Electric Cars

The Honda Accord, a long-standing favorite in the American midsize sedan market, is currently facing a significant downturn in sales. Historically a strong contender, consistently ranking second only to the Toyota Camry, the Accord's appeal appears to be waning as American consumers increasingly gravitate towards sport utility vehicles and models with electrified powertrains. This shift is evident in the 2025 sales data, which indicates a notable decrease compared to the previous year. This trend signals a broader transformation within the automotive industry, where traditional sedans are being overshadowed by newer vehicle categories that better meet contemporary consumer preferences for versatility and fuel efficiency.

For many years, the Honda Accord stood as a symbol of reliability and a pragmatic choice for families and commuters. Its balanced blend of comfort, fuel economy, and subtle design resonated deeply with a loyal customer base, allowing it to maintain steady sales even as market dynamics began to evolve. The Accord’s consistent performance established it as a benchmark in its segment, fostering an image of dependability for the Honda brand in the United States.

However, this enduring consistency is now being challenged. Recent sales figures from 2025 reveal that Honda has sold fewer Accords compared to 2024, indicating a clear weakening of consumer interest in a model that was once central to Honda’s identity in the American market. This decline underscores a larger industry trend where traditional passenger cars are losing ground to other vehicle types.

The sales data further illustrates this trend. While Honda's passenger car sales nearly reached 30,000 units in September, with a substantial portion attributed to the Accord and nearly half of those being hybrids, the overall sales for the Accord are down by more than five percent year-over-year. Although monthly sales for the sedan remain stable, its overall market impact has diminished. The Honda Civic, another long-standing popular model, is encountering similar difficulties, with its year-to-date sales also showing a downward trajectory, though it did see a rebound in September.

Interestingly, the Acura TLX, which is the Accord’s more luxurious counterpart and is nearing the end of its production cycle without a planned successor, has experienced an unexpected increase in sales this year. This surge suggests that buyers are keen to acquire one of the final units before the model is discontinued, providing a boost for Acura while Honda’s conventional sedans are struggling.

Honda’s current success stories are emerging from other sectors of its product lineup. The all-electric Prologue SUV has rapidly become a top performer for the brand. Its combination of practicality and modern electric vehicle appeal has captivated consumers, helping Honda establish a strong foothold in the competitive electric vehicle segment. Similarly, the Acura ZDX is also achieving favorable sales results. What is particularly noteworthy is that neither the Prologue nor the ZDX are developed entirely by Honda, as both utilize General Motors' Ultium platform.

These developments highlight a significant transformation in Honda’s market strategy: the most substantial growth is now driven by electrified crossovers rather than its historically dominant sedans. This situation presents an intriguing paradox, where two of the brand’s most promising new products are not purely proprietary Honda designs, yet they effectively showcase the future direction of the automotive market and evolving consumer preferences.

The waning appeal of the Honda Accord in the U.S. reflects a pivotal shift in consumer demand towards SUVs and electrified options. While the Accord once symbolized reliability and practicality, its sales decline in 2025 suggests a new era for Honda, where electric SUVs like the Prologue and Acura ZDX are now leading the brand’s growth, despite their shared platform with General Motors. This indicates a broader industry movement away from traditional sedans, urging automakers to adapt to changing market landscapes.

The street truck segment, once a thriving niche, is witnessing a robust revival as manufacturers and custom builders refocus on performance-oriented pickups designed for urban environments. This resurgence is highlighted by Fox Factory's imminent release of a Ram 1500 street truck, directly challenging Ford's successful F-150 Lobo. This new offering signals a shift from traditional off-road modifications to a refined on-road driving experience, combining powerful engines with aggressive aesthetics.

Fox Factory Redefines Ram 1500 for Street Dominance

On October 6, 2025, Fox Factory Vehicles is set to launch its highly anticipated Ram 1500 street truck. This custom creation, developed by the renowned suspension specialist Fox Factory, is poised to fill a void for Mopar enthusiasts seeking a pavement-focused performance vehicle. Unlike Ram's factory models, this initiative represents an aftermarket endeavor, yet Ram itself has amplified the teasers across social media platforms, indicating significant interest and potential market impact.

The teaser campaigns have showcased a striking Ram 1500 adorned with distinctive gold striping, complemented by gold-accented tow hooks and a prominent chin spoiler. Further enhancing its street-ready persona are the Toyo Proxes ST III tires, specifically engineered for high-performance truck applications. These details strongly suggest that the vehicle is designed for dynamic on-road driving rather than rugged off-road excursions.

While specific engine details are yet to be officially confirmed, strong indications point to the inclusion of a Hemi V8 engine. This choice aligns perfectly with the street performance ethos and follows the recent reintroduction of the Hemi V8 to the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. The final output and precise specifications are eagerly awaited by the automotive community.

This release is a direct response to Ford's successful re-entry into the street truck market with the F-150 Lobo. The Lobo, introduced in 2024 and expanded to a full-size variant the following year, pairs a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with subtle suspension enhancements, a lowered stance, and an assertive body kit, delivering an engaging driving experience on paved roads. Fox Factory's Ram 1500 aims to provide a compelling alternative for those who favor the Ram brand while seeking similar performance and style.

This move is particularly significant for Fox Factory, a company traditionally known for its performance dampers and off-road upgrades. Their recent expansion into complete truck builds, exemplified by models like the Black Widow Silverado SR package, demonstrates a strategic pivot towards diversified offerings that cater to a broader spectrum of automotive enthusiasts.

A New Era for Performance Pickups

The introduction of the Fox Factory Ram 1500 street truck signifies a pivotal moment for the performance pickup sector. It underscores a growing demand for vehicles that blend the utility of a truck with the exhilarating performance and sophisticated aesthetics typically found in sports cars. This trend not only revitalizes a beloved segment but also challenges manufacturers and customizers to innovate, pushing the boundaries of what a pickup truck can be. For consumers, it means more exciting choices and a renewed focus on driving pleasure, making the roads ahead much more interesting.