Honda is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Accord this year. Cumulative U.S. sales are expected to surpass 15 million later this month. The Accord launched in June 1976 as a three-door hatchback. More than 13 million units have been built in the United States since production began at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant in 1982.
During its 50-year run, the Accord has been named to Car and Driver’s 10 Best list 40 times, including each of the past 28 years.
“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, 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 was the first Honda model—and the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker—to be manufactured in America. It was also the first U.S.-built vehicle from a Japanese automaker exported overseas, beginning with shipments to Taiwan in 1987 and Japan in 1988.
Some of the key milestones along the way:
- 1976 – Start of U.S. sales
- 1982 – Start of U.S. production at Marysville Auto Plant
- 1983 – First Car and Driver 10Best win
- 1988 – 1 millionth Accord built
- 1989 – Accord topples domestics to become best-selling car in America
- 1994 – Accord wins Motor Trend Car of the Year
- 1995 – First V6-powered Accord debuts
- 2004 – 10 millionth Accord sold
- 2005 – First hybrid-powered Accord debuts
- 2005 – Accord wins Car and Driver 10Best for the 20th time
- 2018 – Accord wins North American Car of the Year and Motor Trend Car of the Year
- 2025 – Accord wins Car and Driver 10Best for the 40th time
- 2026 – Accord celebrates 50 years and 15 million cumulative U.S. sales
