What is the Accord Euro R?

The Honda Accord has been one of the world’s most recognized and reliable mid-sized sedans over the past four decades. Throughout the lifespan of the Honda Accord, there have been various special editions, variations, and trims. One of which was the Accord Euro R, first introduced in June 2000 as the top sports trim model for the Japanese domestic market (JDM). The first-generation Accord Euro-R also had a sister-car called the Torneo, that featured the same exact specifications but with slightly different headlights and other exterior changes. This was made to satisfy the competing Japanese dealer networks of the time that requested specific models from the manufacturers for their lineups.

For this article we will focus on the CL7 Accord Euro-R, released in October 2002 at a time when the Accord marque was split up into multiple versions across the various regions of the world. From this generation, the Honda Accord for the USA became larger, and more comfort focused to accommodate American tastes, while the Accord Euro, as it was called in Japan, was based on the European model and produced with more sporting interests in mind. The top-trim sports version of this was the Accord Euro R. The “R” at the end of the marque’s name evokes the infamous “Type-R” sports trim found on some of Honda’s most famous models, like the Civic, Integra, and NSX.

The Euro R differentiated itself from the regular Accord in many ways, most notably was the model exclusive K20A DOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Max power was rated at 162 kW (217 hp) and torque was rated at 206 Nm (152 lb-ft). With curb weight coming in at 1,390 kg (3,064 lbs), the K20A engine had plenty of power to carry the light and nimble sedan around the track.

The interior also featured many upgrades over the regular spec Accord. To solidify the Type-R lineage, the Euro-R has an aluminum shift knob with the shift pattern engraved in red. The steering wheel is sourced from MOMO and wrapped in leather. The gauges are backlit in red, allowing the driver to clearly see the car reaching over 8,000 RPM whether day or night. Recaro seats also come standard, with enhanced bolstering to keep the driver planted during spirited driving. Finally, the pedals come with aluminum covering and grips, also featuring a floor mounted “organ pedal” for the throttle that invites spirited heel-toe driving.

All 2nd generation Accord Euro-R models carry the chassis code of ABA-CL7.

Common Issues

We have inspected and purchased many Euro-Rs from Japan, they are a great option for a late model sports sedan. All of the cars we have sourced have generally been in great running condition, with expected wear for their age and mileage. From checking many Accord Euro-R models for customers importing from Japan, we have found some of the most common issues with the model as listed below:

Paint Quality

It is quite common to find Euro-R models with faded or peeling paint on the top surfaces of the car. Especially the hood, roof, trunk lid, and spoiler. In extreme cases, the clearcoat is totally worn out and rust begins to form. Most cases we find can be fixed with a repaint or some with small touch ups. It is also common to find holes in the trunk if the spoiler was removed.

Interior Quality

Honda interiors tend to hold up quite well inside compared to other makes in our experience. For Euro-R models, it is common to find sagging headliners, along the sides and rear of the interior ceiling. The Recaro seats also tend to be worn on most models, with fading and rips on the driver’s seat.

Engine and Drivetrain

Generally, most Euro-Rs that we check seem to be in good mechanical condition. There are frequent reports of oil leaks that seep from the main seals of the engine, so be sure to check the engine thoroughly for leaks. As K20A engines run on timing chains, there is no issue with checking for this to be replaced. Transmission issues are also fairly rare in our experience.

Suspension and Undercarriage

It is common to find used Euro-R models with aftermarket adjustable suspension and wheels. Though these usually present no issue in terms of the quality of the car, it can sometimes be difficult to find the factory suspension for registration / roadworthy testing purposes. In some lucky cases, the seller will include the factory suspension parts inside the car at the time of purchase. We will gladly ship these with the car if they are included.

Additionally, there are some units that have considerable rust, especially if from northwestern Japan. Be sure to do a thorough check of the underside, especially near the rear fender arches to confirm that there is no major corrosion.

How To Import a Honda Accord Euro R From Japan

The Accord Euro R CL7 is eligible for import to the following countries under the conditions specified below.

Country	Eligible Year Range	Specific Conditions
Australia	Oct 2002 to Nov 2008	Import eligibility expired as of Dec 2024
Canada	2002 to 2009	Must be 15 years old or more
New Zealand	2002 to 2005	Must be 20 year old or more
UK	2002 to 2009	Requires localization on UK side for registration

If your country is not listed above, it still may be possible to import a Euro R. Please check the regulations in your local market to confirm import eligibility for specific models or contact us today to learn if you can import a Euro R to your country.

How Much is an Accord Euro R CL7?

From recent sales data in Japan, the CL7 Accord Euro R tends to sell between Y800,000 JPY and Y2,000,000 JPY depending on the condition of the vehicle. Lower KM models with less wear and tear are selling at the top of that spectrum.

Additionally, models with hard-to-get aftermarket parts, such as Mugen aero, exhaust, and adjustable suspension, can sell for more than the stock units. If you’re interested in importing a Honda Accord Euro R CL7 from Japan, contact us today and we can help you get the process started!

Sources: https://www.honda.co.jp/auto-archive/accord/4door/euro-r2008/