In 1981 Honda introduced the second generation of the Accord for the worldwide market, and it offered it as a sedan or as a hatchback with three doors.
With its wedge shape and the sloped back, the second generation of the Accord was between the compact-sized and the mid-size segment, so most of the time, it created confusion around it. On the other hand, the coupe version was mostly a sporty compact hatchback with a sloped tailgate that offered more than a regular compact vehicle and a sportier image. The thin A, B, and C-pillars and the big window area gave the driver good visibility all around. Maybe it wasn’t the safest car on the road, but it was light, nimble, and fuel-efficient. Its square headlights with corner-mounted turn-signals offered a good image to the vehicle. The Japanese carmaker didn’t want to make it look upmarket. It was a common-sense vehicle with a sloped tailgate that was good for shopping and taking kids to school if there was any.

Inside, Honda installed as an option the first in-car navigation system. It wasn’t a sat-nav, but it was based on a recorded map, an inertial system that worked a little bit better than a normal map on the passenger’s lap. The carmaker installed good quality velour seats and a folding bench in the back to extend the trunk space.