@Brimstoneandfire read a lot of the comments online, a lot of my older demographic watching this DO NOT consider this a classic and I put forward valid cases for it being a classic. It’s called being objective. Being rude would’ve been to say ‘it’s not worth saving’. I actively encourage people to see the value, encourage saving them etc. if I was just gushing and not objective people would moan then too…
@@idriveaclassic The Honda Accord is a classic, I drove a 1997 V6 model, beautiful car, very smooth and quiet. If you look on TH-cam for the one million mile Honda, there’s a very well maintained Honda Accord that’s done 1 million miles or 1.6 million kilometres, on its original engine and gearbox.
This bring back happy memories. My late wife drove a 1983 Accord Lx Hondamatic . A joy to drive, good fuel economy and better than my 1983 Ford Sierra 2.0 Ghia,on long journeys. Ok , it was indeed less sporty that's for sure, but way more relaxed and comfortable. Japanese engineer on his best.
I think it's worth remembering that in the 70's & early '80's Honda knew they couldn't compete directly on price with most more established Japanese manufacturers, so set themselves apart with detail refinement & design quality to feel a little special & justify a higher price. Exacly the reason the Honda Civic Ballade made a good Triumph Acclaim to distinguish itself from Austins & Morris.. & hopefully garner an owner who would also respect & care for it a little more. A strategy that was even more pronounced away from the USA & locally assembled products.
We might be able to see these as classics in the USA if there were any that haven’t rusted away. They were certainly popular in their day. And no doubts of their durability.
I bought an Accord in 1980. At the time they were ahead of just about everything in terms of quality maybe to a similar standard of Mercedes Benz. It was so reliable only needing batteries and mufflers in 10 years of ownership. Great Nippon Denso AC.
Those Hondas Civic, Accord, Prelude and the Ballade/Acclaim were so smooth and the engines & gearboxes so sweet a pleasure to drive and economy was great
Owned various Accords from 1986 to 2002. My first one was a five year old Mk 1 EX, with power steering, 5 speed gearbox, electric windows and air conditioning as standard. Features like that were a rarity on UK cars at that time.
I had a friend here in England who had a 1981 or '82 Triumph Acclaim in 1986,& it had a/c! It was the only small car i had come across in England back then with a/c! A/C really wasn't an option,let alone standard,on that many small cars here in England until the early 90s...I think Daewoo started offering it in their small cars,&that seemed to thankfully set the ball rolling for other manufacturers to offer it,at least as an.option,in small cars in Europe! Most people here before then used to sweat to death when it was hot, unless they had a larger car with a high trim level like a Ghia or CD,etc. Well Jags & Daimlers & some larger Rovers had a/c back then,too...but only ones with higher trim levels..and if i remember correctly,even with the higher trim models,a/c was a £500+ option!
At the time, I was probably one of a good number of kids who wished their parents would upgrade their cars to something far modern. This was one of those cars that I wished my mother would get, but I had to make do with riding around in her Marina.
In the Northeastern US, these little jewels were all over the place. For the first three or four years of ownership they were wonderful. After that, these cars rusted terribly and were often completely destroyed by the late '80s.
Great review. I am a Honda lover and it was an Accord that started my love affair with the brand when the hire car company my job used, would give us a Honda Accord for longer trips. I'm going back to late 90s now so newer than the test car . I've owned 7 Hondas in total. Never thought I'd develop brand loyalty but I did.
Big fan of Honda, in fact our entire family have owned and driven nothing but various Honda's over the last several years due to amazing no problem ownership. Great to see one highlighted!
This was my first car. I had a green 1982 1.6EX 3 door so pretty much the same as the one in the video apart from it was manual and had a few extras like electric sunroof. I had it from 1988 to 1990. PHR875Y .. will never forgot that reg!
You are a wonderful reviewer, most thorough and careful in every way! The second generation Honda Accord has a sweet spot for me for it was my sister's wedding day getaway car. Before my sister got the car from me, my experience in driving it I found it refined and very German-like in function: The motor had a wonderful hum like thousands of contented bees under the bonnet, the displays and controls were clear and simple, the seats were comfortable, and the car did not wander as it plotted its way down a highway. The car had a dark chocolate brown interior with a metallic brown exterior that was unique and refreshingly different from the sea of white, red and silver cars that we've grown accustomed to. My only three complaints about the car: as mine was an early 1982 model so there was the lack of an overdrive for the automatic was just a three speed; the lack of standard AC left me panting in my blisteringly hot climate, and a persistent problem with the carburetor which left my family stranded more than once. The car with the automatic was a bit under-powered in climbing steep mountain grades, but it never overheated even in 100+ temperatures of interior Washington State.
