When we think of the Honda Accord, we tend to see the modern, mid-size sedan that seems to do everything well. Is it the most memorable model? No, but that’s sort of the point. It’s built to do what you need it to do without making much of a fuss. However, like all things Honda, there’s still plenty of driver-focused DNA, with a willing engine and chassis, communicative steering, and a wonderful manual gearbox if you can find one. This is a first-generation Accord LX, which offered some subtle upgrades over the base model. It appears to be in remarkable condition and is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,999.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Chuck Foster for the tip. As you can see by this photo, we’re dealing with a seller that likes special Hondas. Not necessarily in terms of sporting credentials or limited production – you don’t see any S2000s or Acura Integra GS-Rs here – but what you do see is a tidy collection of survivors. There’s more than one of these Honda enthusiasts out there, and they seemingly gravitate to the average models that remain in above-average condition. This is because so many Hondas are driven into the ground and used as conventional daily transportation that relatively few survive that aren’t the limited-production offerings.
When Honda introduced the first-generation Accord, it was simply trying to give customers a slightly bigger version of the well-regarded Civic. The Accord LX shown here introduced small upgrades like carpeting on the bottom of the door panels, a Quartz clock, air conditioning, power steering, a side view mirror, a tonneau cover in the hatch area, and upgraded seat fabric. It all appears to be in phenomenal condition in this car, which the seller has refurbished mechanically. The dash appears to be uncracked and the details are just fantastic – from the gauges that retain excellent color to the steering wheel which looks like it never saw a greasy hand, someone loved this Accord.
The first-generation Accord was no powerhouse, but it did feature Honda’s “Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC) technology, which allowed the car to meet stringent emissions requirements without a catalytic converter – pretty nifty stuff for a car made in the early 80s. The Accord produced 72 horsepower, which when paired with the manual transmission, was manageable; it also reminded the world at large it was possible to build a mass-production car with strong fuel economy and a wonderful gearbox. All in all, very few of these early Accords are left, and this one looks quite special.
Unless lived in a country that no longer exists, it’s pretty hard to ignore what this car was. Whilst the Civic was groundbreaking as it was, for many, it just wasn’t big enough. Like Subies, you won’t find a low mileage Accord. Very rare, I’ve looked and would love to have one, but I’m not going to SC. to get one. When I moved to my apt. complex in 2017, a disabled woman had a car like this, low mileage, no rust, it sat in that spot for 5 years, easy, and she died and the car was hauled away. I read, these consistently sold in the 120,000+ ish but was the best selling Asian car at the time. It was indeed a Civic on steroids, and like 90% bought another,,,for life. Great cars.
Yes , few if these got preserved because they were designed to be used, and they did that job very well. Nobody thought of these as investment cars, thank god, so if you see one like this, it’s usually because of some strange reason.
Best shifters in the business.
This isn’t an LX, those had full velour seat surfaces. This is a “base” model, already well equipped by the standards of the day, with those vinyl bolsters and knit inserts.