The first-generation Honda Accord arrived in 1976 as a 3-door hatchback, a larger and more refined companion to the popular Civic. It established Honda's reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and a high level of standard equipment. A 4-door sedan joined the lineup in 1979, and all models featured the innovative CVCC engine, which met emissions standards without needing a catalytic converter.
Collectors appreciate the Accord for its significance in automotive history and its simple, durable mechanics. Because most were used as daily transportation and eventually discarded, finding clean, low-mileage survivors is a real challenge. This rarity, combined with a strong sense of nostalgia, drives demand, especially for the early hatchback models with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The market for these early Accords is still accessible, though values are rising. While the average sale price hovers around $7,700, exceptional examples have sold for over $20,000. Most available cars are well-used drivers, but the premium prices are reserved for original, well-documented, and corrosion-free cars.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest issue; check the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, and the areas around the windshield and rear glass.
- Interior parts are very difficult to find. Prioritize cars with a crack-free dashboard and complete, undamaged trim and upholstery.
- The CVCC engine is reliable, but check for a complete and correct vacuum hose system, as leaks create running problems that are hard to trace.
- Look for evidence of regular maintenance, especially timing belt changes. Parts availability for major engine components can be a challenge.
Prices range from under $2,500 for project cars to over $21,000 for top-tier, preserved examples.
79 Honda Accord 1st Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 24 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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