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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  LOVE THE HONDA!!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MYOB - October 8 - 10:00 am

  We have just bought our EX CR-V about 1 month ago. It is great! It is everything we thought it would be. Very spacious in front and rear. Nice sleek design. Great for long trips. This is a great car we were comparing it to the Hyundai Sante Fe but we felt that this was a better choice and we were right!

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  Worth every penny - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bcm - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the best automible we have ever purchased. everything about it is great. we could not have made a better decesion. Thank you HONDA

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  80000 miles and no problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By hondaguy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The Accord just runs and runs. I really DRIVE this car and it is a performer. The engine is smooth, powerful and quite. The car actually rides smoother with the "V" rated Bridgestone than OEM so give them a go. Fuel economy? Hummm! I drive 80- 85 mph whenever possible, lots of stop and go traffic in Metro DC area. Brakes are fantastic and definitely use Honda replacement parts. Also the scoop makes the car look sexy.

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  80000 miles and no problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By HondaGuy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The Accord just runs and runs. I really DRIVE this car and it is a performer. The engine is smooth, powerful and quite. The car actually rides smoother with the "V" rated Bridgestone than OEM so give them a go. Fuel economy? Hummm! I drive 80- 85 mph whenever possible, lots of stop and go traffic in Metro DC area. Brakes are fantastic and definitely use Honda replacement parts. Also the scoop makes the car look sexy.

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  SI - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Monster Man - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Underrated. Fun to drive and reliable compared to its competitors

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  2003 Accord EX Sedan, 5 Speed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Officer_ndogg - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned. Build quality is unmatched. You feel like your driving a car that costs $30K but mine stickered for only $22K. Interior design and features are top notch, and I like the sporty exterior look. The 4-Cyl 5-Speed work very well together and there is plenty of power for most anyones needs (and no one minds 30+ mpg). The ride is supple and smooth and it handles much better than previous models. There is plenty of room inside and out and the back seat has more leg room than my dads Crown Vic. All of this with Hondas reputation for quality and reliability. Overall one of the best cars on the road for the money.

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  Silver S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Pat - October 8 - 9:41 am

  Bought this car as a birthday gift for myself in March 04. Had been reading about it and salivating over it since 1999. It is a truly wonderful car with a sexy classic appeal. I have pushed it to its limits cornering wise on several occassions. The back end will get loose if you are not careful. It is definitely a great handling car and I upgraded the tires to Bridgestone PSO2s to make it better. I plan to have this car forever and would take it to heaven with me if I could.....But I hear Angels can fly....:)

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  Cool Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dave92029 - October 8 - 7:36 am

  My Fit continues to exceed my expectations. Its lots of fun to drive because its quiet, peppy, and nimble. It does all this with more interior room and mots "full size" cars. My fuel economy exceeds the epa estimates after 3500 miles. Ive gotten over 40 mpg on a long trip to Las Vegas from San Diego. Im very happy with this car and cant believe how much car Honda gave me for the price.

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  Best minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Kayed - October 8 - 1:46 am

  This awesome minivan is comfortable, trouble free, and I know my family is safe when riding this vehicle. It has strong but quiet engine. My family enjoyed the Honda Odyssey 2001 and know we LOVE the Honda Odyssey 2005.

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  Bulletproof - 1993 Honda Civic
  By MisterC - October 7 - 10:08 pm

  Car keeps going and going. Fuel economy is not as good over the years but can has never let me down in 7 years. Body cant keep up with engine, will begin to rust especially behing the rear wheels (defect on many Honda models)