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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  2001 Civic Sedan EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By aathorn - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Smooth & comfortable. Easy shifting, great brakes & 30-42 MPG.

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  Traded my S2000 for a Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kanop44 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  After my first 1000 miles I cant find anything I dont like about this car. Next month It will be loaded up with wife and 2 dogs for a road trip to Florida. It will be nice to pass by all those gas stations. This car could use a few more options, but Im not complaining. It is well equiped and Im adding an aftermarket navigation system and MP3 player. There is no sunroof option. Suddenly I have alot more uses for it than my S2000.

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  Best overall car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Kingenos - January 7 - 2:00 am

  We are very pleased with our new Accord. My wife never liked Hondas until she got behind the wheel of this one. Now she wont give it up.

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  2003 honda accord a winner! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dsssdddd - January 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is great. I had worried about buying a first year model car, but everything is flawless.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sarabelle - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda and so far I think its great!! It rides beautifully and has a great look and feel. I couldnt be more impressed. (Of course my previous cars were a Ford Escort and a Pontiac Sunfire.. so as you can see, it wouldnt be hard to impress me anyway.)

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  Cute and Sporty - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Johnny5 - January 6 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my 1991 Prelude from a friend who needed a bigger family car. He had it since he bought it new in 1991. The car is fun to drive and very responsive. I have the 4WS model and it corners very well. I love the body style of the 3rd gen. Preludes. It has 157,000 miles on it but still drives like it was new! These are getting harder and harder to find in good condition so I am glad I got one!

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  Excellent - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Victor - January 6 - 5:52 pm

  Its comfortable, and fun to drive, safe, reliable, and good looking. had a problem with the brake system but over all im happy with it. will definitely buy the 2007 model mine has 85000 now, so Ill keep it for another year or two, still runs like when I first bought it. no other mechanical or electrical problems.

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  Pilot-no problems - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sfisheriii - January 5 - 8:00 pm

  My wife drives the car the most, especially in town. I drive on the highway. While the gas mileage is low compared to a sedan, she feels that the in-out comfort and the high view the car affords her are wonderful. The engineers and designers have invested a lot of thinking into the interior design of the car and have come up with another winner. There was one small glitch involving shifting to a lower gear(automatic), but we figured it out.

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  Honda reliability - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Adrian P - January 5 - 7:00 pm

  A little noisy ride, good handling, good braking, nice interior and spacious, good gas mileage without the need to use premium gas. Honda engine may not be the best in class on gas mileage or the quietest but is one of the few who will go all day long at full throttle without giving up. Honda is for humble people who consider reliability and quality before performance. Being the best selling SUV on the market right now means people thrust Honda built.

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  excellent - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By tewey - January 5 - 1:00 am

  the best