For the first time in the model's history, Honda developed two distinct versions of the Accord when the 5th generation model was launched in 1993; one version for the European market and one for the North American and Japanese market. Honda and the Rover Group created the European Accord and the Rover 600, a reflection of the past success they had with the Honda Legend and the Rover 800. This generation Accord was also sold in Japan as the Isuzu Aska, while some Isuzu products were sold as Honda products there also.
At its introduction in 1993, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award for the second time.
North America, Japan and Philippines
The 5th generation North American Accord was launched on 9 September 1993 and was based on the new 'CD' chassis. Larger than its predecessor, primarily to better suit the requirements of the North American market, the new model grew in width but shrunk in length, leaving it classified as a mid-size car in North America. It thus became too wide to fit within the favorable tax bracket in Japan, where its role was to be partially taken over by the slightly narrower second-generation Honda Ascot (sold at Honda Primo Japanese dealerships) and Honda Rafaga (sold at Honda Verno). Previous generations of the Accord sold in Japan were limited to a width dimension of 1,695 mm (67 in) while international models were slightly wider, however this generation no longer complied. The engines offered with the Accord also exceeded the maximum limit of 2000cc to remain in the favorable "compact" tax bracket. The installation of a 2.0 litre engine in Japanese models made buyers liable for more annual road tax over the smaller 1.8-litre engine, which affected sales.
Development began in September 1989, along with the design process in June 1990. The final design was selected by an early date of 18 December 1990 and frozen in by mid-1991. Design inconsistencies in early 1992, caused several alterations to be made until April 1992, when a secondary design freeze took place, ahead of scheduled 1993 production. Design patents were later filed in the United States on 16 December 1992 for the "CD". Production later began at Marysville assembly on 24 August 1993.
Honda of Japan marketed four different size engines in the Japan-Spec Accord Sedan:1.8, 2.0, 2.2 VTEC and 2.2 DOHC VTEC. The Japanese-spec Accord models were marketed as the following: EF, EX, 2.0EX, 2.0EXL, 2.2VTE, 2.2VTL, 2.2VTS and SiR. All Accord versions were sold at Honda Clio locations in Japan.
The DX, LX and EX models remained the American trim lines while Canada retained the LX, EX and EX-R. The 5-speed manual transmission remained mostly unchanged, while the 4-speed automatic noted for its hard shifts, now included Honda's "Grade-Logic" shift program, which would prevent "gear-hunting" by holding the current gear while driving on a sloped incline. All Accord models received a more ergonomic interior with standard safety features such as dual airbags and reinforced side-impact beams. Exclusive to the EX was the F22B1 SOHC VTEC version of previous generation 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (making 145 hp (108 kW) up from 140 hp (104 kW) on the previous generation EX), anti-lock brakes (now an option for the LX), 4-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a rear stabilizer bar. Leather was an option in the EX trim with leather equipped models now being referred to as EX-L. DX and LX models came equipped similarly to the previous generation and were fitted with a revised version of the previous generation's 2.2-liter non-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. This F22B2 engine was rated at 130 hp (97 kW) up from 125 hp (93 kW) the previous generation. The Accord was again named Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1994. The Accord coupe as in the previous generation looked almost exactly like the sedan, and was the last generation of the Accord to offer a wagon variant in North America until the introduction of the Accord Crosstour in 2009.
In 1994, the 1995 Accord debuted a V6 engine, the 2.7L C27 borrowed from the first generation Acura Legend, in the U.S. market. The V6 was offered in both the LX and EX versions of the sedan, LX models being referred to as LX-V6 and EX models as EX-V6. EX-V6 models came equipped similarly to the EX-L with leather seats being the only option in the EX-V6. Addition of the taller C27 engine required substantial alterations to the CD platform, with V6 models sporting a redesigned engine layout, taller front fenders, and a different hood than I4 models; however, these differences are difficult to spot without both models parked side-by-side. Both versions of the V6 received a dual-outlet exhaust, a 4-speed automatic transmission, 15-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels on the EX-V6 and 15-inch steel wheels with full covers on the LX-V6, and a slightly updated front grille (which would be later used in all 96-97 Accords). The Accord saw very few other changes for 1995 with the exception of a few different exterior and interior color combinations.
