Editing Honda (section)

==Products==
===Automobiles===
{{Main|List of Honda automobiles}}
{{more citations needed|section|date=September 2017}}<!--several paragraphs without references-->
[[File:2023 Honda Accord EX in Canyon River Blue Metallic, Front Left, 04-07-2023.jpg|thumb|Eleventh-generation [[Honda Accord]]]]
[[File:2022 Honda Civic LX, Front Right, 06-20-2021.jpg|thumb|right|Eleventh-generation [[Honda Civic]]]]
[[File:2023 Honda CR-V EX-L in Urban Grey Pearl, Front Left, 10-27-2022.jpg|thumb|right|Sixth-generation [[Honda CR-V]]]]

Honda's automotive manufacturing ambitions can be traced back to 1963, with the [[Honda T360]], a [[Kei truck]] built for the Japanese market.<ref>{{cite journal | editor-first = Jonathan | editor-last = Barr | title = 1965 Honda T500F Flat Bed Utility | journal = The Japanese Restorer in Australia |date=July–September 2003 | issue = 4 | location = Bald Hills, Queensland, Australia | page = 15 }}</ref> This was followed by the two-door [[Roadster (automobile)|roadster]], the [[Honda S500]] also introduced in 1963. In 1965, Honda built a two-door commercial delivery van, named the [[Honda L700]]. Honda's first four-door sedan was not the [[Honda Accord]], but the air-cooled, four-cylinder, gasoline-powered [[Honda 1300]] which was introduced in 1969. The Civic was a hatchback that gained wide popularity internationally, but it wasn't the first two-door hatchback built by Honda. That was the [[Honda N360]], a [[Kei car]] that was adapted for international sale as the N600. The Civic, which appeared in 1972 and replaced the N600 also had a smaller sibling that replaced the air-cooled N360, called the [[Honda Life]], which was water-cooled.

The Honda Life represented Honda's efforts in competing in the ''kei'' car segment, offering sedan, delivery van and small pick-up platforms on a shared chassis. The [[Honda Life#Life Step Van|Life Step Van]] had a novel approach that, while not initially a commercial success, appeared to be an influence to vehicles with the front passengers sitting behind the engine, a large cargo area with a flat roof and a liftgate installed in back, and utilizing a transversely installed engine with a front-wheel-drive powertrain.

As Honda entered into automobile manufacturing in the late 1960s where Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan had been making cars since before WWII, Honda instilled a sense of doing things a little differently than its Japanese competitors. Its mainstay products like the Accord and Civic (with the exception of its USA-market 1993–97 Passport which was part of a vehicle exchange program with Isuzu (part of the Subaru-Isuzu joint venture)) have always employed [[Front-wheel drive]] powertrain implementation, which is currently a long-held Honda tradition. Honda also installed new technologies into their products, first as optional equipment, then later standard, like [[anti-lock brakes]], [[Power steering|speed-sensitive power steering]], and [[multi-port fuel injection]] in the early 1980s. This desire to be the first to try new approaches is evident with the creation of the first Japanese luxury chain [[Acura]], and was also evident with the all-aluminum, mid-engined sports car, the [[Honda NSX]], which also introduced [[variable valve timing]] technology, which Honda calls [[VTEC]].

The Civic family is a line of [[compact car]]s developed and manufactured by Honda. In North America, the Civic is the second-longest continuously running nameplate from a Japanese manufacturer; only its perennial rival, the [[Toyota Corolla]], introduced in 1966, has been in production longer.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.toyota.com/about/our_business/our_history/product_history/pdf/corolla.pdf |title=Toyota Corolla History |publisher=Toyota  |location=US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602081910/http://www.toyota.com/about/our_business/our_history/product_history/pdf/corolla.pdf |archive-date=2010-06-02 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Civic, along with the Accord and [[Honda Prelude|Prelude]], comprised Honda's vehicles sold in North America until the 1990s, when the model lineup was expanded. Having gone through several generational changes, the Civic has become larger and more [[upmarket]], and it currently slots between the [[Honda Fit|Fit]] and Accord.

Honda's first [[hybrid electric vehicle]] was the 1999 [[Honda Insight|Insight]]. The Civic was first offered as a hybrid in 2001, and the Accord followed in 2004. In 2008, the company launched the [[Honda Clarity|Clarity]], a [[fuel cell car]].

