Honda Accord Fifth Generation

In 1994, the Honda Accord was moved to a yet larger "CD" chassis, primarily to better suit the requirements of the North American market. It grew in width but oddly shrunk in length, leaving it classified as a mid-size car in North America. It thus became too wide to fit within the favorable tax bracket in Japan, where its role was to be partially taken over by the smaller second-generation Honda Ascot and Honda Rafaga. The engines offered also exceeded the maximum limit of 2000cc to remain in the favorable tax bracket as well.

DX, LX and EX remained the American trim lines while Canada retained the LX, EX and EX-R. The 5-speed manual remained mostly unchanged, and the 4-speed automatic transmission, noted for its hard shifts, now included Honda's "Grade-Logic" shift program. All Accord models received a more ergonomic interior with standard safety features such as dual airbags and reinforced side-impact beams. Exclusive to the EX was the F22B1 VTEC version of previous generations 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (making 145 hp (108 kW) up from 140 in the previous generation EX), antilock brakes (now an option for the LX), 4-wheel disc brakes, 15" alloy wheels, and a rear stabilizer bar. Leather was an option in the EX trim with leather equipped models now being referred to as EX-L. DX and LX models came equipped similarly to the previous generation and were fitted with a revised version of the previous generations 2.2 liter non-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. This F22B2 engine was rated at130 hp (97 kW) up from 125 in the previous generation. The Accord was again named Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1994. The Accord coupe as in the previous generation looked almost exactly like the sedan, and this was the last generation of Accord to offer a wagon variant in America until the introduction of the Accord Crosstour in 2009.

Honda produced a "sport" version of this Accord for the Japanese market, referred to as the Si-R, this Accord which was hard to tell apart exterior wise from a run of the mill EX model, and came equipped with the 200 hp (149 kW) H22A DOHC VTEC engine, similar to the H22A1 engine found in the American market Prelude VTEC of the same era. It came configured with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard or an optional four-speed automatic transmission was available. It came with cloth sport seats styled similar to the Prelude's, and many of the typical power options found on an EX trim Accord. Though being exclusively a Japanese market model, many of these Accords were built in the US at Honda's Marysville Ohio plant but were marked for export only as this particular model was never offered in North America. Unfortunately not much more is known about this particular model as they are very rare and were produced in relatively low numbers.

In 1995, the Accord debuted a V6 engine, the 2.7 L C27 borrowed from the first generation Acura Legend, in the U.S. market. The V6 was offered in both the LX and EX versions of the sedan, LX models being referred to as LX-V6 and EX models as EX-V6. EX-V6 models came equipped similarly to the EX-L with leather seats being the only option in the EX-V6. Addition of the taller C27 engine required substantial alterations to the CD platform, with V6 models sporting a redesigned engine box, taller front fenders, and a different hood than I4 models; however, these differences are difficult to spot without both models parked side-by-side. Both versions of the V6 received a dual-outlet exhaust, a 4-speed automatic transmission, 15" machined alloy wheels on the EX-V6 and 15" steel wheels with full covers on the LX-V6, and a slightly updated front grille. The Accord saw very little other changes in 1995 with the exception of a few different exterior/interior color combinations.

In 1996, the Accord underwent the usual mid-generation facelift. More rounded bumpers, a slightly modified front fascia with new signal lights and rear taillights give the Accord a softer look. All Hondas now complied with the Federal Government's requirement of OBD II engine diagnostics though all three engine choices remained the same. In order to increase the Accord's competitiveness against its rivals in different international markets, Honda CEO Nobuhiko Kawamotodecided on one basic platform for the sixth-generation Accord, but with different bodies and proportions for local markets. In the United States the 1996 model lineup included the 25th Anniversary Edition, a model positioned between the DX and LX.

In 1997, Honda released the "Special Edition" version of the Accord (not to be confused with the SE). It was offered in three colors: Heather Mist Metallic, San Marino Red and Dark Currant Pearl. The Special Edition received a factory installed security system with keyless entry, single-disc CD player, body colored side molding, distinctive alloy wheels and a sunroof. It was offered in an automatic transmission only and was fitted with the same engine as the LX.

In New Zealand, the 5th generation Accord was assembled at Honda's manufacturing site in Nelson and was released in March, 1994. It was available in LXi, EXi and EXi-S trim levels. A facelift was released in December 1995, which coincided with the release of VTEC engines in the upper-spec models. Trim levels were LXi, VTi, and VTi-S.