Photo Gallery: The Honda Accord Turns 50 Years Old

Since its introduction on June 7, 1976, the Honda Accord has solidified its status as a favorite of individuals and families across America. It helped revolutionize the midsize sedan market, proving that dependable, fuel-efficient cars could be comfortable, practical, and even a little bit sporty.

As of 2026, over 15 million Accords have been sold. I’ve personally owned three, including a pristine 2007 EX coupe that was auctioned on AutoHunter in 2024. The Accord’s versatility has helped it remain relevant for people with different automotive needs. It has been offered in sedan, coupe, hatchback, and station wagon variants, with a variety of engine and transmission combinations and equally diverse trim levels. Seemingly, there’s been an Accord for everyone.

And the momentum continues: In 2023, the car entered its 11^th generation. According to Honda’s data, the Accord accounts for 25 percent of all retail midsize car purchases in America. Honda shared a press release along with a short video that chronicles the Accord’s impact on the brand’s history.

Gary Robinson, Vice President of Auto Strategy, said, “Every generation of Accord has some sort of breakthrough technology.” Honda shared the following key milestones to illustrate some of the car’s history:

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 named Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year”
1995 – First V-6-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 named “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