How much horsepower does a 1989 Honda Accord LX-i have?

The 1989 Honda Accord LX-i is rated at 120 horsepower (SAE net) at around 5,500 rpm in U.S.-market specification, produced by its 2.0-liter fuel-injected A20A3 inline-four; torque is approximately 122 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. This figure distinguishes the LX-i from carbureted trims of the same year and reflects the move to Honda’s PGM-FI electronic fuel injection on upper trims.

The LX-i’s engine and where its power comes from

Positioned above the carbureted DX in the third-generation Accord lineup, the 1989 LX-i used Honda’s A20A3 engine—an SOHC, 12-valve, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with PGM-FI. The switch to electronic fuel injection, along with specific cam and ignition tuning, delivered a notable power bump over the carbureted version, yielding the 120 hp rating commonly cited in contemporary brochures and road tests.

Key technical specifications

To understand the 120 hp rating in context, it helps to see the core engine and drivetrain details that defined the LX-i’s performance package for 1989 in the U.S. market.

• Engine code: A20A3 (PGM-FI)
• Displacement: 2.0 liters (1,955 cc)
• Configuration: SOHC, 12-valve, inline-four
• Induction/fueling: Honda PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
• Output: 120 hp (SAE net) @ ~5,500 rpm
• Torque: ~122 lb-ft (SAE net) @ ~4,000 rpm
• Typical redline: around 6,300 rpm (varies by tachometer scale)
• Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

Taken together, these specifications illustrate why the LX-i delivered stronger midrange performance than its carbureted counterpart, with fuel injection supporting both responsiveness and drivability for the era.

Trim differences and why figures can vary

Within the 1989 Accord range, the LX-i and the upscale SE-i shared the fuel-injected 2.0-liter engine and the same published power rating, while the DX typically retained a carbureted 2.0-liter rated lower. Understanding these trims helps prevent confusion over mixed horsepower numbers.

What affects published horsepower numbers

Several factors can influence the horsepower figure you see quoted for a given model year and market. Here are the main reasons you might encounter slight variations around the 120 hp figure.

1. Market-specific calibration: Emissions equipment and tuning can differ by country or state, subtly affecting ratings.
2. Testing standards: Most U.S. figures are SAE net; other regions may cite different standards or rounding conventions.
3. Transmission differences: While the rated peak power is the same, driveline losses and gearing can change how that power is felt.
4. Publication practices: Period brochures and magazines sometimes rounded numbers or reported metric conversions differently.

In practical terms, reputable U.S. sources consistently list the 1989 Accord LX-i at 120 hp, with any discrepancies typically traceable to market standards or editorial rounding rather than fundamental engine differences.

Verification and context

Contemporary Honda sales literature and period road tests from major automotive outlets reported the LX-i’s output at 120 hp, aligning with the specifications of the A20A3 PGM-FI engine used in U.S.-market cars for the 1988–1989 model years. The carbureted DX was generally quoted around 98 hp in the same era, highlighting the step up provided by fuel injection on the LX-i.

Summary

The 1989 Honda Accord LX-i makes 120 horsepower (SAE net) at roughly 5,500 rpm and about 122 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm in U.S. specification, thanks to its 2.0-liter A20A3 PGM-FI engine. Variations you may see in other sources typically stem from market-specific emissions calibrations and testing/rounding conventions, not a different engine for the LX-i trim.

How much horsepower does a 1987 Honda Accord LXI have?

110 horsepower
Factory-rated output was 110 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque when new.

Is 89 good for a Honda Accord?

If you’ve got a stock honda accord, 87 is fine. Filling your car’s tank with 89 or 91 will be a waste of money. But there’s an exception to this depending on your vehicle and its engine.

How much horsepower does a 1989 Honda Accord have?

The horsepower for a 1989 Honda Accord varies by trim level, with the DX model producing 98 horsepower from its carbureted 2.0L engine, while the fuel-injected LX-i model offered 120 horsepower from its more advanced 2.0L engine.
 
Details by Trim:

• DX Trim: The standard 2.0L engine in the DX models was a carbureted version, producing 98 horsepower. 
• LX-i Trim: The LX-i trim featured a fuel-injected 2.0L engine with a dual-stage intake manifold, a revised camshaft, and other enhancements, resulting in 120 horsepower. 

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.