Important Moments in the History of Honda

Whether you’re a prospective customer or someone who’s owned a Honda for as long as they could drive, chances are you’re here for a reason. Maybe it’s the general reputation of Honda vehicles holding up well over time; maybe it’s their ever-innovative technology systems; or maybe it’s the legacy of the company. From humble beginnings to changing the automotive industry forever, Honda has a rich, complex, and phenomenal history behind it. With all of that in mind, here are some of the most important moments in the history of Honda.

What are Some of Honda’s Biggest Accomplishments So Far?

1946 – Soichiro Honda develops the concept of using these generator engines as auxiliary power for bicycles.

1947 – The original A-Type engine is emblazoned with Honda’s name for the first time.

1948 – Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa co-found the Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

1959 – Honda’s first overseas subsidiary, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is established in Los Angeles.

1964 – The RA271, Japan’s first-ever Formula 1 machine, debuts at the German Grand Prix.

1968 – Honda sells its millionth motorcycle in the U.S.

1969 – Honda sells its first car in the U.S.

1972 – Honda announces a low-emission CVCC engine, making it the first automotive manufacturer to fully comply with the U.S. Clean Air Act –the most binding emission regulations at the time.

1973 – Honda blows 2-stroke engines out of the water with the world’s first fuel-efficient 4-stroke outboard marine engines, which are cleaner, quieter and more economical than their gas-guzzling predecessors.

1982 – First Honda Accord Manufactured in America

1976 – The first Honda Accord, a humble little hatchback, makes its world premiere.

1979 – The Accord Sedan joins the Honda family.

1981 – Honda develops the world’s first car navigation system, the Honda Electro Gyrocator, which displays the current location on a map.

1982 – The Honda Accord becomes the first Japanese car made in America.

1984 – Honda rolls out walk-behind lawnmowers, as created by Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc., at a new plant in Swepsonville, North Carolina.

1986 – Honda launches its luxury brand, Acura.

1999 – The Honda Insight becomes the first hybrid vehicle available in North America.

2015 – HondaJet

2000 – Honda announces ASIMO, a new humanoid robot that can walk in a human-like manner.

2014 – Honda builds its 10-millionth Accord in North America; celebrates a grand total of 20 million Honda and Acura automobiles built in the U.S. alone; and also produces its 300-millionth motorcycle.

2015 – HondaJet begins delivering to customers after earning United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification.

2016 – Honda introduces the Clarity Fuel Cell, a hydrogen-powered vehicle that can travel up to 366 miles on a single tank of fuel while only emitting water vapor.

2017 – The Honda Ridgeline is named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year by a panel of expert automotive journalists.

2018 – The 10th generation of the Honda Accord earns the prestigious 2018 North American Car of the Year award.

2022 – From its original launch until now, the Honda Accord has become the best-selling passenger car in America – with American car buyers purchasing over 12.5 million.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about some of Honda’s biggest accomplishments so far! As you can see, there have been countless important moments in the history of Honda. What’s more, we have absolutely no doubt that the best is yet to come.

Want to add a Honda to your future? Get in touch with our team at Rairdon’s Honda of Marysville! We would be more than happy to tell you all about our new car inventory, our available financing options, and anything else you’d like to discuss.

We hope to hear from you soon!