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What year Honda Accord has pop-up headlights?

The Honda Accord is a popular and long-running midsize car, but did you know that some models came equipped with pop-up headlights? This unique feature was found on certain Accord models in the 1980s and 1990s, adding a distinctive look to the car.


The Accord with Pop-Up Headlights


The Honda Accord with pop-up headlights was produced from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s. Specifically, the pop-up headlight feature was available on the third (1986-1989) and fourth (1990-1993) generations of the Accord.


The pop-up headlights were an innovative design choice that allowed the Accord to have a sleeker, more aerodynamic front end when the lights were retracted. This not only improved the car's appearance but also helped with fuel efficiency by reducing drag.


Why Did Honda Use Pop-Up Headlights?


There are a few key reasons why Honda chose to equip the Accord with pop-up headlights during this era:



  • Aerodynamics: As mentioned, the retractable headlights helped improve the Accord's aerodynamics, which was important for fuel efficiency and performance.

  • Styling: The pop-up headlights gave the Accord a distinctive, futuristic look that set it apart from other cars on the road at the time.

  • Regulations: Some countries had regulations that required headlights to be flush with the car's body when not in use. The pop-up design allowed Honda to meet these regulations.


While pop-up headlights were a unique and innovative feature, they also came with some drawbacks, such as increased complexity and potential reliability issues. As a result, Honda eventually phased out the pop-up design in favor of more traditional fixed headlights.


The Legacy of the Accord's Pop-Up Headlights


The Honda Accord with pop-up headlights has become a bit of a cult classic among car enthusiasts. The unique design and retro-futuristic styling of these models have made them highly sought after by collectors and fans of classic Japanese cars. While pop-up headlights are no longer a common feature on modern vehicles, the Accord's pop-up design remains an iconic part of the car's history and legacy.

When did pop-up headlights come out?


The first use of hidden headlights for a production automobile was on the Gordon Buehrig-designed 1936 Cord 810. Buehrig wanted to make the lights retract via electric motors, but cost considerations prohibited it.



What was the best year for the Honda Accord?


Honda Accords are known for their reliability and longevity. The best years for a used Honda Accord are 2006--2007, 2011--2012, 2015, 2020, and 2021. The 2013 and 2018 models have advanced features.



What Hondas have pop-up headlights?


Production vehicles

NameProduction startProduction end
Honda/Acura Integra/Rover 41619861989
Honda/Acura NSX19902001
Honda Prelude19831991
Honda Vigor19861989



Why are pop-up headlights illegal now?


Safety standards regarding sharp shapes or protrusions. As well as low bumper lines all of which are key to finding traits of most pop-up headlights. And if you look at most cars in the 80s. And 90s.



What is the most famous car with pop-up headlights?


Lamborghini Countach (1974)
Italian designer Marcello Gandini deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the proliferation of pop-up headlights. He put them on a long list of concept and production cars during the 1970s, including the Lamborghini Countach.



What is the best year to buy a used Honda?


Some of the best used Hondas to look for in 2023 include the following:

  • 2016-2019 Honda Civic. If you're interested in getting a reliable and affordable sedan, then the Honda Civic is a great option to check out.
  • 2013-2017 Honda Accord.
  • 2012-2016 Honda CR-V.
  • 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey.
  • 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline.



What's the newest car with pop-up headlights?


This piece here on the headlights which tucks into the Bodywork. Now the older supercars had pop-up headlights right like the F40. Legislation. Doesn't allow that anymore.



How many miles does a Honda Accord last?


between 200,000 to 300,000 miles
On average, Honda Accords can reliably travel between 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, numerous examples exist of Accords surpassing the 300,000-mile mark, some even reaching the astonishing 500,000-mile milestone.



What year did Honda Accord have pop-up headlights?


1986-1989
Third Generation: 1986-1989
Featuring a bolder design with their bladelike side profiles and sweet pop-up headlights, the cars drove as sporty as they looked.



What was the last car made with pop-up headlights?


The last time pop-up headlamps appeared on a volume-production car was in 2004, when both the Lotus Esprit and Chevrolet Corvette (C5) ended production. Development of both projector beam headlamps such as those on the 1990 Nissan 300ZX (Z32), and more efficient, bright LED headlamps has in practice, eliminated the ...


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.