Honda Accord in the UK is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! For this year’s celebration, it will highlight the 15,800,000 units manufactured and sold by the group worldwide for the past 40 years that made the large sedan a big hit across the planet.  

According to my source, the first-ever Accord built went on sale in the UK in 1977 after being launched in the US and Japan first.

“We have a growing customer base and the popularity of Accord has helped to drive this,” said Harvey Hughes, the Manager for Corporate Operations at Honda (UK). “The new Sport GT we launched in September embodies all that the Accord stands for – high spec and great value for money.”

Check out Honda Accord’s timeline provided by my number one source, The Auto Channel:

1976 First generation Accord launched in Japan and US

• Car of the Year (Motor Fan Magazine)

1977 Accord launched in the UK

1981 Second generation Accord launched

• Japanese Car of the Year, 1982. Accord became the best selling Japanese car by name in the US (a record maintained for 15 years)

1985 Third generation Accord launched

• First 4-wheel double wishbone suspension in the FF Class, 3-channel digitally controlled anti-lock brakes and retractable headlights. Japanese Car of the Year, 1985 and 1986

1989 Honda launches a completely re-designed fourth generation Accord with driver airbag system

1991 Honda of the UK Manufacturing starts production of the European Accord. This continues until 2002

1993 Fifth generation Accord launched incorporating world-class safety standards, low emissions and environmental considerations, and driving enjoyment.

1997 Sixth generation Accord was launched with the first ever Irregular Driving Detection function on-board

2003 Seventh generation Accord launched

• Best Estate Car two years running (Auto Express New Car Honours 2004 and 2006). Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) launched in 2006. New models Sport GT and SE launched in September 2007.