Honda began producing three-wheeled vehicles in 1971, starting with the ATC90, the company's first mass-market three-wheeled ATV. The program expanded through the 1970s and 1980s and was scaled back in the late 1980s.
Origins of Honda's three-wheelers
The introduction of three-wheeled ATVs, known as All-Terrain Cycles (ATCs), marked a new category in off-road transport for Honda. These machines were designed for light-duty recreation and farm work, offering a simpler, more approachable platform than early four-wheeled designs.
Over the next two decades, Honda built a broad lineup of ATCs that defined the era and helped popularize three-wheelers in many markets. The trajectory set by these early models shaped off-road riding for a generation.
The following timeline highlights the key milestones in Honda's early roll-out of three-wheeled ATVs.
- 1971 — Honda introduces the ATC90, its first three-wheeled ATV.
- Mid- to late-1970s — Expansion of the line with small-displacement models such as the ATC70 and ATC110.
- Early 1980s — Introduction of larger-displacement three-wheelers, including models like the ATC200 and ATC250SX (and later variants).
- Late 1980s — Growing safety concerns lead to reduced production of three-wheel ATVs in North America and other markets.
These milestones reflect Honda's pioneering role in the three-wheeler category and the eventual shift toward four-wheel designs as safety technology and consumer preferences evolved.
Notable models and legacy
Notable Honda three-wheeler models that populated the lineup over the years include a range of ATCs designed for different riders and uses. The list below highlights some of the best-known names in the era.
- ATC70
- ATC90
- ATC110
- ATC200
- ATC250SX
- ATC350X
These models helped define Honda's presence in the three-wheeler market, which remains a collectible niche today. By the end of the 1980s, the three-wheel design faced mounting safety scrutiny and Honda, along with other manufacturers, shifted emphasis toward four-wheeled ATVs and side-by-sides.
Current stance and ongoing legacy
Today, Hondas globally focus on four-wheeled ATVs and side-by-sides for recreational and utility use, with three-wheeled ATVs largely discontinued in production. The three-wheel era lives on in collectors' shops, vintage shows, and in the memories of riders who grew up with the ATC line.
Summary
In short, Honda's foray into three-wheeled ATVs began in 1971 with the ATC90, spanning a robust lineup through the 1970s and 1980s before later fading from production as safety concerns and market preferences shifted toward four-wheel designs. The legacy persists in enthusiast communities and in the historical record of off-road living.