2003 HONDA ACCORD
With over 18 million units sold and 11 generations across more than half a century of production, the Honda Accord remains one of the world's most popular and enduring midsize sedans. Drivers choose the Accord for its tried-and-tested performance, reliability, innovation, and value, all of which set the standard for competitors in the category and the entire automobile industry.
Origin
Honda developed the Accord to follow in the footsteps of the successful Civic launched in 1972. Designated as Project 657, this vehicle was designed to retain everything that made the Civic so well-received—space efficiency, utility, and economy—just in a bigger package. After extensively testing its improved noise damping, power steering system, and refined suspension, Honda had a product it believed would be appropriate for the domestic and export market. It was released in 1976 and named the "Accord" to reflect "Honda's desire for accord and harmony between people, society and the automobile."
1st Generation
1976-1981
The first Honda Accord, launched on May 7, 1976, was not a sedan but a three-door hatchback. Japanese drivers loved the Accord for its excellent fuel economy, moderate size, and category-first features such as cloth seats, a tachometer, intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM radio that came as standard equipment. The four-door sedan was added to the lineup in 1977. Engines for this generation were the 1.6L EL1, EF, EP, and EK1 inline four-cylinder.
2nd Generation
1981-1985
The second-generation Accord began production in 1982 at a plant in Ohio, making it the first Japanese car to be manufactured in America. The fully four-speed automatic introduced in 1982 and mated to the 1.8L engine was a massive improvement from its predecessor, the three-speed semi-automatic Hondamatic transmission. For 1984, the Accord received a new downward beveled nose alongside a new series of 12-valve CVCC power plants.
3rd Generation
1986-1989
Four body styles were available for this generation of the Accord: 4-door sedan, 3-door hatchback, 2-door coupe, and 3-door shooting brake called the Accord AeroDeck. All these body styles got retractable headlights except for the sedan in specific markets. The third generation was also the first Honda equipped with a double wishbone suspension that offered better handling and stability over the alternative, the less expensive MacPherson strut system. It won Japan's "Car of the Year" award in 1985.
4th Generation
1990-1993
The fourth-generation Accord engulfed the previous third-generation in size. It featured several improvements, including a new all-aluminum 2.2L 16-valve electronic fuel-injected engine and an electronically controlled rear engine mount in automatic transmissions that dampened vibrations. A five-door station wagon body replaced the shooting brake and hatchbacks. Reflecting the growth in size of the Accord was the engine lineup that dropped the 1.6L and comprised the 1.8L F18A, the 2.0L F20A, and the 2.2L F22A inline four-cylinder units.
5th Generation
1994-1997
1993 was the Accord's second time winning Japan's "Car of the Year" award, partly due to its excellent range of safety features and improved emission levels. Japanese Accords came with 1.8L, 2.0L, and 2.2L inline four-cylinder engines, while the American version featured an additional 2.7L V6 six-cylinder.
6th Generation
1998-2002
The Accord was split into three models for the Japanese, European, and American markets. The Japanese Accord became narrower to return to the compact car category except for the Euro R and wagon models.
7th Generation
2003-2007
The Accord again won the Japan "Car of the Year" award in 2003. The Accord Euro R, introduced in the sixth generation, continued into the seventh as the performance model, getting a 2.0L K20A i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine.
8th Generation
2008-2012
Dimensions of the Accord were enlarged, and it once again returned to the mid-sized category in Japan. Petrol engines were the 2.0L R20A3 and the 2.4L K24A/Z inline four-cylinders, while diesel engine was the 2.2L N22B i-CTDi inline four-cylinder.
9th Generation
2013-2017
The ninth-generation Accord introduced the Accord and plug-in hybrids to the Japanese market. The extensive list of standard features includes:
• An 8-inch 480x320 pixel WQVGA resolution LCD screen.
• A single-angle backup camera.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control.
• Alloy wheels.
10th Generation
2018-2022
Honda dropped the coupe from the Accord lineup, designating it solely as a four-door sedan. The base engine was a 1.5L VTEC turbo inline four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic or continuously variable transmission. Optional was a 2.0L K20C4 inline four-cylinder turbo.
11th Generation
2023-Present
The Accord received improvements inside and out, like a longer overhang, upgraded 1.5L engines, CVT, and a new 12.3-inch infotainment system. The 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbo petrol engine was dropped from the lineup for this generation.
Engine Performance & Technology
Each subsequent Accord generation sees great strides in engine technology and performance. For example, in the latest 11th generation, the 1.5L got improved VTEC variable valve lift technology and an upgraded direct injection system, among many changes. The hybrid Accords also use Honda's Two-Motor Hybrid Electric System which delivers excellent fuel economy without compromising performance.
Safety & Reliability
Reliability and safety are the forte of the Accord. Generation upon generation, the Accord is lauded for its low maintenance cost, low frequency, and severity of repairs. In addition, thanks to safety technologies like Vehicle Stability Assist and Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that feature Honda Sensing® Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies, the Accord performs highly in crash and rollover tests.
Trim Configurations
Besides the regular models that range from the base to more luxurious trims, certain generations of the Honda Accord also feature the performance line made up of the Euro-R and SiR with more powerful engines, sports suspensions, and sports body kit, among other performance and styling upgrades.
Conclusion
A cost-effective and ever-innovative sedan, the Honda Accord, proves why it has been a global mainstay on the roads. Suppose you're craving something with just a bit more kick. In that case, there are even performance models that build upon everything great about the Accord but in a faster package. For the best deals on this fantastic vehicle, shop with BE FORWARD today.
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