In 1995, the Accord underwent the usual mid-generation facelift for 1996. More rounded bumpers, a slightly modified front fascia (which was originally exclusive in the V6 models in 1995) with new signal lights and rear taillights gave the Accord a softer look. All Hondas now complied with the federal government's requirement of OBD II engine diagnostics though all three engine choices remained the same. In order to increase the Accord's competitiveness against its rivals in different international markets, Honda CEO Nobuhiko Kawamoto decided on one basic platform for the sixth-generation Accord, but with different bodies and proportions for local markets. In the U.S., the 1996 model lineup included the 25th Anniversary Edition, a model positioned between the DX and LX. The Special Edition trim package was introduced.
For the 1997 model year, Honda released the "Special Edition" version of the Accord (not to be confused with the SE). It was offered in three colors: Heather Mist Metallic, San Marino Red and Dark Currant Pearl. The Special Edition received a factory installed security system with keyless entry, single-disc CD player, body colored side molding, distinctive alloy wheels and a sunroof. It was offered in an automatic transmission only and was fitted with the same engine as the LX. Acclaimed for its handling, the 1996 Accord has been known as one of the best handling Japanese midsized sedans of all time, posting impressive lateral g figures of up to .89 g's.
In New Zealand, the 5th generation Accord was assembled at Honda's manufacturing site in Nelson and was released in March 1994. It was available in LXi, EXi and EXi-S trim levels. A facelift was released in December 1995, which coincided with the release of VTEC engines in the upper-spec models. Trim levels were LXi, VTi, and VTi-S. These were the first NZ-market Accords to have airbags - two in the VTi-S, one in the VTi.
U.S. built coupe and wagon models of this generation were shipped to Europe with both left and right hand drive but there was no V6 option.
This generation of Accord is one of the most frequently stolen cars in the U.S. with the 1994 model being stolen more frequently than its siblings. The Acura Integra and Honda civic are also popular targets for car theft.
European model
The 5th generation Accord for the European market was unveiled in 1993 and was not related directly to the North American 'CD' Accord. It was in fact the Japanese-market Honda Ascot Innova which was based on the previous 4th generation 'CB' Accord. It was the result of a joint effort with the Rover Group that provided Rover with the 600 series. The exterior was designed by Shigeo Ueno in 1990.
In 1996, the European Accord received a minor facelift and was given a new front end (new headlights, bumper, bonnet and grill) and slightly different taillights (see images). The styling of the facelifted Accord remained identical to the styling of the Ascot Innova (although the frameless doors were replaced with conventional items) and featured the design language first introduced on the 5th generation Honda Civic. The styling of the European Accord differed dramatically from the North American which featured a more conventional saloon styling compared to the European model's low slung, fastback inspired look which also incorporated rear quarter windows. The facelifted Accord was also equipped with two airbags as standard.
However, the European Accord did not spawn an estate or coupe version, Honda instead opting to import the coupe and estate (Aerodeck) versions of the North American Accord.
The diesel model of the Accord was fitted with the direct injection Rover L-Series diesel engine, as also fitted in the Rover 600.
As part of the tie-up with the Rover Group the European Accord spawned Rover's replacement for the Austin Montego in 1993. Called the 600, the car shared its platform with the European Accord and, with the exception of the front doors, lower rear doors and windscreen, sported unique styling which dispensed with the rear quarter windows. The interior design of the 600 was very similar to the Accord's however, while the dashboard design was identical.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.
2023 CR-V features all-new rugged and sophisticated styling that further advances Honda's rugged exterior design direction for its light trucks, taking inspiration from...
Exterior styling updates to the 2020 Honda CR-V result in a more upscale and rugged appearance. In front, broad openings for the fog lights are fully integrated...
Honda CR-V styling heads in a fresh new direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisper and sharper front-end design elements, aggressive stylized...
The all-new Honda CR-V is the most aerodynamically efficient vehicle in its class, and was developed with a combination of computational fluid dynamics...
The Honda CR-V, a perennial favorite of American car buyers and the best-selling entry-SUV of all time, receives the most significant mid-model cycle...
All new for 2012, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V embraces a sophisticated and bold styling direction, offers multiple technology firsts for Honda and...