In 2008, Honda increased global production to meet the demand for small cars and [[hybrid vehicle|hybrids]] in the US and emerging markets. The company shuffled US production to keep factories busy and boost car output while building fewer [[minivan]]s and [[sport utility vehicle]]s as [[light-truck|light truck]] sales fell.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/business/20auto.html?_r=1|title=The Smaller the Better, Automakers Are Finding|last1=Vlasic|first1=Bill|last2=Bunkley |first2=Nick|date=20 June 2008|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref>

Its first entrance into the pickup segment, the light-duty Ridgeline, won Truck of the Year from ''[[Motor Trend]]'' magazine in 2006. Also in 2006, the redesigned Civic won [[Motor Trend Car of the Year|Car of the Year]] from the magazine, giving Honda a rare double win of Motor Trend honors.

It is reported that Honda plans to increase hybrid sales in Japan to more than 20% of its total sales in the fiscal year 2011, from 14.8% in the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/11/honda-20101127.html |title=Report: Honda planning to double hybrid sales in Japan to more than 20% next fiscal year |date=27 November 2010 |publisher=Green Car Congress |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

Five of [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]]'s top ten most fuel-efficient cars from 1984 to 2010 come from Honda, more than any other automakers. The five models are: 2000–2006 Honda Insight ({{convert|53|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), 1986–1987 Honda Civic Coupe HF ({{convert|46|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), 1994–1995 Honda Civic hatchback VX ({{convert|43|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), 2006– Honda Civic Hybrid ({{convert|42|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), and 2010– Honda Insight ({{convert|41|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined).<ref>Scott Doggett [http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/06/epa-lists-top-10-most-fuel-efficient-cars-from-1984-to-present-older-models-rule.html/"EPA Lists Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars From 1984 to Present" Green car advisor – Edmunds, 10 June 2010. (mpg revised in accordance with 2008 regulation change)]{{dubious|date=November 2010}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020194846/http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/06/epa-lists-top-10-most-fuel-efficient-cars-from-1984-to-present-older-models-rule.html/ |date=20 October 2010 }}</ref> The [[American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy|ACEEE]] has also rated the [[Honda Civic GX|Civic GX]] as the greenest car in America for seven consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenercars.org/highlights_greenest.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910122720/http://www.greenercars.org/highlights_greenest.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 September 2007 |title=the greenest vehicles of 2008 |publisher=greenercars.org |access-date=1 January 2011  }}</ref>

Honda currently builds vehicles in factories located in Japan, the United States of America, Canada, China, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Turkey, Argentina, Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

===Motorcycles===
{{For|a list of motorcycle products|list of Honda motorcycles}}
[[File:1953HondaCub.jpg|thumb|1953 Honda Cub on display at the [[Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum]], Birmingham, Alabama. The two-stroke single-cylinder motorcycle had a displacement of 58 cc and a top speed of {{cvt|25|mph|km/h|0|order=flip}}.]]
[[File:Honda Goldwing, GIMS 2019, Le Grand-Saconnex (GIMS0707).jpg|thumb|Honda [[Gold Wing]] bike]]

Honda is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Japan and has been since it started production in 1955.<ref name=Alexander2008/>
At its peak in 1982, Honda manufactured almost three million motorcycles annually. By 2006, this figure had been reduced to around 550,000 but was still higher than its three domestic competitors.<ref name=Alexander2008/>

In 2017, India became the largest motorcycle market for Honda.<ref>{{cite news |title=Honda to launch Benly e in India? Scooter spied testing, check launch date, features and other details |url=https://zeenews.india.com/photos/business/honda-to-launch-benly-e-in-india-scooter-spied-testing-check-launch-date-features-and-other-details-2367061 |work=Zee News |date=2021-06-06 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India becomes largest 2 wheeler markt for Honda globally, dethrones Indonesia|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-becomes-largest-2-wheeler-markt-for-honda-globally-dethrones-indonesia/articleshow/60164905.cms|access-date=6 November 2017|work=The Times of India|date=22 August 2017}}</ref> In India, Honda is leading in the scooters segment, with 59% market share.<ref>{{cite news|title=Honda eyes 17% share in bike market; 70% new outlets to be in rural areas|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/honda-eyes-17-share-in-bike-market-70-new-outlets-to-be-in-rural-areas-117091000212_1.html|access-date=6 November 2017|work=The Business Standard|date=11 September 2017}}</ref>

