Honda Accord (sixth generation)

The sixth generation Honda Accord was a four door sedan produced by Honda from 1997 to 2002.

Sixth generation series CF3/4/5 CL2/3 Japan
Overview
Also called	Isuzu Aska
Production	1997–2002
Assembly	Sayama, Japan
Designer	Toshihiko Shimizu; Gen Tamura[1] (1996)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact (sedan) Mid-size (wagon; Euro R)
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door wagon
Layout	FF layout 4WD layout
Related	Honda Torneo
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L F18B I4 138 hp (103 kW) 2.0 L F20B I4 SOHC 148 hp (110 kW) 2.0 L F20B I4 DOHC 197 hp (147 kW) 2.2 L H22A I4 220 hp (164 kW)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,665 mm (105 in)
Length	4,635 mm (182 in) sedan & wagon
Width	1,695 mm (67 in) sedan 1,720 mm (68 in) wagon
Height	1,420 mm (56 in) sedan 1,440 mm (57 in) wagon
Curb weight	1,230 kg (2,712 lb) sedan 1,330 kg (2,932 lb) wagon

Background

For the sixth generation, Honda split the Accord into three separate models, designed for the Japanese, North American, and European markets. However, the wagon was discontinued in North America while the coupe was discontinued in Japan. This generation also spawned two distinctively branded performance versions for European and Japanese domestic markets, dubbed Type R and Euro R, respectively.

On the origin of these models, it is rumored^[2] that with the advent of the sixth generation Accord, "Honda England were let loose to build a car that would compete with Subaru and Mitsubishi's Evo. They came up with the Accord Type R, a lightened (around 1200 kg) track version with no sound deadening or luxuries". Honda Japan followed suit in 2000, "took the Accord Type R and developed the Accord Euro R (hence the 'Euro'pean tag)" which has a similar chassis, suspension that is interchangeable with European model, same engine (slightly detuned for European Type R), and nearly identical interior trim.

Japan

Mass Market

The Japanese models, introduced on 4 September 1997, became narrower than the previous generation, returning to the favorable compact car tax bracket, except for Euro R and wagon, which were classified as the larger mid-sized classification. A nearly identical sister car, the Honda Torneo, replaced the previous Honda Ascot and the Honda Rafaga in Japan, which was sold at both Honda Verno and Honda Primo Japanese dealerships, while the Accord remained at Honda Clio locations. This was the last generation that was badge engineered as the Isuzu Aska.

When the previous generation Accord grew in exterior dimensions, this reclassified the Accord as a midsized car in Japan. The second generation Honda Inspire was manufactured in two platforms, with the smaller G20A five-cylinder engine installed in a shorter and narrower sedan that complied with "compact" regulations. This effort reflected Honda's positioning of Honda Clio as a luxury car dealership that sold the luxury sedans Honda Legend and Honda Inspire, similar to their efforts in North America with the Acura brand. Honda continued to offer the Accord station wagon in Japan. All trim levels sold in Japan were available with Honda's newly created, internet-based telematics service called Internavi.

Performance models

Accord/Torneo Euro R (CL1, 2000–2002)

Accord Euro R (CL1)

The Euro R included a "red top" variation of H22A engine producing 220 PS (160 kW; 220 hp) at 7,200 rpm and 221 N·m (163 lb·ft) at 6500 rpm, 5-speed T2W4 manual transmission with helical Torsen LSD, Recaro seats, leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, sports suspension, sports exhaust (including 4–2–1 stainless headers) and an aluminum-alloy gear shift knob. It was also fitted with a unique factory body kit that included flares and was available in some colors not available to other Accords (such as Milano Red). The Accord (sold at Honda Clio locations) and the Torneo (sold at Honda Verno and Primo locations) are the same car, aside from minor cosmetic differences in the exterior, most notably front of the car.

