Accord: The second best car (in terms of sales) for Honda!

Welcome to Auto Chatter! Todays topic is the Accord. This is Hondas first attempt to expand on the smaller Civic, but did it pay off? Silly question really, as Accords are household names today! Join me for a discussion of the first 5 generations of Accord models. Hope you enjoy it, and be sure to leave a like and subscribe if so!

[@P_RO_]

These were Honda's rise to fame for making great cars. People began to realize that Japan could and was building better cars than the Americans in the late 70's, and these cars just kept going and going to what was then phenomenal mileages without any major repairs; these cars were meant to last and they did that superbly. Unlike before, Honda's market studies started with a clean piece of paper instead of adapting an existing idea to fit so we got a car without compromises. And when they were built in the US, that meant jobs here while Detroit was declining, and in those times that mattered. Unfortunately they did 'grow fatter' over time as most cars do with more stuff being added to make them seem more modern but Honda never skimped on design or build quality- both were abundant in the Accord throughout it's years. The concepts behind the Accord are really what we still need today, but that's not what people want now, and wants drive the market. The spin-off into the Acura proves how well Honda did these cars as does the numbers of them you still see on the road. Others have now caught up and we expect 250K trouble-free miles from most cars with styling that doesn't look excessively dated when 5 years go by, and it was Honda and the Accord who started that trend. Too bad Detroit didn't pay heed and follow that same path but that's a different story altogether.

[@autochatter]

@@P_RO_ Thanks as always for the comment!

[@johnasbury4997]

Honda is making a new full size Accord .... and we're all going to heaven in it

[@nolarobert]

This brings back memories from my college days. I had a 1979 Accord hatchback in silver with a 5-speed manual. It wasn't the fastest car in the world but was darn good on gas. It was reliable and never gave me any trouble. I would have continued to drive it until I graduated but a drunk driver in a Corvette decided to smash into my poor Accord while it was parked. Sigh... all good things and such.

[@autochatter]

@nolarobert Always a sad way to part with a 4 wheeled friend. Fortunately you were not in the car when it happened.

[@robl7532]

Never owned one, but what a great, important history. Lots of families grew with these.

[@autochatter]

I've never had one either, but you are correct how much impact this model has had!

[@btrdangerdan2010]

The red one shown in the motor week clip looks just like the one my mom had as her first car from 1992. I love the 4th gens. Hers had a black interior tho

[@wmalden]

My first car in 1974 was a 1974 Civic hatchback. My second car in 1980 was a 1980 Accord LX hatchback with 5 speed. It was “Longleet Gold” with a tan “Tricot” cloth interior. Compared to the 1974 Civic, the Accord was pure luxury! I added a passenger side remote mirror and Accord alloy wheels.

[@autochatter]

@wmalden Beige on beige was big then! I'm sure it felt like a big step up over the Civic.

[@sodiebergh]

Awesome video, as per usual!! 1G, 2G, 4G Accords are my favorite. I can't believe how many 4G's are still on the road! A 1G hatchback in blue was, and is still, my dream car 💙

[@autochatter]

@sodiebergh as usual, I appreciate it! Yeah...I still see quite a few myself.Camrys from that era too.

[@donaldwilson2620]

My favorite generation of the older Accords is the 3rd generation 1986-89 model. The later 1988-89 coupe was actually good looking, even by today's standards. It's all about those pop-up headlights.

[@autochatter]

@donaldwilson2620 I have to admit I loved those too. The three door hatch reminds me of the 84 Celica GT hatch I used to own. Pop up headlights rule!

[@jobskinner833]

I remember in '91, friends of my parents traded their BMW for a new Accord. That body style, in my opinion was the best!

[@autochatter]

@jobskinner833 It was popular at the time, and I saw alot of the ones before and after too. 91...My first year in the Navy LOL.

[@Jfleshman1209]

Mom loved her Accord wagon. It was fun to drive.

[@autochatter]

@Jfleshman1209 They didn't really modify them much from the sedans. Alot of time with wagons, the rear suspension was less....fun LOL.

[@Jfleshman1209]

@@autochatter Mom's might have been 5th gen or 6th gen. Had over 200000 miles.

[@autochatter]

@Jfleshman1209 I don't doubt it. About the only thing that would kill one was a timing belt breaking.

[@doug6191]

18:30 - That black dash with contrasting upholstery colors was underappreciated. It looked upscale, to me.

[@autochatter]

@@doug6191 I agree 👍

[@tonybost6817]

YESS. I drive an 02 special edition. I love her so much 😭. I grew up in these and love Hondas in general 👍🏻

[@autochatter]

Nice! I will do a part 2 for these down the road.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Still have my 1998 Accord from high school, 220k miles and counting

[@autochatter]

@@btrdangerdan2010 Thats great!

