The Accord has long been a staple car in Honda's fleet. Since 1976, it has served as the standard Honda family sedan and coupe, built around efficiency, comfort and being affordable. The Accord is still going strong after 34 years of production, though a lot has changed about it over the years. The modern Accord is bigger, heavier and more powerful than previous generations. Even as recently as the 1995 models, the car was more of a grocery getter than today's quasi-sports car.
Exterior
The 1995 Accord came in several trim levels and configurations including a wagon, coupe and sedan trim models. All of these, however, shared the same 107-inch wheelbase and 70-inch width. Curb weight remained standard at 2,855 pounds. The wagon was 187-inches long, while both the coupe and the sedan were 184 inches in length. All three models stood within an inch or two of each other height wise, at around 55 inches.
Interior
Due to a combination of trim levels and body configurations, the 1995 Accord had various interior spaces. The front cabin was largely the same, however. Leg room was 43 inches, with front seat head room of 38 inches. Front shoulder and hip room were 56 and 53 inches, respectively. Climate control, stereo system and driver comforts such as a tilt steering wheel were all standard.
Drivetrain
1995 was the first year that Honda offered a 6-cylinder engine in the Accord. This new optional engine was first seen in the Acura Legend, but made it's way into the Accord to fill American market demand for bigger, more powerful options. This engine produced 170 hp, up 20 hp from the standard 4-cylinder engine's maximum 150 horsepower. The 6-cylinder engine came with an automatic transmission and no option for a manual. The 4-cylinder came with a 5-speed manual and an option automatic transmission.
Performance
The performance numbers of any family car are rarely impressive. The standard 4-cylinder engine, when mated with the sluggish automatic transmission, takes 9.6 seconds to get from zero to 60 miles an hour. The 6 cylinder, when mated with the same transmission, takes a full 8.9 seconds. Although not significantly faster, the V6 option possesses more mid-range power for better passing.
Handling
Squishy suspension built for comfort over performance means rather awkward handling characteristics at high speeds. However, 4-wheel disc brakes with available anti-lock braking technology means that the Accord could at least hold its own in the braking department. The suspension geometry isn't terrible, however, and the application of after-market parts could turn the Accord into a decent handling vehicle.
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