Initially, the engineers considered various configurations, from two wheels, to four wheels, and even six wheels with a variety of other components. After many design hours, the engineers settled on a vehicle with three wheels because it provided them with a configuration that was best suited for the vehicle as they saw it.

The very first Honda ATV was the US90. With a seven horsepower engine, a four-speed gearbox, and an automatic clutch, people could snap up this new kind of vehicle for around six hundred dollars. This 1970 model was mainly used by farmers because of its fat tire and capability of riding through sand and snow. However, by the end of 1970s, people started using the earlier Honda ATV models for recreational purposes.

In the early 1980s, the ATV started to really catch on and for both sports and work the ATV market went into a frenzied expansion. More and more farmers were also using the models designed for work purposes. The 1980s were dominated by the Honda ATC185, a powerful ATV with an automatic clutch, five speed gearbox, and a 180cc engine.

Honda was quick to adapt to the needs of the ATV sports users and in 1982 brought out the ATC200E. This was an awesome ATV for its time with a 192cc engine, and dual range 4 speed gearbox, that kicked out far more power than the farmer ATV variety. In 1984 Honda improved on the ATC200E by adding a reverse gear and they also put in a new drive chain that improved durability.

From 1980s onwards, Honda ATVs are used for racing everywhere from desert roads to frozen lakes all over America. Since Honda has been renowned for its high-performance vehicles that are fit for racing, their ATVs are no different.

During later years, Honda switched their ATV design from three wheels to four wheels for the even greater stability. They released a better version in four-wheel, allowing better suspension and a more powerful engine.

Honda ATVs are known to revolutionize the world of all-terrain vehicles for both sports and utility purposes. There are many Honda ATV models to suit the different tastes and needs of different consumers.