For the age and mileage this is a well kept example I think. We all have a view on what is a classic so I won't 'grind that axe' but I think it is great that young people are looking at something like this. There is a view that young people have no interest in classics with a few exceptions. The Americans like their Honda's and we here in the UK were drawn to them around the time of this Accord but now Honda are not so popular. That is a well appointed car and the headlight warning is quite cute, much better than 'DONG, DONG! You did a great review Steph thank you. 👍👍
What is classic and what's not is a grey area nowadays but I go with 20+ years along with if you don't see many any more as my rule of thumb. I had a Mark 1 Civic 1200 with a Hondamatic 2 speed and I really liked driving that car, not quick but chilled to drive......until the timing belt snapped!!
Great video! I used to work for another Kent Honda dealer, Becketts of Sidcup. I used to Pdi those when they were new. The only major problem with them back then was camshafts wearing prematurely. The later facelifted version had an improved 12 valve engine and the transmissions were fully automatic.
Morning Steph, good video as always and these are underrated cars I certainly think. This one is an excellent example. I spent many years studying and practicing Japanese manufacturing techniques especially at Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The attention to detail and quality focus they employ is incredible. Yours is one of my "Must Watch Channels" on Sunday mornings along with Old Classic Car and Car Traction, I only watch the 3. Keep them coming Steph. I will check out Bidding Classics later today.
This is a classic. Anything before 2000 for me but each to their own. This is a true survivor. Reminded me of its rival, the Datsun Cherry which my dad had, and one of the only registrations I can still remember
My dream car when I started driving in 1986. Could not afford a 3-4 year Accord at the time(or now!). Got a slightly roped high mileage ‘85 LX 3dr. in 1995 and a really nice ‘87 DX 4dr. In 1991. Great cars
Oh I love this. That almost coupe like shape and glorious steelies. I love an 80s/90s car for that useable fun experience. You know how I feel about your Proton though. It'll go on forever!
had 2 of these both manual , one EX. Went to spain and back many times with no problems , so comfortable with great MPG approaching 50 on the long runs just a little bit lacking in powers i also had a prelude which was nice but i always prefered the accords
My Daihatsu Sirion (previously in the ownership of Mr Seabrook) is a London ULEZ refugee. I hope many more such cars manage to escape the crusher, and live a second lease of life elsewhere.
I remember looking at a mk1 Sirion F-speed when new. Liked the quirky slightly retro looks and interesting engineering. They had buttons on the steering wheel to control the auto box manually which was a novelty in a small car of that era. Cool little cars.
Mum had a first gen Accord in Malaysia. The only trouble I recall was the engine running a bit rough. My late uncle showed how the contacts on the distributor had pinched in, and needed them spread out slightly. Ran like a dream after.
Owned second gen Accord facelift which was 1.8 litre and 4th gen 2.0 litre, both were super good during their heydays but the latter was quit thirsty for city driving.
I've a 1985 Rover Quintet - a rebadged Honda Quint. Cramped in the back, but just a delight with it's sewing machine smooth 1.6 litre engine and a little odd with the Hondamatic gearbox. Personally, driving a 3 speed hondamatic it's best to start in L, move to second about 15-20 kph and then O/D about 60kph.... then move down as you slow etc. Treat it as a clutch less manual.
This model should have been a contender for Car of the Century; does everything it says on the box, and does it well. And keeps doing so for so long they make Toyota's reputation for reliability look underserved. Not revolutionary, but the epitome of evolutionary improvement and getting everything right.
The accords of that era and the version afterwards are tremendous cars my favourite version being the accord aero deck Steph have a chat with Martin at grand thrift auto he has a aero deck be good for you to see the model after It was those Hondas reputation which made the modern rovers so good with the joint venture! I could see you with an acclaim which is very closely related to those keep up the great work lovely video as ever Daniel
Remember my grandad having a 4 door saloon C707BYE delivered July 31st 1985 which wasn't to be driven on the road until August 1st the next day, when a "C" reg started. Was a 1.8 auto in light metallic blue and inside virtually same as you have there. Prior to this which was his retirement year, he'd had a couple of BMW 7 series, A959UGH and NGP99V, and was very surprised at how well equipped the cheap Honda was, at I recall around £8000.
That's interesting! I grew up in PA,but I live in England now,I was born here,Mum was English. Have the antique & classic laws changed in PA in the past 37 years?? I always thought classic & antique vehicle laws in PA were the same,25 years old! Where in PA do you live? I grew up in Centre County,between Bellefonte & Lock Haven! Nice to see a Pennsylvanian watching Steph's great vids!!
My first car was a 1982 Honda Accord hatchback with a five speed manual. I paid $4200 used in 1986 drove it for four years 76,000 miles and sold it to a friend for $1200. It was a great car. I drove it all across the United States And it was totally trouble. Free mine had a 1.8 L engine and when I sold it. I bought a Ford Sierra XR4ti but it was actually called a Merkur because I live in the United States
I love this video, you are right about the Honda, I bought myself a 2002 Civic which is a great car so I believe everything you said as this example looks well built.
