The Honda Accord is celebrating its 50th anniversary in America and remains the best-selling car in the United States over the past five decades, with cumulative sales expected to surpass 15 million vehicles later this month.
The following information is from a press release issued by Honda:
“In June 1976, as Americans prepared for the nation’s Bicentennial celebration, the first Honda Accord arrived in the United States as a fuel-efficient three-door hatchback. Fifty years later, the Accord has become America’s best-selling car over the last five decades, earning the trust of nearly 15 million buyers.
More than 13 million Honda Accords have been built in the United States since production began at Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio on Nov. 1, 1982. The Accord was the first Honda vehicle and the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be manufactured in America.
‘Reaching 50 years as America’s best-selling car is a powerful testament to Accord’s fun-to-drive spirit, quality and value,’ said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ‘Built by American associates for generations, Accord reflects Honda’s long-standing commitment to building close to our customers. As we look ahead, Accord will continue to evolve, while staying true to the principles that have defined its success for half a century.’
The Accord has evolved from its original compact hatchback design into one of America’s most popular midsize sedans. Honda says the current 11th-generation Accord remains especially popular among Millennial, Gen Z, first-time and multicultural buyers.
Today’s Accord lineup includes six trim levels, featuring both turbocharged and hybrid-electric models. Hybrid models have accounted for more than half of Accord sales during the past three years, supporting Honda’s broader electrification goals.
The vehicle has also earned numerous industry honors throughout its history. The Accord has been named to Car and Driver magazine’s prestigious 10Best list a record 40 times, including each of the last 28 years.
Honda highlighted affordability as a key factor in the Accord’s continued success, noting that the average transaction price of a new 2026 turbocharged Accord is below the average transaction price of a used vehicle in the United States. The 2026 model also includes upgraded technology features such as a larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and wireless phone charging.
Among the major milestones in Accord history:
• 1976 – U.S. sales begin
• 1982 – Production starts in Marysville, Ohio
• 1989 – Becomes America’s best-selling car
• 2004 – 10 millionth Accord sold
• 2005 – First hybrid Accord introduced
• 2018 – Wins North American Car of the Year and Motor Trend Car of the Year
• 2025 – Earns its 40th Car and Driver 10Best award
• 2026 – Celebrates 50 years and 15 million cumulative U.S. salesHonda currently operates eight major automobile manufacturing facilities in the United States and produces about 60% of the Honda vehicles sold in America at U.S. plants using domestic and globally sourced parts.”
