1994 Honda Accord Press Kit

1994 Honda Accord - Overview

The 1994 Honda Accord is the fifth generation version of this popular "benchmark automobile and boasts significantly increased refinement and quality. Viftually every aspect of the new Accord has been designed and engineered for better finish, greater comfort and reduced noise and vibration. Additional areas of improvement include: greater safety, improved performance, better fuel economy and reduced environmental impact.

The Accord's distinctive Aero-Wedge body is aerodynamically cleaner and uses heavier gauge steel in its doors and fenders for a smoother, higher quality finish. The body is also stronger and more resistant to flexing, resulting in a better ride, more stable, precise handling and greater durability.

Extensive reinforcement of virtually every structural member of the body has yielded greater passive safety. The new Accord meets 1997 U.S. government side-impact standards, and its ability to withstand full-frontal and offset-frontal barrier impacts, rear impacts and rollovers has also been improved. In addition, a driver's and front passenger's airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)* is standard on all models.

The interior has more room, luxury and comfort. The passenger compartment width has been increased by almost one inch and the seats have been redesigned for greater comfort and fit. All models feature higher quality fabrics, and a leather-trimmed interior is available as a factory option on EX models. Controls and switches have been redesigned for better feel and ease of operation, and the traditional Accord greenhouse with its excellent forward visibility, low cowl and low hoodline has been retained.

Honda engineers have applied a host of technologies to the drivetrain, suspension and body in order to eliminate unwanted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Joints and panels in the body have been designed to damp drumming and vibration from the engine and road. New engine mounts eliminate engine vibration over a broad range of frequencies, and high-technology damping materials are used throughout the body.

The '94 Accord's 4-wheel double wishbone suspension system has been redesigned to improve its handling, stability and ride comfort. A revised suspension geometry, similar to that of the current Prelude, has been adopted, resulting in improved road feel, more accurate steering response and more precise tracking in curves.

The steering and braking systems have also been refined. The steering system is steering-torque sensitive. Its power-assist is proportional to, and counteracts, increased steering effort at any speed. A new rotary-type pump eliminates pulsations in the system and a hollow steering shaft blocks engine and road vibrations from the passenger compartment.

A redesigned, third generation anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard on the EX model and available as an option on the popular LX and DX models. The system's electronic control unit uses an advanced 16-bit microprocessor with greater control and diagnostic capabilities. When activated, this new system has less pedal kickback and features a lower cut-off speed.

Under the hood, there are two versions of the Accord's 2.2 liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve SOHC engine. Both versions have more horsepower and torque than their predecessors, with equal or better fuel efficiency. The DX /LX engine now has 130 horsepower and 139 lb.-ft. of torque and the EX engine boasts 145 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque, yet manages a 9% increase in mileage over its predecessor. The EX engine uses the same 2.2 liter block and second-order balance system as the DX/LX engine, but adds a new-type VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) cylinder head. This new system combines the fuel efficiency and low emissions characteristics of the ultra-fuel efficient VTEC-E system used on the Civic VX Hatchback, with the performance characteristics of the variable valve-timing system used in the Civic Si engine. A relocated catalytic converter helps reduce emissions during the critical engine warmup phase of operation.

The Accord's 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter features "grade-logic" computer programming that reduces 3rd-4th gear "hunting" when the car is climbing hills or steep grades. In order to take advantage of engine braking, the transmission also downshifts to 3rd gear when decelerating under 30 mph and during certain downhill driving situations. The transmission also delays upshifts in "city driving," for smooth acceleration.

The Fifth Generation Accord: Concept and Development

In 1990, shortly after the introduction of the fourth generation Accord, Honda began assembling the team of designers and engineers that would ultimately plan and build its replacement. Since the Accord was to be a "world car," many of the people involved in the project were chosen from Honda's various worldwide facilities.

Design input from Honda R & D North America (HRA) and Honda of America Manufacturing (HAM) in Marysville, Ohio, had helped to make the fourth generation Accord a success in America (Honda's most important market), so Honda decided that American participation in designing and engineering the new Accord Sedan and Coupe would be even greater and would start earlier. The Wagon would be completely designed in America and, like the Coupe, built here and exported to other markets.

