As we’ve been proselytizing here on Japanese Nostalgic Car, the CA generation Accord is seriously underrated. When it was released reviewers absolutely loved it. Case in point: this Motorweek review from 1989.
The only negatives noted were the overly assisted power steering and its unhurried acceleration, but those issues are easily outweighed by the big feature — which was apparently a safety lock on the automatic transmission.
Honda themselves were so sure about this car they designed it in the US to export to Japan in LHD form. The review was really positive comparing the car to the Mazda MX-6 and the Probe — apparently the Probe was a competitor to the Accord Coupe. I always considered it to be Integra competition but what do I know.
If this video gets the gears turning in your head for an Accord perhaps our very first Consider The Following on the CA Accord will provide assistance in helping you find the right one. Until then Just enjoy this great Retro Review for the ’89 Accord Coupe.
Oddly enough:
http://jalopnik.com/would-buying-this-1984-honda-accord-lx-for-3-700-make-1793671421
The comments below it make a lot of good points – mostly about seals and bushings, and what appears to be MILES of vacuum lines.
That said, I’d take the chance; an unusual, enjoyable, weekend car. Hit some cruises!
And the logo on the steering wheel hub of the export units was an American Eagle, not the USA Accura emblem.
This is a very good review. Very well spoken chap, clear and concise. Leaps and bounds above similar segments you would see on TV today.
Really, how much new programming today is NOT more flash than substance?
I guess we need EXCITEMENT! in product reviews, most of which are over the top in slathering praise on something that can’t match up to that praise, or calling something garbage because it doesn’t do everything, including making toast and reading your e-mails to you, WHILE pulling 1.2 Gs on a Belgian Block road course, going 0-60 in 3.8 seconds AND getting 74mpg.
. . . AND YOU MUST BUY THE MOST EXTREME VERSION, EVEN IF YOU NEED TO REMORTGAGE THE HOUSE, OTHERWISE YOU’RE A PIECE OF GARBAGE!!! YOU MUST BUY THE GT-TURBO! NOTHING ELSE MATTERS!!! YOU MUST BUY IT!!!
All flash.
My favorite generation of Accord, and the review explains why it was such a home run; comfortable, well-behaved, and useful design. I particularly like the human space in the back – try getting that comfortable in most 2-doors today.
Okay, so it didn’t scream to 60, and it didn’t handle like a Ferrari. It wasn’t meant to. See above about comfortable, useful, etc. It’s a sporty car than can carry the FAMILY. I don’t have performance specs for cars sitting here, of course, but it seems it’s about middle-of-the-road for its time, which is exactly where you want to be. If you want to hotrod it, you can, but it doesn’t start out there. I could live with a couple of each body style in the stable (lottery permitting).
I actually like the 2-tone interior. They call it “2-tone beige,” but I’d call it charcoal-and-beige. SO much nicer – warmer(?) looking – than most of what’s out there today. Probably needs more frequent cleaning, but still a nice look.
Note for anyone who doesn’t know: The Probe LX was a 3 liter V-6, but the DX and GT (Turbo) were also 3-valve designs shared with the MX-6. (My favorite design of both of those, as well.)
I used to have a 1989 Honda Accord LX so my grandmother gave it to me it was a great running car fun to drive handled well good speeds it was a five speed I sure do miss that car