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Honda

Have you ever asked yourself the question, “ What makes Honda so popular among consumers?” Is it the outstanding quality of the product line? Or maybe the excellent reliability? What about their excellent safety ratings and fuel efficiency? Most likely it's all of these factors if you have ever read what Honda customers keep saying when they have had the pleasant experience of owning one.

Soichiro Honda founded this Japanese based company in 1948 as a way to provide Japans citizens an inexpensive, yet fuel efficient mode of transportation. You have to remember that during this time, Japan was cash poor and gas starved. Honda's first “vehicles” were actually bicycles with an engine that were cheap to produce and more importantly, just as inexpensive to operate.

From its humble beginnings, Honda's line of motor bikes became more than just a motor stuck into a bicycle frame. In 1949, Honda introduced its D-type motorbike that boasted a top speed of 50mph, had a steel frame and suspension both front and rear. By the time the 50's rolled around, Honda launched the Juno which was designed to go head to head with its main competitor Vespa. Needless to say, it was a resounding success. As the decade moved along, Honda introduced a wildly successful model called the C100 Super Cub. With no crossbar on the frame, the modal was extremely popular among the female population. In fact, it was so popular, that it was the first model sold in the U.S when Honda entered the American market with the name American Honda Company in 1959.

Constantly evolving, Honda began producing automobiles for the Japanese market during the early 1960's, It also made a decision to enter the Formula One racing circuit to test many of its innovations. It wasn't until 1970 that the decision was made to import cars to the states. The first model to hit the U.S. shores was the tiny N600. It's no secret that Honda had a difficult time connecting with the American consumer with its initial offering. But that all changed when Honda unveiled the Civic in 1973. Although still considered small compared to American car offerings, it boasted superior fuel economy during a time when the country was going through a gas shortage. Coupled with its inexpensive sticker price, the Civic became Honda's first real American success story. Seeing the success, Honda quickly introduced the Accord in 1976. This vehicle soon became just as popular with American consumers.

As Honda's reputation for building reliable cars continued to grow through the 1980's, it made a move in 1982 to start building the popular Accord line here in the States. By 1989, Honda earned the coveted distinction of making the most popular car in America. Riding this wave of success, Honda decided to enter the luxury car market with the debut of its Accura line. Drawing on its earlier days of Formula One experience, Honda continued to produce autos that boasted innovative product technologies such as aluminum body construction, VTEC variable valve timing, hybrid powertrains and a wide variety of safety features.

When you look at Honda's product offerings today, you will find hybrids that address the gas issue, minivans to fit growing families, sedans, pickups and the popular SUVs. But to many, Honda is still considered the benchmark to which all other car companies are measured.