The 1989 Honda Accord: 10 Reasons Why This Classic Still Rocks

The 1989 Honda Accord might not be the first car that pops into your head when thinking of sleek classic rides. However it's time to give this underappreciated gem some love! Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast a first-time buyer or simply into quirky pieces of automotive history this car offers more than meets the eye.

Despite its vintage status this vehicle remains a fantastic option for those wanting a reliable budget-friendly ride. But hey not every classic car is without its drawbacks right? Let's take a deep dive into what makes this Honda Accord from the late '80s a total classic while also laughing at some of the “quirks” that come with age.

A Quick Overview of the 1989 Honda Accord

Before we start to gush over the amazing things this car has to offer let’s get a little familiar with the 1989 model year. This Accord was part of the third generation of the Honda Accord series which spanned from 1986 to 1989. It was available in several body styles including a four-door sedan two-door coupe and a station wagon.

Its boxy shape and straightforward lines may not scream high fashion by today's standards but in its prime this car was quite the looker. Honda focused on practicality durability and efficiency when they designed this model.

What's Under the Hood?

For those who love talking specs the 1989 Accord came with a range of engine options:

• 2.0L 12-valve inline-4 engine
• 2.0L 16-valve inline-4 engine for the more powerful LX-i trim

Both engines are reliable and deliver a surprisingly smooth drive even by modern standards. The inline-4 engines pushed out 98 hp and 120 hp respectively which doesn't sound like much today but trust me back then this was decent power especially for an everyday car. Not to mention the Accord’s fuel economy—you could get around 27 mpg on the highway! Even by modern standards that’s impressive.

Transmission Options

Honda gave drivers two ways to connect with their Accord: manual and automatic transmissions. The 5-speed manual is a joy for anyone who still loves shifting gears the old-fashioned way. Meanwhile the 4-speed automatic (which feels more like a stubborn friend who sometimes just doesn’t want to shift when you ask it to) is there for those who prefer a more laid-back driving experience.

Why the 1989 Honda Accord is a Must-Drive Classic

While many cars from the late '80s have fallen into obscurity the 1989 Honda Accord has stayed relevant. Here are 10 reasons why this ride is still considered legendary among car enthusiasts today.

1. Reliability that Defies Time

When people say "they don't make them like they used to" they might very well be talking about the 1989 Accord. With proper maintenance these cars seem to just keep going. There are countless stories of Accords from this era still running strong with over 300,000 miles on the odometer.

Alex Collantes a car enthusiast who owns a well-maintained 1989 Honda Accord says "I’ve owned this car for years and despite its age it’s never left me stranded. It’s reliable to a fault like that old friend who shows up even when you don’t expect them to."

2. Affordability

You don’t need to empty your savings account to get your hands on an ’89 Accord. Compared to other classic cars on the market this Honda is relatively affordable. Even well-preserved models won’t cost you an arm and a leg making it a fantastic entry point into the world of classic cars.

3. Fuel Economy

Let’s not forget this car was built during a time when automakers were just starting to realize that fuel efficiency mattered. The 1989 Honda Accord offered some impressive mpg numbers for its time and even by today's standards it’s not too bad. It’s easy on the wallet at the gas station and given today’s rising gas prices that’s a big win.

4. Timeless Simplicity

The design of the 1989 Accord is best described as "no-nonsense". It’s clean simple and doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. This car isn’t about making a statement—it’s about getting you where you need to go without fuss. The boxy frame and simple dashboard might make some people nostalgic for a simpler time when cars were cars not rolling computers.

5. The Comfortable Interior

The seats in the 1989 Accord were surprisingly comfortable for their era. The cloth upholstery might not look like much now (and to be fair it’s probably pretty worn at this point unless you’re lucky) but back in the day it provided a nice balance between durability and comfort.

• Spacious interior
• Functional dashboard layout
• Adequate legroom even for taller drivers

That said if you're hoping for fancy features like heated seats or automatic climate control well... you might want to look elsewhere. The air conditioning does work as long as you don't mind cranking a knob that feels like it’s been there since the dawn of time.

