Honda's first production car, the S500 roadster, was chain-driven, which makes sense since the company's first product was a bicycle engine. During the gas-scarce years of World War II, founder Soichiro Honda saw the need for simple, fuel-efficient transportation and developed a tiny 2-stroke specifically for bikes, released in 1947. Building on that success, Honda's first motorcycle, the Dream D, was in production by '49, and being exported by '52. By '59, American Honda Motor Company was established.
Drawing on Soichiro Honda's significant automotive background (he had already developed designed and manufactured pistons for Toyota), cars were added to the Honda line in 1962, with 136 built that year. By 1968, production was up to more than 186,000 cars per year. The open sports cars that Honda started with (the S500, S600, and S800) were soon dropped, in favor of a miniscule two-door sedan reminiscent of the Austin Mini, called the N360. The N600 would be the first Honda automobile to hit American shores in 1969.
The Civic was introduced in... View more 1973 and would become Honda's flagship product. Marketing for the economy car was understated, to say the least: "It will get you where you're going", boasted one ad. But as gas prices rose, the appeal of American muscle evaporated, and low-cost Japanese econo-boxes sold like hotcakes into the '80s. The slightly larger Accord became available in '76, joined by the "sporty" Prelude in '79, and the two-seater CRX hatchback coupe in '84. The Si version of the CRX, released the next year, went from zero to 60 in under nine seconds.
Honda managed to transcend their hard-won reputation of sensible practicality with the upscale Acura brand in 1986. Toyota would follow suit three years later with Lexus.
The Honda line would be expanded over the next two decades, adding the CR-V crossover SUV and Odyssey minivan in 1995, the Element compact SUV in 2002, and the Ridgeline pickup in 2005. The Civic would grow in size and appointments, with the Fit (released 2001) replacing it as Honda's modern subcompact.
In addition to the ever-growing market for fuel-efficient cars, Honda owes much of its success to the company's flexible infrastructure; for a global conglomerate, the company has proven remarkably nimble, able to re-tool relatively quickly in response to shifting consumer tastes. The Ridgeline pickup and Acura TL luxury sedan are examples of two cars developed exclusively for the North American market.
The hybrid Insight was released in 1999 as a uniquely styled three-door hatchback, while the current version bears a closer resemblance to the Toyota Prius. Honda's "Integrated Motor Assist" hybrid technology is also available on the Civic and CR-V. The 2000 Insight stands as the most fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicle ever, rated at 61 miles per gallon at highway speeds. View less
The Honda Accord has been in existence since 1976, and since its introduction, it has become a perennial favorite among consumers and industry experts. From its inception as a tiny, gas-sipping car, the Accord...
Since its introduction in 1972, the Honda Civic has been an enduring favorite among car owners. From its humble start, Civics evolved considerably into an array of sedans and coupes with considerable space for...
The Honda CR-V is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV. As Honda's first official SUV, the CR-V has carved out an impressive reputation for itself since its 1995 debut. Three generations later, the vehicle -...
As far as unique compact crossover SUVs go, the Honda Element has always been an eye-catching vehicle. Largely based on the platform of the CR-V crossover SUV, the Element's square, yet rounded contours have...
As consumers become more concerned than ever about fuel economy, subcompact cars like the Honda Fit, which is a four-door hatchback, are growing increasingly popular. This small, fuel-efficient car boasts a...
The Honda Insight is a 5-door hatchback marketed as a hybrid electric compact car. It is sold only with a front engine and front-wheel drive design. With its low base price and hybrid electric capabilities,...
As Honda's first minivan, the Odyssey marked an important milestone for the Japanese automaker. With front-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Odyssey generally exceeds drivers' expectations with its...
The Honda Pilot is a mid-sized crossover sports utility vehicle. With three rows that provide seating for eight people and 87 cubic feet of cargo space, the Pilot has proven to be an excellent family vehicle...
The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that comfortably seats four people. Following its successful American launch of the Civic and Accord models, Honda introduced the Prelude in 1979. Since its debut, the...
The Honda Ridgeline is a cross between an SUV and full-sized truck. Sharing a platform with some of Honda's car models, the Ridgeline has a smoother ride than a pure SUV or truck. The front engine design and...
The S2000 is a sexy roadster designed by Honda to mark its 50th anniversary and also the change of the millennium. The 2000 designation also represented the car's 2.0-liter engine. The base model was...