Another great review, Steph, and I would definitely slap the 'classic' label on this car, for the reasons you explained. It's unfortunate that like all 1980s Japanese cars these rusted, so not many remain. Fuel economy was better in the CVCC-engined cars, mostly sold in the US and Canada for emissions standards compliance reasons. Within a year of the car you tested being sold, there was a refreshed version with a more upright nose, a larger engine and a true 4-speed auto, badged 'Hondamatic 4AT'. My family had several Accords, including an 84 and a 90, all bought for their refinement and dependability, something that still sells them to this day, even though the competition is stiff (Hyundai was barely around outside Korea in the mid-80s). They also had a unique Honda identity that set them apart. They were always less boring and middle-of-the-road looking than their Toyota equivalents, but not as odd as the Mitsubishis of the era (the Cordia and Tredia). Anyone who bought 80s Rovers (or of course the Triumph Acclaim, which among other things restyled the auto box as 'Triomatic') will recognise a lot of the Honda switchgear, which lived on because it felt so substantial and just worked.
Steph that took me back to mid 80's & Early 90's when a friend from work had a saloon version she loved it even the traffic light gadget. But she always thought the three slots were air vents wish I could tell her now what they did really.
Great video Steph as usual... There are still quite a few of these on the road in Cape Town South Africa as they were the most popular family car back in the day ...thing is here they dont rot !!..There are a few breakers yards that you would probably find every obscure part you can think of for these. If someone draws a blank trying to find spares might be a good place to look. The inside of this car reminds me so much of my fathers B reg Rover 213S . Keep well
@philiplamb59 Sorry Philip, but The Accord was never available in South Africa in the 1980s. It was the Honda Ballade that was introduced in 1982. If you are seeing any of these running about in South Africa , they have been imported privately. This model and all subsequent Accords were not sold in SA until 2003, with the introduction of the 7th generation Euro Accord. All Honda Ballades were sold through the Mercedes Benz SA dealer network until Honda Motor Company entered the South African market themselves in 2000 and ended the collaboration.
Yes thanks for the correction there ...they are indeed the Honda Ballade which is the most popular I see here...sincere apologies....but those that are on the road are amazing for their age !!. @@monk3yboy69
8:10 I think the radio is an aftermarket item. I drove a 1984 accord hatch in the late 90s and remember removing the stock (analogue push button) radio for one with.a digital tuner and auto-reverse.
My dad had two mk1 accords a 3 dr in bronze UEU436T and a San remo green saloon XOU379V both were two speed Hondamatic so screamed on the motorway over 4,500 RPM the 3 door body was immaculate but the 4 door started rusting badly soon after purchase … both were purchased from Honda main dealer in Bath morning star motors
I called these urban classics A name which fits these types of vehicles very well because you see them every day if not every week but however, you see them a lot and you can’t get away from them and I have a list of urban classic cars that I see every day An urban classic car is not a classic car it just seems so common and ubiquitous, and it seem every day
Nice drive Steph! Love the oil and filter lights system!. I Had a triumph acclaim which I believed, was a Honda accord badged as a B.L. Car back in the late 80s, early 90s, Which I liked a lot at that time. But now I think I will stick with my first love a 1966 Mgb roadster. Keep up the good work. ❤👍
I work with a guy who is a few years older than me…he is into the old MGs and more interested in stuff like that Humber. But for me, that bit younger I prefer things like the 1980s Honda Accord
My dad had an 85. He described it best when he told me that it was the first car he had ever seen that could carry a family of 5, not guzzle fuel, and would last over 200k miles. Simple as that.
I don’t know where you’re finding good 1980s Accords for good prices. Two on car and classic, nothing on eBay. They seem to be only a handful in the UK in ownership, let alone for sale. The few auction descriptions describe them as very rare with almost none on the road in the UK.
It would be wonderful if you took a 1980s Honda Prelude Si for a spin. I still miss my red 1986 manual Prelude. It was solid, felt refined and it was fun to drive. The electric sunroof and spacious interior in the front made it a nice place to be and the pop up head lights were cool. 1980s Hondas have gone up in price because they are now becoming rare. They were excellent quality, but the sewing machine like engines were fussy about oil changes unlike bullet proof Toyotas. I haven’t seen a 1980s Prelude like mine for years in N.Z and there used to be quite a few of them on the roads in the 1990s. In Japan, it is depressing how few older and now classic Japanese cars still exist. I saw only a few older Honda Accords and only one late 80’s Honda Prelude Si FWS while living over there. That Four Wheel Steer model was very cool and the system actually worked well. I remember driving one and it was memorable. It was as easy to park as a Honda Civic for quite a long nosed sports car.
This is a very interesting review! I'm always intrigued by the differences between UK-market and US-market versions of the same car. The US Accord came with a standard 1.8L engine, but had almost identical power ratings. A 4-speed automatic was introduced for 1983 in the US for improved fuel economy and performance. Did this have the older 3-speed? Very interesting and well kept car! Thanks!
