Honda Unveils All-New Lineup of Best-Selling Accords
27 August 1997
Honda Unveils All-New Lineup of Best-Selling Accords
CLEVELAND, Aug. 26 -- Honda took the wraps off the all-new
1998 Accord here today and revealed the most comprehensive redesign in the
22-year history of the car more consumers buy than any other.
The Accord Sedan, which moves into the mid-size class with a much larger
interior, has enhanced safety and security features; more powerful, more fuel
efficient and cleaner engines; and improved ride and handling. The Accord
Coupe, which features distinctive styling from the Sedan, was designed and
developed by Honda's R&D operations in the U.S.
The new Accord, which will be built only by Honda of America Manufacturing
in Marysville, Ohio, will have an EPA domestic content rating of 97 percent,
the highest ever for a Honda car. All the new Accord's engines, including the
V-6 for the first time and nearly all automatic transmissions are now made in
the U.S. More than 400 U.S. suppliers contribute to the new Accord.
"The new Accord raises the bar and sets new standards for size, safety,
performance, value and environmental concern, just as a benchmark car should,"
said Koichi Amerniya, president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It also
represents the coming of age of Honda. This complete redesign was made
possible only by a new level of maturity in our research product design,
engineering, manufacturing and sales operations."
The Sedan goes on sale the end of September, followed a month later
by the Coupe. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but are
expected to be in the same range as the current models. Sales of about
375,000 are expected during the 1998 model year.
The Sedan boasts an EPA interior volume of 101.7 cubic feet, which is an
increase of seven cubic feet compared to the '97 model, four cubic feet more
than the Toyota Camry, and even larger than the Ford Taurus. A sophisticated
chassis, featuring a multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, contributes
to the additional interior space, while enabling the Accord to maintain the
same wheelbase and virtually same overall length.
Power is provided by new 4- and 6-cylinder engines. The 2.3-liter
4-cylinder increases horsepower by 15 percent in the best-selling LX models to
150 hp. Both LX and EX 4-cylinder models also will feature the first
nationwide distribution of vehicles that meet California's stringent Low
Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard.
Taking emission controls to the highest level, the Accord EX 4-cylinder
sold in California with an automatic transmission will be the first gasoline-
powered vehicle to meet the State's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standard.
Even with the more powerful and cleaner burning engines, fuel economy has
been maintained at a city/highway EPA-rated 25/31 mpg with a 5-speed
transmission and 23/30 mpg city/highway with a new electronically controlled
4-speed automatic transmission.
The new 3.0-liter V-6 is the first V-6 to make use of Honda's patented
VTEC system and has 200 horsepower, a boost of 30 horsepower from the '97
model. The engine is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel and has an
EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 21/28.
Both 4- and 6-cylinder engines, along with 5-speed manual and 4-speed
automatic transmissions, will be made in the U.S.
All '98 Accords feature a host of added standard equipment, including
AM/FM stereo cassette player and three-point rear center seatbelt. All cars
also will be equipped with Honda's immobilizer anti-theft system that requires
an electronic match between the driver's key and ignition system before the
car will start.
The Accord's new unit body construction which features a high strength
cabin and ladder-type subframe, help the Accord meet worldwide regulations for
occupant protection and impact absorption including U.S. side, frontal and
offset impact standards. All Accords come equipped with dual air bags, 5-mph
bumpers and adjustable three-point seat belts at all five seating positions.
SOURCE American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
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