If you search “Honda Accord for sale” online, you may find anything from a 1970s two-door hatchback to a brand-new commuter-friendly hybrid. It’s safe to say that this is a model that has changed quite a bit since its original debut over 40 years ago. Unless you’re looking for an old fixer-upper, you’re probably more interested in the 2022 Honda Accord than the first-generation hatchback for this reason––but it’s still nice to know the differences between the generations. The original Honda Accord hatchback paved the way for the new, spacious, tech-savvy sedan that’s available today. Let’s take a look at how we got this affordable and family-friendly car.
The First-Generation Honda Accord (1977 – 1981)
Honda needed a larger car than the Civic in order to keep up with the competition, and that’s where the Accord first came in. The brand accomplished a lot with its first-generation Accord model, taking the car from two doors to four doors and adding modern features such as power steering, all within a single generation.
There were a lot of features that made the Accord an impressive ride for its time––both obvious and subtle. The fact that this model included power steering, air conditioning, a rear defroster, and a windshield washing system was impressive for its time, especially considering the model’s low price point. But there were other innovative features at work here as well. The Accord’s “Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion” (CVCC) engine didn’t even need a catalytic converter to meet emission standards! It just goes to show that Honda was once again “ahead of the times.”
Best of all, the Accord was able to maintain exceptional fuel economy ratings, both for its time and even by today’s standards. The 1976 Accord could get up to 44 MPG on the highway and 31 MPG in the city. Of course, as the first-generation Accord improved, buyers could upgrade the engine to a more powerful and less fuel-efficient option if desired. Nonetheless, drivers could bring home a well-rounded daily commuter with the perfect balance between power and fuel efficiency for only $4,000 (or less, depending on the exact model year and trim).
The Second to Ninth-Generations (1981 – 2016)
The Accord has undergone countless changes over the years that have led to its current design. This car’s size has increased, along with its horsepower and engine displacement. From 1981 through 1989, the Accord maintained its square, compact bodystyle before slowly morphing into the sleek midsize car it is today. Prior to the sixth generation (1998 – 2002), this model came in several different body styles, including hatchbacks and wagons. However, these were dropped by the sixth generation, leaving only the coupe and sedan options. Horsepower increased steadily throughout each generation as Honda upgraded the Accord’s engines. A second-generation Accord can pump out anywhere from 80 hp to 101 hp, while the ninth-generation Accord produced up to 278 hp.
While many Accord models offered either turbocharged or V6 engines, hybrid models were also available. The first hybrid Honda Accord actually debuted during the seventh generation in 2006, but it was discontinued the following year and wasn’t picked back up again until the ninth generation in 2014. Since then, the hybrid model has remained in production, offering even better fuel economy ratings than the standard Accord.
The Tenth-Generation Honda Accord (2017 – Present)
The Honda Accord is now in its 10th generation and has already received many upgrades since the generation launched in 2018. Now a full-on midsize sedan, the Accord is still one of the best family-friendly cars on the market. The 2017 Accord comes in five different trims, with higher trims adding leather interiors, built-in navigation, and more.
The 2021 model has especially gained attention due to its tech-friendly upgrades. For example, the Accord gained a standard 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay regardless of trim level. The 2021 hybrid model can get 48 MPG combined while pumping out 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The two high-level trims now come with a brand-new safety feature called “Low Speed Braking Control,” which sends alerts and automatically stops the car if an object is in its path.
The 2022 Honda Accord
If you’re looking for a brand new Honda Accord for sale, then you’ll want to check out the newest 2022 Accord. It has several different engine options, great safety features, and plenty of comfort and convenience perks that make it the ideal sedan. Whether you want the most fuel-efficient ride, a little pep in your step, or something in between, the Accord’s got you covered.
Engines
This model comes with three different engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4, a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, and a 2.0-liter I-4 hybrid. Of course, you’ll get the best fuel economy with the hybrid model at 47 MPG combined. The 1.5-liter follows next in line at 33 MPG combined, and the 2.0-liter gets 26 MPG combined. The hybrid model’s horsepower and torque ratings fall between the two gasoline engine options, with a large gap between the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines. Overall, the hybrid engine provides a nice balance of power and fuel efficiency. If you want the most power, you’ll want to stick with the 2.0-liter and take the hit on your fuel economy.
Safety
All modern Honda models are safety-packed, and the 2022 Accord is no exception. Honda Sensing is standard across all trims and includes five different driver assistance technologies:
- Road Departure Mitigation System – Designed to help keep you alert on the road, this technology will alert you and redirect you when you’re drifting off the road’s edge or into the wrong lane.
- Lane Keeping Assist System – This can detect the road lines and help keep you centered in the appropriate lane, as long as your hands are on the wheel.
- Traffic Sign Recognition – Keeps a record of recent traffic signs so that you don’t miss any speed changes, road rules, or warnings.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System – Will automatically brake for pedestrians or other vehicles when appropriate. Put simply, the Accord will stop if there’s an apparent collision risk.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow – This keeps you from having to constantly reset cruise control by adapting to the traffic’s flow. It can also help you maintain a specific distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
In addition to these standard features, you can add a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, Rear Seat Reminder, Head-Up Display, and more.
Comfort and Convenience
The Accord is an affordable model, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on luxury. Feel free to add leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated seats to your new Accord. You can even add a wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker sound system which compliments the cabin’s standard Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation. See the stars with a one-touch power moonroof, and keep the whole family comfy with dual-zone automatic climate control.
Which Accord Generation Is “Better?”
We’ve got the term “better” in quotations for a reason. Of course, the newest 2022 model is your best bet for the most modern features and dependability. But those who are still rocking an older-generation Accord should be proud. From the start, the Accord has had impressive and abundant features for a price that many other brands can’t beat. All Accord models are fuel efficient, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.
Let’s put it this way. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with driving an older Accord or even buying one to fix up and use as a daily driver. After all, the old Accords still get better gas mileage than most brand-new SUVs and crossovers can. But if you’re looking for a larger investment and long-term dependability, it’s always good to go with something new. Since the newest Accord is considered one of the best midsize sedans on the market, we recommend test driving a 2022 Accord. Whether you’re a long-term Accord enthusiast or you just need something practical for the family, you can’t go wrong with a 2022 Honda Accord.
