HAPPY INDEPENDENCE NIGERIA, despite our drawback we still find a way to carry on owing to our will power and resilience as people, as part of our independence special we take a look a various automotive brands that have been and grown with us over the years these brands have not only served the Nigerian people effectively but they have also left an indelible mark in our memories.
Back in the seventies and eighties the European cars were more accustomed to our terrains maybe owing to the fact that our roads were still fresh then considering the fact that they had just been built from proceeds of the oil boom then Couple with the relatively cheap price in petroleum products at the time this made it possible for Nigerians to drive these
cars then even though their petrol consumption rate then wasn't any better
The Peugeot Mercedes, Fiat, Volvo, Lahda, and B.M.W and Volkswagen of these world were kings of our roads then and one was considered a bit less if he or she did not drive either of these brands then.
We take a look at Japanese Brands and how they have progressed with us as a nation, know for their stylish yet simple looks, beautiful yet ruggedly designed interiors, fragile but yet durable components and above all high fuel efficiency these Japanese cars had been our succor as the prices in petroleum products and the conditions of our once beautiful roads deteriorated over the years(though the European car makers have also come up with fuel efficient vehicles).
Our First port of call is Honda this giant Japanese automakers are know to prioritize elegance over ruggerdity , with several models that have graced our roads notably the accord and civic of yesteryear's and today's editions like the pilot, element, odyssey and passport to mention but a few it has been a memorable partnership with the Nigerian People.
THE HONDA ACCORD
The Honda accord has been one of the most sort after models for the Nigerian people from its inception in 1976 the accord had integrated itself as a part of our automotive culture in Nigeria
First phase Honda Accord (1976-1981
First Launched in 1976 the first phase Honda accord was available in a three door hatch back, its features included , power steering, tachometer,great fuel economy, cvcc engine and host of other features.
My take about these car was about its size, back them was maybe not much of an issue
Second phase Honda Accord(1981-1985)
This version of the Honda was released in 1981 in Europe and the Americas, the second phase Honda is the first accord model to be built outside japan, popularly known in japan as the Honda vigor the accord was fitted with a 1.8 litre engine , this model also happens to be one of the first Japanese cars to be designed with a computerizes fuel injected engine.
Its features included head lamp washers, higher fuel economy, revised speedometer, leather seats,power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof and lots more.
This cars stood out in terms of performance during its glory days given its more computerized nature compared to the earlier fashion.
Third Phase Honda Accord(1985-1989)
The third phase accord as launched on the 4th of June 1985 this version of the accord was widely popular across Europe (could remember my uncle who lives in Europe bringing in down to Nigeria sometimes in the 90s) these version of the accord was renowned for its look alike features with the Honda prelude, its features included heated seats digital adjusted mirrors, cruise control, sunroof, head light washers and heated sun roof.
This verison of the accord was built in four body styles namely the 2 door coupe, 3 door hatch back, 4 door sedan and the 3 door shooting brake, engine types came in 3 variants , 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre engines respectively.
Really cool ride during its days you know.
Fourth phase Honda Accord (1990-1993) AKA Honda Hala
Now this seemed to be the most popular accord model in Nigeria till date maybe because of its sheer durability and simplicity in nature, the Honda accord 90 model popularly known as the Honda Hala was launched in `1989 with a styling resemblance of the Honda legend.
The accord 90 was fitted with 2.2 liter 16 valve electronic fuel injected engine a first of its kind for Honda at that time, other features included in cabin cd player, security system,ABS, rear wing spoiler, luggage rack fog lights lap and shoulder belts and lots more.
its technical features included , an electronically controlled rear engine mount to reduce engine vibration at low rpm , electronically controlled 4 speed automatic transmission, redesigned manual transmission with hydraulic clutch and lots more.
Built in three body style the 90 accord was available in a 4 door sedan, 5 door station wagon and 2 door coupe.
This car is still sort after in some quarters some people believe its engine still remains the best that has been assembled for any accord model by Honda, in terms of performance its still top notch.
Fifth Phase Honda Accord (1994-1997) AKA Honda Bull Dog
The fifth phase of the accord popularly know as the Honda bull dog among locals in Nigeria was launched in 1992 apparently this model got its tag" bull dog" from its smallish and somewhat stylish design never really had a feel of the version but facts have it that its strong points are ruggedtiy,handling and its enormous balance while moving.
Its features includes, Leather seats, Keyless entry, Rear stabilizer Bar, dual air bags and lots more.