The 2002 model was named the Euro-Rx. This model came with a few slight modifications from the 2000/2001 model. These included factory rear privacy glass, a titanium gear knob, optional Red-checker interior (original gold-checker) and bronze coloured alloy wheels. The high-stop spoiler also became standard on all models.^[3] Honda also addressed two common issues that had become apparent. The ECU was upgraded to resolve the issue of cold-starts causing hesitation on acceleration and the gearbox syncros were upgraded to a higher quality alloy to lengthen their lifespan.^[3]

Accord SiR-T (CF4, 1997–2000)

The SiR-T model included a 2.0L F20B engine rated 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) at 7200 rpm (180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) automatic) and 144.5 lb·ft (196 N·m) at 6600 rpm, 11.0.1 compression, 85 mm X 88 mm (Bore and Stroke) 7800 rpm redline. The H-series DOHC VTEC engines were limited to 7800 rpms. The F20B had a unique blue valve cover and like all the larger displacement Honda engines, the F20B was mounted with a tilt towards the driver. F20B engines could rev at higher rpms than H22As because it had a shorter stroke. The F20B had an 85 mm x 88 mm bore and stroke when compared to an H22A which had an 87 mm x 90.7 mm bore and stroke.^[4] The F20B was also classified as a low emissions engine.

Accord SiR (CF4, 1997–2002)

2000 Accord CF4

The Accord SiR was based on the SiR-T, but used the S-Matic automatic transmission. The engine was rated at 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) but with better midrange characteristics. Moving the gear-stick over to the right allowed manual selection of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear using up and down shift actions just like the sequential gearboxes used on the JGTC NSX. When a particular gear is selected, the gear stays in position at all rpm. When pushed against the rev limiter, the engine would bounce against it just like a manual. However, the gear ratios for each gear were the same as the normal mode. The transmission still worked like a normal automatic transmission in all other operating modes.

Accord Wagon SiR (CH9 FWD 1999–2001, CL2 AWD 2000–2001)

Japan-market 1997 Accord wagon

The SiR wagon model included the only 2.3-liter H23A DOHC VTEC H-series engine in the Honda line-up. The H23A engine was rated at 200 hp / 190 hp (AWD) at 6,800 rpm and torque of 162.8 lb·ft (220.7 N·m) at 5,300 rpm, 10.6:1 compression, 87 mm (3.4 in) X 95 mm (3.7 in) bore and stroke, and a 7200 rpm redline which is slightly lower than other H-series VTEC engines from factory. The H23A also came with a blue valve cover and was the largest displacement of the H-series Honda engines. The H23A was mounted with a tilt towards the driver. The H23A had a longer stroke than the H22A. Specifications for the H23A were; 87 mm (3.4 in) X 95 mm (3.7 in) bore and stroke and H22A has 87 mm (3.4 in) X 90.7 mm (3.6 in) bore and stroke. The H23A had better acceleration because the peak torque occurred sooner at lower rpm when compared to the H22A.

Americas, Australia, New Zealand and Philippines

Sixth generation series CG1/2/3/4/5/6 North America
Overview
Production	1997–2002
Assembly	Marysville Auto Plant, USA Jalisco, Mexico (Honda De México) Alor Gajah, Malaysia Sayama, Japan Guangzhou, China Hsinchu, Taiwan (ended 2002) Santa Rosa City, Philippines Ayutthaya, Thailand Nelson, New Zealand (1998 only)
Designer	Shinji Takashima; Toshihiko Shimizu (sedan: 1995) Don Herner; Eric Schumaker (coupe: 1995, 1996)[5]
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan (US body, chassis no. CG1/CG5/CG6) 2-door coupe (US body, chassis no. CG2/CG3/CG4)
Layout	FF layout
Related	Acura CL Acura MDX Acura TL Honda Inspire Honda Odyssey (North America)
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L F20B5 I4 147 hp (110 kW) 2.3L F23A1 I4 150 hp (112 kW) 2.3L F23A4 I4 148 hp (110 kW) 2.3L F23A5 I4 135 hp (101 kW) 3.0L J30A1 V6 200 hp (150 kW)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Sedan: 2,715 mm (106.9 in) Coupe: 2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	1998–2000 Sedan: 4,796 mm (188.8 in) 2001–02 Sedan: 4,811 mm (189.4 in) 1998–2002 Coupe: 4,745 mm (186.8 in)
Width	1,786 mm (70.3 in)
Height	1998–2002 Sedan: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) 1998–2002 V6 Sedan: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) 1998–2000 Coupe: 1,400 mm (55.1 in) 2001–02 Coupe: 1,394 mm (54.9 in) 2001–02 V6 Coupe: 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb weight	1,356 kg (2,990 lb)

