The Honda Accord has reached legendary status as a family sedan both new and used. It’s usually at or near the top of every best list in its class. This Japanese mighty machine even took a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best list so many times “it’s become a nearly permanent fixture” in the honored category.

So is it actually that awesome? Here’s a rundown of what makes the Honda Accord so great. From the flagship first-generation that released in 1976 to the 2021 Honda Accord, this sedan is a historical benchmark in the industry.

When did this family sedan come out?

The first generation of the famed Honda Accord ran from 1976 to 1981. Although today the legendary Accord is one of the best-selling cars in America, its beginnings were relatively humble. In fact, the first one ever was “a somewhat dumpy-looking two-door hatchback,” according to Car and Driver.

The original Honda Accord employed a 68 horsepower 1.6-liter CVCC 4-cylinder engine. It offered excellent fuel economy. In fact, this is one of the reasons it was so successful. Due to the 1970s oil crisis, there was a high demand for efficient cars like this new coming Honda Accord. Over the years, it grew and evolved to become what we know and love as the modern Honda Accord family sedan.

The Accord wins awards

Nearly every award since the 10Best list began with Car and Driver in the 1980s, the Honda Accord has been on the list. But this family sedan has a long reign of winning awards. In fact, just for the 2020 model year, the Honda Accord won the honor of landing a spot on the 10Best list once again.

In addition, the 2020 Honda Accord earned Kelley Blue Book’s 2020 Best Buy award for the Midsize Car class. On top of those awards, the 2020 Honda Accord also receives accolades for safety. The Nation Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Honda Accord a five-star safety rating.

Is the 2021 Honda Accord a good car?

One quick read of the Car and Driver review of the 2021 Honda Accord and you’ll see that this is a well-respected family sedan. In fact, with the addition of the 2021 Honda Accord on the 2021 10Best list from Car and Driver, the Accord is the “most honored vehicle in Car and Driver history.” It’s won the award 35 times, making it the car with the most 10Best wins by far.

“stands above the rest for its impeccable driving dynamics, practical interior, and value”

Car and Driver

Buying a used Honda Accord

Whether you are looking for a used car that’s 10 years old or just a couple of model years back, the Honda Accord is generally a good used car. Taken care of properly, this family sedan will last way up into high mileage territory. Whether you want something cheap and basic that still reliably totes from one place to another or you want a top of the line Accord for a little less than new car pricing because it’s a few model years old, you’re likely to find what you are looking for in this Honda sedan.

It’s acclaimed and respected by critics the world over. Plus, the Honda Accord has a reputation for reliability. On top of all that, it’s just one of those legendary cars that comes to mind when you think of a good sedan.