It may be hard to believe, but Honda's venerable Accord will be entering its 32nd year of production in 2008. From its debut in 1976, the Accord has risen from an unknown undercard to heavyweight champ during its run in America.
With the first official 2008 Honda Accord test drive stories dropping this week, we've taken a quick look back at the history of a car that has helped propel Honda to major player status on the U.S. automotive scene.
First Generation (1976-1981)
1976 Honda Accord Hatchback
Initially available exclusively as a three-door hatchback, the first iteration of the Accord had a 1.6-liter, 68 horsepower CVCC four-cylinder engine and cost $3,995. With an aluminum cylinder head, five-speed transmission, and a host of standard features that included an AM/FM stereo, remote rear hatch release and rear window wiper/defroster, the Accord offered tremendous value and an entirely modern package. By 1979, a four-door sedan version was offered with a more powerful 1.8-liter engine and power steering. By 1980, 185,972 first generation Accords had been sold.
What We Said:
September 1976
"Overall the Accord is a sure winner. The package is practical, it goes and stops well, handles and rides superbly, should be reliable, and gets great gas mileage."
Second Generation (1982-1985)
1982 Honda Accord Sedan
The 1982 model year Accord was all-new, with a redesigned, larger body and an optional four-speed automatic transmission became available in 1983. The following year, engine size increased again from 1751cc to 1830cc, resulting in a power bump to 86 horsepower. The addition of fuel injection in 1985 on the SEi model brought another power increase, up to a full 101 horses. Meanwhile, fuel consumption was better than ever, registering 29/40 in city/highway driving, respectively.
What We Said:
January 1982
"The interior volume seems almost out of proportion to the car's exterior; you emerge slightly amazed that so much room has been surrounded by so little exterior."
Third Generation (1986-1989)
1986 Honda Accord LXi
With the introduction of the third generation Accord, Honda had hit the big time. No longer the new kid on the block, the Accord had gained the respect that only comes from two successful generations of sales. The 1986 model year was larger than its predecessor yet again, but it was also sportier-looking -- and acting. Double-wishbone suspension was introduced front and rear and the new car was lower and more aerodynamic than before, resulting in increased performance. The four-cylinder engine was bumped up in capacity yet again, to a full 2.0-liters and now produced 98 horsepower when carbureted and 110 horsepower when fuel injected. Multiple trim levels were available and a hatchback version was phased out for a two-door coupe -- the first Honda to be produced entirely in the U.S. at the automaker's Maryland plant.
What We Said:
November 1985
"If there's such a thing as an Accord feel, a pervasive and perceptible design concept that is uniquely Accord, this newest variation has it. It is a soft and friendly feel of confidence, an unintimidating attitude that this is a very complex yet refined piece of machinery, and there's nothing to be afraid of."