During the 1960s when it was a small manufacturer, Honda broke out of the Japanese motorcycle market and began exporting to the United States. Working with the advertising agency [[Grey Advertising]], Honda created an innovative marketing campaign, using the slogan "[[You meet the nicest people on a Honda]]." In contrast to the prevailing negative stereotypes of motorcyclists in America as tough, antisocial rebels, this campaign suggested that Honda motorcycles were made for the everyman. The campaign was hugely successful; the ads ran for three years, and by the end of 1963 alone, Honda had sold 90,000 motorcycles.<ref name=Frank2003/>{{rp|=41–43}}

Taking Honda's story as an archetype of the smaller manufacturer entering a new market already occupied by highly dominant competitors, the story of their market entry, and their subsequent huge success in the US and around the world has been the subject of some academic controversy. Competing explanations have been advanced to explain Honda's strategy and the reasons for their success.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty/dick.rumelt/Docs/Papers/HONDA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120403041318/http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty/dick.rumelt/Docs/Papers/HONDA |url-status= dead |archive-date= 3 April 2012 |title=The Many Faces of Honda |first=Richard P. |last=Rumelt |date=10 July 1995 |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

The first of these explanations was put forward when, in 1975, the [[Boston Consulting Group]] (BCG) was commissioned by the UK government to write a report explaining why and how the British motorcycle industry had been out-competed by its Japanese competitors. The report concluded that the Japanese firms, including Honda, had sought a very high scale of production (they had made a large number of motorbikes) in order to benefit from [[economies of scale]] and [[learning curve]] effects. It blamed the decline of the British motorcycle industry on the failure of British managers to invest enough in their businesses to profit from economies of scale and [[economies of scope|scope]].<ref>{{cite book|first1=Allen J. |last1=Morrison|title=Transnational corporations and business strategy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HvQcQFFONzkC&pg=PA64|access-date=1 April 2012|year=1993|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-415-08537-3|pages=65–66}}</ref>

[[File:2004supercub.jpg|thumb|right|2004 [[Honda Super Cub]]]]

The second explanation was offered in 1984 by Richard Pascale, who had interviewed the Honda executives responsible for the firm's entry into the US market. As opposed to the tightly focused strategy of low cost and high scale that BCG accredited to Honda, Pascale found that their entry into the US market was a story of "miscalculation, serendipity, and organizational learning" – in other words, Honda's success was due to the adaptability and hard work of its staff, rather than any long-term strategy.<ref>{{cite book |last=Morrison |first=Allen J. |title=Transnational corporations and business strategy |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=1993 |isbn=0-415-08537-3 |pages=64–92}} <!-- one quote does not cover pages 64–92 -->{{dubious|date=July 2014}}</ref> For example, Honda's initial plan on entering the US market was to compete in large motorcycles, around 300&nbsp;cc. Honda's motorcycles in this class suffered performance and reliability problems when ridden the relatively long distances of the US highways.<ref name="Frank2003"/>{{rp|41–43}} When the team found that the scooters they were using to get themselves around their US base of [[San Francisco]] attracted positive interest from consumers they fell back on selling the [[Honda Super Cub|Super Cub]] instead.<ref name="Frank2003"/>{{rp|41–43}}

The most recent school of thought on Honda's strategy was put forward by [[Gary Hamel]] and [[C. K. Prahalad]] in 1989. Creating the concept of [[core competency|core competencies]] with Honda as an example, they argued that Honda's success was due to its focus on leadership in the technology of internal combustion engines.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Gary |last1=Hamel|first2=C. K. |last2=Prahalad|title=Competing for the future|url=https://archive.org/details/competingforfutu00hame_0|url-access=registration|access-date=1 April 2012|date=1 July 1994|publisher=Harvard Business Press|isbn=978-0-87584-416-9|page=[https://archive.org/details/competingforfutu00hame_0/page/204 204]}}</ref> For example, the high power-to-weight ratio engines Honda produced for its racing bikes provided technology and expertise which was transferable into mopeds. Honda's entry into the US motorcycle market during the 1960s is used as a [[case study]] for teaching introductory strategy at [[business school]]s worldwide.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Sally H. |last1=Clarke|first2=Naomi R. |last2=Lamoreaux|first3=Steven W. |last3=Usselman|title=The Challenge of Remaining Innovative: Insights from Twentieth-Century American Business|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ho6hmHrCjCEC&pg=PA223|access-date=1 April 2012|date=10 March 2009|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0-8047-5892-5|page=223}}</ref>