Wow, I kind of didn’t know that Hondas had the dingdong chime the most common chime I’ve seen on Hondas is the beeping chime from like about the late 80s to like the 2000s but I like the dingdong chime. My mom had an old Hyundai and an old Mitsubishi that had the chime
A lot of vehicles from numerous manufacturers have achieved that milestone. Just proves that any vehicle can last almost indefinitely if the owner maintains it and is willing to pay to replace parts and make repairs.
@@williamegler8771 the achievement in reaching that 1000,000 miles( most cars before the early 80s didn't have odometers that went past 99,999 - just back to zero! ) Without major engine & gearbox replacement. Toyota Corolla/ Carina / Camry & the 140 & 240 series Volvo's that can comfortably achieve it . Nowadays many 90s Japanese cars can cope with intergalactic miles& still drive good.
When you buy a Honda product - any one of their products - you buy tip top engineering. My 1999 Ballade just went over 370 000 kms and still runs beautifully.
Where are thr groups/spare parts for these, just bought a mk2 saloon, definitely not the cleanest but needed saving, put a post in the general accord group with 70k members and didnt get a response
I can't believe this could become a classic. I had one for five years or so in the 1990s and it was a really reliable but profoundly boring car. It eventually went for scrap. If only I'd known......
Great video Thankyou for sharing. You should check out my 1981 first generation Accord I’ve posted on TH-cam 👍 these old Hondas truely are classics… in fact when was the last time you saw one on the road ? 🤔
Steph you make incredible videos I love to see your classic car videos I possible please made video on Toyota starlet 1985 model....I had seen video on starlet of 70s wish you make video of 80s starlet as well as I own one and now 38 yrs I am driving it 😍😍😍
Don't know the last day I saw one of these second gen Accord hatchbacks, and I'm amazed at how immaculate it is given its age. A friend of mine had the saloon variant of this for many years and it was still in great condition when he sold it in the late 1990s.
Anything over 25 years old is a classic in my view. I wasn't a big fan of seventies Japanese cars with one or two exceptions, but the 80s cars are a different proposition altogether.
35yrs old and all the electrics still work. The 80s japanese cars were fantastic for build quality.
40 years old by my count, it being a 1983. Even more impressive.
@paulchappell Interesting, in that it doesn't look 40 years old. My, what time does to us ...
The Honda Accord, a masterpiece of Japanese engineering.
@Brimstoneandfire read a lot of the comments online, a lot of my older demographic watching this DO NOT consider this a classic and I put forward valid cases for it being a classic. It’s called being objective. Being rude would’ve been to say ‘it’s not worth saving’. I actively encourage people to see the value, encourage saving them etc. if I was just gushing and not objective people would moan then too…
@@idriveaclassic
The Honda Accord is a classic, I drove a 1997 V6 model, beautiful car, very smooth and quiet.
If you look on TH-cam for the one million mile Honda, there’s a very well maintained Honda Accord that’s done 1 million miles or 1.6 million kilometres, on its original engine and gearbox.
This bring back happy memories. My late wife drove a 1983 Accord Lx Hondamatic . A joy to drive, good fuel economy and better than my 1983 Ford Sierra 2.0 Ghia,on long journeys. Ok , it was indeed less sporty that's for sure, but way more relaxed and comfortable. Japanese engineer on his best.
40 years old - definitely a fully fledged classic 👍
I loved this generation. Extremely popular here in New Zealand. But despite what Honda claimed in the brochure, they still rusted out rather fast
That may have been down to NZ assembly
I think it's worth remembering that in the 70's & early '80's Honda knew they couldn't compete directly on price with most more established Japanese manufacturers, so set themselves apart with detail refinement & design quality to feel a little special & justify a higher price. Exacly the reason the Honda Civic Ballade made a good Triumph Acclaim to distinguish itself from Austins & Morris.. & hopefully garner an owner who would also respect & care for it a little more. A strategy that was even more pronounced away from the USA & locally assembled products.
We might be able to see these as classics in the USA if there were any that haven’t rusted away. They were certainly popular in their day. And no doubts of their durability.
I bought an Accord in 1980. At the time they were ahead of just about everything in terms of quality maybe to a similar standard of Mercedes Benz. It was so reliable only needing batteries and mufflers in 10 years of ownership. Great Nippon Denso AC.
Those Hondas Civic, Accord, Prelude and the Ballade/Acclaim were so smooth and the engines & gearboxes so sweet a pleasure to drive and economy was great
Owned various Accords from 1986 to 2002. My first one was a five year old Mk 1 EX, with power steering, 5 speed gearbox, electric windows and air conditioning as standard. Features like that were a rarity on UK cars at that time.
