Is the 1989 Honda Accord FWD or RWD?
The 1989 Honda Accord is front-wheel drive (FWD).
In more detail, the 1989 Accord, part of Honda’s third-generation lineup, used a front-engine, transverse drivetrain with power delivered to the front wheels. This FWD configuration was standard for the model during that era and reflects Honda’s engineering approach aimed at maximizing interior space and efficiency.
Drivetrain fundamentals for the 1989 Accord
Understanding how FWD differs from RWD—and how the Accord embodies FWD—helps explain why this model behaves the way it does on the road. The following points summarize the key aspects relevant to the 1989 Honda Accord.
- Power delivery: Front-wheel drive sends engine output to the two front wheels only, unlike rear-wheel drive where power travels to the rear axle.
- Engine orientation: In FWD layouts, the engine is typically mounted transversely (sideways) to optimize space under the hood and maximize passenger room.
- Packaging and interior space: FWD eliminates a bulky driveshaft to the rear, allowing for a flatter floor and more cabin usability consistent with mid-size sedans of the era.
- Handling characteristics: FWD cars often exhibit natural understeer when pushed hard, with weight over the front wheels aiding traction in everyday driving conditions.
- Historical context: Honda's Accord models from this period consistently used FWD, aligning with contemporary automotive trends toward front-drive sedans for efficiency and packaging.
In the 1989 Accord, these traits manifested as a front-engine, transverse, front-wheel-drive package that defined the car’s design, maintenance considerations, and everyday performance.
Historical context and model lineage
The 1989 Accord belongs to the third generation (1986–1989), a period when Honda refined its front-wheel-drive platform and continued to emphasize interior space and reliability. The drivetrain layout established with this generation would carry into later Accords, reinforcing the FWD convention across the model’s evolution.
Bottom line
The 1989 Honda Accord is front-wheel drive (FWD).
Summary
Summary: For the 1989 Honda Accord, front-wheel drive was the standard configuration. With a front-engine, transverse arrangement, the car prioritized interior space, efficiency, and predictable daily handling that characterized Honda’s mid-size sedans of that era.
Is the 1986 Honda Accord RWD?
1986 Honda Accord
About the only things carried over were front-wheel drive and transversely mounted four-cylinder engine.
Is the 1988 Honda Accord FWD or RWD?
HONDA T ACCORD ACCORD S Page 9 The first production front wheel drive, 4-wheel double wishbone Suspension system. It's even firmer this year for even more outstanding feats of handling.
Are Honda Accords RWD or FWD?
The Honda Accord is a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. All current and past generations of the Honda Accord use a front-wheel-drive layout, and Honda does not offer an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for the Accord model line.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between FWD, RWD, and AWD: 48sScotty KilmerYouTube · May 10, 2021
- FWD system: The engine sends power to the front wheels, which pull the car. This design is space-efficient and cost-effective to produce.
- Packaging benefits: The FWD system allows for a more spacious interior and a flatter floor because the engine, gearbox, and differential are all located at the front.
- Traction: FWD provides good traction in everyday driving conditions, especially in rain and snow, because the weight of the engine is directly over the drive wheels.
- Performance: While FWD is great for general use, a powerful FWD car can experience understeer (the tendency to drift wide in a turn) when pushed hard.
What motor is in a 1989 Honda Accord?
The 1989 Honda Accord was equipped with an inline-4, 2.0-liter engine, designated as the A20A1 for models without fuel injection, and the A20A3 for fuel-injected models. This engine had an overhead cam and produced 98 horsepower at 5500 rpm. The engine was transversely mounted and paired with a transaxle, a common design for front-wheel-drive cars like the Accord.
- Engine type: Inline-4, overhead cam (SOHC)
- Displacement: 2.0-liter
- Horsepower: 98 hp at 5500 rpm
- Fuel delivery: Carbureted (A20A1) or fuel-injected (A20A3)
- Cylinders: 4
- Configuration: Transverse-mounted
