1994 Honda Accord

The 1994 Honda Accord, Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year for 1994, marks the beginning of the Accord’s fifth vehicle generation (1994-1997). This generation is significant for the role it played in transitioning the Accord from compact to mid-size car. Moreover, it is notable for being the last generation where Japanese and North American Accords were identical.

The new size was less popular in Japan because in its new class, the car no longer earned the buyer a substantial tax break. This is the reason why after this point, the North American Accords were growing while the Japanese alternatives were shrinking. Despite the growth of the sedans, the 1994 Honda Accord coupe remained compact. They were essentially 2-door compact versions of the mid-size sedans. This was also the last year that Honda offered the Accord wagon in North America.

In the United States, the 1994 Honda Accord was available in the base level DX, the standard or luxury level LX and the executive level EX. All models included the 5-speed manual transmission, but a 4-speed automatic with the “Grade-Logic” shift feature was available. The 1994 Honda Accord is also notable for its ergonomic interior and safety features that were innovative at the time, such as airbags and reinforced side-impact beams.

In this generation of the Accord, the DX and LX model included the same engine, a non-VTEC 2.2-liter 4-cylinder motor that produces 130 horsepower. The DX was also much sparser than it would come be in the following generations. It included air-conditioning and a basic stock audio system. The EX included a VTEC version of the 2.2-liter 4-cylinder that produces 145 horsepower. It also included 15-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes, which were optional on the LX, 4-wheel disc brakes and a rear stabilizer bar. Beginning in 1994, Honda shifted all of the leather accessories from the EX to the new EX-L package.