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1994 HONDA ACCORD EX

by: BILL RUSS

SEE ALSO:Honda Buyer's Guide

For several years the Accord has been Honda's best-selling nameplate. From 1989 through 1991, the Accord was the best selling car in the U.S. In today's highly competitive marketplace no product can rest on its laurels. In an effort to regain its first place position, Honda has completely redesigned and re-engineered the fifth-generation 1994 Accord. Honda considers the Accord to be both its bench-mark and world class car. In developing the 1994 Accord Honda drew upon the experience of its Asian and European design facilities to give it a world class flavor. To maintain its bench-mark status Honda's most modern engineering and production techniques were employed.

The result is a 1994 model Accord sedan that is slightly shorter, but wider and taller than its predecessor. It is structurally stronger, more powerful, quieter and offers improved fuel economy.

About eighty percent of the sedans and all of the new coupes and station wagons sold here will be built by Honda's Marysville, Ohio facility. This four million plus square foot production facility has been building Accords since 1982, while the nearby Anna powertrain shop started providing engines and transmissions for this popular model in 1990. Ohio is the exclusive production facility for all coupes and wagons to be sold in Europe and Asia as well as North America. Most of the Accord sedans destined for the West Coast will come from Japan.

APPEARANCE: The Aero-Wedge is the design of the newest Accord. From its low, wide front stance, back over its large cab-forward cabin, to its high rear deck, it is smoothly rounded and displays near-flush glass. Distinctive new pyramid style tail lights plus a slight overhang on the deck lid highlight the distinctive rear treatment of the 1994 Accord. The top-of-the-line EX package adds a glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, as well as shiny seven-spoke alloy wheels and touring type tires.

COMFORT: The Accord EX has many redesigned convenience features. In fact, the only option is leather upholstery. The instrument panel is completely new and is designed for line of sight viewing by the driver. Almost all switches and controls have been relocated to insure easy use. Newly designed seats provide more support and long range driving comfort. The low-liftover deck lid provides access to a large trunk, and when more storage space is needed, the back of the rear seats fold forward. Powered items include windows, locks and side mirrors. A 20-watt, six-speaker AM/FM stereo cassette provides good, clear sound throughout the cabin. A compact and efficient heater/air conditioner with rear seat ducting is also standard equipment, as is cruise control.

ROADABILITY: To insure a quiet stable ride not only has Honda's four-wheel double-wishbone suspension system been updated, but a lot of design and structural work has been devoted to the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Heavier gauge sheet metal, structural reinforcements, new engine mountings, a new exhaust system, additional sound deadening material and new weatherstripping all contribute to quiet stable ride. An up-dated torque-sensitive power steering system provides the correct amount of feedback from parking to highway maneuvering. For improved safety anti-lock braking , four- wheel disc brakes and dual front air bags are now standard on all EX models.

PERFORMANCE: The addition of the new fourth version VTEC system to the four-cylinder 2.2 liter, single overhead cam, four-valves- per-cylinder, multi-port programmed fuel injected engine has increased its performance up to 145 horsepower. VTEC is the acronym for Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control. It was originally developed to give Honda's racing engines more flexibility and power. With some modifications this system has been applied to several Honda passenger car engines to provide improved performance and increased fuel efficiency. Engine vibration is reduced by a dual counterbalance system. A smooth shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment in the Accord EX. The optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission uses a computer controlled memory system to automatically determine the optimum shift points.

CONCLUSION: The 1994 Honda Accord EX sedan utilizes the latest in automotive technology to provide a well-balanced, safe and quiet ride combined with excellent performance and handling characteristics. Its new exterior and interior body styling reflects a practical combination of aerodynamics, comfort and convenience.

SPECIFICATIONS:
1994 HONDA ACCORD EX

           
           Base Price              $  19,750
           Price As Tested         $  20,187
           Engine Type             I-4, sohc - 16v, VTEC, mpfi
           Engine Size             2.2 liter/132 cid
           Horsepower              145 @ 5500
           Torque (ft/lbs)         147 @ 4500
           Wheelbase/Length        107"/184"
           Transmission            four-speed manual w/od 
           Curb Weight             3020
           Pounds per Horsepower   21
           Fuel Capacity           17
           Fuel Requirement        Unleaded regular (87  oct)
           Tires                   Michelin MXV-4  P195/60R 15 M+S
           Brakes                  anti-lock standard   disc/disc
           Drive Train             front engine/front drive 
           
                          PERFORMANCE
           
           EPA Economy - miles per gallon,
             city/highway/observed      25/31/29.4
           0 to 60 mph                  9.1 sec
           1/4 mi (E.T.)                17.2 sec 
           Coefficient of Drag  (Cd)    .32