to Janesville WI). Peak Accord to me.
Easily a tie with the seventh generation (2003-2007) for second favorite generation. The coupes of this generation were by far the most daring of all Accord coupes. While obviously not near as prestigious, the 1998-2002 Accord coupe definitely was a spiritual successor to the Legend coupe along with the Acura CL.
These cars are so boring I almost fell asleep reading this article.
You haven’t driven one of these with a 5-speed on a twisty road, have you?
Of course not. It’s an expression of ignorance of the subject, when someone makes this kind of boring comment.
Even with the automatic and out on the interstate, it’s surprisingly fun to drive. Color me a convert.
Seems you dislike any comments that differ from your point of view
To just say “this car is boring” says nothing. Unless you can explain why, and offer examples or some context, your comment is just a cheap shot.
It’s not a matter of disagreeing with my or your point of view. There’s lots of cars I don’t like, or haven’t liked. But I make a point to say why that’s so. Have you seen my GM Deadly Sins? Never once do I say “this car is boring”. Because that says nothing.
Say something interesting about this Accord, and you’ll have my attention.
@ Paul
Much agreed. Just saying “its boring” is ignorant and non-constructive. It’s merely complaining. No one has to like something, but if you hate it at least have a passionate reason.
I have and they are ok certainly not great in the world of FWD handling.
+1
An extremely well executed automobile. A great deal of thought had to go into both the interior and exterior design and the interior materials were well chosen at each trim level top to bottom.
I have to say, i have had many cars. i had this very same year accord and it was an amazing car. it made me feel like i was driving a sports car while having the ability to haul my family. i thouroly enjoyed ownership and driving this car. i’m tossed between this and the 1991 civic i had as to which is the best honda.
When these came out they caught flak for being so conservative, especially following the much more adventurous 1986-89 cars. It was also not commonly understood just how much “new” was under the restrained restyling.
I knew quite well at least 3 people who owned one of these and each of the cars was as good as advertised. One of them was over 200K miles and operated just as nicely as ever.
As much as I love the prior series (I married an 88 Accord) I have to acknowledge that this version was the better car, if for no other reason that this was the first Accord that made real progress against severe body rust.
I had a Seattle Silver ’90 LX with maroon interior and a ’92 Bordeaux Red LX with gray cloth. These cars had the NICEST carpet and floor mats of any cars I have owned in my life. The mats were almost indestructible. When I look at the thin, flimsy carpeted “felt” mats in my wife’s ’16 CRV it makes me sad. The mats in both old Accords showed almost no wear after 100k + miles, the mats in the CRV are worn through at 24000 miles.
Makes you wonder what else Honda cheaped-out on.
These were never huge sellers here as they were quite a bit pricier than the Camry et all. But I’m still amazed how with relative frequency I’ll see a mint condition, fully-loaded model – always in white – driven by a young person. Passed down from older first owners?
Always wanted to drive these. I very much respect them and I recall even the notoriously critical British magazines gave them a pretty warm reception.
I have fond memories of this body style Accord. When I was in high school (2001-2003) one of my best friends drove a cashmere silver metallic (I always thought it looked more gold) 1993 Accord SE. It had the tan leather interior, sunroof and Bose cassette deck stereo. I lent him my Sony Discman so we could listen to CDs via a cassette adapter ? Those were the days!
He put some sort of Armor All leather treatment on the seats one time and it made the seats so slick you would slide all over, even with seat belts, which prompted him to drive fast on a curvy road.
Sadly it met its demise just a few weeks before we graduated in 2003. My Beetle was in the paint shop and he’d dropped me off after school and just a few minutes later a Toyota pickup pulled out in front of him. He was fine but that was the end of his Accord.
Seeing one always gives me a wistful smile……
We had a met. green with Ivory cloth 5 spd 93 4dr LX. It was the best Honda I’d had til then. Very good cruising, good mpg, comfy n surprisingly good on twisty mountain roads sown south.
The styling has remained very appealing, to this retired Industrial Designers’ old ryrs. Far “cleaner” than my ’18 Accord Sport. DFO
I had a ’91 EX 5M exactly like that one, Seattle Silver with burgundy interior. I’d probably still have it if it didn’t get wrecked in 2003.
As usual, I am going to be a bit of a contrarian. In 1989 I went looking for a new car, trying to stick with the “Big 3”. Unfortunately, my J2000 was an utter pile, Dodge and Plymouth dealers looked to be 1 paycheck away from bankruptcy, and I discovered after trying to test drive an Escort GT that I did not fit behind the wheel unless the adjustment stalk for the steering wheel/steering column was removed.