Members of the Honda "Design In" program also took part in the early planning stages of the new Accord. In this program, key engineers from participating U.S. suppliers (called guest engineers) work with Honda personnel to get a better idea of what Honda component needs are. Early participation also gives them an opportunity to make significant creative contributions. Design In also helps Honda streamline its design process, which, in turn, helps keep its development cycle short.

One of the design team's first tasks was to assess the current Accord market, then determine how that market would change. Then its designers could determine how the Accord concept should change to anticipate the market's needs. The then-current market consisted primarily of people between the ages of 35 and 45 (baby boomers). The new Accord's designers wanted to broaden the demographic appeal of the new model to include people between the ages of 30 and 45.

In addition, customer expectations in the Accord segment were changing. Mid-size automobile buyers were demanding safer, more environmentally benign, higher quality automobiles. Honda wanted to continue to exceed customer expectations in these areas, so these priorities were part of the Accord equation.

Ultimately the designers developed the acronym B.E.S.T. to describe the concept behind the new Accord Sedan, Coupe and Wagon. B.E.S.T. stands for Balanced, Economy / Environment, Safety / Sporty and Technological (advancement).

The "Balanced" concept best describes the combination of old and new design goals emphasized in the new Accord. For example, the Accord has traditionally been an affordable, technically advanced mid-size automobile that offered economy and performance and was also fun to drive. These same attributes would be part of the new Accord. But Honda wanted to broaden the new Accord's demographic appeal, so they made it more refined, with higher quality, new exterior styling and a more luxurious interior.

"Economy" and "Environment" reflect the traditional Honda commitment to fuel efficiency, low emissions and minimal environmental impact.

"Safety" and "Sporty" mean that the new Accord incorporates the latest active and passive safety features, such as dual airbags*, ABS, more powerful engines, and improved suspension and chassis.

The term "Technological" represents the traditional Honda method of solving technical challenges with advanced engineering.

The Coupe combines the B.E.S.T. Accord concept with sporty individualistic styling. The Wagon is designed to offer the classic styling and performance of a sedan with more space and utility.

Models and Trim

For 1994, the Accord Sedan and Coupe will be available in DX, LX and EX versions, while the Wagon will be available in an LX and EX versions.

Accord DX Standard Features

Size

Honda designers felt that one of the reasons for the fourth generation Accord's popularity was its optimum size, so the new Accord has roughly the same basic dimensions as its predecessor. Specifically, overall length and wheelbase are slightly shorter; however, width and track have been increased significantly.

1994 Honda Accord - Body | Quality

Quality
The 1994 Accord's designers also set higher standards for the body's finish quality, comfort, noise and vibration control, weight reduction and durability. In order to meet these goals, they applied a host of advanced engineering technologies to the Accord.

In the area of finish quality, the new Accord uses thicker door and fender panels. These improve stamping quality, eliminate panel distortion and waviness, and give the Accord a high-grade, sophisticated appearance. The thicker panels also can be stamped with cleaner, better defined panel edges, which allow for more precision assembly at tighter tolerances.

Redesigned, flush-surface bumpers also contribute to the Accord's overall quality appearance. On previous models, the bumper face was mated to a vertical body panel or a sub-assembly. Now the bumper is mated directly to the body, resulting in a smaller gap between the bumper and the body.

In order to give the exterior a cleaner look, mating seams have been reduced in the front and rear window mouldings, the B-pillar is tapered and more slender, and the rear quarter window and its sash have been eliminated. The rear windows on the Coupe are near-flush mounted, with only a 2mm step between the glass and molding.

The windshield wiper assemblies have been lowered below the driver's line of sight and the blades cover 11 percent more area than on the previous model. The door sashes have a cleaner look where they join to the doors.

The power door lock system on the LX and EX models has been redesigned. Now the driver can choose between unlocking only his or her door, or unlocking all the doors by holding the inserted key in the unlock position for two seconds.

Direct-acting door latches are also used in the rear doors. This more-compact design uses fewer parts and gives a more substantial feel when operated.

Measures were taken to make the door locks more tamper resistant, and shielding helps prevent mechanisms from being jimmied.

