- High standard of fit and finish
- Spacious interior
- Competent handling
- Firm ride
- Front and rear seats lack support
- Uneven boot floor
- Engine noise from medium rpm
Honda CG5.I and CG1.I Accord (1997-01)
Overview
Released in December 1997, the sixth-generation Honda Accord was a mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured at Honda’s Marysville plant in Ohio, the CG5 Accord was powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the CG1 Accord had a 3.0-litre V6 engine. As per the table below, the CG5.I and CG1.I Accord range consisted of VTi, VTi-L, V6 and V6-L variants.
F23A1 and J30A1 engines
Both the F23A1 four-cylinder and J30A1 V6 engines had a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Life Electronic Control) system which enabled the engine to electronically select from two camshaft profiles for greater volumetric efficiency. The V6 engine also had electronically-controlled exhaust gas recirculation for more precise emission control. Both engines were available with a new four-speed automatic transmission; the four-cylinder engine was also available with a five-speed manual transmission.
Dimensions and body
Compared to their fifth generation predecessors, the CG5 and CG1 Accords were 100 mm longer (at 4795 mm), 60 mm wider (1785 mm) and 65 mm taller (1455 mm), though their wheelbases were 5 mm shorter (2715 mm). The new body achieved a 29 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and a 48 per cent increased in bending rigidity. Inside, the CG5/CG1 Accord provided greater interior space, with larger front seats that also had thicker cushions.
Suspension
The CG5/CG1 Accord had double wishbone front suspension and five-link, double-wishbone rear suspension.
| Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTi | 1997-98 | 2.3-litre I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
110 kW at 5700 rpm | 206 Nm at 4800 rpm |
| VTi-L | 1999-01 | ||||
| V6, V6-L |
1997-01 | 3.0-litre V6 | 4sp auto | 147 kW at 5600 rpm | 265 Nm at 4700 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the CG5.I and CG1.I Accord included dual front airbags and ABS (anti-lock braking system).
Features: Accord VTi, V6 and V6-L
Standard features for the Accord VTi included a four speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, cruise control, fold-down rear seat with pass-through and centre armrest, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Accord V6 added 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system, power height adjustable driver’s seat, remote central locking and a passenger side vanity mirror light. The V6-L was further equipped with climate control air conditioning, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, a power sunroof and woodgrain interior trim.
1999 update: Accord VTi-L and features
Coinciding with the switch to Thai production, the Mk.6-I Accord range was revised for 1999. The Accord VTi was replaced by the VTi-L and 15-inch alloy wheels and remote central locking became standard across the range. Compared to the VTi, the VTi-L was also fitted with velour trim.
As part of the update, the Accord V6 gained a CD player and power adjustable driver’s seat while the V6-L was fitted with a six-stack CD player.
1998 Accord 50thAnniversary edition
In July 1998, limited-run 50th Anniversary editions of the three variants were introduced; these 50th Anniversary editions added a 10-stack CD player, rear spoiler, woodgrain console, alarm system and ’50th anniversary’ badges.
2000 Accord Sport edition
In August 2000, Sport editions of the three variants were released, with these models primarily distinguished by their Howe leather seats; the VTi-L and V6 Sport editions were also sold with a free set of golf clubs.
Honda CG5.II and CG1.II Accord (2001-2003)
Overview
Released in March 2001, the CG5 and CG1 Series II (CG5.II and CG1.II) Accord provided greater refinement, improved occupant safety and a subtle cosmetic update. Visually, the CG5.II and CG1.II Accord could be identified by its new grille, bumpers, bonnet, tail-lights and alloy wheel designs.
To reduce noise and vibration, the CG5.II and CG1.II Accord introduced improved insulation, liquid-filled engine mounts, a stiffer rear engine mount bracket, floating rubber mounts for the fuel feed hose, improved door and window seals, a redesigned air intake side branch and resonator, an improved driveshaft damper and increased steering wheel hanger rigidity.
| Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTi-L | 2001-03 | 2.3-litre I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
110 kW at 5700 rpm | 206 Nm at 4800 rpm |
| V6, V6-L |
2001-03 | 3.0-litre V6 | 4sp auto | 147 kW at 5600 rpm | 265 Nm at 4700 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to their Series I predecessors, occupant protection was improved with the introduction of i-SRS airbags which used sensors to determine the severity of the impact and determine whether to engage the airbag inflators sequentially or simultaneously.
Features: Accord VTi-L, V6 and V6-L
Features were also enhanced with leather seats made standard across the range; the V6 variant was also fitted with a six-stack CD player.
2002 Accord V6-L 25thAnniversary edition
In February 2002, a 25thAnniversary edition of the V6-L Accord was released; it added headlight and bonnet protectors, tailored floor mats, an alarm and special badging.
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