So, the friend who was acting as my chauffeur took us to the Honda dealership. I really liked the 89 Accord 2 door, and will forever kick myself for not buying the one that I drove, but I bought a Civic instead.
Having not bought a 3rd generation Accord, I always felt that the 4th generation was a conservative, almost timeless design…but I prefer the 5th generation, instead. To me, the advantage and disadvantage of the 5th generation is that it is more modern than the 4th, and consequently is not quite as timeless. I’ll even admit the 4th has a nicer/better designed and built interior. But the 5th? To me is like that old, worn shoe that is still always comfortable to put on.
When these cars were new, they were EVERYWHERE. We owned a Dark Mulberry EX 5 spd for about 2 years, in-laws had a Light Green (Teal?) ’93. It’s amazing how small these cars are compared to current Hondas. The styling has sure worn well over the years, unlike the model that came after this one.
I have a personal theory as to why this series was the peak. Sochiro Honda passed away in 1991 making this the last generation of Honda designed under his shadow (if not direct influence). You will recall that Mclaren Honda ruled Formula One racing in 1991 after long participation since the 60’s, and it’s worth noting that Mr. Honda had all of his senior engineers pass through the Formula One program. 1990 also marked the introduction of the NSX. Honda of that era was (to some degree like the Mercedes of lore) and an engineering company who made cars.
With the death of Mr. Honda, the company’s emphasis changed. The new CEO wanted Honda to be both a ‘green company’ and to pursue the volume race against Toyota. Until Mr. Honda’s influence ceased he could not make those changes. Of course the soaring value of the Yen played a factor, but much less than for Toyota – recall that the Accord had been U.S. built since 1982. However racing was out at Honda and the push was to reduce costs…by cutting design expenses.
I admit to having a dog in this fight. As I’ve often mentioned here, I owned a string of four Integras, an 86, an 88, a 93, and a 97. I loved the first three and was appalled by the 97’s rampant and apparent cost cutting.
So, anyhow, yeah 1991 for Peak Accord
The funny thing is that in Japan, the CB Accord was seen as an overly conservative disappointment, compounded by the embarrassingly stodgy marketing campaign for its JDM twin, the Ascot, and poor reception for the five-cylinder Vigor and Accord Inspire. If you asked a Japanese observer when Honda started getting too hidebound and risk-adverse, they might very well point to this car.
Diddn’t the 5th generation Accord move up into the next tax bracket at home as a result?
There was a big uptick in sales of 2.2 versions, at any rate.
A most excellent sermon to me, sitting up here in the choir. Always thought this was peak Accord. Deceptively quick and nimble, and every detail so refined.
And yes, there’s a good number still in front line duty here. They last, and last…
Yes they do, Paul.
My oldest son drives a ’93 SE with just over 200k on the odometer. It’s a ball to drive; quite engaging. Excellent handling, acceleration and stopping. We maintain it as best we can; the suspension and brakes were redone in the last two years and it got a new timing belt when the water pump was replaced.
It has its quirks but they can be lived with. It is, after all, 25 years old and still being used as daily transportation here in the rust belt. Depending on finances, he hopes to replace it either this year or next.
But anyone who would call this one boring, respectfully, has not driven one.
Indeed they do last. Dad bought a new ’91 EX (equivalent to the US LX), much like the car shown here. He was 71 at the time, and declared it would probably be his last car.
It was. He drove it far longer longer (21 years) than any car he’d ever owned, so when he “sold” it to his granddaughter for $1, it was also the oldest car he’d ever owned, with more kms on it (over 200,000) than any before.
My niece put new tires on it, and drove it a couple more years until it was rear-ended, which finished it off. To the end it was reliable, smooth, and more fun to fling through a corner than any family sedan had a right to be.
Perhaps I’m a little biased being the original owner of this 93SE but there is something inherently satisfying about these cars. I’ll be the first to admit they aren’t great at any one thing but they given how well they exceed most people’s expectations make them an excellent value.
I understand how many may snub these cars and dismiss them but unless you’ve owned one and experienced its potential for combining performance, ride comfort, reliability and advanced features your really cheating yourself.
To be completely honest my first Accord was an ’89 SE-i which I will always have a fondness for. IMO it was more stylish than the CB7 but it also had more mechanical complexity and issues as well. I never expected to keep our 93 as long as I have it just sort of happened but never the less after almost 25 years it’s still with us.
