4 Awesome Facts About Honda

Unless you’re a huge Honda enthusiast, you probably don’t know a whole lot about the Japanese company other than the fact they make and sell cars. However, the company has an amazing and interesting past that’s ultimately led to its lofty reputation today. Whether you just want to know something about Honda for your next trivia night or you’re looking to get some insight into the company that built your car, here are a few awesome facts about Honda.

1. The Eighth Biggest Automaker in the World

With its recent abundance of award-winning vehicles and an uptick in sales of crossovers and compacts, Honda’s market share in the United States has grown exponentially in the past two decades. In 2015, they reached their highest American sales total of all time, selling 1.59 million vehicles. However, even with such a strong year, the company is still only the eighth biggest automobile manufacturer in the world. It’s nothing to scoff at, but with its active position in the American marketplace, you’d think they’d place even higher.

2. U.S. Manufacturing Pioneer

Although you don’t normally hear about “classic” Honda vehicles, the company started their U.S. operations in Torrance, California in 1959. Since that time, they’ve taken the initiative and an understanding of American ideals and perspectives. That’s why many of their earlier models and all of their current models are entirely built and assembled in the United States. In 1982, the Accord rolled off the assembly line in Marysville, Ohio, making it the first foreign vehicle built by American workers. Don’t let the ads fool you. When you buy Honda, you’re actually supporting the American economy.

3. The Lesser-Known Appeal of the CR-V

First manufactured in 1995, the CR-V is one of Honda’s greatest successes, but what few people know is that the CR-V came with some very interesting options. The first and second generation CR-V actually came with a fold-out picnic table. While that’s an awesome feature for the avid outdoorsman, it’s odd that the other option for the first generation was a full shower kit. Nevertheless, if you want to have a picnic and have a scrub-down afterwards, you know just where to look.

4. Honda Makes Everything

When Soichiro Honda founded the company back in 1949, he had already been producing piston rings for Toyota for 12 years. After that, he turned his attention to motorcycle production and engine production. By 1964, Honda was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. However, the story doesn’t stop there for Honda. Currently, the company also produces ATVs, automobiles, aircraft, boats, lawn mowers, and race cars. It’s a truly diverse company that uses its innovation and engineering to succeed in the global marketplace. To give you an idea of its size, Honda is actually worth more than Ford and GM combined.

Even if you’re a big fan of Honda, hopefully you weren’t aware of these various tidbits. If that’s the case, this information gives you some insight into the scope and culture of Honda. Perhaps the next most interesting thing is seeing where they head in the future.

Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia