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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  Fun and safe to drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By szurow - November 14 - 11:07 pm

  It is very nice to drive and handles well. I feel safe and secure and my children enjoy the DVD feature.

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By karen - November 14 - 8:33 pm

  I ordered this coupe in October and it arrived 2 weeks ago. From the moment I pulled out of the dealers lot...wow...excellent power and pickup. Even thought the roads had some ice on them I just kept driving. Cornering is excellent, handles better than the BMW 328xi I was considering (too expensive with expensive repairs).Stablity control is apparent, shift is smooth although the gear box is small, as compared to the SUVs I was used to driving. Brakes are sensitive and feel secure, no drift, but occ steering torque is apparent with some up shifting.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jay - November 14 - 7:56 pm

  Ride is smooth, tight steering, a lot of car for your money, nothing like a Honda

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  No weaknesses - great fuel econ - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By zippy - November 14 - 12:43 pm

  recent trip from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh and back averaged 31 miles/gal with a 4wd vehicle. fun to drive and well balanced for power, econ, and functionality. Wow!

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  PUT IT ON DUBS - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DANNYMC - November 14 - 10:00 am

  VERY FUN TO DRIVE FAST, I OUT RAN A LEXUS GS300 2003.U MUST PUT DUBS ON IT BUY IT DONT LEASE IT ITS A KEEPER.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Keyster - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car to be my everyday useage vehicle. It is my 4th Honda and I see no reason why this car will not outperform the last 3 Hondas I have owned. It is much more refined, has a very powerful and responsive engine, and has many amenities that one has to pay extra for on a much more expensive car. I should know, I researched the competition (Altima & Camry). I also purchased a BMW 330i earlier this year which does not have all the features my Honda Accord EX V-6 lists as standard equipment. Overall you get a great deal at a very reasonable price with Honda reliablity and great resale value.

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  EX-V6 2-dr coupe Accord, 5M - 2003 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Coupe owner - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Replaces 1998 Accord 2-dr coupe EX- V6. Additional features (outside temp, telescoping steering wheel, collapsing outside mirrors, additional air bags, etc.)are a nice addition. 2003 has lots more pick-up, hands down. I like the body style of the 1998 better than the current style, it may have to grow on me. Overall, it is a nice, fun car.

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  Great Car / Terrible Dealership - 2003 Honda Accord
  By nyriz13 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I had the car almost 2 weeks and I am satisfied. Fuel economy seems a little lacks but maybe its my driving. Pick up is great. I got the front under spoiler and the deck lid and fogs and tints. Many compliments. The dealership has alot to be desired. Had to scream and fight to get the dealership to honor a written agreement for my purchase at invoice price.

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  best car ive owned! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By narek - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to have.

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  The Honda Civic Si Rocks! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Erik W - November 13 - 7:56 am

  I was in the market for a small sedan that that was fuel efficient, reliable, stylish, and would perform with some pep on the road. After doing some extensive research on-line (which included reading Consumer Reports, Edmunds, KBB,etc., I narrowed it down to the 1) Nissan Sentra 2) Mazda 3) Toyota Corolla, and 4) Honda Civic. After completing all of the test drives, the Civic Si was the hands down winner! The Civic fit and finish were best is class, the interior is well laid out and is both comfortable and stylish. The 6 speed manual transmission is smooth as silk and I am thrilled with the overall performance on both the city streets and the highway!