In 1975, Toyota, Mazda and Datsun each offered Americans four different models of cars. Even Fiat there were three different models for sale here that year, but the only one from Honda USA authorized dealer made at that time is civic. The following five models, Honda’s motobike introduced a brand new car that is bigger, better equipped and more powerful tiny Civic: the Fit. The first-generation 1976-1980 Accords sold like crazy, turning the American Honda Motor Company into a major auto company on our shores. This is one of those historic Accords, finally retired at the age of 42 at a self-service car graveyard in Denver.
Related: 2023 Honda Accord first look
For the first few years, the Accord was available here like a three-door hatchback. In 1978, the four-door Accord sedan arrived, ready to battle with its cramped rear-wheel drive four-door.
First generation Accords powered by Honda CVCC equipped E-series four-cylinder engine. This one comes in a 1.75-liter version that delivers 72 horsepower to the front wheels. It doesn’t sound like much, but the weight of this car is only 2,130 pounds (equivalent to a new 78 horsepower car). Mitsubishi Mirage and about 1,000 pounds lighter than the 2022 Treaty). By 1980 standards, the Accord was reasonably quick.
The CVCC system runs so clean that Honda does not need to set it catalytic conversion on this car. That means 1980 Accord owners can run on cheap leaded gas (which still available for highway use here until 1995). This is a vehicle in 49 states, not legal to sell new in California or at altitudes above 4,000 feet (1,280 feet below existing parking).
The CVCC system, consisting of separate rich/lean combustion chambers and a confusing two-in-one carburetor, become complicated can’t work in the mid-1980s. In 1980, the vacuum tube plexus didn’t become so scary (compared to rig “Map of the Universe” of 1985). CVCC remains the envy of the automotive world, although electronic fuel injection will soon set it aside.
You wouldn’t know it from this car, which had been sunbathing for decades before arriving here, but the first-generation Accord’s interior is beautiful for such an affordable car.
The list of standard features of the 1980 Accord sedan was impressive at the time. Power steering, tachometer, clock, odometer, intermittent wipers, tinted glass, high-beam and tinted glass are all included for free. The orange rectangles below the odometer are service reminder indicators, which the shop had to reset after servicing (a few did).
This one even has air conditioning and what could be the original AM/FM/cassette radio.
A five-speed manual transmission – reasonably sporty hardware for the 1980s – is standard equipment, and that’s what’s in this car. Bizarre two-speed Hondamatic transmission is still offered, although Honda introduced a true three-speed automatic in the Accord that year (new Citizenship Education with Hondamatics has been here since 1983).
This pipeline system seems to have been applied very early in the car’s life. I’m pretty sure it’s not a factory option.
These cars are very susceptible to rust, although this used to not rot horribly in the usual places. The sun burned the paint in spots and the rain and snow did their job while this car lay in the field or driveway for at least 20 years.
The MSRP on this car is $6,515, or about $24,810 in 2022 dollars. The Volkswagen Dasher (called Passat elsewhere at the time) was the most mechanically similar 1980s competitor to the Accord, and it cost $7,790 for a five-door hatchback. Toyota’s Corolla The sedan is a bit smaller and the rear-wheel drive layout gives it a spooky interior, but you can get it for as little as $4,298. Meanwhile, the tenants Chevy Citation compact sedan can be purchased for only $5,378 with a V6 engine.
I think the 51,772 miles shown on this car’s odometer could be the true final odometer, because it takes years for the interior to come up. this no seeds.
As the world gets bigger and bigger, so does Honda.
In its homeland, the Accord is considered a luxury car. Starting with the 1982 model year, many Agreements intended for the US market will be manufactured in Ohio.