Here’s a link to mine on CB7tuner.com if you like to see more pics:
http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=209970
Man! That is exactly what the owned by my friend in high school looked like!
Very beautiful!!!
My cousin had a 1990 Accord LX that she then traded in for a 1993 Accord SE in cashmere silver metallic, just like yours.
I was only in high school, but was lucky enough to be trusted to get to borrow her cars for short trips to the store, and I remember how much better the newer car drove.
The black dashboard with the additional airbag that helped it flow perfectly with the low hood line of the car, the supple leather seats, the more powerful silky-smooth engine, the stiffer power steering, the considerably louder Bose stereo and of course a new car scent that I vividly remember tickled my senses.
I became a huge fan of the 93 Accord SE and could spot them instantly on the freeway, either gold or dark green. I also remember being disappointed the following year when the redesigned ’94 Accord rolled out.
Some of those who did not experience Accords of that vintage say they looked boring. However, I remember that wasn’t the case at all. Back then, Honda still offered the Prelude, the Del Sol, and some of the most legendary Civics (remember the 2Fast 2Furious initial scene?), not to mention the NSX and Legend coupes with manual transmissions. So a new, top-of-the-line Accord was definitely an admirable vehicle that impressed many a folk.
A few years after high school I bought a nice condition, used 93 SE coupe (sadly didn’t have dual airbags) and drove it over 200,000 miles before trading it in for a new 4×4 truck.
But I’ll always fondly remember the 93 Accord SE. At some point I released a picture that I took of my car and had to release to the public domain in order to post it on Wikipedia, it has since spread all over the web: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1993_Honda_Accord_SE_coupe_02.jpg
In one of my Google searches I found your Accord a few years ago, it’s perhaps the last survivor in such pristine shape. And I have always wanted to say, good job! I admire the love that you clearly you have for your car and I hope you keep it in pristine shape for many more years.
Here’s one of my drawings of a 1993 Accord SE that I made on Adobe Illustrator. Hit me up if you’d like the file in vectors, which you can have printed out in any size without it losing any details.
My personal portfolio of car drawings and contact info can be found here:
https://sergiovo.myportfolio.com/automobillustrations
I remember when a friend’s parents got one of these. They were gushing about how great it was. But when I rode in it I was not impressed at all. I found it to be cramped, rather harsh riding, loud, and I thought the interior looked cheap and dull.
But that’s somebody who was coming from large traditional domestics. I can see the appeal better now in hindsight. We’ll probably never see that kind of elegantly simple competence again.
Very nice write up. My father-in-law had an LX in that reddish silver color with the maroon interior. It was his last car having kept it for 13 years until he passed away suddenly. I never drove it but I rode in it many times. He had two Buick Electra’s, a 1977 and a 1984, before he bought his Accord. As great as the 1977 Electra was the 1984 was an awful car. Parts falling off and numerous mechanical problems. The last straw for him was when it did not start on Christmas Eve 1989. On the 26th, he and my mother-in-law were at the Honda Dealer buying his 1990 Accord and a 1989 Accord Hatchback LX-i for my mother-in-law.
I would agree that was peak Honda quality. I had a 2004 Accord EX which I loved and found it to be a great car and while it had a nice interior, my father-in-law’s had a certain feel to it. Kept it for 8 years and 200,000 miles until I sold it to a friend so I could buy a 2013 Accord Touring V6. I like it but the carpet is cheap compared to my 2004 Accord and they took out the light in the glove box, the back shelf is plastic, and the floor mats wore out in 20,000 miles. I looked at the 2018 Accord Touring and while it seems to be nice, the carpet still feels cheap.
This vintage hit all the right buttons for me…. particularly the wagon.
I really like the coupe from this generation – sporty looking, but tall enough roofline to make the rear seat a nice place to be. The armrest was nicely shaped and had a closeable compartment and handgrip at the end, and the window could be opened – typical of the attention to detail. It just exuded quality and refinement – this at a time when GM was still selling Grand Ams and Cieras with an Iron Duke underhood.
I don’t have a lot of wheel time in ’90-’93 Accords, but enough to lament that the magic had long dissipated by the time my ’07 was built; it is an adequate transport module, but it is utterly dull and unengaging—dangerously so on long drives.
