Plymouth valiant

The Plymouth Valiant was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the Duster and the Barracuda, before being replaced in 1977 by the Plymouth Volare.

The Valiant was also marketed under the Chrysler badge in Australia, South Africa, the UK and New Zealand, lasting until 1981 in those countries.

Thanks to its high volume (4 million sold) and reliable engine, there are still quite a few Valiants on the streets (or at least in the driveways) today.

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1963 Plymouth Valiant - The Prince of Cars

2007 Honda Accord

The 2007 Accord will be on sale in the summer on 2006. The 2007 model is considered a minor facelift from the prior year; the major changes are cosmetic to the rear end of the car. Spy shot link here when available.

2006 Honda Accord

Changes for 2006

• Motivated by the Accord's 30th anniversary, Honda made major enhancements for the 2006 Accord and some enthusiasts argue that the 2006 model year should be called generation 7.5. The exterior was revised with new rear end styling (most noticeably for the sedan), LED taillights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and heated side mirrors for US EX models. The 2006 model year also featured new wheel designs. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as Electronic Stability Control, and Brake assist became available on the V6 models for the first time. 17" wheels also became standard on the V6 models. The interior was also slightly redesigned with changes such as a new steering wheel cover, differently colored gauges and a differently styled shift knob for automatic transmission models. The GPS Navigation system was updated (4th generation) with a faster processor, more memory, and several new features, such as restaurant information from Zagat. A revised maintenance minder system was also added which gave owners reminders for scheduled maintenance such as oil changes based on operating conditions.

• The 2006 model year is also the first year in which the V6 sedan was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as an option.

• The 2006 Accord Hybrid got the same revisions as the other Accords except for a 3.0 L V6 now making 253 hp and a larger battery pack. The things that differentiate the Hybrid from other Accords are the different rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheels, the mirror turn signals and the lack of a folding rear seat. In addition, the Hybrid version does not have the 4-way passenger seat.

Styles and Major Options

• The Accord comes in a 2 door coupe and 4 door sedan. Both styles are available 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder engines.

• In 2006, the trim levels were revised, with the DX trim being eliminated, instead being replaced by the VP (Value Package) trim which included air conditioning, keyless entry, power locks, and cruise control as standard features.

Pricing

MSRPs for the 2006 Honda Accord:

Dealer Invoice for the 2006 Honda Accord:

Today's actual prices by city can be found at CarsDirect.

Gas Mileage

EPA estimates [1].

• 4 Cylinder: 24/34
• 6 Cylinder: 20/29
• Hybrid: 25/34

Safety

Safety is enhanced on all Accords by side-impact and curtain airbags, in addition to the required dual front airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) come standard. All V6 models come with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Brake Assist. EX V6 models are also equipped with traction control.

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NHTSA Crash Test

Honda Accord NHSTA crash test results[2].

Photos

Exterior and interior photos of the 2006 Accord.[3]

Colors

Colors available vary by trim.

Main Competitors

• Toyota Camry: side-by-side comparison

• Nissan Maxima

• Mazda 6

• Volkswagen Passat

Honda Accord Hybrid

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2006 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid is built for performance at 253HP. EPA estimates are 25/34 mpg for city/highway driving. A real time mileage survey of more than 75 drivers on greenhybrid.com confirms a blended average of 30 mpg.

The Accord Hybrid competes with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The New York Times compared the two in an April 2006 review entitled "Hybrids for Ozzie and Harriet". The Camry has 147HP and the EPA estimates mpg of 38/40.

The Accord Hybrid engine is derived from the 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan and can shut off 3 of the 6 cylinders under certain conditions for better fuel economy (a technology that Honda calls Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)).

Unique Attributes

Sports Sedan and Mods

Despite its "family sedan" heritage (and name), the Accord Coupe has attracted a sports sedan following. Older generations of Accords are often purchased by youthful import tuners who perform modifications, install parts from Japanese Market Accords and sometimes engine swaps from the sporty Honda Prelude to create the likeness of a sports sedan. Several web-sites are dedicated to different generations of the Accord (see external links).

