The Honda Accord: How One Car Appealed to Many

By: Craig McPherson

A 2007 Honda Accord Coupe, in a bright, San Marino Red. (Credit :  Used 2007 Honda Accord Coupe for Sale - Edmunds)

The feeling a young person gets when they are finally getting their first car is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are many different makes and models. This massive variety of different options often causes one to question if a model is safe, if the brand that produces it is reliable, and if the car is too expensive. However, in spite of all this uncertainty, there is one particular car that can satisfy all these factors and has become notably popular. This car is the Honda Accord. 

The Honda Accord was first created in 1976, and  was a signifying milestone for Honda as a motor company. The company was previously known for its smaller sedan, the Honda Civic. The introduction of the Accord is considered Honda’s first step in becoming a prominent brand in the automobile industry. The Accord’s interior was seen as innovative. It included a maintenance reminder system, which advised the driver when to change oil or tires. The Accord would gain a more refined design during the late 70’s. Just in the year 1980, Honda would sell 185,972 Accords. 

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, several different variants of the Accord were made. Including different station wagons, sedans, and coupes. This would likely be another reason the Accord became so popular, where having a variety of different body styles meant it could appeal to many different types of people. During 1994 and 1995, the Accord gained a larger interior with a longer front, and a new grille. During the early 2000’s, it also gained a new body, chassis, and engine.

Significant changes to the Honda Accord would continue in 2005, when a hybrid variant was introduced. This would be around the time that hybrid cars would become popular, and sales exponentially grow. In 2006, an estimated 80% of buyers said they would at least consider getting a hybrid. However, the popularity of hybrids would not extend to the Honda Accord, as sales were reportedly slow. This was likely due to competition from more popular models, such as the Toyota Camry andPrius. However, the Accord would become the top retail-selling car in America from 2013-2015. It would also be the retail-best-selling passenger car brand in America in 2018, selling over 667,762 units.

In conclusion, the Honda Accord would not only lead to Honda becoming a major automobile brand, it would also appeal to thousands of people with many different variations of it introduced over the years. The Honda Accord is summarized accurately by this excerpt, “The Honda Accord is a legendary car for a reason. It's a well-rounded sedan that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a spacious and comfortable car, a commuter looking for a fuel-efficient option, or an enthusiast looking for a powerful and sporty ride, the Accord is worth considering” (CarSoup). The Accord’s popularity, the new records it set in recent years, and revolutionary design aspects has allowed it to leave its mark on automobile history.