Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Excellent commuter vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MSletten - February 28 - 11:26 am

  If you want a fun, stylish commuter thats thrifty at the pump, this is your car. So far Ive averaged 32 mpg (measured by me) despite having nearly 170 hp on tap--a magnificent engineering feat by Honda! My perception of 4 cyl engines is forever changed. This is a quiet, comfortable, fun, economical and FAST car. Dont get the 4 cyl engine for your teenager thinking itll keep him/her out of trouble! The five-speed shifter is butter-smooth, and with a hyraulically-assisted clutch makes putting the 170 ponies on the ground an enjoyable endeavor. And for the icing; airbags all around-- head, side and front. Im very pleased with this vehicle!

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  Safe and Sound - 2007 Honda Accord
  By J5F - February 28 - 6:13 am

  I purchased this car 7 months ago and now I have about 6500 miles on it. I travel mostly around town with the AC on. This is a reliable, well built, and comfortable car. Im glad I bought this model with the 6 cyl as it has good acceleration and a very quiet engine, plus the SE model no longer is available in the V-6. I dont need a sunroof or auto climate control and it is not any big deal to have manual seats. Now the V6 is std. with all that and it jacks the price up close to an extra $3,000. But is does have stablility control, traction control and the luxury of the V6, which I really like. Really, this is a great used car buy too.

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  "Si" - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Honda SI 2006 - February 27 - 7:16 am

  I purchased my 2006 "Si" 1/07/2006. It is the crystal "gray" color which to me looks more of a "green" color. Off the lot we drove it over 600 miles (very conservatively) What a fighter Jet!

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  Great car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By KimmyT - February 26 - 11:53 pm

  I have only had this car for a couple of days, but I LOVE it. Fun to drive, sporty, great turn radius, and awesome visibility. Its a great time to buy. It was a steal at only $17,816.

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  5th Gen lude, Honda hits another homer! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Chris - February 26 - 6:13 pm

  I owned an 87 Prelude that was tons of fun, drove several friends 3rd and 4th gens, and this week finally got behind the wheel of a 5th Gen... my own :) I just picked it up last week and the first time behind the wheel i was instantly grinning over that classic prelude feel. My car has 139000 miles on it and seems to run and handle like the day it rolled off the line. The styling has caught my eye everytime Ive seen one for the past 10 years, but with other car projects always in the works, I never had an opportunity to buy one. Better late than never tho, at least now I get a chance to enjoy what Ive been missing! Great looks, great handling, great power! Too bad its the end of an era

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  This Van is Awesome - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By D.W. - February 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love the feel of the Odyssey. It has so much room but it feels like your driving an accord. We looked at the Toyota Sienna, and it did have some good points, but for the price and the options you get, the Odyssey won hands down. My 5 year old loves it too!

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  Great CrossOver Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By YonipNoTolip - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Used to have a Dodge G. Caravan and traded it with the 04 Pilot. No regrets!!! We love the ride & comfort. My 2 yr. old like to ride it always. Long drive??? No problem, very smooth ride, like a luxury car. I would surely recommend to anyone looking for a crossover vehicle. Never buy again Dodge vehicles they have a lot of problems.

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  Another Great Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jabraza - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the car for a couple of weeks but the more I drive it the more I love it. The ride is so quiet and smooth. My wife is very short but she has no problem with the pedals or controls. We live in Las Vegas and the air is fantastic. I absolutely love the car. I would buy it all over again.

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  Id do it again - 2001 Honda Accord
  By mrkdrv - February 25 - 9:02 pm

  I have owned this car for three years and have had no problems. I bought it with just under 20K miles and have not hit 50k yet so I am definitely not beating it. I would buy this car again. Not everyone that owns a Honda will be problem free but you have to like your chances.

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  Best car for the money - 1998 Honda Civic
  By mark v. - February 25 - 8:00 pm

  Though the 1.6 litre engine is not as good as the newer 35 m.p.g. civics it still delivers a good 25-30 m.p.g. While maintaning enough power to deliver high altitude performance at even 15000 feet above sea level. That said however stay away from cheaper low grade corn based alchohol fuels they can cut fuel efficiency by one-third so you refuel more often and you will spend more hard earned $ in the long run.