The start of the second generation Accords was noteworthy by being built in the USA, AT Honda's plant in Marysville, Ohio. A second significant event was the Accord becoming the best-selling Japanese car in the US. It held that position for almost 15 years. In Japan a sister model to the was announced called the Vigor.
From a mechanical standpoint the second generation was very similar to the original Accord, using the same engine. However there were interior and exterior modifications. One of the major improvements for this model was in the area of quality control. Going from a potential rust bucket the car became one of the most reliable cars on the US market, a position that it still holds in 2009. Some major features of this generation were shag carpets, velour cabin trim and some chrome accents. Colors available included Silver, sky Blue, and Beige.
A difference with the Accord from most of the foreign models was in the area of head light units.
The U.S. model was not allowed to have the aerodynamic molded headlights found outside this country in the foreign models.
A change was made in 1983 to the car and the automatic transmission was upgraded to a four speed box. The manual five speed transmission did not change. A minor change was made in 1983 in that the car's speedometer was changed from the earlier federally mandated 85 miles per hour dial to a more realistic 120 miles per hour unit. A new color of Columbus Slate Gray was added to the buyer's choice in paint colors.
Another milestone was reached in 1984 when Accords sold in the eastern U.S. were produced in Ohio and their quality was judged to be equal to those produced in Japan. This year also saw the horsepower being raised to 80 horse power for the U.S. model.
The major changes for the 1985 cars included a 110 hp fuel-injected engine, which remained the basic engine design for the cars until 1989. Additional colors were also added.
Dennis Dater has been interested in cars since he learned to drive in a 1952 MG TD. He is opening two unique web sites to offer Honda Accord aftermarket parts. Visit him and see the products or read more articles.
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