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What year did Honda start power steering?



Early adoption of hydraulic power steering




  • 1969: First production power steering introduced on certain Honda models, with availability varying by market.

  • Early 1970s: Hydraulic power steering gradually expanded to additional models and regions.

  • Late 1970s: Honda refined the system and integrated it into more trims and markets.



Shift to electric power steering (EPS) and today




  • 1990s–2000s: EPS begins to appear on an increasing number of Honda models, starting with select platforms.

  • 2010s: EPS becomes common across the broader Honda lineup, contributing to fuel efficiency and weight savings.

  • Today: Most new Honda vehicles use EPS as standard on mainstream models; some markets and trims may still vary.



Summary


What year did power steering become standard?


Power steering became a standard feature on most cars in the late 1970s, particularly in the U.S. market, with its adoption on mass-market models becoming widespread by around 1975. While introduced earlier, it gradually moved from being an option on luxury vehicles to a necessary feature on more common cars as vehicle sizes increased. 

  • Early introduction: Power steering technology first appeared in the 1940s and became available on luxury models like Cadillac in the 1950s. 
  • Gradual adoption: By the 1960s, it was a common option or standard on most American-built vehicles. 
  • Standardization: By the mid-1970s, it became standard on most mass-market cars due to market demand and the increasing weight of vehicles, which made manual steering impractical. 



Does the Honda Pioneer 700 have power steering?


The Honda Pioneer 700 does have power steering, but it depends on the trim level and model year. The standard model does not come with power steering, while the Deluxe and Forest trim levels include Electric Power Steering (EPS).
 

  • Standard Model: Does not come with power steering. 
  • Deluxe Model: Includes power steering as a standard feature. 
  • Forest Model: Includes power steering as a standard feature, along with other upgrades like a winch and a larger bumper. 



When did Honda start using power steering?


2000
In 2000, the Honda S2000 Type V featured the first electric power variable gear ratio steering (VGS) system.



What car has power steering first?


The first car to feature power steering was the 1951 Chrysler Imperial, which introduced the "Hydraguide" system, marking the first time power steering was available on a production passenger car. While Francis W. Davis invented an early power steering system in 1926, it was Chrysler's 1951 model that commercialized the technology for the mass market.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of power steering: 35sLocust MotorWorksYouTube · Jun 21, 2024

  • Manufacturer: Chrysler
  • Year: 1951
  • Model: Chrysler Imperial
  • System Name: "Hydraguide" 


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.