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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  Wow, what a car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TheIcon - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I am glad I spent the extra money on the V6. This car is fun to drive. Am glad w/ my decisions.

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  Accord = value - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ZGuy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 6cyl. LX rather than the 4 because of availability of a power seat, which I need for a serious medical problem. Anyway, I love the 6 as it gives amazing zip on regular fuel and 30 mpg on the highway. The ride and handling are smooth, but one can "feel" the road. The interior is laid out beautifully and erogonomically perfect. I like the stereo/cruise controls on the steering wheel. I got it below wholesale < well below invoice> and they threw in tint, splash guards and a 5yr/60K mile power train extended warranty. The only warranty work needed now is a rattle on the passenger side.

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  A great first car for teenagers - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Drew - October 2 - 9:40 am

  This is my first car that my parents bought for me as a graduation gift. I couldnt be any happier with it! I average around 30 miles per gallon and it only costs around $30 dollars to completely fuel over here in SoCal. The leather still looks very nice after 10 years and the interior has a timeless design. The 4 cylinder engine has just enough pep for most people and the revs sound great at higher RPMs. I do enjoy speed though and wish it had a V6 but Ill just wait for that when I can buy a car on my own. The exterior design is also nice. I still get comments from friends guessing that it looks a few years newer because of its design. I also really enjoy the hydraulic power steering on this car over the new cars that have electronic power steering. Theres much more weight to the wheel when turning and it feels better tuned for a more natural drive. One complaint I have is that there is no AUX input to play music from my Ipod. Come on Honda, you already have a factory radio that is AUX ready! If youre on a budget but want a reliable and somewhat luxurious car, I would definitely look at this and this is 10 years after it was released!

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  Best decision I ever made - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Tia - October 1 - 8:04 pm

  Best decision I ever made - My husband races off road KTM Motorcycles and after I introduced him to this baby - lets just say, its hard to keep him out of the drivers seat.

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  2 words: fun and quality. Love it! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JJ - October 1 - 4:58 pm

  Overall feeling of solidity. Amazing seats. Great trunk space (golf clubs or weekly groceries for 3-4 people). Convertible top fast (unlike 350Z) and both latches can be locked/unlocked with one hand. Front end wont scrape (driveways) if careful-nice surprise considering how low car is. Can buy near/ under $30K if you play email game with dealerships. Lively & exciting ride at highway speeds. Excellent seat/pedal/shifter/gauge relationship (Im 62", fit perfectly & can see 100% of gauge cluster-amazing job Honda!). Xenon headlights great at night. Beautiful high-quality interior. Very nice ignition key. High-strung & more race car-like compared to relaxed/pampering Boxster.

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  Awesome car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By vidyasagar ponnam - September 30 - 10:42 pm

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  This car is fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MartyB - September 30 - 6:33 pm

  Ive had some fun cars in my life including a couple of bimmers and a 911SC, but this one takes the cake for pure fun. Like a horse on its way back to the stable, this car seems to be happy doing whatever it does. I bought it for its practicality (load capacity is great for a car with so small a footprint plus mid 30s fuel consumption), so the fun is a bonus. One problem, my wife loves it too, so we have to split its duty while the Passat wagon stays home. She wants to sell the Passat and maybe put another Fit on the driveway. I wont argue.

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  A Dream To Drive except for mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Minnesota Honda - September 30 - 4:26 pm

  This is my sixth Honda and my fifth new EX-L. I had a 2003 EX-L 4 cylinder so that got a consistent 28-30 mpg in town and over 35mpg on the highway. I drove from Minneapolis to Chicago and still had a titch under a quarter tank of gas left. The 2008 is getting anywhere from 18 to 23 mpg in town (a big difference at $3 per gallon) but Im still seeing about 31 mpg on the highway. The reason? Simple physics. The car is heavier and theres 30 more horses to feed. Still, I think Honda should have considered MPG efficiency although I am a bit spoiled by the 2003. The 2008 is a work of art. Driving is magnificent. The trade-off is a bit lower mileage but still better than most out there.

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  Awesome Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By jrios80 - September 30 - 3:58 am

  My 2000 Accord hs been one of the best cars I have ever owned. I guess lot has to do with my Accord being one of the few thats made in Japan

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Stephen - September 30 - 3:10 am

  Loving it so far. Amazing room, great build quality at this price point. Does not feel like an "entry-level" car at all. Getting great MPG and is great handling and fun to drive.