Japan
The first generation Accord was a huge worldwide sales success for Honda, showing that it could build a credible rival for the Ford Cortina. The Americans were particularly impressed by the Accord, though its sales success was not quite matched in Europe. The new model had vastly improved fuel economy, despite using the same 1.8 L petrol engine that powered the original Accord.
The Toyota Celica entered its third incarnation with a much more modern bodystyle which is primarily aimed at the American market. Power came from swift performing 1.6 L, 1.8 L, 2.0 L and 2.4 L petrol engines which maintained the Toyota traditions of reliability and refinement. There was also a three-door liftback version which had a practical edge over the traditional two-door model. For those who wanted high performance, European buyers finally got the Celica Supra, which came with a 2.8 L engine and was fast enough to be considered a serious competitor for the likes of the Porsche 924.
Read more about this topic: 1981 In Motoring
Famous quotes containing the word japan:
“I do not know that the United States can save civilization but at least by our example we can make people think and give them the opportunity of saving themselves. The trouble is that the people of Germany, Italy and Japan are not given the privilege of thinking.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)