On this day in 2007 the 6 millionth Honda Civic produced in North America. The small, fuel efficient first-generation Honda Civic arrived an opportune time, during the oil crisis of the early 1970s. The subcompact, two-door model, made its debut in July 1972, followed by a three-door version two months later. In Japan the car won Car of the Year three years in a row starting the year it debuted.
In Canada the Civic became the best-selling import car for 28 consecutive months between 1976 and 1978. By July 2007, when the 6 millionth North American Civic rolled out of the plant, Honda was operating 12 manufacturing plants and employed upwards of 30,000 people in North America. More than 75 percent of all Honda vehicles, including its Acura division, sold in North America are produced and assembled locally. Pictured: 2007 Honda Civic