See also list of Honda transmissions for other Hondamatics

The Hondamatic (also called the H2) was Honda

Honda

is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...

's first automatic transmission

Automatic transmission

An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...

. It was produced from 1973 through 1979. The Hondamatic name is used on all automatic transmissions from Honda.

The original Hondamatic, like all following Honda automatics, featured sliding gears on parallel axes rather than planetary gears like most other automatic transmissions. The design is noteworthy because it preserves engine braking by eliminating a sprag between first and second gears. It also featured a unique shifting action controlled by stator torque rather than traditional hydraulics. The Honda torque converter

Torque converter

In modern usage, a torque converter is generally a type of hydrodynamic fluid coupling that is used to transfer rotating power from a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, to a rotating driven load...

 had a lockup, leading the company to sell the original Hondamatic (which had just two forward gear ratios) as a 3-speed. The true 3-speed H3 was launched in 1979.

Applications:

• 1973–1980 Honda Civic
  Honda Civic
  The Honda Civic is a line of subcompact and subsequently compact cars made and manufactured by Honda. The Civic, along with the Accord and Prelude, comprised Honda's vehicles sold in North America until the 1990s, when the model lineup was expanded...
  
  
• 1976–1979 Honda Accord
  Honda Accord
  The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
  
  
• 1979 Honda Prelude
  Honda Prelude
  The Honda Prelude was a sports coupe produced by Japanese automaker Honda from 1978 until 2001. It replaced the Honda S800, a front-engined, front wheel drive sports car...
  
  

Motorcycle

The Hondamatic was later used in Honda's 400, 450 and 750 cc motorcycle

Motorcycle

A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...

s. In this application, it is not a true automatic transmission. The rider must manually select one of the two gears, though Honda's torque converter means that no clutch

Clutch

A clutch is a mechanical device which provides for the transmission of power from one component to another...

ing is needed.

Applications:

• 1976-1978 CB750A
• 1978 Hawk CB400A Hondamatic
  Honda CB400
  The Honda CB400 Super Four is a continuation of the Honda CB400 four. It is an all-rounder bike, sporty and suitable for learner riders where the low weight and ease of handling can help build riding confidence and ability. ABS brakes are an option on later models...
  
  
• 1979-1981 CM400A Hondamatic
  Honda CM400
  The Honda CM series was a street bike precursor to the Honda Rebel series of motorcycles produced from 1979-1981. These bikes had a 395cc parallel twin engine that was air-cooled...
  
  
• 1982-1983 CM450A Hondamatic
  Honda CM450A
  The CM450A was a motorcycle made by Honda in 1982 and 1983. It was based on the CB400 and CM400 models , especially the CM400A Hondamatic . It had a 447cc SOHC parallel twin engine with two carburettors and a 2-speed transmission with a torque converter. It was not a full automatic, however,...
  
  

Scooter, ATV, and power equipment

Honda also applies the Hondamatic name to a hydraulic piston-based continuously variable transmission

Continuously variable transmission

A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios...

 used in motorscooters, all-terrain vehicle

All-terrain vehicle

An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...

s, and other types of power equipment.