1990-1993 Honda Accord: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Honda Accord and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Antilock brakes (later models)
- Handling
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
Honda's popular Accord grew five inches for the 1990 model year, which effectively moved it into the midsize class. A 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan are offered. To power its larger car, Honda added a new 2.2-liter 4-cylinder that delivers 125 to 140 horsepower. Two new transmissions are also part of the new powertrain package--a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic that provides both Normal and Sport shift modes.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Honda Accord EX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Honda Accord. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Honda Accord.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Honda Accord:
Now the best-selling retail car in the U.S., the Accord line gains a 4-door station wagon and antilock brakes for its premium SE sedan. The top-line SE gains not only ABS, but four-wheel disc brakes and an extra ten horsepower over the EX version (140 vs. 130).
1992 Honda Accord:
EX becomes the top Accord model and incorporates such features as ABS and the 140-horsepower engine. Driver-side airbags become standard equipment on all models.
1993 Honda Accord:
Continuing its practice of rotating the EX and SE as flagship models, the SE returns as the top-of-the-line model for 1993. A high-mount stoplight finds its way into the rear spoiler of coupe models, while the sedan gets a standard passenger-side airbag to join the driver-side unit that came in '92.
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Honda Accord includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Honda Accord and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Honda Accord is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Spacious inside, Honda's midsize sedan promises an excellent ride and capable handling talents. Four-cylinder engines are both smoother and quieter in this generation, but takeoffs and passing response are not brisk enough to match the V6 engines offered by rivals. In addition, the automatic transmission can be jerky at times, and occasionally harsh. On the plus side, fuel economy should be exceptional with any model. We have consistently averaged over 20 mpg in every Accord tested. Despite its added length, there is only modest rear-seat room (for a midsize car), and below-average head room in both sedans and coupes. The wagon is also smaller when compared with the Taurus and Camry, providing the least cargo room of the three. However, front seat room is good for above-average sized adults and the dashboard design is both thoughtful and useful.
Value for the Money
Pluses tend to outnumber this Honda's minuses. The Accord generally makes up for perceived deficiencies with high levels of overall quality, refinement, and performance when compared with the competition. Blessed with outstanding ride quality, high reliability, and sensible controls nestled in an airy, low-cowl cabin that's become a Honda trademark, the Accord continues to impress.
Pluses tend to outnumber this Honda's minuses. The Accord generally makes up for perceived deficiencies with high levels of overall quality, refinement, and performance when compared with the competition. Blessed with outstanding ride quality, high reliability, and sensible controls nestled in an airy, low-cowl cabin that's become a Honda trademark, the Accord continues to impress.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Honda Accord EX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Accord includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Accord .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
If the CD changer in the trunk will not eject, the company will exchange the CD magazines with a redesigned one. (All)
Automatic transmission:
Cars with high mileage may begin to shift more harshly, which may be corrected by adding a bottle of Lubeguard conditioner to the automatic transmission fluid. (1990-93)
Blower motor:
Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (1990-04)
Brakes:
The parking brake may not fully release because a rivet on the brake rod is too tight. (1993)
Engine noise:
A squealing noise from under the hood is likely to be caused by a worn alternator bearing, and it may have failed because the belt tension was too great. (1990-93)
Steering noise:
If there is a squeak or squeal in the steering, especially when making a slow, tight turn, look for a label on the power steering reservoir that says PSF-V additive was added. If the noise is still there after additive was installed, the right-side end seal on the steering rack will have to be replaced. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $530 |
| Alternator | $355 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,055 |
| Brakes | $250 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $550 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $670 |
| Exhaust System | $465 |
| Radiator | $485 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $545 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $350 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda Accord details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| Accord | $1,300-2,000 | $800-1,300 | $200 |
| Accord EX, SE | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| Accord | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Accord EX | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Accord | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Accord EX, SE | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Accord | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Accord EX | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Accord include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 | 107.1 | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 184.8 | 185.2 | 186.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | 67.1 | 67.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | 54.7 | 55.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2738 | 2733 | 3139 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.4 | 14.4 | 64.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.0 | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 | 38.9 | 39.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.9 | 42.6 | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 37.5 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.3 | 34.3 | 34.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Honda released its larger Accord with a larger engine to match. Gone for good are Accords with carburetors. Beginning in 1990, a 125-horsepower 2.2-liter engine with multi-point fuel injection powers both base DX and mid-level LX models, while a 130-horsepower unit comes in the EX flagship model. A dual exhaust manifold accounts for the modest power boost. Torque rises as well, from 137 pound-feet to 142 pound-feet. Two new transmissions join the powertrain team, a revised 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic with programmed upshift points that deliver either "normal" or "sport" performance characteristics. Finally, a stronger 140-horsepower 2.2-liter engine makes its way into the 1991-93 Accord flagship models (SE/EX), thanks to a new dual-stage intake manifold.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 125 | 137 | 5-speed manual: 24/30 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 130 | 142 | 5-speed manual: 24/30 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 21.5 |
| ohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 140 | 142 | 5-speed manual: 22/27 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 21.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Accord include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Accord |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Honda Accord directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front seatbelt release button can break and pieces can fall inside.
1991 wagon:
Improperly attached washer in cargo area light may have fallen inside during assembly; if tailgate is open and switch is in its middle position, washer can cause short circuit that causes switch to overheat, resulting in fire.
1991-93 wagon:
Rear outside seatbelts may lock-up at angles other than those required by federal standard; could increase risk of injury in sudden stop or accident.
1992:
Left seatbelt assemblies on a few cars were installed on the right side; belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, making it unusable.
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