From its launch in Japan 50 years ago, the Honda Accord has become one of the most resilient and best-selling automobile nameplates of all time. With nearly 20 million sold to date, the Accord ranks right up there with the VW Beetle in popularity. The third generation ran from 1986 to 1989, including this survivor-quality coupe from ’89 that looks and runs great. Ready for some more miles and smiles, this Honda is in Woodland, California, and is available here on eBay where the current bid is $2,401 (no reserve).
Honda began manufacturing automobiles in the U.S. in 1982 (Marysville, Ohio), so this 1989 Accord was built there, and many of these coupes were actually exported back to Japan! It was classified as a compact car at first, though the name has passed over several lines, including the Crossover. The third gen was noted for its hideaway headlights, a not-uncommon feature of autos in those days. In 1989, the Accord used a 2.0-liter inline-4, and this one has a 5-speed manual transmission, though an automatic was on the table, too.
This Accord is a DX model, which means it was devoid of features like power windows. The car is advertised as having low miles, which 100k is kind of low today but not necessarily so 40 years ago. The body is rust-free, and the paint should be original, though it has a few little nicks and scratches as you would expect for the age. The machine looks to have been well-kept, and the seller makes no mention of any shortcomings.
Typical of a Honda, the fit and finish on this vehicle look good, and it would get better as Japanese quality control became a way of habit internationally. The seller tells us what works, so we have to assume the list of those items that don’t is either short or non-existent. Anyone up for a Made in the USA Honda?
This should sell well. It’s an unusual body style, it’s a 5spd and it’s a Honda. The problem is it’s a Nevada car being sold in California, likely not in the sellers name. It needs a VIN verification by the CHP and a smog test. If it fails smog, you can’t register the car in California, only transfer title, but if the seller isn’t the owner it’s your problem. Even if it’s going out of state, if there are registration issues, you would be on your own.
Steve R
I was never a big fan back in the day. The Accord was too practical and sensible. But next to today’s Accord this looks like a go kart. I’d be in if it were closer to me.