1 Dec 1997
Not the model’s finest moment.
Honda was torn between the big car needs of its largest market (USA) and the smaller efficiency concerns of Japan and Europe, so it produced three Accords.
Australia received the biggest, widest and brashest version, the American-made sedan.
Completely new inside and out, the Mk6 offered more space, performance, and features.
Now there was only one four-cylinder model, the 110kW 2.3L single-cam 16-valve VTEC VTi, while a new 147kW 3.0L single-cam VTEC V6 (an Accord first) denoted the V6 and V6L luxury models.
All featured dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and cruise control. A redesigned multi-link suspension system further improved the ride and handling, helped by a significantly stronger body and platform.
Honda released a special value-added 50th Anniversary Accord in the middle of 1998.
In January ’99 Honda sourced its Accords from Thailand and fitted a low-emission version of the 110kW 2.3L VTEC four-cylinder engine to its new VTi-L model, which usurped the VTi and now included alloy wheels, keyless entry, a wood grain console and body-coloured trim.
Meanwhile, the V6s gained a CD player.
The VTi-L Sport and V6 Sport editions of August 2000 added sportier trim.
