Honda Information & Vehicles

For over a decade, Honda’s reputation was built on motorcycle production. So when the company’s founder, Soichiro Honda, asked his research team to develop a car, the engineers naturally drew upon their previous experience. The result was the XA170 with its air-cooled four-cylinder OHC V aluminium engine.

This first prototype was conceived in October 1958 and constructed within three months. But just as the engineers were testing the vehicle, Soichiro asked them to build a sports car instead. With remarkable speed, the team obliged and produced the XA190 two-seater by the autumn of 1959.

This flexible approach was a characteristic of the team: when the company finally established a vehicle production line in August 1963, it wasn’t for a sports car but a mini truck – the T360.

But Honda did not neglect the XA190. Two months after the T360’s launch, the company introduced its first production automobile, the S500. With its chain-driven rear wheel, this two door roadster clearly owed its heritage to Honda’s motorcycle expertise.

In spite of the success of the T360 and S500, Honda’s development as a car manufacturer was slow over the next ten years. Within the company, there was a feeling that it had entered the industry too soon to provide Toyota and Nissan with viable competition. Honda’s attempts to sell cars abroad were also misjudged and disappointing. It exported the N600 to the United States from 1969 but the vehicle’s small size and modest 600cc engine simply did not suit the American market.

The 1970s, however, saw a turnaround in Honda’s fortunes. The company’s first success was its new engine, the CVCC (Compound Vortex-Controlled Combustion), designed to meet the increasingly stringent emission standards of countries such as America.

Honda then began producing a new car, the Civic. The vehicle was an instant hit and went on to win the 1973 Car of the Year Award (sponsored by Motor Fan Magazine).

Two years later, Honda placed its 1500 CVCC engine in the 1975 Civic and finally achieved an international triumph. The car not only met emission standards without using costly devices such as catalytic converters, it also boasted low fuel consumption. In the energy-conscious climate of the time, these features proved irresistible for many of the car-buying public.

Honda immediately set about building a range of cars that emphasised both economy and enjoyment. This plan of action proved to be a success and gave rise to cars such as the 1976 Accord which has sold consistently well for more than thirty years.

Honda also added innovation to its strategy. The company was the first of the Japanese car makers to produce luxury vehicles, for instance, beginning with the 1986 2.5 litre Acura Legend. And in 1987, it sold the first car with four-wheel steering (the Honda Prelude) and produced the first Japanese car with an SRS airbag (the Acura legend).

Regular developments followed. These included the 1989 VTEC engine and the 1999 two-seater petrol/electric hybrid, the Honda Insight.

Honda’s industrial powerbase remains motorcycles. But there is no doubt that it has become a serious and committed car maker as well.

This video is really impressive! In the video, a choir produces all of the vehicle noises and sound effects for a Honda ad. Take a look for yourself.