Honda’s founder Soichiro Honda, established the Honda Motor Company in 1948 and since then it has continued to be one of the world’s leading edge companies, selling nearly 11 million products worldwide including motorcycles, power equipment, ATV’s, generators, marine engines and of course, automobiles.

Honda is no stranger to historical firsts and that is due to the much-engendered Honda philosophy of producing top ranked products with present-day technological innovations.

Outlined are some of Honda’s key historical dates from its inception to present day. We invite you to take the time and get to know your Honda as you are considered ‘family’.

"Some dream to escape reality,
    Some to change it forever"
        -- Soichiro Honda

Honda Timeline

Soichiro Honda establishes the Honda Technical Research Insitute.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. opens in Los Angeles.

Honda enters Formula One auto racing for the first time.

Honda Civic debuts.

Honda Civic ranks first in U.S. fuel-economy tests for fourth consecutive year.

Honda Prelude debuts.

Honda of America Manufacturing begins assembly of the Honda Accord.

Honda Civic CRX wins first place for gasoline-car fuel consumption in U.S. tests.

Prelude becomes first passenger car in the world to employ 4-wheel steering.

Soichiro Honda becomes first Asian to be inducted into U.S. Automotive Hall of Fame.

Accord becomes best-selling car model in the United States.

Honda wins its fifth consecutive 1st ranking in the J.D. Power Consumer Satisfaction Index.

Ultra fuel-efficient VTEC-E engine debuts in new Civic.

Founder Soichiro Honda passes away.

Honda introduces the first gasoline-powered vehicle to meet LEV (Low-Emission Vehicle) standards.

Accord and Civic Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) sales commence throughout the United States and Canada.

Honda Motor Co., Inc. celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

The Honda Accord is the best-selling car in America.

The Honda Odyssey earns a double Five-Star Safety Rating for a third year in a row.

Honda introduces the redesigned 2002 CR-V.

The Honda Civic Coupe becomes one of the first cars to earn an all-around Five-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA.

ASIMO, Honda's technologically advanced humanoid robot, rings the opening bell to celebrate American Honda's 25th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange.