First generation (1976–1981)
series SJ-SM
The first generation Honda Accord was launched on May 7, 1976 as a three-door hatchback with 68 hp (51 kW), a 93.7-inch (2,380.0 mm) wheelbase, and a weight of about 2,000 pounds. It was a platform expansion of the earlier Honda Civic at 162 inches (4,115 mm) long. To comply with recently enacted emission regulations enacted in Japan, the engine was fitted with Honda's CVCC technology. The Accord sold well due to its moderate size and great fuel economy. It was one of the first Japanese sedans with features like cloth seats, a tachometer, intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM radio as standard equipment. In 1978 an LX version of the hatchback was added which came with air conditioning, a digital clock, and power steering. Until the Accord, and the closely related Prelude, power steering had not been available to cars under two litres.
On October 14, 1977, a four-door sedan was added to the lineup, and power went to 72 hp (54 kW) when the 1,599 cc (97.6 cu in) EL1 engine was supplemented and in certain markets replaced by the 1,751 cc (106.9 cu in) an EK-1 unit. In 1980 the optional two-speed semi-automatic transmission of previous years became a three-speed gearbox (a 'proper' self-shifting four-speed automatic transmission was not used in the Accord until the 1983 model year). Slightly redesigned bumper trim, new grilles and taillamps and remote mirrors were added on the 4-door (chrome) and the LX (black plastic) models. The CVCC badges were deleted, but the CVCC induction system remained. In 1981 an SE model was added for the first time, with Novillo leather seats and power windows. Base model hatchbacks, along with the 4-door, LX, and SE 4-door, all received the same smaller black plastic remote mirror. The instrument cluster was revised with mostly pictograms which replaced worded warning lights and gauge markings. Nivorno Beige (code #Y-39) replaced Oslo Beige (#YR-43). Dark brown was discontinued, as was the bronze metallic. The shifter was redesigned to have a stronger spring to prevent unintentional engagement of reverse, replacing the spring-loaded shift knob of the 1976 to 1980 year model cars.
The Accord competed with Japanese competitors such as the Toyota Corona, Nissan Bluebird, Mazda 626 and Mitsubishi Galant, which were also part of the mid-size Japanese market, as well as the VW Passat/Dasher in Europe.
Honda Accord in the Hideout:
- Honda Accord 1ste gen 1976-1981
- Honda Accord 2nd gen 1981-1985
- Honda Accord 3rd gen 1985-1989
- Honda Accord 4th gen 1989-1993
- Honda Accord 5th gen 1993-1997
- Honda Accord 6th gen 1997-2002 Missing
- Honda Accord 7th gen USA gen 2002-2007
- Honda Accord 7th gen EU/Japan 2002-2007 Missing
- Honda Accord 8th gen CU 2008-2012
- Honda Accord 8th gen CP/CS 2008-2012
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