Last month, Robert E. asked what 25+ year old vehicle you would seriously consider importing. My answer: the 1986-88 Honda Accord Aerodeck!
The good people at Honda melded a boring Accord with an economical Civic hatchback, and came up with what is without a doubt the most reliable shooting brake, in the world. Though Americans were still into hatchbacks and two-door coupes in a big way in the mid-1980s, the Aerodeck was not sold here. Apparently, the average Honda buyer just didn’t want cool associated with their toaster of a car– the Aerodeck was a sales flop in Japan and Europe.
To give you an idea of how long ago 25 years was, the Aerodeck came with a choice of fuel injection (122 hp) or carburetor (106 hp). Though I’ve never driven (or even seen) an Aerodeck, I did drive an Accord coupe of the same vintage for a summer. If they are similar in driving dynamics, then the Aerodeck is competent but by no means a standout.
The utility of hatchbacks is unquestioned. Saabs are known to swallow millions of board feet of IKEA furniture at a time. But the Aerodeck was a different story. The rear wheel wells took up near a third of the floor. The low roof further minimized storage space. Topped off with a heavy liftgate and high loading sill, and you’ve got a decidedly un-user-friendly hauler.
But ultimately, this is a cool looking car from a then-cool company. EBay UK has less-than-perfect examples for a few thousand quid. Practically be damned. I want an Aerodeck!
Images source: Honda
Background information source: February 18, 1987, issue of Autocar
Leave a Reply