The fifth phase accord was fitted with a standard 2.2 litre SOHC VTEC engine capable of producing 145hp,
This car is renowned for its balance, stability not forgetting its durability.
Sixth Phase Honda Accord (1997-2001) AKA Baby Boy
This version of the accord seem quite popular these days maybe because of its tag, that is left to be seen.
The 97 accord was launched in on the 4th of September that year, popularly know as the "baby boy" in our clime the 97 accord is well known for its roomy interiors and Stability on the road, the Baby Boy is equipped with features like, climate control system, keyless entry, CD player system, fog light wing spoiler, alarm system, cruise control to mention but a few.
Fitted in the 97 accord is a2.0 to 2.3 litre VTEC engine with the capacity to provide 152 to 157 bhp.
This Rides make a lot of sense but its draw back to me has to be its not so fantastic handling.
Seventh Phase Honda Accord (2002-2007) AKA End of Discussion
Popularly Know as the Guangzhou Honda in china, or the Honda inspire in Japan, the Honda End of discussion "in our clime" was built with some significant difference from its predecessor, equipped with a 240hp engine the Accord 2002 was built for luxury and elegance in mind, its distinctive features includes, bigger size, use of five lug nuts instead of the traditional four,strut tower Bar, optional perforated leather seats, carbon fiber dash board and many more.
Like i earlier mentioned this car was built with luxury in mind, owing to its size and elegance.
Eight Phase Honda Accord (2008-2012) AKA Evil Spirit
The eight generation Accord with its funny tag"its an epitome of elegance, style , performance, and sheer class.popularly known as the Honda spirior this is the first accord model to be classified as a full size sedan.
Its its engine Specifications includes a 2.4 four cylinder 177bhp rated engine and and a 3.5 litre v6 engine rated at 272bhp.
Ninth Phase Honda Accord (2013-Till Date)
What else could be said about this accord, this is a reflection of an age long tradition of excellence by this renowned auto makers.
Its engine specifications are of three variants , 2.0, 2.4 and 3.5v6 litre engine.
its body variants are in a 4 door sedan and a 2 door coupe, these accord model also ses the integration of a full plug in prototype.
Which ever way this might go one thing is certain that as we have evolved as a nation so has this automaker evolved over the years with innovative products to suit our needs at each given time.
Long Live Nigeria.
Back in the seventies and eighties the European cars were more accustomed to our terrains maybe owing to the fact that our roads were still fresh then considering the fact that they had just been built from proceeds of the oil boom then Couple with the relatively cheap price in petroleum products at the time this made it possible for Nigerians to drive these
cars then even though their petrol consumption rate then wasn't any better
The Peugeot Mercedes, Fiat, Volvo, Lahda, and B.M.W and Volkswagen of these world were kings of our roads then and one was considered a bit less if he or she did not drive either of these brands then.
We take a look at Japanese Brands and how they have progressed with us as a nation, know for their stylish yet simple looks, beautiful yet ruggedly designed interiors, fragile but yet durable components and above all high fuel efficiency these Japanese cars had been our succor as the prices in petroleum products and the conditions of our once beautiful roads deteriorated over the years(though the European car makers have also come up with fuel efficient vehicles).
Our First port of call is Honda this giant Japanese automakers are know to prioritize elegance over ruggerdity , with several models that have graced our roads notably the accord and civic of yesteryear's and today's editions like the pilot, element, odyssey and passport to mention but a few it has been a memorable partnership with the Nigerian People.
THE HONDA ACCORD
The Honda accord has been one of the most sort after models for the Nigerian people from its inception in 1976 the accord had integrated itself as a part of our automotive culture in Nigeria
First phase Honda Accord (1976-1981
First Launched in 1976 the first phase Honda accord was available in a three door hatch back, its features included , power steering, tachometer,great fuel economy, cvcc engine and host of other features.
My take about these car was about its size, back them was maybe not much of an issue
Second phase Honda Accord(1981-1985)
This version of the Honda was released in 1981 in Europe and the Americas, the second phase Honda is the first accord model to be built outside japan, popularly known in japan as the Honda vigor the accord was fitted with a 1.8 litre engine , this model also happens to be one of the first Japanese cars to be designed with a computerizes fuel injected engine.
Its features included head lamp washers, higher fuel economy, revised speedometer, leather seats,power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof and lots more.
