1998-2002 Honda Accord: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

For its latest generation, Honda's mainstay earned a total redesign. Dimensions grew only marginally, and the station wagon body style disappeared. For the first time, the Accord coupe got its own distinctive appearance. Wheelbases were unchanged, but the new Accord was slightly longer overall, as well as taller. Coupes spanned a wheelbase 1.8 inches shorter than that of the sedan, and stood a bit lower and shorter than before. Both body styles came in LX and EX trim levels, with either 4-cylinder or V6 power. A price-leader 4-cylinder DX sedan also went on sale. In the DX model, the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine developed 135 horsepower (5 more than the previous 2.2-liter four). LX and EX models got a more powerful 4-cylinder engine with Honda's VTEC variable valve timing, rated at 150 horsepower. A new 3.0-liter V6 engine, introduced in the upscale Acura CL coupe and equipped with VTEC variable valve timing, replaced the prior 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. All Accords came with standard 5-speed manual shift, or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard on V6 and 4-cylinder EX models, and optional on the 4-cylinder LX sedan with automatic transmission.