Like you not a lot of wheel time behind an Accord even though my mother had a 92. More wheel time behind Civics between 1980-90. Today a Civic is a little bit smaller that the 92 Accord. I have driven a 2017 Civic in automatic form vs. manual form in years past. The new Civic is more isolated inside with poorer visibility and twitchy handling. I would honestly take my 1980 Civic wagon over the 2017 Civic. If I wanted to feel as though I was wrapped in a cocoon then I’d drive a Buick, Lincoln or Cadillac. Instead I want to feel as though I am part of the car as it barrels around curves where fun is to be found.
My favorite generation of Accord by miles – it just has a classy look about it and is sized just right; not too big, not too small. There are still a few of them around here in relatively good shape because the ones that didn’t go into the taxi fleet tended to belong to business execs who looked after them well.
Peak Accord in my book as well. When someone says “Honda Accord” this is the image that pops into my head. It isn’t my type, but I appreciate the crisp styling and the classic 80s-early 90s Honda dash that was in my dad’s ’84 Civic and mom’s ’91 Civic DX. This is what people meant when they said they preferred Japanese cars. It’s an appliance, but it feels like a premium appliance, the Japanese concept of a premium appliance, like a Nikon F camera, or a good Panasonic portable tape recorder from the back then.
Wow, lately a lot of service unavailable screens and with the edit feature missing right after a post at two locations 15 miles apart using different providers.
I’ve been getting that too. I was wondering if it might have something to do with the web filter at work, but since it’s happening to other people it must be a problem with the site.
These Accords are still pretty common on the road in northern California, aka the land that rust forgot. So much so that it’s hard for me to think of them as Curbside Classics until I actually think about it and realize the newest ones are turning 25 this year.
I’ve never actually driven an Accord of any generation, but when I was younger I had many opportunities to drive my dad’s 1990 Legend. That too was a fun car to drive on a twisty road. I’d always attributed that to it being a more premium car and assumed the Accord wouldn’t be as fun, but I’m beginning to realize that was just a general quality of Honda products of the era.
There are a few generations of Accord that I find unappealing, but this is not one of them.
Kudos for a good write-up.
The Accord was never in my radar, until they came out with the wagon. I never was in one but I’m surprised that the wagon didn’t fare better.
This generation Accord is still quite common here, thousands arrived ex JDM as used cars and many survive most have had a wheel tyre upgrade to rid them of the JDM handling dynamics, many have had the full rice treatment, and there are still a few that are almost stock and just get driven about by people who like them, a lot only have a 1.8 engine and are a bit underpowered but that doesnt matter for just running around town.
As I recall the following generation was actually slightly smaller than this one.
This 4th generation of Honda Accord is indeed one of the best Honda products. In 1990s Honda was in its projectary to be a full scale car maker, some even said it could be the world best car maker, replaced Mercedes-Benz. This generation retented the jewel quality of its product traditions, it was mordern and yet conservative. Strangely it stricked on its double wishbone suspension, instead of the multi linke rear sususpensions pioneered by Mercedes-Benz. It lacked v6 engine limiting its upscale appeal, both Camry and Tuarus had larger dimension with V6 as opition. One more short coming, it did not offer slipt fold down rear seat!, this deficiency remains until 2018 Accord. Sadlly after this Accord, Honda choose to be a mainstream car MFG, and never really could offer a vehicle that could won the heart of American deeply. In my opinion, Subaru is now in the same position of Honda in 1990s, offering a simple range of attractive vehicles Americans like, the sale numbers are in steady increase in the last 15 years without eroding its appearl.
The rear seat most definitely folded down. Perhaps it was the whole seat, as opposed to being split?
Having owned 2 of this generation, I’d have to agree.
The first one was a ’90 coupe that was given to me by my stepdaughter. Her grandparents bought it new, her dad drove it for awhile, and gave it to her when her car died. She gave it to me when it was time for her to replace it.
The second one was a ’91 sedan. It had rust issues in a weird place (the top of the passenger front fender) but ran really well.
Both vehicles had automatics. I had to replace the trans module in the coupe (the big flat thing under the passenger side carpet).
And both of them required replacing the big rectangular fuse thingie under the dash that prevented them from starting.
Great write-up, Brendan. I love how you used the word ‘Vigor’ in that third paragraph. I am quite sure that wasn’t by accident!
A coworker of mine has an Accord of this generation, and says it’s the most reliable car she’s ever owned. It’s clear coat is peeling and it’s developing a patina, it while it doesn’t look like much, it gets her to work day in and day out, with a 30+ mile commute one way.
She has well over 360,000 miles on the clock (last time I asked her was last fall), and this car just keeps going like the Energizer Bunny. Of course, her husband is a mechanic with his own business, so that’s cheating. ?