[@IgoZoom1]

I truly enjoyed watching this! Your level of detail is much better than ones I've seen before, and I appreciate it. Very few seem to catch that the 4-speed auto debuted in '83, but you did! Thanks for producing quality, enjoyable content. Respectfully, I noticed a few small omissions. There was an '83 SE model with features like leather, sunroof and power windows. The LX Sedan debuted in '84 and it was the first non-SE to offer power windows, power locks and other features. As for the 25th Anniversary model, I admit I'm a little confused- I know it existed, I'm just not sure when/what was different from the Value Package. But I do know for certain that the Value Package was introduced in 1996, because I had one. They were based on the DX but with body-color mouldings and side mirrors, AT, A/C and cassette stereo. They were only available in Heather Mist (beige/gold) or Eucalyptus Green (with gray-green interior). For the record, it was my least favorite Honda. A few brief opinions - cruise control was standard on the Accord Sedan starting in '82, which was unusual for the time. The LX hatchback got cruise in '84. The 3rd gen will always be favorite. It sold like hotcakes but didn't nearly enough coverage from the automotive press at the time. The pop-up headlights on a family sedan was a genius move and one that I don't think anyone else ever repeated. It also created a strong family resemblance to the Prelude. I think the reason it didn't get more press coverage was the '86 Ford Taurus, which shocked the world.

[@autochatter]

@IgoZoom1 Thank you! Your obviously a Honda fan! I was always a bit confused about the 2nd gen Preludes and the similar looking Accord coupes. Seemed a bit redundant, but I know Preludes had unique options like 4 wheel steering.

[@IgoZoom1]

@@autochatter My theory about the Accord Coupe is that they waited until ‘88 to introduce it along with the (3rd gen) ‘88 Prelude. They made the Prelude a little bigger and lot sportier looking. I’ve always thought the Accord LXi Coupe didn’t get a sunroof because it would have been even more like the Prelude. My guess is the Accord Coupe sold to people who needed the back seat space, but not 4-doors. As you mentioned, the Prelude was available with 4WS. I had a ‘86 Accord LXi 4-door and later a ‘91 Prelude Si. The Accord was my favorite!

[@autochatter]

@IgoZoom1 Makes sense. Thank you! The only Honda I ever owned (briefly), was a 81 or 82 Prelude. Was basically just a Accord coupe to me then.

[@trainglen22]

The Accord Wagon was sweet!

[@doug6191]

The 1990-93 CB7 Accord was (and still is) the best Honda ever available. Gimme one of those, 1993, in EX 5-speed, in Arcadia Green Metallic with a tan interior.

[@autochatter]

Can't argue with that choice, but make mine blue or red.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Great video man. I like the 86-89 the best. I like the shape and how they did the pseudo/pop up headlamps. I’ll be back on the video scene momentarily.

[@autochatter]

@MotorMaster_Stunticon Thank you Rob! I liked those too and am looking forward to your next vid!

[@new2000car]

It figures the 1990 model has an unbeaten sales record, that model was stunning especially for its time.

[@autochatter]

I'd agree it really raised the bar for the class then!

[@ChrisHsuCars]

My mom had a 91 EX-R and it was quite literally the best car she ever owned. Thing ran like a top no matter how hard I drove it and still got great fuel economy. It was comfy, handled well and looked great. Wife also had a 92 Accord in a manual and that was so much fun to drive. Shame that the Accord has kind of become a bit of a Malibu now - it's so bloated and big.

[@autochatter]

@ChrisHsuCars Yeah...Its more a big appliance with Apple Carplay nowadays.

[@ChrisHsuCars]

@@autochatter yes exactly. I saw a recent model year Malibu and the current Accord looks just like it. Not that it’s bad looking mind you. Just a bit too big I think. Then again the current Civic is also rather large too.

[@autochatter]

@ChrisHsuCars A unfortunate trend with cars getting larger. Makes me appreciate my ND MX5 more LOL.

[@howebrad4601]

I've had 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen accords plus modern one too. All great cars. My favorite is the 3rd gen. They just had such great Hondaness, with everything so thoughtfully laid out, we'll engineered. I do think lately hondas have begun to look very generic and they've pretty much lost that special feeling you got when you sat in an 80s or early 90s accord

[@autochatter]

@howebrad4601 I can see that. Maybe they peaked? Or the competition (that's left) got better?

[@matthrivnak6572]

Had an '84 lx 5 speed, my first stick shift car!

[@autochatter]

@matthrivnak6572 Awesome! My first stick car was a 84 too! A Celica.

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for the video, The graphics were quite interesting and good. I saw the Church Lady and started laughing.. They started small and kept building on that. I knew they offered digital gauges on them, but not in the In United States. Thank you for confirming that. i hated they did not offer them here. I know about the European Accord too. Honda studied the market and studied it well. I know today in 2024 the Honda Accord is as large as a downsized 1985-1990 GM C or H body car. Today it is beyond midsized. You cannot fauly Honda at all for a consistent message and understanding the buyer and the market.

[@autochatter]

Thank You! Yes both Toyota and Honda have methodically studied and sold the best mid sizes (or bigger now), that Americans wanted. At the rate things are going, they may become the only options for that type of car soon.

