1999 Honda Accord Hatchback 2.0i 5MT (147 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Honda introduced the sixth generation of the Accord for the European market in 1998 as a sedan, followed by a hatchback with five doors in the following year.

The Japanese automaker replaced the fifth generation of the Accord after just six years, and surprisingly, instead of making the car longer, it shrunk it. Furthermore, it sold it in two bodywork versions: as a sedan and as a five-door hatchback. While the former was something customers could see coming, the latter was more of a surprise. Honda tried to provide them with a spacious vehicle that could combine the advantages of a station wagon with the look of a sedan. Unfortunately, the car didn’t excel in either of these segments. Instead, it proved to the automaker that the era of mid-size hatchbacks was almost gone, leaving this niche segment to other European car manufacturers such as Ford, Opel, or Renault.

At the front, the 1999 Honda Accord 5-door shared its fascia with its sedan sibling. It featured sporting wide headlights narrowed on their inner side and wrapped around corners. Its chrome-surrounded grille was integrated into the front side of the hood, which sported the carmaker’s badge. Lower, on the plastic bumper, the automaker added a second air intake that helped cool the engine, and a set of rectangular fog lamps were available.

Up to the B-pillars, the 1999 Honda Accord hatchback shared its body panels with the sedan, featuring a raked windshield and a short front overhang. Its roof was just a bit longer than its four-door brother, while the C-posts were significantly wider, especially on the lower side. As a result, the rear window was tilted forward even more, and the deck was shorter. In addition, this version of the Accord was available with a rear windshield wiper as an option. Its corner-mounted taillights flanked the tailgate’s opening. Honda tried to use as many common components for both vehicles as possible without creating the impression that it made a compromise.

Inside, customers found a dashboard that featured an instrument panel with three round clusters. In the middle, Honda installed the speedometer, flanked on the left by the tachometer and on the right by the gauges for the fuel level and the water temperature. The automaker installed comfortable bucket seats at the front with mild side bolstering. Between them, the center console housed an armrest and the gear stick, while Honda placed the stereo and the HVAC control panel on the center stack. In the back, legroom was limited due to the shorter legroom than in the previous generation. However, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat proved to be comfortable for two adults.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide range of gasoline engines and a turbodiesel. The former ones were those most sought-after from the range. At the same time, the oil-burner proved to be effective, especially for those looking to save money. A five-speed manual was fitted as standard across the range, while a four-speed automatic was on the offer at extra cost.