Honda dates back to the late 1940s. It gets its name from co-founder Soichiro Honda, a man who grew up in poverty but never stopped dreaming and designing. In 1949, the world got its first glimpse of Honda engineering when the Dream D-type motorcycle was released. Since then, people have known that the name Honda means exceptional craftsmanship and excitement.
Honda Shifts to Cars
Soichiro Honda had a dream for Honda Motor Co., Ltd. That dream centered on wisdom and originality. He's quoted as saying, "We do not wish to imitate others." By 1959, Honda was so successful that it landed in California. American Honda Motor Co. started it all over here. While the company focused on motorcycles at first, it was only a matter of time before it released its first autos.
In 1963, Honda released the T360 mini pick-up, which showcased Honda's ambition. They wanted to be more than a bike maker and did a fine job introducing themselves to the world. This first model was followed up by the N600, Honda's first car released in the United States. While the first half-decade was Honda scouting out the market and practicing, it was in the mid-70s that they gave America one of its favorite cars.
The Honda Accord is still revered today and is known as one of the most dependable cars in the world. People who want a reliable mid-size car that doesn't raid their bank account often will usually pick the Accord. It was first released way back in 1976. By 1986, Honda was ready to try their hand at luxury and released the amazing Acura. It was a huge hit with American buyers and would eventually become Honda's go-to nameplate for luxury.
Honda was always ahead of the times and ahead of the rest of the industry. They have the distinction of releasing the first hybrid model in America: the 1999 Honda Insight. It was a glimpse of the future far, far ahead of time. You'll see milestones like that all throughout Honda's history. From a startup bike company to a world-renowned automaker, Honda has accomplished all its goals and continues to make the blueprint for the future.
Learn More About Honda History
You can contact us to learn more about Honda's history. Their story is one of the most inspiring ever told in the auto industry.
