Hello all,
It may sound silly. But, I'm trying to determine what gen my 97 Accord LX coupe is. When I Google it, I see the 6th gen was actually begun in August of 97. So, I don't know if mine is a true 5th gen or a 6th gen. I'm asking because as far as I know, there's a big difference when it comes to part compatibility. Thanks in advance.

 

The model year can be a year later than when the car was built. The 2022 vehicles will be for sale in the fall of 2021 for example.

The quickest way to tell: If your car looks like the 96 accord, it is a 5th gen. If it looks like the 98 accord, then 6th gen.

The best way to be sure is by the VIN. You can find the VIN behind the window of the lower driver's side of the windshield. Or on your insurance or vehicle registration or title. The 10th digit identifies the model year. V is a 97 accord (5th gen). W is a 98 accord (6th gen).

 

Thank you, so much. Just two follow-up questions. Does that mean if I have a W, I should be looking at parts from 98 and newer? I see a lot of parts cars that are advertised as 98-2002. If so, that would make things much easier, since I've been looking for parts for the 97 without much success. And secondly, would the engine be any different between the two? Specifically, I'm asking about those that you referred to.

 

I'm not sure what you are Googling, but there is no such a thing as a 1997 Accord, of any trim, with a 6-Speed transmission; literally 100% of that generation of Accords had either a 4-Speed automatic, or a 5-Speed manual.

 

I appreciate the info. However, I don't think I mentioned a 6 speed. I was referring to whether my 97 was a 5th generation or 6th generation. I know they sort of overhauled everything in 98. I'm just trying to understand any difference between mine and others out there.

 

Sorry my bad. If you have a 1997 model year vehicle, at least here in North America, then it is a Gen 5.

 

Photos from Wikipedia. The article is complicated because the generations are different in different countries; but these look the same as the USA coupes.

Here's the 5th-gen coupe.


Here's the 6th-gen coupe. Notice the difference in taillights and trunk lid.



Also... if you're looking for certain sensors or electronic parts, there's usually some differences between early & later cars within each generation. Not EVERYTHING fits across 1998-2002.

 

Thank you for that. It's a shame, because it means I'm back to hunting for parts. Though, it also means I'm no worse off then I was. Lol