The American Accord was only available in sedan and coupe form, becoming the largest Accord to date, sharing a platform with the Japan-market Honda Inspire/Acura TL. While previous generations of the Coupe were considered two-door versions of the sedan, the 1998 Coupe was the first to be given an exclusive front fascia, rear tail lights (which resemble those found on the NSX), wheels, and many other body panels, and was now marketed as a somewhat separate model, the "Accord Coupe", to set it away from the more family-oriented sedan version. It also allowed the Coupe, which was exported to other markets, to fit in more easily with the local Accord versions.^[6] The tail light appearance was duplicated on the Japanese market Honda Domani for the second generation of production. The coupe's design was styled by Don Herner and directed by lead designer Eric Schumaker into August 1995 in Torrance, CA. It was later scanned as a clay model and transferred to engineering in August 1995 at Honda R&D in Raymond, Ohio. It was developed by Honda engineer Laura Minor into production form until January 1996, being then developed into prototypes for testing.^[7]

1997–2001 Accord V6 sedan (Australia)

Starting with this generation, cabin air filters (also known as pollen filters) were installed as standard equipment and are located behind the glove compartment internationally.

G development began in late 1993, with design work starting in 1994. A design for the sedan by Shinji Takashima and Toshihiko Shimizu was chosen in January 1995 and later frozen for production by the middle of 1995. Prototype test mules were tested from mid-1995 in CD Accord body panels, with full body prototypes being used from 1996. Design patents were filed on 8 March 1996, with development ending in March 1997.^[8]

Honda Accord coupe

For the 1998 model year, the sedan was offered in DX, LX, LX-V6, EX, and EX-V6 trims while the Accord Coupe was offered only in LX, LX-V6, EX, and EX-V6 trims. The DX model was fitted with a 2.3L I4 engine rated at 135 bhp (101 kW), while the LX and EX included a 2.3L I4 VTEC engine rated at 150 bhp (110 kW). All 4-cylinder models came with a 5-speed manual transmission standard, and with a four-speed automatic as optional equipment. The DX remained the value-oriented trim with no audio system, manual windows, manual locks, no cruise control, rear drum brakes, and 14-inch steel wheels. The DX Value Package added a radio-cassette player, air conditioning, and cruise control; this was known as the Accord DX in Canada where it was the base model of the lineup. The LX trim added power windows, power locks, door courtesy lights and 15-inch steel wheels; an SE (special edition) package available since 1999 added 15-inch alloy wheels. The EX trim added ABS, alloy wheels, keyless entry, rear disc brakes, and upgraded cloth. Leather seating, CD player, and power sunroof were factory installed options for the EX. All V6 sedan and coupe models received a new 3.0L V6 SOHC VTEC engine rated at 200 bhp (150 kW) and 195 lb·ft (264 N·m) (from the Acura 3.0 CL), ABS and automatic transmission. Some dealer-installed options included: gold finish kit, gold finish exhaust tip(s), gold finish wheel center caps, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, tape deck, fog lights, wing spoiler, alarm system, sunroof visor, car cover and accessory chrome wheels.

2001–2002 Accord EX coupe (U.S.)

