Accord (1976-1982)
The 3 door hatchback Accord was introduced in Japan in May 1976 and came to the UK early in 1977. The Accord was immediately a success on the UK market and was applauded for its comfort and build quality. The 4-door saloon was introduced to the UK in 1978 initially priced at £3,999 and completed the two-car range. The saloon was especially noted for its quietness. When launched both cars used a 1599cc (80bhp) SOHC engine and were available with either a 5-speed manual or 2-speed Hondamatic gearbox. They were widely considered to be the best Japanese mid-size family cars available on the UK market at the time.
In 1978 the engine was modified slightly to 1602cc (80bhp) to coincide with the introduction of the Prelude of the same capacity. In 1981 the Hondamatic transmission was given 3-speeds and an Executive pack (denoted EX) was available that provided electric windows and power steering in addition to the standard specification. At the same time the rear lights were re-designed and longer plastic corner cappings were added to the bumpers. All body panels remained unchanged.
The Accord was available on several overseas markets (where it was sometimes sold as the 'Vigor'). Whilst the body remained the same, equipment and specification differed to suit local requirements. Where required the CVCC cylinder head was fitted to the engine with other emissions equipment. For North America a fully automatic gearbox was available and US cars were also fitted with impact absorbing bumpers and other safety features. For the Japanese home market a 1750cc (90bhp) engine was available, along with a wider choice of trim options.
In 1978 the engine was modified slightly to 1602cc (80bhp) to coincide with the introduction of the Prelude of the same capacity. In 1981 the Hondamatic transmission was given 3-speeds and an Executive pack (denoted EX) was available that provided electric windows and power steering in addition to the standard specification. At the same time the rear lights were re-designed and longer plastic corner cappings were added to the bumpers. All body panels remained unchanged.
The Accord was available on several overseas markets (where it was sometimes sold as the 'Vigor'). Whilst the body remained the same, equipment and specification differed to suit local requirements. Where required the CVCC cylinder head was fitted to the engine with other emissions equipment. For North America a fully automatic gearbox was available and US cars were also fitted with impact absorbing bumpers and other safety features. For the Japanese home market a 1750cc (90bhp) engine was available, along with a wider choice of trim options.
In these forms the Accord hatchback and saloon remained until the model was face lifted in January 1982 when the opportunity was taken to update the styling of the car. The most significant change was a lengthening of the wheelbase by approximately 2.5 inches. Styling remained similar, the most obvious change being oblong single front headlights and full plastic bumpers. The model range remained as before with the two body styles available in standard LX and Executive EX trim, both available with either manual or Hondamatic. Mechanically the package was unchanged with the 1602cc engine continuing as before.
The next generation (February 1984) would see new 12 valve engines (both 1598cc and 1830cc), a larger body structure and increasing options of trim and equipment which included the option of a fully automatic transmission for the first time in the UK.
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