Honda’s Popular Sedan Losing Its Grip
The Honda Accord has long been one of America’s favorite midsize sedans. It never outsold the Toyota Camry in recent years, but it reliably came in second, year after year, with a loyal base of buyers who valued its balance of comfort, efficiency, and understated style. The Accord has become the dependable choice for families and commuters, a car that sold steadily even as the market shifted toward crossovers.
That consistency, however, is now starting to fade. Recent sales show that Honda is moving fewer Accords in 2025 than it did in 2024, a sign that consumer interest is beginning to slip away from a model that once defined Honda’s image in the US.
Honda
Even the Civic Faces Issues Selling
The data illustrates this decline. In September, Honda passenger car sales reached nearly 30,000 units, with the Accord making up a large share and hybrids accounting for almost half.
Yet overall, Accord sales are down more than five percent compared to last year. Month by month, the sedan remains steady, but it no longer carries the weight it once did in Honda’s lineup. The Civic faces a similar challenge, with year-to-date numbers also showing a downward trend. Even so, the Civic managed to bounce back in September.
In contrast, the Acura TLX – the Accord’s more upmarket twin – has unexpectedly seen an uptick this year. The TLX is nearing the end of its production run, with no replacement planned, so buyers appear eager to secure one of the last units before the nameplate disappears. That final push has given Acura a lift at a time when Honda’s traditional sedans are slowing.
Honda
Strong-Selling Hondas That Aren’t Real Hondas
Honda’s fortunes are shifting toward other parts of its portfolio. The all-new Prologue, an electric SUV, has quickly become one of the brand’s standout performers. Customers are drawn to its mix of practicality and modern EV appeal, helping Honda gain traction in a competitive segment. The Acura ZDX is also performing well. Funny thing is, neither model is a real Honda as they both use a GM-sourced Ultium platform.
Both vehicles highlight a broader trend: Honda’s strongest growth is coming from electrified crossovers rather than long-established sedans. It is an interesting twist that two of the brand’s most promising new sellers are not purely Honda-developed models, yet they represent the direction the market is heading.
