In 1959 Honda established a US subsidiary. They wouldn’t sell cars for another decade, but at the time they moved plenty of motorcycles. Now, a half century later, they’re the second best selling Japanese brand in America.
On New Year’s Day 2009, Honda sent a 50-foot robot to destroy all humans kick off its 50th anniversary year at the Rose Bowl Parade. Today, they released this logo accompanied by not much else in terms of info.
We’re hesitant to get too excited about what this birthday party may entail, because with the state of the auto industry right now, Honda probably can’t afford much celebrating. It’s already pulled out of F1 and killed the next NSX. Earlier this week, plans for future rear-wheel-drive models like V8 luxury sedans and an S2000 successor were rumored to have been axed as well. But then another rumor said at least some of those projects were on again. Only time will tell, but even if Honda isn’t quitting enthusiast cars old turkey, we’ve been disappointed before.
It kind of sucks to start what should be a momentous year in such a downer mood, so we hope that we’re proven wrong. Happy anniversary, Honda!
EK (civic) hatchback, is my current fave.
Thank You, Honda.
Happy 50 th.
Looking forward to the next 50! Happy 50th Honda!!
Happy 50th anniversary for Honda. I am a Toyota and Rotary fan but my hat off for HONDA CARS. I do like Hondas too.
I’ve been consistently disappointed with Honda since 1992, when the CRX was discontinued in favor of the heavy, bloated, less utilitarian Del Sol. There is such a huge space for a classy car right now (try to name a car priced under $50k that was produced since 2000 that had CLASS) and nobody seems willing to step up to the plate.
In regards to your disappointed link that claims Toyota did nothing to acknowledge their 50th in the US, thats not 100 percent true. There is this…
http://toyota50th.com/index.htm
I talked to the lady who runs the museum before the 50th and they were trying to put together a site with interiews of long time owners and such but it appears this site is all that came out of it. And its mostly info about their musuem in Long Beach and the cars they have there. Great museum though, highly recomend visiting it if you ever get a chance.
hmmm, a quick google search turns up a link saying they threw a private dealers anniversary party with Aerosmith playing for them too among others lol.