I had a friend here in England who had a 1981 or '82 Triumph Acclaim in 1986,& it had a/c! It was the only small car i had come across in England back then with a/c! A/C really wasn't an option,let alone standard,on that many small cars here in England until the early 90s...I think Daewoo started offering it in their small cars,&that seemed to thankfully set the ball rolling for other manufacturers to offer it,at least as an.option,in small cars in Europe! Most people here before then used to sweat to death when it was hot, unless they had a larger car with a high trim level like a Ghia or CD,etc. Well Jags & Daimlers & some larger Rovers had a/c back then,too...but only ones with higher trim levels..and if i remember correctly,even with the higher trim models,a/c was a £500+ option!
At the time, I was probably one of a good number of kids who wished their parents would upgrade their cars to something far modern. This was one of those cars that I wished my mother would get, but I had to make do with riding around in her Marina.
Low 40s mpg is good for a 40 year old car, still running on a carburettor. I am impressed... Terrific little car
I tell you what was in my mind, the Metro HLE which was boasting 60+!
and the manual with a non stock airfilter will get 50 mpg
In the Northeastern US, these little jewels were all over the place. For the first three or four years of ownership they were wonderful. After that, these cars rusted terribly and were often completely destroyed by the late '80s.
Lovely car. My Dad had a 1990 Accord (and a few newer models more after that). Great cars, well built and engineered. Never gave him any trouble.
A brilliant car. We had three in our family when based in the UK and abroad. Would happily drive one today. Happy memories.
These are so well made. Recently, the TH-cam algorithm directed me to an accord with over a million miles ! Thanks Steph 👍
Great review. I am a Honda lover and it was an Accord that started my love affair with the brand when the hire car company my job used, would give us a Honda Accord for longer trips. I'm going back to late 90s now so newer than the test car . I've owned 7 Hondas in total. Never thought I'd develop brand loyalty but I did.
Big fan of Honda, in fact our entire family have owned and driven nothing but various Honda's over the last several years due to amazing no problem ownership. Great to see one highlighted!
This was my first car. I had a green 1982 1.6EX 3 door so pretty much the same as the one in the video apart from it was manual and had a few extras like electric sunroof. I had it from 1988 to 1990. PHR875Y .. will never forgot that reg!
Great video Steph- Honda were considered the premium Japanese brand back in the Eighties and nineties- Deservedly so
Your opening words Steph , was exactly what I was thinking …….hard to believe it’s 40 yrs old…….Japanese brought modernity to cars .
What a beautifully prepared example. I love this era of Honda with the low windscreen line and a shelf on top of the dash.
The choke has a jubilee clip on it, just like mine did. It still exists but hasn't been mot'd in a while. (b528fdp)
I would own this car; I’m glad it’s an automatic. I’m done with manual transmissions!
The car I had my driving lessons and passed my test in, back in 1983. Certainly a classic to me!
You are a wonderful reviewer, most thorough and careful in every way!
The second generation Honda Accord has a sweet spot for me for it was my sister's wedding day getaway car. Before my sister got the car from me, my experience in driving it I found it refined and very German-like in function: The motor had a wonderful hum like thousands of contented bees under the bonnet, the displays and controls were clear and simple, the seats were comfortable, and the car did not wander as it plotted its way down a highway. The car had a dark chocolate brown interior with a metallic brown exterior that was unique and refreshingly different from the sea of white, red and silver cars that we've grown accustomed to. My only three complaints about the car: as mine was an early 1982 model so there was the lack of an overdrive for the automatic was just a three speed; the lack of standard AC left me panting in my blisteringly hot climate, and a persistent problem with the carburetor which left my family stranded more than once. The car with the automatic was a bit under-powered in climbing steep mountain grades, but it never overheated even in 100+ temperatures of interior Washington State.
If it's 40 years old it would be ULEZ exempt in London. I'd have one!
I preferred the Honda Legend but these are nice cars too.
For the age and mileage this is a well kept example I think. We all have a view on what is a classic so I won't 'grind that axe' but I think it is great that young people are looking at something like this. There is a view that young people have no interest in classics with a few exceptions. The Americans like their Honda's and we here in the UK were drawn to them around the time of this Accord but now Honda are not so popular. That is a well appointed car and the headlight warning is quite cute, much better than 'DONG, DONG! You did a great review Steph thank you. 👍👍
What is classic and what's not is a grey area nowadays but I go with 20+ years along with if you don't see many any more as my rule of thumb. I had a Mark 1 Civic 1200 with a Hondamatic 2 speed and I really liked driving that car, not quick but chilled to drive......until the timing belt snapped!!
It is a modern classic and the value has not yet risen to a high price so is still quite reasonable if one can find a good one.
Awesome video. 🙂
Great video! I used to work for another Kent Honda dealer, Becketts of Sidcup. I used to Pdi those when they were new. The only major problem with them back then was camshafts wearing prematurely. The later facelifted version had an improved 12 valve engine and the transmissions were fully automatic.
