In the United States, the 1987 Honda Accord was typically powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, with a smaller 1.8-liter option available in some overseas markets. The exact engine depended on trim and region.
As Honda's third-generation Accord rolled out for the 1987 model year, buyers encountered a straightforward four-cylinder lineup designed for efficiency and reliability, with common transmission choices including a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. This article lays out the engines you could find in the 1987 Accord and how they varied by market.
Engine options by market
Lead-in: The following overview highlights the main four-cylinder engines offered on the 1987 Accord, organized by market to reflect how the car varied internationally.
United States and Canada
- 2.0-liter inline-four engine — the predominant powerplant in US-spec Accords for 1987, available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Conclusion: In North America, the 2.0 L inline-four was the standard engine and the backbone of the 1987 Accord lineup.
Other markets
- 1.8-liter inline-four engine — used in some overseas markets and certain trims, providing a lighter, more economical alternative.
Conclusion: Outside North America, the 1.8 L engine variant appeared in certain trims or markets, complementing Honda's focus on efficiency.
Summary
The 1987 Honda Accord offered two primary four-cylinder engines depending on the market: a 2.0-liter inline-four in the US/Canada and a 1.8-liter inline-four in selected overseas markets. Both were paired with common manual or automatic transmissions, reflecting Honda's emphasis on practicality and reliability for that model year.