Weight reduction was a primary goal for the new Accord. Its designers and engineers knew that improvements in comfort, vibration control and noise reduction could be made by the traditional method of adding more weight to their design; however, the additional mass would compromise its performance and fuel efficiency. Since these were also primary goals, the Accord's designers and engineers began by examining their design for opportunities to save weight. Computer-aided design techniques yielded the lightest, strongest body design.

Noise and Vibration Control
The '94 Accord shows dramatic improvements in the reduction of engine vibration and noise and road noise. The result is a quieter cabin under all driving conditions, from idle to highway cruising. In order to accomplish this, Accord engineers concentrated their work on three key areas: body rigidity, the use of lightweight, high-tech damping materials and the elimination of engine vibration.

The first step was to design a highly rigid body structure ii iat would resist drumming and vibration. Analysis had shown that a majdr pathway by which low-frequency vibration entered the passenger cabin was through the steering column. So the Accord's engineers redesigned the steering column hanger. Reinforcing it and extending it completely across the front of the vehicle, from A-pillar to A-pillar raised its fundamental resonant frequency from 25 Hz to 30 Hz, a range where it is much less affected by engine and road vibration.

To eliminate the possibility of low-frequency resonance in the rest of the body structure, the passenger compartment central tunnel, upper dashboard, upper roof rail, base of the front and center door posts and the rear bulkhead were redesigned and reinforced. Additional stiffeners were added to the rear passenger compartment floor and C-pillars. These measures have reduced steering and seat vibration at idle by approximately 5 dB compared to the '90 Accord.

Urethane "melt" sheeting was used in the floor and ceiling liner of the 1990 Accord. This material offered the benefits of traditional high-density asphalt insulation, without its weight penalty. The 1994 Accord makes even more extensive use of these materials, resulting in a 3dB attenuation in road noise from 100 Hz to over 400 Hz at 60 km/hr on a rough road.

Vibration-damping materials are used in the following areas of the new

Accord:

• inside the front pillars (urethane foam blocks)
• on the dashboard (improved sound insulation)
• front bulkhead (uses a sandwiched steel and foam insulation)
• front footwells
• base of the front pillars
• front and rear floor
• rear bulkhead
• wheel arches
• shift quadrant
• trunk floor over the exhaust system
• rear fender

By redesigning the Accord's engine and transmission mounts, the engineers were able to reduce engine noise by 5 dB. On automatic transmission models an additional stiffener was added to the lower cross member in the upper front bulkhead.

A completely new dual-stage exhaust system also helps reduce engine noise and vibration. The intake system routes intake air through a chamber to minimize induction noise.

Durability and Materials
Eighty percent of all the sheet steel in the Accord is galvanized. Critical surfaces that are exposed to moisture on both sides are also galvanized on both sides. A plastic garnish covers the sill, improving both weather protection and appearance. The front bumper, front, lower engine cover, front wheel arches, side sills, lower rear wheel arches and rear bumper are made of chip-resistant plastic resin.

The painting process involves cleaning and degreasing each body, then undercoating it by immersion in a zinc phosphate bath. The body is then immersed in a soluble, electro-deposited primer (Cationic deposition). To prevent dust and moisture from accumulating in critical areas, special sealants are applied to crevices and seams in the body. Next, areas of the body that are susceptible to stone and gravel damage are coated with a special anti-chipping primer. Following this, an intermediate primer coat is applied, followed by either a polyester resin or acrylic resin top coat. Metallic and pearlescent paints receive an additional clear coat.

The largest plastic pieces are the front and rear bumper covers, which are made of polypropylene. Covers that do not meet Honda's quality control standards during manufacturing are ground up and used to make components such as passenger compartment air outlets, engine splash shields and the fuel pipe cover.

1994 Honda Accord - Body | Overview & Styling

Overview

• The '94 Accord body is new in virtually every detail. Major areas of improvement include the following:
• Exterior and interior styling-A new sportier, more elegant look
• Aerodynamic efficiency-Quieter ride and better weather protection
• Safety-Greatly strengthened body structure that meets 1997 side-impact standards, and is reinforced for full-frontal, offset-frontal, rear barrier and rollover impacts.
• Quality and reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness)- The Accord's rigid body, combined with new engine mounts, and high-tech damping materials throughout the body has yielded significant reductions in engine noise, vibration and road noise.
• Rigidity-The Accord body has 38% greater torsional stiffness and 25% greater bending resistance than its predecessor, yet weighs only 50 lbs. more. As a result, it has better finish quality, better handling and less NVH.
• Security, durability and environmental impact-Stronger, better protected locks and latches and the extensive use of galvanized steel help improve the Accord's durability. In addition, the Accord uses a CFC-free refrigerant in its air conditioning system.

Styling
Designers at Honda R & D North America (HRA), Honda R & D Europe (HRE) and Honda's design center in Japan collaborated in shaping the new Accord. Their goal was to create a look that conveyed an image of "strength, "sportiness" and "intelligence."

While traditional Accord design concepts, such as a large, glassy cabin and the cab-forward design pioneered by its predecessor, are still present, their execution is completely new and different. The overall shape can best be described as an aero-wedge that blends the crisp lines of the classic wedge with the dictates of modern aerodynamic efficiency. The result is a more elegant and distinctive-looking automobile.

In profile, this wedge theme is quite evident in the strong character line that begins at the nose and rises, unbroken, over the front fender and along the upper side. As it passes along the rear quarter of the car, a pronounced rear fender blister accentuates it and helps carry the line to the extreme rear of the car. There, it terminates just a few inches below the rear deck.

The Accord's tall cabin blends smoothly into this overall shape. The large steeply-raked windshield and slender A-pillars flow up and into the roof without a sharp break, then continue back past a tapered B-pillar to a tapered, steeply raked C-pillar. The C-pillar dominates the rear of the car, blending smoothly into the rear deck and also extending down along the rear flank. This effect is even more dramatic on the Accord Coupe, because the C-pillar sweeps up to meet the roof at a steeper angle than on the Sedan.

The LX and EX Coupe also use an integrated antenna built into the rear window glass instead of a mast. This new design boasts the sensitivity of a conventional mast antenna and helps keep the Coupe's body lines uncluttered. In addition, it is not subject to damage or vandalism.

The body detailing is also more carefully blended into the overall design, helping to reinforce the Accord's quality look. The gap between the bumper's outer skin and the adjacent body panel is smaller, creating a cleaner, more integrated look. In front, the rectangular cool-air intake of the previous Accord is gone. Instead, the front bumper divides the cool-air intake into a louvered upper section and a lower section. The distinctive clear-lens, multi-reflector headlights first used on the 1990 Accord are retained; however, they are narrower and integrated into the sharper nose of the new car.

The rear of the Accord features a high rear deck with a small overhang along its trailing edge. The large, integrated taillights that dominate the rear are a break with Accord tradition, as they no longer extend across the width of the trunk lid. Instead, they stack vertically, their outside edges blending with the contour of the rear quarter panels. Body width is greatest at the beltline, with a pronounced inward taper toward the roof.

The 13 cu. ft. trunk is fully lined. A space-saver spare tire (Sedan and Coupe) is located under the cargo compartment floor. The trunk uses an articulated link hinge assembly. It allows the trunk lid to open more than 90 degrees, making cargo loading easier. In addition, the hinge assembly's compactness saves 1.5 cu. ft. of trunk space. The hinge uses gas-filled struts in place of springs. The struts have a slight pre-load so that the trunk lid will pop open approximately one-half inch, making it easier to raise the lid.

The Accord Wagon has the same shape as the Sedan from nose to C-pillar and then adds a large, glassy rear cargo area. The rear hatch's rake angle matches the rake of the C-pillar and improves aerodynamic flow. A rear window washer/wiper is also standard. Large taillights, with rounded corners, smoothly blend the lower rear into the flanks. The rear bumper of the Wagon features a built-in step to make roof access easier.

The Wagon's flat-floor cargo area is fully lined and has 25.7 cu. ft. of space. A full-size spare tire is located under the cargo compartment floor. A convenient cargo area cover provides security for valuables. The Wagon, Sedan and Coupe all have pre-wired electrical couplers for towing trailers. Rated towing capacity is 1000 lbs. for all models.

The Wagon's keyless, remote entry system now uses a radio-frequency transmitter and receiver instead of the previous infrared unit. The new system has an operating radius of 12 ft. The new radio-frequency system also works over a 360-degree range and uses fewer components. When the system is activated, it turns on the interior dome light and unlocks all the doors and the tailgate. If a door is not opened, the system will automatically lock all the doors again and turn off the dome light after 30 seconds.