Looks very original and tidy, thanks for sharing Steph 😊👍
I really like that. My goodness, the Japanese did it right.
Another awesome video! Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when the Honda Accord looked like this.
Morning Steph, good video as always and these are underrated cars I certainly think. This one is an excellent example. I spent many years studying and practicing Japanese manufacturing techniques especially at Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The attention to detail and quality focus they employ is incredible. Yours is one of my "Must Watch Channels" on Sunday mornings along with Old Classic Car and Car Traction, I only watch the 3. Keep them coming Steph. I will check out Bidding Classics later today.
This is a classic. Anything before 2000 for me but each to their own. This is a true survivor. Reminded me of its rival, the Datsun Cherry which my dad had, and one of the only registrations I can still remember
My dream car when I started driving in 1986. Could not afford a 3-4 year Accord at the time(or now!). Got a slightly roped high mileage ‘85 LX 3dr. in 1995 and a really nice ‘87 DX 4dr. In 1991. Great cars
Oh I love this. That almost coupe like shape and glorious steelies. I love an 80s/90s car for that useable fun experience. You know how I feel about your Proton though. It'll go on forever!
Oh lord, won't you buy me a Honda Accord.
Mercedes insurance, I cannot afford.
Yes it is still hard to realize that these Accords are 40 years old
had 2 of these both manual , one EX. Went to spain and back many times with no problems , so comfortable with great MPG approaching 50 on the long runs just a little bit lacking in powers i also had a prelude which was nice but i always prefered the accords
My Daihatsu Sirion (previously in the ownership of Mr Seabrook) is a London ULEZ refugee. I hope many more such cars manage to escape the crusher, and live a second lease of life elsewhere.
Saw one of those in Huddersfield yesterday afternoon!
@@idriveaclassicGetting really rare now.
I remember looking at a mk1 Sirion F-speed when new. Liked the quirky slightly retro looks and interesting engineering. They had buttons on the steering wheel to control the auto box manually which was a novelty in a small car of that era. Cool little cars.
This is a real trip down memory lane for me. We had the same spec but an X reg in red, and it made regular trips through East Ardsley!
Mum had a first gen Accord in Malaysia. The only trouble I recall was the engine running a bit rough. My late uncle showed how the contacts on the distributor had pinched in, and needed them spread out slightly. Ran like a dream after.
Steph, I had one of these. I can tell you that the body literally fell off of it before i scrapped it. They are such a bulletproof car.
Anything that's 40 years old is a classic, but that's just my opinion.
Owned second gen Accord facelift which was 1.8 litre and 4th gen 2.0 litre, both were super good during their heydays but the latter was quit thirsty for city driving.
Definitely a classic and still a good looking car.
These were brilliant cars and so desirable in their day, just so reliable and well finished
I've a 1985 Rover Quintet - a rebadged Honda Quint. Cramped in the back, but just a delight with it's sewing machine smooth 1.6 litre engine and a little odd with the Hondamatic gearbox.
Personally, driving a 3 speed hondamatic it's best to start in L, move to second about 15-20 kph and then O/D about 60kph.... then move down as you slow etc. Treat it as a clutch less manual.
Same as my dad's old one. Spot on 😊
This model should have been a contender for Car of the Century; does everything it says on the box, and does it well. And keeps doing so for so long they make Toyota's reputation for reliability look underserved. Not revolutionary, but the epitome of evolutionary improvement and getting everything right.
Wow amazing condition. Is it genuine body work and paint. Great video stephx
Indeed it is I believe! Gent who owned it really cared about it and it shows doesn’t it!
The accords of that era and the version afterwards are tremendous cars my favourite version being the accord aero deck
Steph have a chat with Martin at grand thrift auto he has a aero deck be good for you to see the model after
It was those Hondas reputation which made the modern rovers so good with the joint venture! I could see you with an acclaim which is very closely related to those keep up the great work lovely video as ever Daniel
Well kept vehicle!!
Remember my grandad having a 4 door saloon C707BYE delivered July 31st 1985 which wasn't to be driven on the road until August 1st the next day, when a "C" reg started.
Was a 1.8 auto in light metallic blue and inside virtually same as you have there.
Prior to this which was his retirement year, he'd had a couple of BMW 7 series, A959UGH and NGP99V, and was very surprised at how well equipped the cheap Honda was, at I recall around £8000.
Over here in Pennsylvania, a car can have Classic plates when it is 15 years old, 25 for it to be Antique.
That's interesting! I grew up in PA,but I live in England now,I was born here,Mum was English. Have the antique & classic laws changed in PA in the past 37 years?? I always thought classic & antique vehicle laws in PA were the same,25 years old! Where in PA do you live? I grew up in Centre County,between Bellefonte & Lock Haven! Nice to see a Pennsylvanian watching Steph's great vids!!