The Honda CR-V adds to its compact crossover SUV credentials for the 2010 model year with refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior, new...
The Honda CR-V is a highly-versatile four-door entry crossover SUV with a spacious five-passenger interior, sedan-like handling and ride comfort, and a...
Following the tradition of adding a trim level above the EX during the refresh like the first generation CR-V, Honda added the SE trim level for the 2005 CR-V.
Despite the power increase, the new CR-V retained the fuel economy of the previous model, thanks in part to the engine's i-VTEC system.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1996. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic platform to...
Matching its rugged off-road capabilities, the aggressive new look of the new next-generation Honda Passport further advances the rugged design direction of Honda light trucks.
Honda Passport TrailSport features standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, and a 10mm increase in track width to improve stance and stability. Mounted on machined...
The Honda Passport body structure also utilizes composite materials to further reduce weight while enhancing rigidity and noise damping. One example is...
Passport was part of a growing partnership between Isuzu and Honda in the 1990s, in which Isuzu supplied Honda with SUVs. The Honda version was discontinued...
The Honda Passport was a mid-size SUV produced by Isuzu, released in 1993, as Honda's first entry in the truck market for the United States, and only sold...
The wagon, known in Japan as the Civic Shuttle, continued but the commercial-use "Shuttle Pro" was replaced by a dedicated commercial delivery van called...
The wagon was originally only available in front-wheel drive; in 1985 a part-time any-speed four-wheel drive, operated by a push button on the dash...
Honda Accord Tourer have benefitted from small but noticeable changes to the head lights and bumpers to complement the changes under the skin.
The evolution from the previous generation Accord is even more pronounced in the case of the Tourer, where a greater emphasis on load carrying practicality...
In the Japanese market, the Accord was merged into the Torneo, in an effort to more sharply rival its Japanese sport sedan contemporaries such as the Mazda...
The 2014 Honda Civic Tourer was developed and designed in Europe, allowing Honda's European R&D team to lead the creative and technical design process.
The all-new 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is an even more compelling vehicle that offers greater practicality than previous fuel cell vehicles.
Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in summer...
The Accord coupe as in the previous generation looked almost exactly like the sedan, and was the last generation of the Accord to offer a wagon variant in...
U.S. built coupe and wagon models of this generation were shipped to Europe with both left and right hand drive but there was no V6 option.
In early 1990 Honda unveiled the Accord Wagon, manufactured at the Marysville, Ohio plant. The Ohio plant exported right-hand drive wagons and coupes to Europe...
For the first time in the model's history, Honda developed two distinct versions of the Accord when the 5th generation model was launched in 1993; one...
The fifth-generation Honda Accord for the European market was unveiled in 1993 and was completely different from the global model ('CD'). It was in fact...
Volkswagen Passat Variant is the ideal touring and business vehicle thanks to the interplay of spaciousness, carefully coordinated high-quality materials, pleasant haptics...
The Volkswagen Passat will be the first Volkswagen that is capable of partially automated driving across practically the whole speed range (0 to 210 kmh).
Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is also a comfortable and fast touring car. The Passat Alltrack is available with a 2.0 TSI petrol engine with 200 kW (272 PS) or...
As the most successful German business car, the VW Passat represents a new type of business class - a transition car between the mid- and premium classes...
The second generation Volkswagen Passat Alltrack (generation I debuted in 2012) is immediately recognisable as an individually designed estate and SUV...
The Volkswagen Passat represents one of the very great success stories in automotive history, with over 15 million cars sold since the VW Passat was first...
Over the past four decades , well over 15 million Passat cars have been built. Along with its favourable all-round...
In August 2005, the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Passat Variant was launched in Germany. As early as September, it was launched in most of the other...
In mid-2000, the Passat received a facelift, involving a minor tweaking of the styling and some mechanical alteration, the platform is now commonly known as B5.5....
The Volkswagen Passat W8 Variant was a comfortable, well-built and luxurious large estate. 4.0 L W8 engine producing 275 PS (202 kW) was introduced in 2001.
The Mk 4 Volkswagen Passat was a very significant car in its class. Not only was it the first step of VW moving its products upmarket to plug a gap between...