Resale Values

The Accord has always been a competively priced model and has always benefitted from some of the best resale vales in its class. This is especially true of more scarce models such as the 1993 SE, 1989 SE-i, and 1990-1997 DX trims.

Criticisms

Criticisms of the 2006 Accord are relatively minor:

• Handling: Compared to some competitors who have made major improvements, the 2006 Accord has been criticized for having less repsonsive handling.
• Trunk Space: As with many of the midsized imports, trunk space is relatively small (as it has always been).
• Hybrid: Honda bas been criticized for building the Honda Accord Hybrid to optimize speed over fuel economy. Although the Accord Hybrid gets no better gas mileage than the 4 cylinder Accord, it does produce a remarkable 253HP.

1960

The Valiant appeared in 1960 as its own marque and was advertised as the Valiant by Chrysler Corp. For 1961, it was assigned to Plymouth, while Dodge's 1961 version was called the Lancer. The first generation Valiant and Lancer rode on a 106.5 in (2705 mm) wheelbase.

The Valiant was less mechanically radical than the competition from General Motors' Chevrolet Corvair, which had an air-cooled rear-mounted engine. It was considered more daring than the also-new Ford Falcon, however. The Falcon was totally conventional, while the Valiant boasted fairly radical styling and a new engine configuration, the famous Slant-6 engine, which had its cylinders inline but canted 30° to one side. This allowed a lower hoodline, a shorter overall engine (the water pump was now mounted alongside instead of up front), and efficient, long-branch individual-runner intake and exhaust manifolds. The 170 in³ engine gained a reputation for durability and dependability, partly due to the fact that the engine design was specifically engineered to support either an aluminum or a cast-iron block. Somewhat more than 50,000 die-cast aluminum versions of the larger 225 in³ version of the engine were produced between late 1961 and early 1963. With a "Hyper-Pak" dealer tuning kit, the Valiants were sigificantly faster and quicker than any of their competitors. Even European imports and V8 models were trounced by the Valiants at NASCAR's inaugral compact stock-car race at Daytona (FL). The eight Valiants entered in this race in 1960 placed 1st through 8th; after a repeat performance in 1961, NASCAR quietly cancelled the series.

The 1960 Valiant was also a Chrysler Engineering exhibition of their leadership in aluminum die-casting. While the aluminum slant-6 engine block wouldn't make it to production until 1961, the 1960 oil pump, water pump, new alternator, intake manifold, automatic transmission case and extension, and a myriad small parts were all made of aluminum.

Chrysler marketed Valiants at both Dodge and Plymouth dealers in Canada from 1960 to 1966 as a stand alone product. The 1960 to 1962 Canadian Valiants were substantially similar to the American-made cars, except the trunklid had a by Chrysler instead of a Plymouth badge. There were minor differences in interior and exterior trim, and the alternator that had made its much-ballyhooed industry debut as standard equipment on the American-market 1960 Valiant remained an extra-cost option in Canada through 1962. A carburetor anti-frost system, engine block heater, battery warmer, electric car interior heater and other cold-climate items were available as factory and/or dealer-installed options, while air conditioning, which was first offered in the US 1961 models, was not made available North of the border until 1966. Some Canadian-made Auto-Lite (now Prestolite) electrical components were used in lieu of the Chrysler-built components installed on American-built cars. Chrysler Canada's Windsor, Ontario plant was also the source for left- and right-hand-drive export Valiants.

1963

The Valiant was totally reskinned for 1963, with a ½ in (12.7 mm) shorter 106 in (2692 mm) wheelbase. The Valiant was successful, and as was the usual Detroit practice, several different models were spun off it. The Dodge Lancer, which had appeared in 1961, was discontinued, and the Valiant's new Dodge counterpart became the Dart, the name of which was recycled for the A-body platform. With this redesign, and it rode on a longer 111 in (2819 mm) wheelbase. The Plymouth Barracuda, considered by some to be the first pony car, was built off the Valiant platform in 1964. This generation featured a station wagon version, but this bodystyle was not continued in 1967. Also manufactured for the 1963 through 1966 model years was a five passenger convertible.