In Australia, the 6th generation Accord went on sale in December 1997, and was initially imported from the USA. However, in 1999, the Accord became the first Honda in Australia to be imported from Thailand. In March 2001, the Accord received a facelift, while at the same time, the option of a manual transmission was dropped. New colour choices with the facelift included Naples Gold, Signet Silver, and Nighthawk Black, the first time that black was offered in an Australian market Accord.

In September 2000, both the American-market Accord sedan and coupe received a minor facelift. A new front fascia, rear bumper, side skirt alteration, new taillights and wheel designs freshened the Accord's look. The interior saw few changes with the exception of some fabric and audio configuration changes. The LX and LX-V6 now included a standard CD player, and the EX 4-cylinder now included a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with cassette player while the EX-V6 offered that stereo plus automatic climate control. All V6 models also included a traction control system that could be disabled by a switch, the first Accord to have such a system included.^[9] The Special Edition returned to the coupe and sedan models for its final model year, 2002. It included all the features of the LX, but added exclusive alloy wheels, keyless entry and a single CD/cassette radio. In the Philippines, only the sedan was available and offered in VTi and VTi-L trims. The VTi model was fitted with a 2.0L I4 VTEC engine rated at 152 bhp (113 kW) while the top VTi-L trim was fitted with a 2.3L I4 VTEC engine rated at 157 bhp (117 kW). Both models are available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Honda made the decision to continue this generation of Accord an extra year. Previously, the Accord ran four years on a single body-style and facelift before being redesigned. The typical Accord generation cycle was a 2:4 trend, with a newly released model running for years 1 and 2 unaltered, then getting a facelift for years 3 and 4 before a major redesign. This generation would run a total of 5 years in a 3:5 trend, with the facelift occurring in year four. Accord sales remained steady despite the additional year.

Despite the Accord's reputation for reliability, the V6 models were plagued by transmission failures and prompted class action lawsuits against the company (4-cylinder models were also affected, but not to the same extent). This caused Honda to extend the warranties for the 2000 through 2001 models to seven years or 109,000 miles (175,000 km). 1998, 1999 and 2002 cars were considered for extended coverage on a case-by-case basis. No formal recall occurred. In Canada, recall letters were sent out to owners who fell within a certain VIN range; this warranty was later re-extended for some owners to seven years in length.

Beginning in 1997, Accord keys were equipped with immobilizer microchips. In late 1998, the Accord was equipped with foldable mirrors. In 2001, the Special Edition was added and the DX Value-Package was re-introduced for 2002 models.

The 1998 Accord was also assembled in New Zealand at the very end of overall CKD car production due to the abolition of import tariffs on built cars which made local assembly uneconomic. 1,200 examples of the car (the mid-sized U.S. sedan version) were built before the Honda New Zealand factory was closed; the very first Honda-owned factory operation to be closed down) and the equipment (which included a paint shop acquired from Nissan when that automaker closed its Australian manufacturing unit in 1994) was shipped to other Honda assembly units, mainly in Asia. Small numbers of Accords were imported (right hand drive) from the U.S. before sourcing switched to Thailand once Accord assembly began there. The Thai factory continues to supply New Zealand with the latest generation Accord and now also ships that line and other Honda models to Australia and elsewhere in South East Asia.

Concerns over airbag safety plague the Japanese automaker. The company announced it was recalling vehicles citing driver's airbags that deploy with too much force during collisions. Honda says 2,430 faulty airbags were installed as repairs to customer vehicles after a collision. But since the company cannot accurately track down which Honda received the flawed airbags, Honda broadened its search to include the 2001–2001 Accord. Since November 2008, Honda has recalled some 1.7 million of its cars for airbag concerns. At its last similar expanded recall in February 2010, Honda said the too-powerful airbags have been involved in 12 incidents, including one fatality.^[10]

