1987 Honda Accord LXi Horsepower: What You Need to Know

The 1987 Honda Accord LXi is rated at 120 horsepower (SAE net) in U.S.-spec form, produced by its 2.0-liter PGM-FI inline-four. This figure reflects the fuel-injected A20-series engine that distinguished the LXi from carbureted trims, delivering noticeably stronger performance for the era.

Why the LXi’s Power Rating Matters

The LXi badge signified Honda’s move to electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI) in the third-generation Accord, improving both drivability and output over carbureted variants. For buyers and enthusiasts, the horsepower rating helps contextualize the model’s performance relative to contemporaries and within the Accord lineup.

The Engine Behind the Number

At the heart of the 1987 Accord LXi is Honda’s A20-series 2.0-liter SOHC 12-valve inline-four with PGM-FI. In U.S. specification, it is commonly cited at 120 hp, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and driving the front wheels. The fuel-injection system and engine tuning were key to the LXi’s output and smoothness.

Core Specifications at a Glance

The following list highlights the principal mechanical specifications relevant to the horsepower figure for the 1987 Accord LXi.

• Engine: 2.0-liter SOHC inline-four (A20-series) with PGM-FI
• Output (U.S.-spec): 120 horsepower (SAE net) at approximately 5,500 rpm
• Torque (U.S.-spec): about 122 lb-ft at around 4,500 rpm
• Induction: Honda PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

Taken together, these specifications explain how the LXi achieved its stronger performance relative to carbureted trims and why its horsepower rating remains a reference point for this model year.

Why You May See Different Numbers

While 120 hp is the widely quoted U.S.-market figure, some sources list slightly different outputs due to regional emissions calibrations, measurement standards, or period literature variations. The following factors explain potential discrepancies you might encounter.

• Market and emissions: Federal vs. California emissions or non-U.S. markets could yield different ratings.
• Measurement standards: SAE net (U.S.) vs. DIN/ISO figures abroad can vary slightly.
• Model-year and documentation: Mid-cycle updates and period brochures sometimes report different numbers.

These variations don’t dramatically change performance; they mainly reflect how the engine was certified and measured in different regions and publications.

Context Within the Accord Lineup

Compared to carbureted trims of the era (often under 100 hp), the LXi’s fuel-injected setup offered a noticeable bump in power and refinement. This made the LXi—and the SE-i special edition that was mechanically similar—standout choices for buyers seeking more responsive acceleration without sacrificing efficiency.

Bottom Line

For a 1987 Honda Accord LXi in U.S. specification, the accepted horsepower rating is 120 hp (SAE net), thanks to its PGM-FI 2.0-liter four-cylinder. If you’re consulting non-U.S. sources, expect minor differences tied to emissions standards and measurement conventions.

Summary

The 1987 Honda Accord LXi produces 120 horsepower (SAE net) in U.S.-spec configuration from its PGM-FI 2.0-liter engine, with small variations possible in other markets or measurement standards. This rating underscores the LXi’s role as the higher-performance, fuel-injected trim in the third-generation Accord lineup.

What engine does a 1987 Honda Accord have?

The A18A engine was the 1.8-liter engine found in 1982–1987 Honda Prelude and 1986–1988 Accord found in JDM models. Prelude A18A has twin side-draft CV carburetors (also named ET2 in some years) while the Accords came with single down-draught carburetor.

How much horsepower does a 1989 Honda Accord LXI have?

While the anemic SOHC 2.0 liter four-cylinder, with its 120 horsepower and 122 lb-ft, asks for encouragement and gentle words of persuasion from a dead stop, its silky-smooth delivery of its output is rewarding.

Which Honda Accord has 252 hp?

2021 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T
The 2021 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T comes equipped with a gasoline powered engine that produces 252 hp @ 6500 rpm and front-wheel drive. The Accord includes safety features like blind spot warning and lane departure prevention.

How much horsepower does a 88 Honda Accord LXI have?

In LX-i trim, the same engine is equipped with fuel injection, a dual-stage intake manifold, a revised camshaft, a higher compression ratio, and a four-into-two-into-one exhaust manifold; the results are 120 hp at 5800 rpm and a torque increase from 109 to 122 pound-feet.