[@OLDS98]

@@autochatter They both studied the market for years. The one thing I will say about Toyota and Honda is they do not give up on a product. They keep changing and refining it until they get it right. I have seen it time and time again. They went from building compacts to luxury cars. They even put the Euopeans on notice. The buyers grew with them. What did the American car makers do? They kept changing the strategy and then name and it never worked. I know Chevrolet Malibu is done in November. Ford does not have any sedans. The Nissan Altima and done too. I believe Hyundai Sonata is done as well. There will not be many left as you said. We live in a crossover and suv world now. I do wonder how the Honda Accord got so large.

[@autochatter]

@@OLDS98 I think you already answered your own question!

[@OLDS98]

@@autochatter Indeed. I just never thought a Honda Accord would be as large as a downsized fullsized 1985-1990 C and H body GM car. That is indeed growth. Honda Accord and Toyota Camay own the segment and will stay in it too. This is why the domestics lost share and sales. Oldsmobile Intrigue came close. Not close enough with that name.

[@autochatter]

@@OLDS98 You are up early LOL. Seems like just about everything has gotten bigger...except the Miata. They are actually closer to the first gens in terms of weight.

[@DroppBoy_Jay]

Great video we need the newer ones 💯

[@autochatter]

@DroppBoy_Jay Thank you! Trying to put out a mix!

[@haggis525]

Great cars! Jesus even drove one but didn't brag about it - "For I did not speak of my own Accord." John 12:49

[@autochatter]

@haggis525 Well, it is Sunday so I guess that comment works x2!

[@haggis525]

@@autochatter Feeding the algorithm god 🙌

[@autochatter]

@haggis525 Thats a good Lad!

[@haggis525]

@@autochatter Hmmmm... well, not according to my ex-wife but ok... 🤣🤣🤣

[@autochatter]

@@haggis525 🤣

[@limeybean3967]

Great stuff !!! Better than any tv show by far Love your style...part han solo for sure me theenks...

[@autochatter]

Thank you! I'm sure TV Executives that spend millions making...whatever they call entertainment now, wouldn't like hearing that!

[@jriley1992]

Please do the next 6 generations! 😊

[@autochatter]

@@jriley1992 Planning on it!

[@FFlyDDrum1]

Enjoying your review. Subscribed

[@autochatter]

@@FFlyDDrum1 Awesome!

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

@autochatter Will you be doing any history on Acura line ups from the 80s to now?

[@autochatter]

@@jasperdilincoln2341 Definatley! Acura and Lexus are on the menu.

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

@@autochatter ok cool

[@doug6191]

21:21 - The US '94 Accord was capital B Boring.

[@autochatter]

@doug6191 Yeah but V6....

[@raymond_sycamore]

And the Lord said, we are all of ONE ACCORD. Let us pray.

[@autochatter]

I knows it's not Sunday yet, but that's funny!!!

[@raymond_sycamore]

@@autochatter I stole it from Dave Ramsey. Congrats on 100 episodes. Didn't realize you'd been at it that long. I obviously have a lot going on this Saturday night....

[@autochatter]

@@raymond_sycamore Thank You! The irony is not many liked my 100th episode LOL.

[@joellamoureux7914]

When did Accord get OBD2? 95?96?

[@autochatter]

@@joellamoureux7914 I think 96 was when it was mandatory for all cars.

[@doug6191]

24:09 - 15th anniversary, right?

[@autochatter]

@doug6191 No...It was a 25th Aniversary of Honda selling cars in the U.S.

[@autochatter]

@doug6191 You did make me double check myself though!

[@doug6191]

@@autochatter Ah... Thought it was maybe 15 years of Accords.

[@autochatter]

I guess they could have done a 20th Aniversary Accord that year.

[@ultraviolettp3446]

Unfortunately the Honduh Accord has devolved as it has become bloated as it dies. The current model is designed by ACME motors and is so blan that it could be the generic car found in an architectural drawing. The predecessors to this were increasingly hideous hot messes of vomit with tacky grills and every escalating bloat fat. The Accord hasn't been relevant since the early 1990's and has been infected with designed by blind people every since.

[@autochatter]

@ultraviolettp3446 Well...They are one of the few mid size sedans left, so I guess they have been doing somthing right. It's not my first choice when car shopping, but I understand why for alot of people they were.

[@donaldwilson2620]

2008 was really the first year of the "Big" Accord, and the sedan was classified as a full-size while the coupe was still mid-size. The Acura TSX was a better size, and ironically, the TSX was actually the Accord sold in Europe and Japan.

[@autochatter]

@donaldwilson2620 Yes it was. I think for 98 was when the Accord was three different models depending on where on the Globe you were?

[@peruvianheat2053]

I have a 2023 Honda Accord hybrid and it is my first Accord. I absolutely love the car and I actually really like the looks of it, I prefer this new "mature simple" looks. It drives amazing and it's very quiet.

[@autochatter]

@peruvianheat2053 "simple" has been a long time tagline for Honda, and I don't mean that as a slight. They have definately done their homework on Accords over the years.