For 1963, the Canadian Valiant used the Dodge Dart body with a Valiant front clip. This continued for 1964. For 1965, Chrysler Canada sold both the 106 in (2692 mm) wheelbase Valiant and the 111 in (2819 mm) wheelbase Dart as Valiants, with all using the Dart dashboard. For 1966 the Valiant was based on the Dart. With the coming of the US-Canada auto trade agreement in 1965, Chrysler could ship cars and parts both ways over the border and in 1967 began importing Plymouth Valiants and Dodge Darts from Detroit.

The Barracuda was built in Canada in 1964 and 1965 and imported for 1966. But it was sold as a Valiant, not Plymouth. The imported 1966 Barracuda did not have Plymouth nameplates on the trunk as the American market version did. The 1965 Barracuda also used the Dart dashboard.

1967-1973

The Valiant reached its greatest heights after a total redesign in 1967, with the wheelbase now 108 in (2743 mm). This generation acquired an excellent mechanical reputation and produced such hot-selling variants as the 1970-1976 Plymouth Valiant Duster/Dodge Dart Swinger, 1971-1976 Plymouth Scamp and 1971-1972 Dodge Demon. There was a Dodge Demon for 1971 and 1972, and a Dodge Dart Sport from 1973 to 1976. Chrysler's ponycars, the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, used a modified version of the Valiant architecture.

With these cars Chrysler took 40% of the total American compact market in the early 1970s. They also enjoyed considerable success in foreign markets, where they were often assembled by Chrysler affiliates or subsidiaries. 1970 was also the first year that the successful 340 in³ V8 engine would be installed in a Valiant-badged car (the Duster 340).

This version of the Valiant would also achieve worldwide movie fame in the 1971 road rage thriller Duel, directed by the then unknown Steven Spielberg. A 1970 Plymouth Valiant was also featured prominently in Howard Stern's autobiographical 1997 movie Private Parts.

Australian Valiants; a different path emerges

It was also on this platform that the Australian Valiants began differing from their US counterparts, particularly with the VE series of 1967, the VF series of 1969 and the VG of 1970 (which featured the introduction of the HEMI 6), where the four-door sedan had a different, though related, bodyshell, more like the Dodge Dart of the time. Unlike the U.S., station-wagon and pick-up versions were also available, which were indigenous to Australia.

The Valiant VE was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1967.

1971 - 1973

The American Valiants were little changed for 1971 and 1972. There were minor engineering changes for convenience, driveability and compliance with emission regulations. Taillamps, exterior and interior trim were revised. An aggressive "shark tooth" grille was offered on the fastback Duster 340 and new-for-1971 Duster Twister models.

For 1973, all Valiant and Duster models were given a new grille that would carry through to the end of production in 1976. Front bumpers able to withstand without damage a 5mph impact were mandated by US Federal law; the resultant bumpers were much more massive than the 1972 and earlier items; their added mass and the heavier impact-absorbing telescopic mounts increased the Valiant's front-end weight.

1974-1976

The Valiant was facelifted again in 1974 with the primary goal of cost-reduction; the sedan was transferred to the Dart's longer 111 in (2819 mm) wheelbase such that the only differences between the Valiant and Dart were minor cosmetics. 1973's US Federal bumper standards requiring front bumpers to survive a 5mph impact were extended to rear bumpers for 1974. As a result, Valiant rear bumpers and their new impact-absorbing mount systems grew much more massive and heavier.

1974 also saw the introduction of the Valiant Brougham and its twin, the Dodge Dart Special Edition. Available with two or four doors, they were a compact luxury version of the Valiant/Dart and were designed to provide an attractive oil-crisis alternative to larger luxury cars. Plymouth's coupé version was oddly badged as simply the Plymouth Brougham, although the very similar sedans carried the Valiant name. There had been no two-door equivalent to the Valiant sedan since 1969; the Duster and the Scamp taking over that market segment. Apparently neither of those names were considered upmarket enough for a luxury offering, so no model name was used.

