What engine is in the 1997 Honda Accord?

In the U.S., the 1997 Honda Accord typically came with a 2.2-liter inline-four—either the F22B2 (SOHC, non-VTEC) or the F22B1 (SOHC, VTEC)—and select trims offered a 2.7-liter V6 (C27A4). Availability depended on trim: DX/LX used the F22B2, EX used the F22B1, and the V6 model featured the C27A4 with an automatic transmission. Outside North America, engine options varied by market and included smaller-displacement fours and, in Japan, performance-oriented H22A variants.

North American lineup: engines by trim and specs

Honda offered three primary engines for the 1997 Accord in the U.S. and Canada, aligned to specific trims. Power ratings can vary slightly by transmission and emissions calibration, but the following reflects the widely cited factory specifications.

• DX/LX: F22B2 — 2.2L SOHC inline-four, non-VTEC; about 130 hp and 139 lb-ft
• EX: F22B1 — 2.2L SOHC inline-four, VTEC; about 145 hp and 147 lb-ft
• V6: C27A4 — 2.7L SOHC 24-valve V6; about 170 hp and 165 lb-ft (automatic only)

These engines are part of Honda’s F-series four-cylinders and the C-series V6. The four-cylinders were available with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, while the V6 model was paired exclusively with a 4-speed automatic.

What other markets received

Outside North America, the 1997 Accord’s engine lineup differed by region, model code, and local emissions standards. While exact outputs varied, the families below were commonly offered.

• F18B/F18B2 — 1.8L SOHC inline-four (select European and other markets)
• F20B/F20B6 — 2.0L inline-four (SOHC in many markets; some DOHC variants in Japan)
• H22A — 2.2L DOHC VTEC inline-four in Japan’s Accord SiR; typically around 190–200 PS depending on transmission

Market-by-market differences mean a 1997 Accord in Europe or Japan may not share engines or power figures with North American models. Checking local documentation is the best way to confirm exact specs.

How to confirm the exact engine in your 1997 Accord

If you’re unsure which engine your car has, several factory identifiers make it straightforward to verify without guesswork.

• Under-hood emissions/engine sticker: Typically lists the engine family and sometimes the specific code (on the underside of the hood or on the radiator support/strut tower)
• Engine stamp: The engine code is stamped on the block (for F- and C-series, look at the front of the block near the transmission bellhousing area)
• VIN decoding: The VIN, combined with a Honda dealership or parts catalog, can identify the original engine and trim
• Owner’s manual/window sticker: Original documentation often lists engine and emissions family

Using two or more of these sources will give you high confidence in the exact engine code and specification, especially if parts have been swapped over the years.

Why it matters

Knowing the precise engine code (F22B2, F22B1, or C27A4) ensures you get the correct parts, fluids, and service procedures, and it can affect emissions compliance and diagnostic workflows.

Bottom line

A 1997 Honda Accord in the U.S. will most commonly have a 2.2L inline-four: F22B2 for DX/LX or F22B1 for EX, with an optional 2.7L V6 C27A4 on V6 trims. Elsewhere, engines ranged from 1.8L and 2.0L fours to Japan’s H22A in the SiR. Check your under-hood labels, engine stamp, or VIN to confirm the exact unit in your car.

How reliable is the 1997 Honda Accord?

The 1997 Honda Accord is widely regarded as a very reliable car. It receives high marks for its durability, longevity, and overall dependability, with many owners reporting it lasting for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues beyond routine maintenance. The average annual repair cost is low, and the frequency and severity of repairs are also lower than other vehicles, making it a cost-effective choice. 
Here’s a more detailed look at the 1997 Honda Accord’s reliability:

• Positive Owner Feedback: Many online reviews and forums highlight the 1997 Accord’s reliability as a major strength. 
• Long Lifespan: Owners frequently report the car lasting well over 200,000 miles, with some even exceeding 300,000 miles. 
• Low Repair Costs: RepairPal ranks the 1997 Accord with a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, noting the low average annual repair cost. 
• Minimal Issues: The car is praised for requiring only routine maintenance, with major issues being relatively rare. 
• Resale Value: The 1997 Accord is also known for retaining its value well, which is another indicator of its reliability and desirability. 

What kind of engine does a 1997 Honda Accord have?

1997 Honda Accord Specs, Features & Options

Save 1 of 4 Accord LX Sedan 4D	Save 2 of 4 Accord Special Edition Sedan 4D	Save 4 of 4 Accord EX Sedan 4D
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Engine
4-Cyl, 2.2 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.2 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.2 Liter
Cargo Volume

What is a 1997 Honda Accord worth today?

A 1997 Honda Accord LX Sedan 4D has a current resale value of $1,621 and trade-in value of $643. Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data.

What year was a bad year for the Honda Accord?

Honda Accord years to potentially avoid include the 1998-2002 models due to significant issues with the sixth-generation design, as well as 2003-2004 (V6 transmission problems), 2008-2010 (oil consumption, brake wear), 2013 (CVT hesitation, infotainment), and 2018 (engine problems, infotainment, recalls). 
Specific Problematic Years and Their Issues

• 1998-2002: These models, part of the sixth generation, are known for a high number of problems, including transmission issues, steering malfunctions, and potential airbag faults. 
• 2003-2004: The V6 models from these years experienced automatic transmission failures and problems with slipping or jerky shifting. 
• 2008-2010: The four-cylinder models in these years faced issues like excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear. 
• 2013: This year saw problems with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) and early complaints about the infotainment system. 
• 2018: This model year suffered from numerous recalls and engine issues, as it was the first year for the turbo 4-cylinder engines. 

More Recent Model Year Considerations 

• 2018-2019: Early models in the tenth generation experienced HVAC and AC compressor problems and Bluetooth glitches, though these issues were often addressed in later production runs or software updates.
• 2018-2020: A fuel pump recall affected vehicles from these model years.

What to Look For

• Infotainment and Software: Issues like freezing screens or Bluetooth connectivity problems were reported in some earlier models and were often remedied in later model years or via updates. 
• Engine Issues: Some models, like the 2018, had significant engine-related problems. 
• Brake Wear: Excessive and premature brake wear was a noted problem in some 2008-2010 models. 
• Transmission Concerns: Transmission issues, including slipping, jerky shifting, or complete failure, were a significant concern for models like the 2003-2004 V6s. 
• CVT Hesitation: The 2013 model year was marked by CVT hesitation, a common problem with some vehicles equipped with CVTs.