This cars stood out in terms of performance during its glory days given its more computerized nature compared to the earlier fashion.
Third Phase Honda Accord(1985-1989)
The third phase accord as launched on the 4th of June 1985 this version of the accord was widely popular across Europe (could remember my uncle who lives in Europe bringing in down to Nigeria sometimes in the 90s) these version of the accord was renowned for its look alike features with the Honda prelude, its features included heated seats digital adjusted mirrors, cruise control, sunroof, head light washers and heated sun roof.
This verison of the accord was built in four body styles namely the 2 door coupe, 3 door hatch back, 4 door sedan and the 3 door shooting brake, engine types came in 3 variants , 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre engines respectively.
Really cool ride during its days you know.
Fourth phase Honda Accord (1990-1993) AKA Honda Hala
Now this seemed to be the most popular accord model in Nigeria till date maybe because of its sheer durability and simplicity in nature, the Honda accord 90 model popularly known as the Honda Hala was launched in `1989 with a styling resemblance of the Honda legend.
The accord 90 was fitted with 2.2 liter 16 valve electronic fuel injected engine a first of its kind for Honda at that time, other features included in cabin cd player, security system,ABS, rear wing spoiler, luggage rack fog lights lap and shoulder belts and lots more.
its technical features included , an electronically controlled rear engine mount to reduce engine vibration at low rpm , electronically controlled 4 speed automatic transmission, redesigned manual transmission with hydraulic clutch and lots more.
Built in three body style the 90 accord was available in a 4 door sedan, 5 door station wagon and 2 door coupe.
This car is still sort after in some quarters some people believe its engine still remains the best that has been assembled for any accord model by Honda, in terms of performance its still top notch.
Fifth Phase Honda Accord (1994-1997) AKA Honda Bull Dog
The fifth phase of the accord popularly know as the Honda bull dog among locals in Nigeria was launched in 1992 apparently this model got its tag" bull dog" from its smallish and somewhat stylish design never really had a feel of the version but facts have it that its strong points are ruggedtiy,handling and its enormous balance while moving.
Its features includes, Leather seats, Keyless entry, Rear stabilizer Bar, dual air bags and lots more.
The fifth phase accord was fitted with a standard 2.2 litre SOHC VTEC engine capable of producing 145hp,
This car is renowned for its balance, stability not forgetting its durability.
Sixth Phase Honda Accord (1997-2001) AKA Baby Boy
This version of the accord seem quite popular these days maybe because of its tag, that is left to be seen.
The 97 accord was launched in on the 4th of September that year, popularly know as the "baby boy" in our clime the 97 accord is well known for its roomy interiors and Stability on the road, the Baby Boy is equipped with features like, climate control system, keyless entry, CD player system, fog light wing spoiler, alarm system, cruise control to mention but a few.
Fitted in the 97 accord is a2.0 to 2.3 litre VTEC engine with the capacity to provide 152 to 157 bhp.
This Rides make a lot of sense but its draw back to me has to be its not so fantastic handling.
Seventh Phase Honda Accord (2002-2007) AKA End of Discussion
Popularly Know as the Guangzhou Honda in china, or the Honda inspire in Japan, the Honda End of discussion "in our clime" was built with some significant difference from its predecessor, equipped with a 240hp engine the Accord 2002 was built for luxury and elegance in mind, its distinctive features includes, bigger size, use of five lug nuts instead of the traditional four,strut tower Bar, optional perforated leather seats, carbon fiber dash board and many more.
Like i earlier mentioned this car was built with luxury in mind, owing to its size and elegance.
Eight Phase Honda Accord (2008-2012) AKA Evil Spirit
The eight generation Accord with its funny tag"its an epitome of elegance, style , performance, and sheer class.popularly known as the Honda spirior this is the first accord model to be classified as a full size sedan.
Its its engine Specifications includes a 2.4 four cylinder 177bhp rated engine and and a 3.5 litre v6 engine rated at 272bhp.
Ninth Phase Honda Accord (2013-Till Date)
What else could be said about this accord, this is a reflection of an age long tradition of excellence by this renowned auto makers.
Its engine specifications are of three variants , 2.0, 2.4 and 3.5v6 litre engine.
its body variants are in a 4 door sedan and a 2 door coupe, these accord model also ses the integration of a full plug in prototype.
Which ever way this might go one thing is certain that as we have evolved as a nation so has this automaker evolved over the years with innovative products to suit our needs at each given time.
Long Live Nigeria.
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