The 1998 Honda Accord commonly came with two engine options: a 2.3-liter inline-4 as the standard choice, and an optional 3.0-liter V6 for higher trims.
Launched as part of the fifth-generation Accord, the 1998 model year offered these two engines across different trims and markets. The following sections outline the two main options and how they were paired with transmissions and performance characteristics.
Engine options in the US market
Here are the two engines you could encounter in a 1998 Accord sold in the United States, along with a sense of their setup and typical usage.
- 2.3-liter inline-4 — A four-cylinder engine that was standard on most trims. It is typically described as a dual overhead cam (DOHC) configuration and provided solid efficiency for daily driving.
- 3.0-liter V6 — A larger six-cylinder option available on higher trims. It delivered noticeably greater acceleration and torque compared with the four-cylinder.
Bottom line: The two engines offered were a 2.3L inline-4 and a 3.0L V6, with the V6 reserved for more upscale versions of the Accord.
Performance and transmissions
Engine choice was paired with multiple transmission options, giving buyers flexibility in how they used the car. The typical setup included both manual and automatic choices depending on trim and market.
- 2.3-liter inline-4 — Available with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim.
- 3.0-liter V6 — Also offered with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
In practice, most buyers of the 2.3-liter got the automatic, while enthusiasts could opt for the manual on appropriate trims. The V6 trims tended to offer similar transmission choices, with the larger engine providing stronger performance.
Engine identifiers (note)
For model verification, the 2.3-liter engine used in most U.S. cars of this era is commonly described as a 4-cylinder inline engine, while the V6 is a larger six-cylinder option. If you’re checking a specific car, the under-hood stamping or a VIN check can confirm the exact engine specification for that vehicle.
Summary
In summary, the 1998 Honda Accord offered two primary engines: a 2.3-liter inline-4 and a 3.0-liter V6, with the V6 reserved for higher trim levels. Transmission options typically included 5-speed manuals or 4-speed automatics, and availability varied by trim and market. This combination gave the 1998 Accord a balance of efficiency and performance for its era.
What year was a bad year for the Honda Accord?
Q: Which Honda Accord generations have had the most problematic model years? A: The sixth generation (1998-2002) and parts of the seventh (2003-2005), eighth (2008-2010), and ninth generations (2013-2014) have had Honda Accord model years that are best avoided due to various issues and excessive complaints.
What motor did a 1998 Honda Accord come with?
For the 1998 model year, the sedan was offered in DX, LX, LX-V6, EX and EX-V6 trims, while the Accord Coupe was offered only in LX, LX-V6, EX and EX-V6 trims. The DX model was fitted with a 2.3L I4 non-VTEC engine rated at 135 bhp (101 kW), while the LX and EX included a 2.3L I4 VTEC engine rated at 150 bhp (110 kW).
Did the Accord have a K24?
This engine was available in the 2004-2008 Acura TSX in the U.S., the 2002-08 JDM Honda Odyssey Absolute, and the 2002-08 JDM Accord Type-S.
What billionaire drives a Honda Accord?
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos was still driving a 1997 Honda Accord years after becoming a billionaire. Bezos's choice of car came to light in a “60 Minutes” interview with Bob Simon in 1999. At that time, Amazon was a 5-year-old company known mainly as an online bookstore.