These cars were differentiated from the regular Valiant and Dart by generous chrome trim, a vinyl top, shag carpet, interior door padding, and a scripted "Brougham" logo ("Special Edition" on the Darts). Color-keyed wheelcovers and a special, limited selection of paint/vinyl combinations also characterized the upmarket models. Power steering, power brakes, and TorqueFlite automatic transmissions were standard; engine options were the 225 in³ Slant-6 (3.7 L) and the 318 in³ (5.2 L) 2-barrel carbureted small-block V8. The Brougham/SE cars were available to the end of Valiant and Dart production.

1975 models were carryovers from 1974 in virtually every respect, except that California and certain high-altitude models received catalytic converters and required unleaded gasoline. The grille of the Plymouth models was restyled somewhat.

In 1976, the somewhat larger F-body cars were introduced as Plymouth Volaré and Dodge Aspen. Unfortunately, these did not maintain their predecessors' reputation for quality; in fact, they reversed it. These replaced the Valiant (and Dart) which were discontinued in the middle of the 1976 model year. The change hurt Chrysler's reputation and profitability, contributing to its near-bankruptcy in 1979-80. 1976 Plymouth derivates of the Valiant can be identified by amber parking lights between the headlights; previous models used clear lenses with amber colored bulbs (GE #1157NA).

Australia (1971–81)

While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, Chrysler Australia developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.

Design quirks and oddities

In the US only, the 1990 Accord included what ended up being an unpopular safety feature: automatic shoulder belts. These belts would automatically retract around the driver and passenger upon entry of the vehicle. They were sometimes referred to "suicide" belts because of their quick activation. The lap belt was still required to be worn requiring extra work by the driver and passenger. Honda discontinued the automatic belts in 1992 on all models in the US.

In 1993, there were a total of 11 different trims offered for the Accord. The DX, LX, 10th Anniversary Edition, EX, and SE. All trims included a driver-side airbag, however only the SE sedan received both a driver and passenger-side airbag. The passenger-side airbag became standard on all Accords in 1994. Opinions at the time were Honda attempting to lure customer's into purchasing the high-priced SE because of the safety benefit. Other reasons may relate to the SE Sedan being exclusively produced in Japan. This SE also lost some of the features previously seen on the 1989 SE-i such as bronze-tinted glass, steering wheel audio controls and luxury carpeting.

A rust problem has been prevelent on the Accord since its introduction in the 70's, yet the design flaw remained until 2003. This flaw caused the Accord to typically form rust in or around the rear wheelwells. Repairs can reach into the thousands depending on the severity of the corrosion.

Awards

• Accord DX Sedan wins IntelliChoice® "Best Overall Value of the Year" in the midsize class
• The Accord has been voted Car of the Year in Japan on numerous occasions.
• The Accord set the FIA speed record of Diesel cars in 2004, using a European Accord fitted with a 2.204 liter I-CTDI engine, the first Diesel engine by Honda.
• The Accord has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list 20 times, in years 1983-1991, 1994-1995, and 1998-2005. In the 23-year history of the award it is the vehicle that has appeared the most times.
• The Accord was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1977.
• The Accord was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1994.
• The 1978 Honda Accord hatchback was placed on Forbes Magazine's list of the Worst Cars of All Time.

See also

• Honda Accord (European)
• Honda Accord (JDM)
• Honda Accord (USDM)
• Honda Accord Tourer
• Honda Accord Hybrid
• Isuzu Aska (rebadged) 1994-2002
• Cog (commercial for the Accord)

References

• Motor Vehicle Data Book, Sanford-Evans Communications, Ltd., Winnipeg, MB : Published annually, 1948 to date
• Valiant sales literature, Chrysler Canada Limited, 1960 to 1966.

External links

• Valiant enthusiast page
• Valiant virtual museum
• Plymouth Scamp page