Europe

Sixth generation series CG7/8/9 CH5/6/7/8 Europe
Overview
Production	1998–2003
Assembly	Swindon, England (HUKM)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Related	Honda Ascot Innova Rover 600
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L F18A3 I4 2.0 L F20Z I4 2.2 L F22Z2 I4 2.3 L F23Z5 I4 2.2 LH22A7 I4 2.3 L H23A3 I4 2.0 L Rover 20T2N I4 diesel
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105 in)
Length	4,595 mm (181 in) sedan
Width	1,750 mm (69 in) sedan
Height	1,405 mm (55 in) sedan
Curb weight	1,235 kg (2,723 lb) sedan

1998 European Accord Sedan

2001 European Accord Sport Sedan

The European Accord, also made in Swindon, was different in its styling and was also shorter than the Japanese- and American-market Accords. It was available as a sedan and a 5-door hatchback (liftback), with the U.S.-imported coupe completing the range. It was a platform improvement of the previous generation "European Accord", a joint project with the Rover Group that created the Rover 600, as well as the Honda Ascot Innova. The design approval of the sixth generation Accord came in early 1995.

The standard Accord featured more items than the base models of similar cars (Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 406, Vauxhall Vectra, etc.) in its class. The basic S came with ABS, alarm, engine immobilizer, and air-conditioning, with the SE added the options of metallic paint, cruise control, climate control and later, satellite navigation. The 1998–1999 ES version came with all those features (except the satellite navigation optional), as well as a walnut and leather trimmed interior with heated front seats. This model was renamed as the SE Executive in late 1999.

The EU version had a minor facelift in 2001 including a revised grill, alloy wheels, bumpers and both rear and front lights. In 2001, the trim range was expanded with a Type-V; with leather trim as standard equipment, satellite navigation and a tiptronic automatic transmission as optional. The Sport model, which was as the SE, came with modified styling, spoiler, and a color-coded side skirt (as opposed to black plastic).

Other engines included a 1.8 L F18B VTEC engine rated at 138 hp (103 kW), a 2 L F20B6 VTEC engine rated at 145 hp (108 kW), as well as a 1.6 which was the entry level engine not offered in the United Kingdom, it produces 85 kW (114 hp). The Type-V model (2001–2003) included the F23Z5 VTEC engine, it was the largest engine that European 6th-gen Accord offered.

The Type-R, Type-V, and Sport trims can had a badge on the front grill and hood lid, though the pre-facelift models only signified Type-R on the front. The top of the range SE Executive only became identified as such in 2000 with a badge 'SE EXECUTIVE' on the hood lid. Walnut trim interior was also dropped for the SE Executive during the facelift, while a new climate control system was added.

Accord Type R (CH1, 1998–2002)

1998 Accord Type R Pre Facelift

Accord Type R – Nurburgring Nordschliefe

The Accord Type R was a performance variant of the standard Accord, sold in European markets. Apart from a similar yet different body, the European Type R is largely identical to the Japanese CL1 Euro R, including the same "red top" H22A engine; however, in a H22A7 version (compared to H22A for Euro R) producing a lower output at 212 PS (156 kW; 209 hp) (compared to 220 PS (160 kW; 220 hp) for Euro R). The engine was mated to U2Q7 5-speed manual transmission with helical Torsen LSD. Recaro seats, leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, stiffer suspension, dual exhaust (including 4–2–1 stainless headers), and an aluminum-alloy gear shift knob also came standard. Like the Euro R, the Type R was fitted with a factory body kit. Other differences from the standard model include hydraulic power steering on the Type R.

The R model was facelifted in 2001 with updates to the bumpers and fog lights, but removing the factory fitted bodykit. The electric radio aerial was also replaced, with a smaller "Bee Sting" style aerial situated at the rear of the roof line. The 5 speed gearbox was revised with stronger synchros in response to a number of failures on the earlier cars, and the exhaust was fitted with more subtle tips, angled downwards and unpolished in comparison to the pre-facelift's straight chrome tips. The interior and other parts stayed identical.

Sales of the Type R were low; for example, less than two thousand were sold in the UK alone.^[2]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda Accord.

• Accord at Honda Worldwide