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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  A Happy Little Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By J. T. - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded in Cadillac STS for this little jewel. A Cadillac it is not, but the steering is precise and it corners beautifully and I actually prefer the Civics firm ride. Fit and finish are excellent. Its power is adequate for the mountainous terrain here and the gas mileage (always 48 mpg or better) makes you smile as you pass the gas stations.Besides that, the car is just FUN to drive. I can find no fault with the car!

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  Love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Kimi - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the first time I ran it up through the gears: the steering is tight, the gear pattern is tight, the suspension is tight and feels right with the rest of it. Sporty feel. Gas mileage is better than stated: were getting 27-28 city, 32-35 highway. And those highway miles are at well over the speed limit. Plenty of power for passing up-hill. Stable at speed and doesnt get blown around by trucks.

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  cool - 2004 Honda Civic
  By stolncreations - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Hondas run forever! The gas is great and you pay less for more!!

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  Slight disappointment - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sorges86 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first honda. I bought the car primarily based on Hondas reputation for reliability. Since purchase, I have had one repetitive minor, though very annoying problem. The dashboard creaks and squeaks terribly on bumpy surfaces. I have had it back to the dealer three times, and they have been unable to repair the defect. For a top-of-the line model, I didnt expect this type of situation.

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  My Dream Came True - 2002 Honda S2000
  By SoonerEd - September 15 - 3:15 am

  Since my high school days (many years ago) I have always wanted a sports car. For one reason or another I never got one. I retired two years ago and last month I purchased an 02 S2000. I think I have died and gone to heaven. It is a blast. It gets a lot of looks. I realize I have not had it very long but plan to come back to this site in a year and write a glowing report. It fits my needs perfectly. I was not sure about the Suzuka blue at first but it is growing on me. Impractical for everyday perhaps but for a fun car it is great.

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  Follow up on "Hissy" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Lacy - September 14 - 11:10 pm

  Since initial review almost 4 months ago, "Hissy" continues to perform flawlessly. Not even a rattle. My wife is wheelchair bound and loves the easy front passenger access and egress. The hand grip situated near the top of each door is perfect for proper seating assistance. The hatchback rear allows for perfect wheelchair placement by using a bungee cord attached to standard equipped stowage hooks to prevent rolling with the magic seats UP. You could haul enough $100 bills to bail out both Chrysler and GM with the magic seats down. This FIT is the totally stripped down, least expensive FIT made. The only add-on is mud flaps. $15K for adequately equipped reliability is a bargain!!!!

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  Going Japanese - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Marcia - September 14 - 9:56 pm

  I always had Chevy. I was lucky with them, but the prices, the quality are not the same. I love my new Honda. Everything about it. Just have to be careful, because when I look the speed is more than the limit.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By happy with Accord - September 14 - 9:33 am

  This is the best car I heve ever owned. Very reliable, tight steering, safe for accidents, smooth fast engine, good gas mileage for 240 horsepower. I drive a unusual amount of miles and it is a pleasure in this car.

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  Finally--One to Keep - 2005 Honda S2000
  By LouisM - September 14 - 9:17 am

  This is hands down the most fun car I have ever owned. Gorgeous styling--and, no, it cannot be mistaken for a Miata-- terrific handling, one of the sexiest engine notes imaginable (especially post 6200 rpm), high performance gearbox and shifter, incredibly precise handling/cornering, Honda reliability, a 30k price tag, plus the fact that you see relatively few of them on the road make this a most desirable car. I love it when, as it often does, people ask at lights or at the gas station what Im driving. To a person they say they never heard of the s2000 and that they love the looks. I have to agree with them. I will be keeping this one a long, long time.

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  im getting another one! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jayw - September 14 - 2:00 am

  i leased a 2001 s2000 and am planning to get another! i just drove a 2004 and dont know if the power is improved or not. overall, this is a great car! i love that there arent many of these on the road. for the $$, its the best buy out there in the covertable market.