Honda is one of the most popular automotive manufacturers in Japan. Aside from making some of the most iconic models in automotive history, Honda also manufactures motorcycles, engines, ATVs, power equipment, robots, aircraft, and even mountain bikes.
In this article, we’ll share everything you wanted to know about this reputable manufacturer. You’ll learn where is Honda from, who makes them, and its impact on the automotive industry. We’ll cover Honda’s most iconic models, its involvement in various motorsport events across the globe, and its rich history.
If there’s anything you wanted to know about Honda, you’ll likely find it here.
How Honda Became What It Is Today
Honda was first established as a company in 1949. In the beginning, Honda was manufacturing motorcycles, named “the Dream”. Just 10 years later, Honda opened its first subsidiary in the United States, widening its market significantly. By 1968, Honda hit one of its biggest milestones – selling the millionth motorcycle in the United States.
One year after hitting this massive milestone, Honda introduced the first four-cylinder motorcycle called the CB750. In the same year, Honda sold their first car in the US market called the N600.
1976 was a big year for Honda, mostly because it unveiled its Accord model to the market. It was a humble hatchback car when it first came out, and three years later, the same model was available as a sedan version. The Accord ended up being one of the most popular models in the United States Market with more than 12.5 million units sold to this day.
In 1986, Honda introduced the Acura brand to the US market attempting to gain a foothold in the luxury car market. In 1991, Honda introduced the first supercar with a fully aluminum monocoque body called the NSX. This particular model gained legendary status quickly after it was unveiled, and is one of the most sought-after Honda/Acura models today.
In 2014, Honda achieved another milestone with its 10 millionth Accord manufactured in the US. The 10 millionth Accord was made in the Marysville Auto Plant.
The next year, a new version of the Acura NSX was available. In the following couple of years, Honda won numerous Car Of The Year Awards.
Where Are Honda Vehicles Made?
Hondas are driven all over the world, and its manufacturing facilities can be found in numerous countries across the globe. Countries with one or more Honda manufacturing facilities include Japan, the United States, India, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Honda’s popularity in the US can be directly measured by the number of manufacturing facilities it has – exactly 12!
As for who owns Honda, it’s one of the few automotive manufacturers that isn’t owned by another company.
The Most Legendary Honda Cars
Although Honda doesn’t have the same pedigree as other car manufacturers, it has manufactured some of the most legendary cars people still look for and enjoy. Some of Honda’s greatest cars include the NSX, the CRX, the Integra Type-R, the Civic Type-R, and the S2000.
All of these models are special in their own way, however, one model particularly stands out – the NSX. The NSX was Honda’s entrance into supercar territory, and the futuristic design and incredible performance made this car an instant classic. This model was sold in the US under the Acura brand, while the rest of the world got the Honda NSX. It had a 15-year run with two engine options – the 3.0-liter and 3.2-liter engines.
When car enthusiasts think of a hot hatch, many think about Honda’s CRX model. It’s a small hatchback that won the sympathies of millions of people across the globe. The CRX was fitted with a four-cylinder engine ranging from a 1.4-liter to a 1.6-liter displacement. The most powerful version of the CRX had a total power output of 160 horsepower. Although this doesn’t sound like much, keep in mind that the CRX had a total weight of around 900 kilograms. The average modern hatchback weighs around 1500 kilograms today.
The Integra Type-R was initially introduced in 1995, however, the US market only saw it in 1997. It was fitted with an amazing 1.8-liter VTEC engine that produced 197 horsepower. Although it wasn’t equipped with a lot of optional extras, the Integra, which was sold under the Acura name in the US was extremely fun to drive, and it was the record holder for most power per liter in a naturally aspirated engine. Honda beat its own record with yet another legendary model – the S2000.
The S2000 quickly became a hit after being released to the market. It was a great-looking sports car with ideal 50:50 weight distribution, an engine in the front, and a rear-wheel-drive. Even after a decade since it was initially released, the S2000 is highly sought after, no matter what engine or trim level it has. There are still many S2000s to choose from, but if you’re in the market for one, make sure you check it properly before committing. Many of these were heavily modified during their lifetime, some of which were fitted with non-original engines.
Another model that’s worth mentioning is the Civic Type-R. It’s a high-performance version of the popular Civic, but with reduced weight, improved suspension, power, and handling. The first Civic Type-R was made on the chassis of the sixth generation of the Civic, and has been a regular part of Honda’s portfolio since then.
Honda’s Current Vehicle Offer
Honda has come a long way since it started making cars, and it currently offers a wide variety of vehicles. Honda’s current offer includes passenger cars, SUVs, minivans and trucks, as well as crossovers and hybrid vehicles.
Honda’s range of SUVs includes the HR-V, the CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Pilot, and Passport. Regular passenger cars include the Civic sedan, Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Si sedan, Civic hatchback, and Civic Type R. The minivan and truck category includes the Odyssey, and Ridgeline models.