Honda
A Japanese manufacturer known for motorcycles, efficient engines, practical passenger cars and engineering innovation.
Historical overview
Soichiro Honda founded the Honda Motor Company in 1948, initially concentrating on powered bicycles and motorcycles. Honda became a major motorcycle producer before entering the four-wheeled market in 1963 with the T360 small truck and the S500 sports car. The high-revving engines used in Honda’s early cars reflected experience gained from its motorcycle business.
The 1972 Civic gave Honda a compact, fuel-efficient car suited to export markets. Versions equipped with the CVCC engine met tightening American emissions requirements without a catalytic converter, helping establish the company in the United States. The larger Accord followed in 1976 and developed into another long-running global model line.
Honda broadened its range with cars including the Prelude, CRX and Legend, while also returning repeatedly to small sports cars. The mid-engined NSX, introduced in 1990, combined an aluminium structure with everyday usability. Later milestones included the Insight petrol-electric hybrid, the S2000 roadster and an expanding range of crossovers and electrified vehicles.
Models
Civic
The compact front-wheel-drive model introduced in 1972 that established Honda as a major international car manufacturer.
Notable model lines
- S-series sports cars: The S500, S600 and S800 that marked Honda’s early entry into passenger-car production.
- Accord: The family-car line introduced as a hatchback in 1976 and later offered in several body styles.
- Prelude: A succession of front-wheel-drive sports coupes built from 1978.
- NSX: The mid-engined performance car first introduced in 1990.
- Insight: Honda’s dedicated petrol-electric hybrid line, launched in 1999.