The VW Passat was heavily facelifted in 1993, and as a result it has sometimes been referred to as the Mk IV Passat; Volkswagen even renamed the platform B4.
Only sedan and station wagon versions were available, without the fastback option of previous models. It was marketed under the Passat name in all markets.
The platform, named B2, was slightly longer and the car's updated styling was instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen Passat, with the most obvious difference...
Volkswagen Passat was one of the most modern European family cars at the time, and was intended as a replacement for the ageing Volkswagen Type 3, and as a...
The Dedra was developed alongside the Fiat Tempra on the Tipo floorpan as a medium size three-box saloon, but while the Fiat models were in the compact...
Renault Laguna Estate stands out through its steeply-raked rear window and the form of its rearmost side windows which accentuate its flowing, sporty lines...
Last but by no means least, the Estate version is equipped with a system that allows a flat boot-floor to be obtained at the push of a button.
It also had a moderate redesign of the air intake at the front of the car, now matching the design of the Megane. An electronic handbrake was also introduced...
At the end of 2000, after almost seven years of production, the original Laguna was replaced by an all-new model which shared its chassis with the...
At the start of 1998 the Laguna received a moderate facelift, including a restyling of rear lights and a few other minor visual tweaks.
Subaru Outback has been one of Subaru's flagship vehicles since it went on sale 30 years ago with more than 3 million models sold in the U.S. alone...
Subaru Outback's exterior emphasizes ruggedness and functionally while evoking a sense of adventure. For 2023, the Outback lineup (except Wilderness) receives a new...
Following a "Dynamic x Solid" philosophy, the all-new Subaru Outback is anchored to an "Active x Tough" concept. The result is a rugged and functional design...
2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i will be available in standard, Premium, Limited and top-of-line Touring trims; the 3.6R will offer Limited and Touring trims.
Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the all-new 2015 Outback, the fifth generation of the World's First Sport Utility Wagon®, at the 2014 New York...
Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the 2013 Outback models, powered by a new, more efficient powertrain and debuting the new EyeSight driver-assist system...
2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the flagship Subaru Legacy Tourer, and to celebrate, the marque has launched an all-new, fifth-generation version of its...
Subaru of America, Inc. revealed the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback at its media conference at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The...
Overall, the Legacy 3.0 R Limited is designed to provide the refined, sophisticated, and exciting performance typically expected from premium European...
On April 23, 1998, a Subaru Legacy set a new world speed record for mass-produced turbocharged station wagons (1600 cc-2000 cc class), clocking 270.532 km/h...
The first Subaru Legacy Outback was introduced in the United States in 1996. It was a Legacy station wagon with all-wheel drive, body-cladding, off-road...
In 1992, the Alfa Romeo 155 introduced a new Alfa Romeo concept of sportiness that became enshrined in the codename Q4. Now the same glorious label...
The Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon offer more performance. The model has another sophisticated automotive engineering ace up its sleeve in the form of a brand...
To the rear, design of the previous Mazda 6 Wagon has been so well received by customers for its sporty good looks that it is carried over on the new model.
Diesel-powered Mazda 6 Wagons are also offered with Mazda's intelligent i-ACTIV AWD system, which features a front-slip detection warning system.
Sedan or wagon, the 2015 Mazda6 continues to combine a muscular anatomy and vitality with a level of quality that sets it apart. Dignity and purpose...
It all comes down to relationships. This is the spirit of the all-new Mazda 6 , a car built to be an extension of its driver and in harmony with the road.
Mazda 6 Wagon and hatchback can even transport more, if need be. With the rear seats down, the wagon and hatchback have a load floor length of 1,926...
The development theme for the Mazda 6's dynamics was "driving performance that creates oneness between the car and driver. This was realized by an emotionally...
Exterior + New front grille design + New front/rear bumpers + New exhaust pipes (2.0 and 2.3- litre petrols) + New black bezels for front /rear lights +...
The luggage compartments of both new models are extremely large, with outstanding capacities of 492 litres for the Mazda6 Sport and 505 litres for the Mazda6 Wagon.
The Lybra was styled in Centro Stile Lancia, contrary to earlier Lancia models, which were commissioned from external design studios. Its styling is a clear...