Introduced in 1976, the Honda Accord has now reached its 11th generation. The first-generation Accord sedan arrived in the U.S. in 1978, and by 1982, the second-generation Accord made its debut. This generation of Accord was known for its reliability, but also had issues with rust. Despite this, they have remained popular over the years. In 1982, Honda began producing the Accord in Ohio, with over 30 million vehicles built in the United States to date. Today, we are looking at a 1984 Accord found in a self-service junkyard near Denver, Colorado.
### **Honda’s CVCC System**
The 1984 U.S.-market Accord was equipped with a 1.8-liter ES2 SOHC 12-valve engine that produced 86 horsepower and 98.6 pound-feet of torque. This engine featured Honda’s CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) system, which utilized a stratified-charge design with two carburetors feeding fuel-air mixtures into separate combustion chambers. This allowed for extremely clean combustion without the need for a catalytic converter.
### **Challenges of Carburetion**
While the CVCC system was innovative, it posed challenges related to carburetion, especially as emissions standards became stricter. The complexity of carburetors, particularly in varying environmental conditions and driving situations, made it difficult to maintain low emission levels. Honda eventually transitioned to fuel injection systems in the mid-1980s to meet these requirements.
### **Features and Pricing**
The 1984 Accord came in two grades: base and LX. The LX model, like the one found in the junkyard, featured an advanced audio system for its time, with AM, FM, cassette, Dolby capabilities, and a three-band equalizer. The LX model had an MSRP of $10,299, equivalent to around $31,365 in today’s dollars. Present-day Accords offer more features, performance, safety, and fuel economy compared to their 1984 counterparts.
### **Resale Value and Longevity**
The second-generation Accord was known for its value and maintained strong resale value for years. Some models, like the one found in the junkyard, could achieve high mileage, with examples exceeding 400,000 miles. To impress car enthusiasts, a junkyard Accord would need to show mileage numbers exceeding 500,000 or even 600,000 miles. However, rust issues plagued many second-gen Accords, leading to their eventual demise.
### **Legacy of Second-Gen Accord**
While most commercials of the era focused on the Accord hatchback, the sedan also had its share of admirers. In Japan, the Accord sedan was known as the Saloon, showcasing its upscale image. Despite facing challenges with rust and emissions standards, the second-generation Accord left a lasting impact on Honda’s legacy and the automotive industry as a whole.
In conclusion, the 1984 Honda Accord LX represents a nostalgic piece of automotive history, showcasing Honda’s innovative technologies of the time. Despite its challenges, the Accord of the past has paved the way for modern-day advancements in performance, safety, and efficiency. As we look back at this classic model found in a junkyard, we appreciate the enduring spirit and legacy of the Honda Accord throughout its various generations.