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Honda

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes which it still continues to do today. Japan had been rendered cash poor and petrol-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation in the mist of economic depression and fuel charges.

The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph which was great for the era, and offered a steel frame as well as front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time and were causing havoc in the affordable market.

By the early 1960s, the Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it imported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S market. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest in American buyers because of the countries‘ troubled history caused by WW11, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car offered larger dimensions than Honda's previous models even though it was still relatively petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. Its models were described as ’bullet-proof’ and ’very reliable’. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car.

Today their line-up has moved with the time and includes fuel-sipping hybrids, spacious minivans, reliable family sedans, rugged SUVs and even a pickup. The manufacturer is a standard-bearer in many segments; models like the Civic and the Accord are considered benchmarks in their respective classes and continue to be manufactured year after year and given warm welcome in almost all markets.