My Dad bought a well equipped 2017 (previous gen) Accord EX-L last year. He loves it. He says it reminds him of his most favorite car that he ever owned, an Accura RL from like around 2004. He traded in his 2014 Mustang on it after one drive in my 2016 Civic EX-T Coupe. Driving dynamics was one of the things he liked about the Honda cars. He also has an RDX, and prior to that he had an Acura MDX as his SUV of choice.
He and I are both Honda converts. (I still have my ‘stang, though. ?)
I’m sure they are great cars technically but God they seem so dull and uninspiring.
Compare a ’91 Accord to a ’91 Lumina, or a ’91 Taurus, or a ’91 Aries. Or a ’91 Passat. The closest thing in looks at the time was a BMW 3-Series… and as renowned as the E30 is, it was just a boring little box stylistically. I’d actually argue the Accord was better looking.
I have an E30, and I agree that the Accord was better looking. I would gladly trade my E30 Vert for a similar condition Accord Ex, such is my love for this model of car!
The more you look at these, the more games you find they changed. For example: these were first to have window-clear headlamp lenses with all the optics in the complex-shape reflectors. If you’re interested to read of the engineering feats that went into achieving that, the paper about the ’90 Accord headlamps is here, and the precedent 1973 paper wherein GM’s Guide Light division introduced the concept is here.
My second car was a ‘90 EX sedan in silver with maroon velour. 5speed transmission and just LOVELY. Does anyone remember how you had to pull open the interior door handle before you hit the power lock button to lock the drivers door? The tape deck also had a repeat function, it would rewind to the beginning of the song currently playing when pressed. I have fond memories of playing Kajagoogoo “Hang On Now” on repeat in that car. I still miss it.
Hmm. These Accords are certainly a good cars, and an excellent transportation method you could recommend to anyone. High build quality, superb motors, ok automatics. But I think the dynamic qualities of this Gen are being a bit over-lauded here, because even though they do indeed hang on, they have a serious demerit in the overboosted steering (for me, that kills it), a slightly underdamped ride that seems to run out of travel easily, and not quite right seats. Push a 1992 Peugeot 405 along the same road and you’ll discover what properly tuned ride, seats, balance and steering feels like, and it is quite superior. (Yes, I know which lasts better). For clarity, I have driven both these models, on almost the same roads.
I also think the styling is dull and derivative. A bit of Camry, a bit of BMW 3 series, a bit of Anonymous Car; Honda has done better.
I agree there’s a touch of Euro-snobbism about Euro attitudes to Accords. After all, it sold (and sells) in huge numbers in the US market with it’s conservative tastes, and which is one tough bastard of a market in which to have repeated success. That market has zero tolerance for a bad product.
But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t bland or boring to look at, and it doesn’t mean it was a fully-rounded excellent driver.
Mr Niedermeyer- $5.00 says MonzamanGermany is a bot.
Competent, inoffensive, uninspiring.
I would translate that as follows: “Does everything it was designed to do, carefully engineered to inconvenience a minimum number of people, styled to still be appreciated decades later, and built well enough to make that a realistic possibility.”
As if to prove that lemons walk amongst us in all shapes, sizes, models and brands, an LX wagon of this vintage was the car so unreliable that my parents swore off Honda for life.
But as a 9-year-old kid who didn’t have to sweat the costs, I really did love this car. I remember how smooth everything inside was, and how every control or button clicked and snapped just right. Every switch on the Plymouth Voyager that replaced it felt like poking a candy bar.
These along with the 5th gen remain my favorite generations of Accord with ease. I recall the 4th gen having that jerky 1st to 2nd gear transition along with that unique transmission whine sound that occurred right before the shift into 2nd an afterwards.
“This video is unavailable”. What was it?
Just bought our first Accord, a leftover new beige 2017. An Accord for the price of a Civic. It is boring to look at and to sit in, but it operates with extreme precision, and the feedback on all the controls is just perfect. The engine room is so tidy. The pride of engineering and workmanship just comes at you from every part of the car and in how it operates. I am sure this is not a new thing for these cars. I have been a Ford guy lately, but it is going to be tough to go back.
Had a ’91 LX for a year, which then passed to Dad who drove it for 7 more years, and it still ran fine after it was totaled in an accident. Not bad at all for a car that was 10 years old with 155k on the clock when I bought it. I also have quite a bit of seat time, both as a passenger and as a driver, in a ’93 EX that a friend owned from ’99 to ’09. Everything on these cars was just so thoughtfully designed, with a shape that still looks fresh In its simplicity and a driving experience that is far beyond what most would think a 1991 mid-size family sedan was capable of. Honda got it really, really right here, in a way they have arguably not done since.