6. Classic Car Vibes Without the High Maintenance

Sure it’s old but the 1989 Accord doesn’t require the constant care and attention that many other classic cars demand. Replacement parts are still relatively easy to find and won’t break the bank. And since it was mass-produced in such large numbers it’s not a rare or finicky car to maintain.

7. Handling and Driving Experience

Let’s be honest—it’s not going to win any races but the 1989 Accord handles surprisingly well for a car its age. It has a light nimble feel on the road and offers a smooth drive for everyday commutes. The manual transmission is fun to shift and the steering is responsive enough to give you some sense of control even on those curvy backroads.

8. Safety

Okay this is where we need to talk about some of the drawbacks but we’ll keep it light. The 1989 Honda Accord is from an era when safety features were... let’s just say "optional". You’ve got seat belts and that’s pretty much where it ends. No airbags no traction control no fancy ABS to help you in tricky conditions.

But hey you’re a careful driver right? Right. You won’t need those features anyway (hopefully).

9. Nostalgia Factor

If you grew up in the late '80s or '90s you probably knew someone who owned an Accord. This car was everywhere back then and seeing one today brings back memories of mixtapes cassette decks and windbreakers. It’s more than just a car—it’s a time machine to a simpler era.

10. Modding Potential

Though the 1989 Accord wasn’t designed as a performance car some owners have found ways to modify and enhance its capabilities. If you're into tuning or customizing this car offers a solid platform for you to get creative.

Potential Drawbacks (With a Dash of Humor)

Not Quite as "Zippy" as Modern Cars

The 1989 Accord wasn’t designed to be a speed demon. With around 98 hp for the base model don’t expect to be blowing anyone’s doors off at a stoplight. If you ever find yourself in a race against... well a bicycle don’t be surprised if the cyclist gives you a run for your money.

Those Pesky Electronics

In a 35-year-old car you might occasionally run into some electrical gremlins. The radio could stop working or maybe the dash lights decide to blink in and out whenever they feel like it. But hey isn’t that part of the charm? Who needs consistent interior lighting anyway?

The Air Conditioning is… Adequate?

If you live somewhere hot be prepared for the AC to be more of a gentle breeze than a blast of cool air. Sure it works but only if you ask nicely and make the appropriate sacrifices to the car gods.

Rust is the Real Enemy

The 1989 Accord has a tendency to develop rust especially in areas with harsh winters or lots of salt on the roads. If you’re planning to pick one up be sure to check underneath for rust damage. Remember rust never sleeps and neither should you when inspecting an old car.

Alex Collantes' Take on the 1989 Honda Accord

"I love my 1989 Accord. It’s like an old pair of shoes. They’re not as flashy as a new pair but they fit so well and they just work. It’s reliable I can fix most things myself and it’s surprisingly comfortable for a car this old. Sure the electronics sometimes go on strike and the AC works at half capacity but those are small prices to pay for such a dependable ride."

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the resale value of a 1989 Honda Accord?

Given its age and the fact it’s not exactly a rare classic the resale value of a 1989 Accord typically ranges between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on its condition mileage and location. A well-preserved model with low mileage could fetch higher but generally these cars are affordable.

Is it hard to find parts for a 1989 Honda Accord?

Not really. Because Honda produced so many Accords during the 1980s and 1990s finding replacement parts for the 1989 model is usually not too difficult. Many parts are still available through aftermarket suppliers and online retailers making repairs relatively inexpensive.

What’s the most common issue with the 1989 Accord?

The most common problem tends to be rust especially in areas with salted roads in winter. Electrical issues especially related to aging wiring are also fairly typical in a car of this vintage.

In Conclusion

The 1989 Honda Accord is a classic car that combines reliability affordability and fuel efficiency. It’s not the flashiest ride on the road and it comes with its fair share of quirks but for anyone looking for a dependable vehicle that doesn’t cost a fortune this old-school Honda is worth considering. Sure it might make you chuckle when the AC barely works or when the radio fizzles out but at the end of the day it’s a car that still delivers where it counts: getting you from point A to point B with a bit of old-school charm.