My first car was a 1982 Honda Accord hatchback with a five speed manual. I paid $4200 used in 1986 drove it for four years 76,000 miles and sold it to a friend for $1200. It was a great car. I drove it all across the United States And it was totally trouble. Free mine had a 1.8 L engine and when I sold it. I bought a Ford Sierra XR4ti but it was actually called a Merkur because I live in the United States
I love this video, you are right about the Honda, I bought myself a 2002 Civic which is a great car so I believe everything you said as this example looks well built.
Another great review, Steph, and I would definitely slap the 'classic' label on this car, for the reasons you explained. It's unfortunate that like all 1980s Japanese cars these rusted, so not many remain. Fuel economy was better in the CVCC-engined cars, mostly sold in the US and Canada for emissions standards compliance reasons. Within a year of the car you tested being sold, there was a refreshed version with a more upright nose, a larger engine and a true 4-speed auto, badged 'Hondamatic 4AT'. My family had several Accords, including an 84 and a 90, all bought for their refinement and dependability, something that still sells them to this day, even though the competition is stiff (Hyundai was barely around outside Korea in the mid-80s). They also had a unique Honda identity that set them apart. They were always less boring and middle-of-the-road looking than their Toyota equivalents, but not as odd as the Mitsubishis of the era (the Cordia and Tredia). Anyone who bought 80s Rovers (or of course the Triumph Acclaim, which among other things restyled the auto box as 'Triomatic') will recognise a lot of the Honda switchgear, which lived on because it felt so substantial and just worked.
My dad had one of these 30 years ago. I remember it well. Great old wagon.
Steph that took me back to mid 80's & Early 90's when a friend from work had a saloon version she loved it even the traffic light gadget. But she always thought the three slots were air vents wish I could tell her now what they did really.
Great video Steph as usual... There are still quite a few of these on the road in Cape Town South Africa as they were the most popular family car back in the day ...thing is here they dont rot !!..There are a few breakers yards that you would probably find every obscure part you can think of for these. If someone draws a blank trying to find spares might be a good place to look. The inside of this car reminds me so much of my fathers B reg Rover 213S . Keep well
@philiplamb59 Sorry Philip, but The Accord was never available in South Africa in the 1980s.
It was the Honda Ballade that was introduced in 1982.
If you are seeing any of these running about in South Africa , they have been imported privately.
This model and all subsequent Accords were not sold in SA until 2003, with the introduction of the 7th generation Euro Accord.
All Honda Ballades were sold through the Mercedes Benz SA dealer network until Honda Motor Company entered the South African market themselves in 2000 and ended the collaboration.
Yes thanks for the correction there ...they are indeed the Honda Ballade which is the most popular I see here...sincere apologies....but those that are on the road are amazing for their age !!. @@monk3yboy69
Loved this episode, Steph! I owned an ‘82 Accord quite similar to this one, and you brought back some fond memories.
40 years is definitely a classic!
A fantastic review Steph, a lovely example of a Honda Accord.
Wow - fabulous condition on this one. Lovely. Absolutely a classic!I want one now... 😂
Thanks Steph, lovely tour of a wonderful classic. In many ways I wish it were 1990 again so we could find lots of good examples again xD
8:10 I think the radio is an aftermarket item. I drove a 1984 accord hatch in the late 90s and remember removing the stock (analogue push button) radio for one with.a digital tuner and auto-reverse.
My dad had two mk1 accords a 3 dr in bronze UEU436T and a San remo green saloon XOU379V both were two speed Hondamatic so screamed on the motorway over 4,500 RPM the 3 door body was immaculate but the 4 door started rusting badly soon after purchase … both were purchased from Honda main dealer in Bath morning star motors
Wait till the youth discover the first gen Honda City! I actually saw one on the road in NZ yesterday.
That noise is a classic CVCC noise.... The second gen in the NADM had a 1829cc CVCC first with a carburetor and later fuel injection on the SE-i
I called these urban classics
A name which fits these types of vehicles very well because you see them every day if not every week but however, you see them a lot and you can’t get away from them and I have a list of urban classic cars that I see every day
An urban classic car is not a classic car it just seems so common and ubiquitous, and it seem every day
Is that a classic already? 😮 I love how Honda and other Japanese manufacturers rename ordinary things to make them seem special like "Hondamatic".
They were special because they made them better and more refined. Crucially though they were reliable unlike non Japanese stuff. That set them apart.
Nice drive Steph! Love the oil and filter lights system!. I Had a triumph acclaim which I believed, was a Honda accord badged as a B.L. Car back in the late 80s, early 90s, Which I liked a lot at that time. But now I think I will stick with my first love a 1966 Mgb roadster. Keep up the good work. ❤👍
Honda Acclaims were British built Civic/Ballade saloons/sedans...
I work with a guy who is a few years older than me…he is into the old MGs and more interested in stuff like that Humber.