The 91 Civic’s and the 93 Accord are the last Honda’s I care about. After those years their styling began to look like everyone elses and unlike the earlier ones, I could no longer pick em out from a distance.
I just bought a ’93 EX 5-speed in Arcadia Green (to me green is/should be the ‘always’ color which the ‘r’ color – barf – is for some reason). It is immaculate, has had only two owners, was never abused (225k on the original clutch), and has had exemplary care. I test drove it two weeks ago, and have yet to see it in my driveway, as I can’t get/find anyone to go with me to get it ’til this weekend. I’m about to blow a gasket!!
First ever car with the clear lens + faceted reflector combo headlight that is now on most cars today.
Had a ’92 LX, 5 sp, 4 door, dark blue with gray cloth. On of the best cars I’ve ever owned, and one of the best values. Bought it when I was commuting daily from Greenwood Village (Denver) to IBM Boulder (Niwot) Colorado (45 miles each way).
While garaged, warmed up quickly in cold (single digits mornings, excellent mileage 38 +/-!
Dave
I’m driving a ’92 LX with under 150K on the clock. Like Dave above says: “One of the best cars I’ve ever owned.”
Mine suffers a bit from sitting (since it’s officially our “second car”), but it fires up and goes when I need it to.
Whenever I feel the urge to upgrade to something from this millennium, I stop and realize it would probably feel cheap by comparison. At least in that price-range.
Great car: maybe the G.O.A.T.
The ’92 Camry was better, IMO. In 1992 I drove the Accord and Camry back to back and chose the Toyota. The Honda was noticeably noisier, looked stodgier than the curvy Camry, and also it felt a tad bit smaller in interior space, not a lot and maybe it was just perception, but it was noticeable.
I think the 92 Camry was clearly better as well, but it was really a generation newer than this Accord, which ran from 1989 to 1993 and competed with half-gen older V20 generation Camry for the majority of its run. Toyota and Honda seemed to be leapfrogging each other mid-cycle at this time, and the 92-96 Camry competed more directly with the next 93-97 Accord.
The Camry was still better.
It became murkier after that and now they’ve converged into very similar-feeling cars. Back then they were distinctly different behind the wheel.
Coming to this late, I would like to note one further point regards that model’s image in Europe, one which applies to other Japanese cars of the era too:
My view is that, at the time, the Japanese more or less had one suspension calibration which sold everywhere. A person who previously had a GM J-Body or a Chrysler FWD in the US would have conceived the Accord to be sporty and taut. Here in Europe, not so much. It was OK but no more. So it sold on being reliable and you can guess which buyer emphasised this most. Same applied to Toyota until recently. Mazda was possibly the only Japanese maker who understood Europeans expect their cars to be more involved handling-wise and it paid off. My 9 years old 3 is now coming to the point where I will have to change the lower front suspension arm bushings but it still goes round corners as well as any VW Golf. I am not sure Honda at the time (other than on some very special sporty Civic models) got the brief and eventually the Accord was dropped from the charts – it just did not sell. Whether the current, conservatively-styled Civic (really size-wise the equivalent of the 1992 Accord) would be able to generate sales I do not know, but my understanding is that it’s at least as good handling-wise as the equivalent Europeans…
I had a ’91 EX sedan in that exact same color, the only difference is the rear taillights extended all the way to the license plate area. It was a great car, unfortunately totaled in 2003 (not my fault!) otherwise I might still be driving it. The three cars I’ve owned after it may have been better in all sorts of different ways, but weren’t as overall “good”.
Airbags were only offered on this generation on the ’93 wagon before going universal on the updated ’94 models.
BTW, that pic of the red interior is of a JDM “import” (from Ohio). Yes, they sold LHD (somewhat) U.S spec Accords in Japan back then. You can tell from the steering wheel badge. That badge is the “Honda of America” eagle. The were affixed to the C pillar as well.
I don’t trust just about any 90’s Accord, and most years from 2000-2014
I also drive a 92 LX 5-speed with 175K miles. Just recently it quiety died as I approached a stop sign. It was a crank no start.
My heart sank as I thought it was the timing belt and probably I bent valves. Luckily for me, it was just a bad coil. $18 later, I’m back on the road. FYI, it still has the original alternator, power steering pump, rack & pinion, starter and fuel pump! Knock on 🪵 wood!