2003
- Honda's Civic Hybrid becomes the first-ever hybrid vehicle to be certified as an AT-PZEV by the California's Air Resources Board (CARB).Every 2003 Honda model achieves Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status or better. Honda has the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rating among the 10 major automakers and holds four of the top five positions in the EPA fuel economy guide.
2002
- The Civic Hybrid is introduced as the first application of hybrid technology to an existing production car.
- The Honda FCX becomes the first and only hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle to receive both Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CARB certification for regular commercial use.
- The City of Los Angeles begins a lease program for five Honda FCX vehicles, the world's first commercial application of a fuel cell vehicle.
- Honda models earn four of the top five places in the Department of Energy's list of the most fuel efficient cars in America, with Insight number one.
- The all-new 2003 Pilot SUV debuts as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), constructed with 90 percent recyclable components.
2001
- Five Honda production vehicles earn three design trophies and 26 performance awards to top the three-day North American 2001 Michelin Challenge Bibendum.
- The Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicle becomes the first car ever certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) by the CARB.
- The first solar powered hydrogen production and fueling station in Southern California opens at Honda R&D Americas headquarters in Torrance, California, as part of Honda's fuel cell technology and infrastructure development.
- Honda purchases a stake in natural gas refueling system manufacturer FuelMaker Corp.
2000
- The Civic ULEV is introduced, the first mass-market vehicle sold nationwide as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.
1999
- The Accord is the first vehicle to gain CARB Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California.
- Honda's Insight debuts as the first gasoline-electric hybrid car sold in the United States, achieving the highest EPA fuel economy rating ever and SULEV status (continuously variable transmission, ULEV with manual transmission).
- Fuel cell prototype vehicles FCX-V1 and FCX-V2 are introduced.
- Honda begins the "Intellishare" Intelligent Community Vehicle System at the University of California-Riverside using Honda's EV PLUS electric vehicles.
- Honda announces next generation 4-cylinder i-VTEC engines offering new levels of high fuel economy, low emissions, and outstanding performance.
1998
- The Accord is the first vehicle to earn CARB certification as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV)
- The compressed natural gas Civic GX debuts as the cleanest internal combustion engine vehicle ever tested by EPA.
1997
- Honda's EV Plus, showcasing the first application of advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries in an electric vehicle, goes on sale in California.
- The Accord becomes the first gasoline-powered vehicle to gain ULEV certification in California.
- Civic and Accord LEV sales begin in all 50 states.
1996
- The Honda Dream solar car breaks speed and time records at the World Solar Challenge in Australia.
1995
- The Civic is the first gasoline-powered vehicle to gain LEV certification in California.
- EPA releases 1996 fuel economy rankings that include four Honda models in the Top 10.