Honda has long held a reputation for reliability, durability, and stability. This is not by accident, as the company strives to excel in these areas. In 1973 Honda introduced the Civic, a small highly efficient vehicle for an affordable price which was extremely popular. By 1976 the Accord followed and proved to be just as successful.
In the 1980s Honda continued to build upon their reputation while adding the Acura subsidiary. More importantly, Honda continued to build and expand with technology throughout the 1990s, developing several innovative advancements including lighter construction and impressive engine advancements. Meanwhile Honda continued adding to their product line while maintaining their well-deserved reputation.
Honda is also responsible for creating the VTEC engine. In fact, their engine designs helped alter the way other company’s designed their engines. Several notable auto manufacturers (ranging from Mitsubishi to BMW) piggy-backed these designs and spawned their own engine designs, but Honda was the forerunner in this technology.
Today Honda offers sixteen models of automobile, including a full line of sedans, coupes, hybrids, a pick-up, and SUVs. The most popular models remain the Civic and Accord, both of which remain some of the best-selling models in their class. This trend should continue in 2013 as Civic and Accord sales remain strong and consistent.
All the while, Honda remains focused on pushing the technological envelope. The company is largely responsible for helping develop hybrids, featuring the Civic coupe. The Honda CR-Z, introduced in 2007, changed the hybrid landscape as it was the first two door coupe hybrid on the market – an attractive option compared to the stuffy four-door hybrids offered by Honda’s competitors.
Throughout the years Honda has remained dependable, and its customers loyal. Resale values remain high for used Hondas. The company remains at the forefront of innovation while producing cost-effective, dependable vehicles which stand the test of time.