===ATVs===
Honda builds utility [[All-terrain vehicle|ATVs]] under models Recon, Rubicon, Rancher, Foreman and Rincon. Honda also builds sports ATVs under the models TRX 90X, TRX 250X, TRX 400x, TRX 450R and TRX 700.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honda ATV - Your Complete Guide.|url=https://www.world-of-atvs.com/honda-atv.html|access-date=2020-08-01|website=World of ATVs}}</ref>

===Power equipment===
[[File:Honda Power EU70is Generator.png|alt=Honda EU70is Generator|thumb|A Honda Power EU70is power generator]]

Power equipment<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hondaindiapower.com |title=Honda India Power Products Ltd. |access-date=2022-07-10}}</ref> production started in 1953 with H-type engine (prior to motorcycles).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/timeline/power/ |title=Honda Worldwide, Timeline – Power Products |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=12 August 2010}}</ref>

Honda power equipment reached record sales in 2007 with 6.4 million units sold annually.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hondapartscatalog.com/annual-report-2007.pdf|title=Annual Report 2007|access-date=29 May 2020}}</ref> By 2010 <small>([[Fiscal year]] ended 31 March)</small> this figure had decreased to 4.7&nbsp;million units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hondapartscatalog.com/honda2010annual-report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2010|access-date=29 May 2020}}</ref> Cumulative production of power products has exceeded 85 million units annually (as of September 2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/power/overview/ |title=Honda Worldwide, Power Products, Overview |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=12 August 2010}}</ref>

In September 2023, Honda ceased sales of gasoline lawn mowers and some other power equipment in the US.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Lewin |date=2023-05-15 |title=Honda Won't Sell Gasoline Mowers in the US Anymore |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/honda-wont-sell-gasoline-mowers-in-the-us-anymore |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=The Drive |location=US}}</ref>

Honda power equipment includes:

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* [[Engine]]
* [[Brush Cutters]]
* [[Tillers]]
* [[Marine Outboard Motors]]
* [[Water Pumps]]
* [[Cultivator]]
* [[Lawn mower]]
* [[Robotic lawn mower]]
* [[Lawn mower|Riding mower]]
* [[String trimmer|Trimmer]]
* [[Mower]]
* [[Leaf blower|Blower]]
* [[Sprayer]]
* [[Hedge trimmer]]
* [[Snowthrower]]
* [[Engine-generator|Generator]], [[welding power supply]]
* [[Pump]]
* [[Outboard engine]]
* [[Inflatable boat]]
* [[Mobility scooter|Electric 4-wheel Scooter]]
* Compact Household [[Cogeneration]] Unit
}}

===Engines===
[[File:Honda Reflections, Lake George, CA 9-16 (29800608053).jpg|thumb|Honda [[Outboard motor]]s]]

Honda engines powered the entire 33-car starting field of the [[2010 Indianapolis 500]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://racing.honda.com/about/engine.aspx |title=Honda Racing Engines |publisher=Racing.honda.com |access-date=27 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712215901/http://racing.honda.com/about/engine.aspx |archive-date=12 July 2011  }}</ref> and for the fifth consecutive race, there were no engine-related retirements during the running of the Memorial Day Classic.<ref>{{cite web
|publisher=Indianapolis Motor Speedway
|url=http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500/
|title=Indy 500
}}</ref>

In the 1980s Honda developed the [[GY6 engine]] for use in motor scooters. Although no longer manufactured by Honda, it's still commonly used in many Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese light vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|title=HONDA GY6 ENGINE 50cc to 150cc|url=http://gokartsusa.com/hondagy6engine.aspx|publisher=GOKARTS USA|access-date=16 February 2015}}
</ref>