Aerodynamics
In addition to creating a distinctive style, the Accord's aero-wedge styling contributes to improved performance, increased fuel efficiency, reduced wind noise and improved weather sealing.

To maximize their aerodynamic efficiency, the final shapes of the Sedan, Coupe and Wagon were derived from extensive testing in the wind tunnel at the Tochigi Honda R & D center.

In order to better manage the airflow around the underside of the Accord, its designers adopted several aerodynamic ground-effect devices found on contemporary racing cars. For example, the wraparound front air dam helps minimize drag and aerodynamic lift at the front of the car. The air dam's size, placement and shape also help improve brake cooling by redirecting air toward the calipers and discs. The air dam is also designed for minimal ground contact at steep approach angles.

At the front of the rear wheel arch, the side sill garnish has been shaped into a strake, or fence, that also redirects air away from the underside. Behind the rear wheel arch, the lower portion of the rear bumper forms a skirt that serves the same function. As this skirt wraps around the rear of the Accord, it opens to form a tunnel. This tunnel, along with the aerodynamically smooth underside of the trunk floor, and the Accord's high rear deck and rear deck spoiler, work to accelerate underbody air into the low-pressure area behind the car. The net effect is a reduction in both aerodynamic drag and lift.

Wind noise-measured in the cabin at a speed of 160 km/h (100 mph), over an 800 Hz band width-has been reduced a significant 3.1 dB, when compared to the previous Accord. In order to achieve this reduction, the Accord uses several aerodynamic noise reduction techniques. All glass is nearly flush-fitting and the door windows are installed in their winder mechanisms while in the up, or sealed, position, rather than in the conventional down position, thus ensuring a tighter seal. The rain guards along the roof have been redesigned and the windshield wiper arms have been lowered andrepositioned closer to the trailing edge of the hood. The number of body panels has been reduced, hence decreasing the number of turbulence-inducing gaps between panels. In addition, gap widths have been minimized.

One unique result of all the time the Accord spent in the tunnel is that its engineers were able to redesign the outside mirrors so that air flowed around them without creating a still pocket on the side glass. As a result, the mirrors are easier to see in the rain.

Crush Zones, Reinforced Body Structure and a Reinforced Passenger Compartment
Major efforts to reduce the weight of the Accord allowed its engineers to reinforce key areas for greater strength and better energy management in a collision. The Accord meets or exceeds the following impact standards:

• Full-frontal barrier impact at 30 mph (Honda tests at 35 mph)
• Angled (30 degrees right and left) frontal barrier impact at 30 mph
• Offset-frontal barrier impact
• (There is no government standard for offset impact; however, Honda engineers felt the '94 Accord should be designed to withstand this type of impact.)
• Current 20-mph side-impact standards
• 1997 U.S. government side-impact standards (33.5-mph angled impact)
• Full rear impact at 30 mph (Honda tests at 35 mph)

Honda engineers used computer-aided design (CAD) and extensive testing in order to design a structure that would meet their impact-protection goals and would also be structurally stiff. By applying various weight-saving technologies to the '94 Accord body, they were able to reduce its weight by 26 kg (58 lb.), when compared to the '90 Accord. Then 49 kg (108 lb.) of mass was put back into reinforcing key elements of the Accord's body. Ultimately, the '94 Accord body is only 23 kg (50 lb.) heavier than its predecessor, despite its greater width, yet it is considerably stronger, with 25% greater bending stiffness and 380/o greater torsional stiffness to static loading than its predecessor.

