The N600 was introduced to the United States as the 600 Sedan in 1969 as a 1970 model, the first Honda automobile to be officially exported to the U.S by the Honda Motor Company (a small number of S600 sports cars had been imported privately in years prior). Originally conceived as a model for the Japanese market, sales were initially limited to Hawaii, but cars were soon exported to the U.S. west coast by 1970.
This was Honda's first step into the U.S. automobile industry and helped the company begin automobile sales with a network of 58 dealers. Honda sold just more than 34,000 of the little N600 from 1970 to 1972. In 1970, the N600 had an MSRP of just $1,395.
Th diminutive N600 was tiny on the outside, yet surprisingly roomy inside—a hallmark of future Honda vehicles. It was dwarfed in size by the typical vehicles traveling American roads. At 122 inches in length, the little N600 could fit between the wheels of some full-size vehicles in America, which measured up to 225 inches in length.
The N600 was technologically advanced for its time, with an 2-cylinder, four stroke all-alloy air-cooled engine that could achieve 9000 rpm. Peak output was 45 hp, capable of propelling the car to a top speed of about 75 mph and delivering up to 40 mpg.
The N600 delivered surprisingly peppy performance because of its ultra-compact dimensions and light wight (about 1,220 lbs.). It also sported front disc brakes (rare at the time, especially on low-cost cars) with servo assistance. Independent front suspension and a solid beam rear axle with leaf springs helped keep things simple and light.
