Honda Accord Coupe: the first with closed headlights

In 1986, exactly 10 years after the premiere of the first Accord, Honda launched the third generation of this legendary model in Europe and America, which was distinguished by a much more attractive design, as well as a much richer range of engines, options and equipment. As a result, the new Accord became a purebred sports car, while at the same time becoming much more luxurious. This can actually be said for the entire company's range, including the compact Civic piese etrier frenkit pret.

Honda Accord Coupe: the first with closed headlights

The new Honda Accord was introduced to the Japanese market on June 4, 1985, and in the same year it became the “Car of the Year” in Japan. The car was advertised as completely new, which in most cases is never fully true, but here it is 100%. The only point of contact with the previous generation is the presence of a 4-cylinder transverse engine with front-wheel drive.

The bold design style with a sloping front end and headlight covers, designed by company stylist Toshi Oshika in 1983, as well as the increased dimensions (base, length and width) not only provide a larger usable volume, but also give the car a completely new image. A minor drawback is the slightly increased curb weight.

An interesting design feature of the third-generation Accord sedan is that the versions with the headlights hidden under covers and opening automatically are only available in Japan, the United States, Canada and Australia, while in Europe and other markets the headlights are standard. In the Aerodeck, hatchback and coupe bodies the headlights are covers.

The engine displacement was increased from 1.8 to 2.0 liters, and the Lxi version was equipped with an electronic injection system “Programmed Fuel Injection”, thanks to which the power reached 110 hp - a peak achievement for the brand in those years. In the other versions, equipped with a two-chamber carburetor, the power reached 98 hp.

A certain inconvenience for owners of the two-liter version of the Accord in Japan is that according to local law, the car falls into the luxury class and this cubic capacity burdens them with a much higher annual road tax.

The rear suspension also has double wishbones like the front, but despite the higher price (compared to competing cars where it is MacPherson type), it provides better stability and a sportier driving feel.

The brakes are mostly disc brakes on all four wheels, but there is also a version where the rear brakes are drum brakes with a larger diameter.

Both engine options come with a five-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed automatic is also available as an option. Other technical innovations include an automatic antenna and electric mirrors on the LX and Lxi, while the LXi can also be ordered with an automatically opening glass sunroof, which is not available on the other models.

In 1987, when the car shown in the photos was produced, some minor improvements were made to the Accord range, including the introduction of a new type of seat belts, compliant with new federal regulations in the USA. When the door was closed, the belts were automatically tightened and took the correct position, and when opened, they were released. From the same year, the model was also available with a new color scheme and central door locking. The interior solutions offered range from the most simplified Spartan furnishings to very luxurious versions with a full package of extras, such as heated mirrors, a digital display, a glass sunroof, cruise control and air conditioning. Some of the models for Northern Europe can be ordered with heated front seats and headlight wipers.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

The new Honda Accord was introduced to the Japanese market on June 4, 1985, and in the same year it became the “Car of the Year” in Japan

The bold design style with a sloping front end and headlight covers, designed by company stylist Toshi Oshika in 1983, as well as the increased dimensions (base, length and width) not only provide a larger usable volume, but also give the car a completely new image