Who would have known that when the Hondels debuted their catchy little tune in 1965 that they were penning the hymn of a future automotive powerhouse? As they merrily sang the chorus to their ode to the zippy Honda motorcycle, appropriately named “Little Honda.” From that zippy little motorcycles — really more of a moped by todays standards — the company has evolved to incorporate everything from cars to trucks to lawnmowers.

Through the course of five decades (or thereabouts) Honda has come to dominate the U.S. automotive market. It’s position as the top Japanese manufacturer was usurped not by an American company, but by another Japanese company: Toyota. Regardless, Honda still maintains a tremendous amount of customer loyalty. They are celebrated for their longevity as much as their re-sale values. Ironically, owning a Honda is the closest equivalent most Americans have to older generation America cars that used to last “forever.”

This tremendous success is based on one major model of Honda: the mighty Accord. Marketed as the quintessential fuel-efficient car, the Accord enjoyed brisk sales during the oil-strapped Seventies. Introduced in 1976, it was not until the Energy Crisis of 1979 that sales began to skyrocket. The rest, as they say, is history. To date, the Honda Accord is in its eight generation of body style. This is a tremendous accomplishment for any automotive manufacturer.

Only Toyota can compare to Honda in terms of reliability and innovation. Indeed, the reputation of Honda automobile is founded on reliability. The company has always been quick to recall and replace any unforeseen flaws. Nearly fifty years after the fact, there are still some first generation Honda Accord still on the road. That is a testament to the engineering and commitment to reliability that have become hallmarks of Honda.

Pick a dealership — any dealership. This little company that could has weathered the winds of change to become the fourth largest automotive company in the world — and the second most popular in the United States. Minimal decor, friendly service and a dedication to customer service are all veritable trademarks of Honda. The inclusion of both new and used cars is further testament to the fact that Honda cars are indeed built to last and built to go fast.