Specific areas of body reinforcement include:

• Reinforced A- and B-pillars and door jambs
• Reinforced main front frame rails
• Reinforced front outriggers (the angled section that mates the lower, front frame rail to the side sill)
• Reinforced lower side sills and side rails above the cabin
• The steering column support is now a reinforced bracket that extends all the way across the front of the vehicle, from door jamb to door jamb
• A reinforced front floor

Some of the measures taken to improve side-impact protection include:

• A reinforced, tubular side-impact beam in each door
• Energy-absorbing pads built into the door linings at hip and shoulder level
• A highly rigid body
• Stronger door latches
• Thicker steel in the front fenders, hood and doors

1994 Honda Accord - Interior

INTERIOR

Overview
The challenge the designers and engineers of the new Accord set for themselves was to create an interior that was clean, comfortable, roomy, luxurious and secure, yet still functional and ergonomically correct. Major changes to the interior include the following:

Packaging and Design
The Accord interior uses a two-tone color scheme. The upper, darker section is designed to create a snug, secure atmosphere as it sweeps around the cabin at shoulder height and incorporates the instrument panel, driver's and front seat passenger's SRS units, upper side-impact pads and door latch releases. The darker color scheme also helps minimize glare. The intent of the lighter colored lower section of the interior is to create a comfortable, roomy feeling.

In order to improve comfort and appearance, the Accord's seats have been completely redesigned. Cushioning materials, seat firmness, anatomical fit and quality have all changed. The fabrics have been upgraded and a leather-trimmed interior is available on the EX model. The frame and pad shape was redesigned to give more thigh support. The lumbar support was lowered 10 mm and the hip, back and shoulder cushions of both the front and rear seats were reshaped for better posture. The side bolsters on the Coupe front seats are larger for better support and a sportier appearance. The front seat on the EX model has a power-operated height adjustment and incorporates an adjustable lumbar support. The back sides of the front seats are concave, which creates more knee room for the rear seat passengers, and incorporate storage pockets. There is also more room under the front seats for rear seat passenger s feet.

Both front and rear door linings have been redesigned so that they have a cleaner, more luxurious look. In addition, they incorporate side-impact protection at shoulder and hip level.

The rear floor has been lowered an additional 7 mm. EX and LX Sedan and EX Wagon models have a fold-down rear seat center armrest and both the Sedan and Coupe have a locking, fold-down rear seatback. The seatback on the Wagon has a 60/40 split. The front seat head restraints are adjustable and the rear seat head restraints are fixed.

All front and rear outboard seating positions have retractable 3-point seat belts. The center position of the rear seat has a lap belt. The upper front seat belt anchors on the Sedan and Wagon are adjustable for height. As on the previous Accord, the inboard front seat belt anchor moves with the fore and aft adjustment of the seat, which makes for a better, more comfortable fit.

The designers of the new Accord wanted to improve the ease of operation, quality and appearance of its instruments and controls. The instrument panel is completely new and has a sportier, more performance-oriented look. Sight lines to all controls and instruments are direct and unobstructed. All essential gauges, meters and warning lights are grouped in a central podirectly in front of the driver. A side-by-side, full-circle tachometer and speedometer dominate the center of the pod and are flanked on either side by the coolant and fuel gauges. The shift indicator has been moved from its previous position, at the right side of the panel, to a central position directly between the tachometer and speedometer, making it easier to read at a glance. The directional signal lights, brake warning light, SRS status light, high-beam indicator, check engine light and seat belt reminder light have also moved closer to the driver's line of sight. The instrument panel visor extends farther out over the panel to help minimize glare and the defroster outlets have been set deeper into the instrument panel to minimize distracting reflections.

In the new Accord, secondary controls have been relocated to make operating them easier and more natural. The heating and ventilation controls have been moved from the center console to a higher position next to the instrument cluster and also closer to the driver's reach and line of sight. The remaining console controls, such as the radio, cigarette lighter, ashtray, etc., have also been moved closer to the driver. In addition, the console is now sloped, rather than vertical-faced, making access to the lower part easier. Below the AM/FM High-Power stereo cassette (standard on EX and LX models) is a space that will accept a CD player (a hands-free cellular phone is also available). The ashtray is sized so that it will function as a parking gate card holder. The parking brake handle has been angled and moved closer to the driver.

Power window and power mirror adjustment switches on the EX and LX models are still located in the driver's door armrest; however, they are now slightly angled toward the driver, for easier access. Even the inside door latch handles have a larger radius, so that they can be more easily grasped. A coin bin, cruise control master switch (EX/LX), power moonroof switch (EX) and panel dimmer are located just to the left of the steering wheel. As with the previous Accords, the directional signal, headlight and wiper/washer controls are located on convenient stalks on either side of the steering wheel.