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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  best car out there - 2004 Honda Accord
  By robby - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Trust once you drive and feel the HP of ths car you will fall in love with it. The price is cheap and it is dependible

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  Great Car!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Susana - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car last January and absolutely love it. Its a very smooth ride, always reliable not to mention very sleek both exterior and interior. Also, the Honda service and parts people are very helpful...good service!

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  Good Buy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SEnglebardt - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After a bad experience with a Saturn, we took our car service mans advice and went for a Honda. So far its lived up to all expectations -- with some extra luxuries thrown in. For instance: great sound system, six CD player, heated leather seats and quick start heating system. Only negative: it could use a rear windown wicper.

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  Wonderful piece of machinery... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By monkshac - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The Accord is truly an overachiever and provides you with the amenenities and performance of a $35k+ automobile (i.e. the Acura TL that Id almost bought before I decided to test drive the Accord). The 6 cyl. is absolutely necessary for anyone interested in not being a turtle. The nav system performs remarkably well and the new voice controls are very accurate and provide control over the majority of the cars features, all without forcing you to take your eyes from the road. (This becomes very important as the Accord likes to move as an Ohio State Trooper pointed out before Id even managed to shed my temporary tags.)

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  Awesome! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lo - August 7 - 11:20 pm

  It rides so smooth, and it picks up pretty fast. I drive it to commute to college and i deliver pizzas in it and i still only fill up my tank once a week between 35-40 bucks! And the sound sytem bumps!

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By SL - August 7 - 11:16 pm

  This is a great vehicle for the price. I had a 2003 Acura TL and the 2006 Accord - EX-L is nicer. This is my 9th Honda product and the price is great for all you get.

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  The best suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By robert adochio - August 7 - 12:41 pm

  i initially considered toyota highlander,lexus 300,4 runner, envoy and acura mdx. thought the acura was the best. this car is the mdx for $10,000 less.after 80,000 mi. i couldnt be happier. reliable, comfortable and fast. (kept up with my boxter in acceleration with my wife driving). ive replaced the tires and brake pads, the inside front door handles and changed the oil, thats all the maintenance. not a squeak from the interior and it pulled me out of a 31 inch snowfall in 4 whl low.i will buy this model again.

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  We are a Honda family - 2003 Honda Accord
  By billie kasper - August 7 - 12:01 pm

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  07 to 09 Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By judi - August 7 - 10:36 am

  I had an 07 Fit and was very happy, but there were some design flaws - front window and seating. I recently purchased 09 sport with navi and am IN LOVE. The difference is like comparing a real car to a toy, not that the 07 was bad, its just the way of all cars, 2nd gen is better than the first. Also, the car talks - how cool is that?

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  Wouldnt have any other! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - August 7 - 10:13 am

  This is my first Honda, and I see where the hype for these Japanese cars comes from! It is so well built, the quality is amazing. From the way the doors close, to the way the fan speed knob snicks through its detents so smoothly, this car "oozes" quality craftmanship. The engine has plenty of go-power (0-60 in 8.0 sec according to Motor Trend), and the fuel economy has been great. After 4,300 miles, I have averaged 37 mpg, with a good bit of 75 MPH highway driving. In town, I usually get around 30 mpg, not shabby at all! There is more room in the back seat than my old Maxima! The trunk is a bit smaller, but still has plenty of room for all one will need.