Some gearheads might describe the Honda Accord as vanilla-flavored transportation. But not many carmakers have retained the same nameplate for more than 40 years. Last week, Honda debuted the 10th-generation Accord.
The Honda Accord became the first so-called Japanese car manufactured in the United States. Since that time, more than 11 million cars were made in Honda’s Ohio plant.
The first-generation 1976 Honda Accord
The oldest examples you can find on eBay Motors—Accords from the early 1990s—date back a quarter-century ago. But those are fourth-generation Accords, relatively recent models compared to the first generation (1976-1981), second generation (1982-1985), and third generation (1986-1989). The first model was a compact hatchback that—like most nameplates in the past few decades—grew over time and eventually became the full-size offering you see today.
The 1976 Accord measured 162.4 inches and had a wheelbase of 93.7 inches. Forty-two years later, the 2018 Accord grew to 192.1 inches with a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. That’s substantially bigger, but the most dramatic growth is in engine power: a jump from 79 horsepower to 192 ponies.
2018 Honda Accord Touring
The 10th-generation Accord continues the trend. It’s longer (adding more than two inches of wheelbase) and lower by more than a half-inch. The idea was to give the Accord a more athletic and sporty stance. There are technology advances as well. The new Accord comes with three engine options, including hybrid gas-electric and turbocharged four-cylinder variants. The turbo comes with a choice of a 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. And of course, there are a lot of new safety features, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, collision and road departure mitigation, blind spot information, front and rear parking sensors, cross traffic monitor, and a rearview camera. Four decades ago, these innovations were not even imaginable.
Interior of 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid
New M3-style power mirrors with LED signals could bring a 1990s Accord into the new high-tech era.
When you consider how the Honda Accord combines durability and bigger proportions, it provides ample opportunity for easy and affordable modifications. If you decide against buying a new 2018 Accord, you might consider what can be done to an older model—like adding a supersize rear wing or installing a set of sleek LED daytime running lights. Or trick out an old model with mirrors that house turn-signal indicators. A basic cold air intake unit could replace the two-part rubber hoses, allowing for cooler air to reach your engine.
Your neighbors might enjoy it if you swap out the exhaust to an oversize set of coffee cans. Or not. That move could be accompanied by the addition of a full body kit for a more aggressive stance.
Given the Accord’s long history—and the rollout of the 2018 model—it’s extremely likely that you will be able to find a wide selection of parts and accessories on eBay Motors for another few decades.
See 2009 Honda Accord for sale on eBay.
