Honda Accord Generations: Through The Years

We look at how the Honda Accord changed from a simple compact sedan to a mid-sized powerhouse in our overview of Honda Accord generations.

Looking Back Through Honda Accord Generations

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The Honda Accord has been in the states since 1977, and it’s easy to forget how this car has changed the automotive industry. Because of the Accord, people grew to expect more from their vehicles. Honda was the first to introduce items like standard automatic maintenance reminders and efficiently safe transportation that’s fun to drive. Even today, people consider it the standard to which other sedans are compared to. Let’s look at some Honda Accord generations and how it continues to be the standard to beat.

First Generation Honda Accord (1976-1981)

The US base price of the first Accord was $3,995.
The first-gen Honda Accord was initially sold as a 3-door hatchback.
A 1.6L 4-cylinder engine powered the Accord and produced around 68 hp.
Its 0-60 time was 13.8 seconds.
In 1979, Honda added a 4-door sedan option.
Included innovative service reminders and warnings for open doors and blown light bulbs.
The Accord spruced up with a luxury SE trim .
In 1980, Honda replace the 1.6L Accord engine with a 1.8L and added a three-speed automatic.
Honda added an SE model in 1980 that included leather seating and power locks and windows.

Second Generation Honda Accord (1982-1985)

US production of a sportier, more refined, and more efficient version of the Accord began in 1982.
Honda dramatically updated its frontal design, with Prelude styled rectangular headlamps, grille, and centered Honda emblem.
The 3-speed automatic was replaced by a new 4-speed transmission.
A 1.8L 4-cylinder engine put out a not so powerful 86 horsepower.
Honda introduced a 101hp version of the 1.8L in the 1985 Accord SE-i.

Third Generation Honda Accord (1986-1989)

Honda updated the Accord with a new aerodynamic design featuring pop-up headlights and a redesigned grille.
As the Accord grew in size it also added 200 lbs of weight.
Honda compensated for the weight with a 100 horsepower 2.0L engine.
The 1986 Accord base price was $8,429.
In 1986, the Accord Coupe was introduced and built-in Marysville, Ohio, was the first Japanese car made in the US and exported back to Japan.

Fourth Generation Honda Accord (1990-1993)

The Accord grew 5-inches longer than its previous generation and became a mid-sized car.
The Accord beat the Ford Taurus in sales and was the best-selling car in American between 1990 & 1992.
Honda introduced a Honda Accord wagon in 1991.
Fuel injection became standard across the lineup.
In 1992, Honda said a driver’s side airbag, eliminating the need for automatic seatbelts.

Fifth Generation Honda Accord (1994-1997)

The base 2.2L Accord engine now produced 130 to 145hp.
Honda added softer rounded styling cues to help it compete with the Toyota Camry.
Dual front airbags were standard on every trim.
In 1995, the first 2.7L V6 was introduced and produced 170hp.

Sixth Generation Honda Accord (1998-2002)

The Accord wagon was replaced by the new Honda CR-V.
Engine options were a 150hp 2.3L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.0L V6 producing around 200hp.
Notable features included feature like remote keyless entry, traction control antilock brakes and a six-disc CD changer.

Seventh Generation Honda Accord (2003-2007)

The 7th Generation Accord grew even larger.
Engine options were a 169hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or a 240hp 3.0L V6.
Transmission options grew to include a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, or 6-speed manual.
Honda debuted an Accord hybrid in 2005 that unsuccessfully competed with the more economical Prius.

Eighth Generation Honda Accord (2008-2012)

The redesigned Accord grew by four inches in length and three in width. The EPA reclassified it as a full-size car.
Honda offered a 2.4L engine producing 177 or 190hp, depending on the trim, and a powerful 268hp 3.5L V-6.
The Accord Coupe had a V6 engine with an optional manual transmission.
Honda began to have the image of being an older adult’s car.
In 2010, the station wagon/SUV Accord Crosstour was introduced.
The Crosstour was discontinued in 2015.

Ninth Generation Honda Accord (2013-2016)

Honda introduced a lighter and smaller 9th Generation Accord.
The Honda Accord was once again classified as a mid-sized car.
The Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid introduced in 2014 was soon discontinued in 2015.
The Accords 2.4L direct-injected four had 185hp, and the 3.5L gained up to 278hp.
In 2016, the Accord was refreshed with a front grill and rear design.
The 2016 North American Car of the Year Award was awarded to the Honda Accord.
The Accord comes standard with automatic climate control, a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth, 8-inch display screen, and more.
Optional features available include Honda Sensing safety features, memory driver’s seat, rain-sensing wipers, automatic bright/dimming headlamps, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.

Tenth Generation Honda Accord (2017-Present)

The 10th Generation Honda Accord was introduced in 2017 and sold in the US in 2018.
It is now exclusively a 4-door sedan.
Includes front and rear parking sensors and acoustic glass.
All Accord models are now equipped with standard Honda Sensing (adding traffic sign recognition).

The base 1.5L VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine with available active grille shutters produces 192hp and 192 lb-ft of torque.
The optional 2.0L VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine based on the Civic Type R produces 252hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
A CVT transmission fits the 1.5L engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission fit the 2.0L.
The front subframe, front control arms, hood, front and rear bumpers are constructed of aluminum.
The 10th Generation Honda Accord has 57% of the body made from high strength steel and is 42 lbs lighter with improved structural rigidity.