Honda Accord History In Indonesia

First generation of Honda Accord was produced by Honda in 1976 as a three doors hatchback. This car was then sold all over the world. Honda Accord was the first Japanese car to be manufactured in the US in 1982. This model however did not fare well in Indonesian market because considered to be not fuel efficient with its 1.75 liter engine. Its cousin Civic excellent has similar size but cheaper and has a better fuel consumption therefore sells better.

The second generation started in 1981 and has started to take the form of big sedan for Indonesian criteria. Its interior and body design were more luxurious and has made distinct different from Honda Civic. Even though this Honda Accord are still using the 1.75 liter engine, the CVCC technology has made this model to be 15% more fuel efficient than its predecessor. This model is the beginning of the title Most Sold Japanese Car in the US from 1982 to 1997.

the third generation is the first generation to use double-wishbone suspension for front and rear wheel. Though its more expensive than the McPherson strut suspension system, the double-wishbone provides stability and stellar handling. The last model of this generation is very popular in Indonesia goes by the name of Accord Prestige and has engine capacity of 2.0 liter. This car can be considered as one of the first Japanese luxury cars in Indonesia.

The fourth generation continuing the popularity of the previous generation and doubles it. New design coupled with new engine and bigger engine capacity of 2.2 liter 16 valve fuel injection has made this to be a collector's item and is still looked for up to date. Known as Accord Maestro, even its second hand price can sometimes be valued at twice of its normal market value because of the fanaticism of these car followers.

Honda Accord was still the most sold Japanese in Indonesia at that time with its heavies competitor was Toyota’s Great Corolla. However, the fifth generation has provided an excellent match for the Great Corolla. This generation is know by the name of Accord Cielo and has 2.0 liter engine with 4 cylinders. This model is famous for its comfort ability, aerodynamicist and its trendy looks. Even today this model can still be found on Indonesian roads with looks that is comparable to new cars. This model available in manual and automatic transmission and has an excellent suspension system.

The sixth generation of Honda Accord is very disappointing. This generation has failed to lift up to Honda Accord great name. Its design and comfort ability were worst than its predecessor. It was rumored that this Honda Accord was designed that way to lower its class in order to reduce tax in the US. This model however is the longest model to survive without facelift from 1998 until it eventually replaced by the 2003 model. It's probably due to the fact that the Accord Cielo was still sold until 1999 therefore allowing this model to enter Indonesia only in that year.

The seventh generation which also known as Honda Inspire and Accura on the US market has starting to successfully brings back the sedan saloon image acquired by its predecessor. This model is big and luxurious with an excellent price tag due to being assembled in Thailand. It's available in two option 2.4 liter and 3.0 liter engine. The 3.0 liter engine however, did not fare well in Indonesian market.

The latest generation of Honda Accord has already enter the US market last year with two engine available, 2.4 and 3.5 liter. Learning from past experience, it is expected only the 2.4 liter variant will enter Indonesian market sometimes around May this 2008.