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Honda Accord 2000 Models to Add Safety Features

10 August 1999

Honda Accord 2000 Models to Add Safety Features; Expand Use of Advanced Emission Control Technologies

    TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 9 -- All model year 2000 Accords will
feature Honda's patented new dual-stage inflator front passenger SRS airbag
technology.  All V-6 powered Accords and 4-cylinder EX models with the leather
interior trim will be equipped with Honda's new advanced front, side airbag
system, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
    In addition, all new Accords sold nationwide will meet or exceed
California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard.
    As a result of these product enhancements, prices of 2000 model year
Accords will increase an average of 0.7 percent or $157 on a sales weighted
basis.  Vehicles are being shipped to dealers beginning today.
    The new dual-stage inflator airbag technology automatically adjusts the
deployment speed of the front passenger's airbag based on the severity of the
crash and seat belt use.
    The advanced side airbag system uses a matrix of seven sensors in the
front passenger's seat to monitor the size and position of the passenger and
is capable of deactivating the passenger's-side airbag if the sensors
determine the passenger is too small and out of position.
    In addition to voluntarily equipping all Accords sold nationwide with low
emission technology, which reduces emissions by 70 percent from the current
Federal standard, all LX and EX 4-cylinder Accords sold in California will now
meet the "Ultra Low Emission Vehicle" (ULEV) standard, currently the most
stringent emission standard in the world.  The Accord DX now meets Low
Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard.  In 1997, a 4-cylinder Accord model became
the first gasoline-powered vehicle ever sold to meet the ULEV standard.
    The lowest price Accord model, the DX sedan, which adds folding exterior
side mirrors in addition to the dual stage air bags, LEV technology and
100,000-mile tune-up, will have a 2000 model year price of $15,350, an
increase of $150.  The best-selling Accord model, the 4-cylinder LX sedan with
an automatic transmission, has a new base price of $19,340, up $150.  All
Accords that add front side airbags increase $250 in price.  Destination and
handling charges are unchanged at $415.
    New for the 2000 model year is the Accord Special Edition.  The Accord SE
features exclusive alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, body colored side moldings,
a security system, keyless entry, wood grain interior trim and floor mats.
The Special Edition Accord will have a base price of $20,490.