Honda, despite being known as an engine company, has never built a [[V8 engine]] for passenger vehicles. In the late 1990s, the company resisted considerable pressure from its American dealers for a V8 engine (which would have seen use in top-of-the-line Honda SUVs and [[Acura]]s), with American Honda reportedly sending one dealer a shipment of [[V8 (beverage)|V8 beverage]]s to silence them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10064387-48.html |title=Green-car era poses test for Honda, The Car Tech blog |website=CNET |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=22 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020095106/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10064387-48.html |archive-date=20 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Honda considered starting V8 production in the mid-2000s for larger Acura sedans, a new version of the high-end NSX sports car (which previously used DOHC V6 engines with VTEC to achieve its high power output) and possible future ventures into the American full-size truck and SUV segment for both the Acura and Honda brands, but this was canceled in late 2008, with Honda citing environmental and worldwide economic conditions as reasons for the termination of this project.<ref>{{cite web |title= Honda S2000, CR-Z convertible follow Acura NSX and V8 to scrap heap |url= http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-s2000-cr-z-convertible-follow-acura-nsx-and-v8-to-scrap-h/ |access-date= 25 October 2010 |first= Sam |last= Abuelsamid |date= 6 January 2009 |archive-date= 30 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130630014051/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-s2000-cr-z-convertible-follow-acura-nsx-and-v8-to-scrap-h/ |url-status= dead }}{{dubious|date=November 2010}}</ref>

===Robots===
[[File:HONDA ASIMO.jpg|right|upright|thumb|[[ASIMO]] at [[Expo 2005]]]]

[[ASIMO]] is part of Honda's Research & Development robotics program. It's the eleventh in a line of successive builds starting in 1986 with [[Honda E0]] moving through the ensuing [[Honda E series]] and the [[Honda P series]]. Weighing 54 kilograms and standing 130 centimeters tall, ASIMO resembles a small [[astronaut]] wearing a backpack, and can walk on [[biped|two feet]] in a manner resembling human [[Walking|locomotion]], at up to {{convert|6|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}}. ASIMO is the world's only humanoid robot able to ascend and descend stairs independently.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently asked questions about ASIMO |url= http://asimo.honda.com/downloads/pdf/asimo-technical-faq.pdf |publisher=Honda |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> However, human motions such as climbing stairs are difficult to mimic with a machine, which ASIMO has demonstrated by taking two plunges off a staircase.

ASIMO is able to walk, dance and navigate steps. In 2010, Honda developed a machine capable of reading a user's brainwaves to move ASIMO. The system uses a helmet covered with [[electroencephalography]] and [[near-infrared spectroscopy]] sensors that monitor electrical brainwaves and cerebral blood flow signals that alter slightly during the human thought process. The user thinks of one of the limited number of gestures it wants from the robot, which has been fitted with a Brain-Machine Interface.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gadgetrepublic.com/news/item/1938/digital-life/japan-plans-mind-reading-devices |title=Japan Plans Mind Reading Devices | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529044945/http://www.gadgetrepublic.com/news/item/1938/digital-life/japan-plans-mind-reading-devices |archive-date=29 May 2010}}</ref>

===Aircraft===
{{Main|Honda HA-420 HondaJet}}

Honda has also pioneered new technology in its HA-420 HondaJet, manufactured by its subsidiary [[Honda Aircraft Company]], which allows new levels of reduced drag, increased aerodynamics and fuel efficiency thus reducing operating costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hondajet.com/news/article?articleType=pressrelease&categoryType=784d4724-4acc-401d-b36a-0c5110c4f5cd|title=Honda Aircraft Company Receives FAA Production Certificate|website=www.hondajet.com|access-date=8 February 2018|archive-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209182311/https://www.hondajet.com/news/article?articleType=pressrelease&categoryType=784d4724-4acc-401d-b36a-0c5110c4f5cd|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Mountain bikes===
{{See also|Honda RN-01 G-cross}}

Honda has also built a [[Downhill mountain biking|downhill racing bicycle]] known as the Honda RN-01. It is not available for sale to the public. The bike has a [[gearbox bicycle|gearbox]], which replaces the standard [[Derailleur gears|derailleur]] found on most bikes.

Honda has hired several people to pilot the bike, among them [[Greg Minnaar]]. The team is known as Team G Cross Honda.