The Honda Accord is an automobile manufactured by Honda, redesigned in 2003 and sold worldwide.
Accords sold in Japan (and elsewhere in the world) vary greatly from the US models. In Japan, full-featured Accords are offered. Until 1997, the Accord bi-yearly facelift or four-year redesign was always released a year prior in Japan. Older generations of Accords such as the US 1990-1993 (4th Generation) was actually offered in years 1989-1992 in Japan, and 5th Generation from 1993-1996. Other differences were in features. The 1989-1992 (4th generation) offered in other countries received unheard of equipment for an Accord (until recently) such as a Navigation System, TV, mini-disc player, digital automatic climate control, traction control, Anti-Lock brakes, side-marker lights, heated mirrors, outside temperature gauge, an in-cabin air refiner, map lights, seat heaters, standard fog lamps, headlight washers, rear fog light, full-power seats, telescoping bumper pole, half-mast antenna switch. An Accord Si and Si-T model can also be found in some countries including Japan along with a "Euro R" trim in Europe.
In 1998, a major redesign took place for the Accord for its sixth-generation, the largest Accord to date reverted back to its more conservative roots. The wagon was discontinued in North America but remained available elsewhere. Internationally, the Accord split into two distinct versions, one for North America, and another for sale worldwide. The models are often referred to as the Japanese and North American Accords. The larger North American model is based on the Japanese Honda Inspire, while Japanese Accord is sold in North America as the Acura TSX.
The Accord was redesigned in 2003 without a size increase of a similar magnitude to the North American model. In comparison, clearly, the North American version is distinct from the worldwide model, being both larger and heftier. The F-series VTEC engines made its debut in the European and Japanese Accords, and the 90° C-series V6 engine was replaced by a more-compact 60° J-series unit for the US Accord. Honda offered the North American Accord in a number of Asian markets, with mixed sales. Both variants of the Accord are sold in Australia–the North American model and the worldwide model. The Japanese model offered a number of hi-tech features not seen elsewhere in the North American range, and minor adjustments to body styling. The Japanese Accord and Inspire also feature Honda's Intelligent Driver System or HIDS which feature safety enhancements such as the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and adaptive cruise control.