But for me, that bit younger I prefer things like the 1980s Honda Accord
My dad had an 85. He described it best when he told me that it was the first car he had ever seen that could carry a family of 5, not guzzle fuel, and would last over 200k miles. Simple as that.
I owned a 1980 one of these then this model 1983,the engines were brilliant the body not so good, great cars .
Furious Driving recently tested an '83 Prelude, which looked far newer like this Accord.
I don’t know where you’re finding good 1980s Accords for good prices. Two on car and classic, nothing on eBay. They seem to be only a handful in the UK in ownership, let alone for sale. The few auction descriptions describe them as very rare with almost none on the road in the UK.
It would be wonderful if you took a 1980s Honda Prelude Si for a spin. I still miss my red 1986 manual Prelude. It was solid, felt refined and it was fun to drive. The electric sunroof and spacious interior in the front made it a nice place to be and the pop up head lights were cool. 1980s Hondas have gone up in price because they are now becoming rare. They were excellent quality, but the sewing machine like engines were fussy about oil changes unlike bullet proof Toyotas. I haven’t seen a 1980s Prelude like mine for years in N.Z and there used to be quite a few of them on the roads in the 1990s. In Japan, it is depressing how few older and now classic Japanese cars still exist. I saw only a few older Honda Accords and only one late 80’s Honda Prelude Si FWS while living over there. That Four Wheel Steer model was very cool and the system actually worked well. I remember driving one and it was memorable. It was as easy to park as a Honda Civic for quite a long nosed sports car.
This is a very interesting review! I'm always intrigued by the differences between UK-market and US-market versions of the same car. The US Accord came with a standard 1.8L engine, but had almost identical power ratings. A 4-speed automatic was introduced for 1983 in the US for improved fuel economy and performance. Did this have the older 3-speed?
Very interesting and well kept car! Thanks!
Wow, I kind of didn’t know that Hondas had the dingdong chime the most common chime I’ve seen on Hondas is the beeping chime from like about the late 80s to like the 2000s but I like the dingdong chime. My mom had an old Hyundai and an old Mitsubishi that had the chime
FYI the 2 door cars got an analogue quartz clock while the sedans got a rotating reel type quartz clock.
Honda USA has an Accord with over a million miles covered.
A lot of vehicles from numerous manufacturers have achieved that milestone.
Just proves that any vehicle can last almost indefinitely if the owner maintains it and is willing to pay to replace parts and make repairs.
@@williamegler8771 the achievement in reaching that 1000,000 miles( most cars before the early 80s didn't have odometers that went past 99,999 - just back to zero! ) Without major engine & gearbox replacement. Toyota Corolla/ Carina / Camry & the 140 & 240 series Volvo's that can comfortably achieve it . Nowadays many 90s Japanese cars can cope with intergalactic miles& still drive good.
My 03 gen 7 Accord makes that polite sound if you leave the lights on. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Hondas are great cars.
When you buy a Honda product - any one of their products - you buy tip top engineering. My 1999 Ballade just went over 370 000 kms and still runs beautifully.
In my home state (USA) you can register a car as a classic at 25 years and as an antique at 50 years old.
19:10 if a vehicle is 40 years old, then doesn't it qualify for a ULEZ exeption as it's historic? So won't get wiped out?
nodoubt a beautiful classic machine.Erafrom where Honda started picking up the game !
Early Hyundai cars, particularly the Excel, had the same door chime sound.
That mpg is excellent for an 80’s non technical 1.6 , these silly modern engines wrapped up in crazy technology struggle to do much better..😳
Where are thr groups/spare parts for these, just bought a mk2 saloon, definitely not the cleanest but needed saving, put a post in the general accord group with 70k members and didnt get a response
I can't believe this could become a classic. I had one for five years or so in the 1990s and it was a really reliable but profoundly boring car. It eventually went for scrap. If only I'd known......
Great video Thankyou for sharing. You should check out my 1981 first generation Accord I’ve posted on TH-cam 👍 these old Hondas truely are classics… in fact when was the last time you saw one on the road ? 🤔
Steph you make incredible videos I love to see your classic car videos I possible please made video on Toyota starlet 1985 model....I had seen video on starlet of 70s wish you make video of 80s starlet as well as I own one and now 38 yrs I am driving it 😍😍😍
Can you do a review on my tumost favorite car of all time and dream car the 1989 Honda Accord Exi?
Don't know the last day I saw one of these second gen Accord hatchbacks, and I'm amazed at how immaculate it is given its age. A friend of mine had the saloon variant of this for many years and it was still in great condition when he sold it in the late 1990s.
Could you test drive a few BMWs
Like the iconic late 70s 323i and the early 80s 7 series
Anything over 25 years old is a classic in my view. I wasn't a big fan of seventies Japanese cars with one or two exceptions, but the 80s cars are a different proposition altogether.