Johnson was founded in 1922 by two brothers, Lou and Julius Johnson, in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. The pair initially started out with outboard manufacturing after being inspired by some existing designs and set on to improve them. In the same year, they built a prototype and tried it on an aluminium boat. The boat was not a success and tweaked the design towards subsequent models. Over the years, Johnson saw tremendous growth and expand its reach to global consumers, introducing a range of top-quality boats renowned for their durability and innovative design.
In 1935, Johnson was acquired by Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), one of the world's largest outboard motor, boat, and boating accessory companies that changed the company's trajectory. OMC provided the necessary resources for Johnson to develop and manufacture more sophisticated motor engines. Through the years, Johnson continued to be a leader in the manufacturing of high-quality outboard motors. Despite facing challenging economic conditions and stiff competition, they were able to keep up and constantly adapted to market changes.
As of today, Johnson is under the umbrella of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), a Canadian company known for creating diverse products related to the marine industry. The move occurred in 2001 when OMC filed for bankruptcy and its assets were bought by BRP. Although BRP decided to discontinue the production of Johnson outboard motors in 2007 to focus on other renowned brands on their portfolio, Johnson's legacy continues to thrive. It remains a household name in the marine industry and is celebrated for its vast contribution to the evolution of boats and outboard motors. The technological advancements and design innovations fostered by Johnson profoundly shaped the sector, making boating more efficient, reliable, and enjoyable than ever before.