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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  gotta love it - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Suzette - July 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years and I still love driving it. the V tech thrills me every time it kicks in. And the responsive handling is fun on winding roads. I love this little jem.

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  Beccas Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Rebecca - July 29 - 10:54 pm

  I have had many cars including an Accord. This is the best car by far than any other.

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  V6 coupe better than any domestic by far - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jon - July 29 - 6:43 pm

  With gas prices so high Id get the V4 instead but the V6 can keep up with any domestic coupe. The ride quality is outstanding and as always its very reliable. Get the recalled transmission fixed (free at Honda) and the performance and already smooth ride improves. This is my 3rd Accord in a row and until they disappoint me Ill keep on getting them.

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  Happy with Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By John Strassel - July 29 - 10:50 am

  Great SUV. Fun to drive, lots of room, good looking.

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BillandLinda - July 29 - 9:33 am

  Brakes are excellent. Paint chips easily. 34 mpg mixed driving, and 36 mpg highway. Tires have wonderful dry and wet traction, but they take bumps harshly. Needs a little more oomph when merging onto interstate. No noticable body lean. Almost 15000 miles on car. No problems with trunk, except gap a smidgen larger on one side. Thought the speedometer would have been a distraction while driving, but it is not. I see well over it, even though Im 55.

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  only 65 miles on OD - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By tc - July 29 - 7:03 am

  Its a great vehicle, and the coolest minivan I could find. Clearly the industry leader, but Ill admit I did not look closely at Toyota. I like Hondas, my 2000 Accord LX has been trouble free through 65K. Plan to keep the Ody for 10 years. I wish there were more color choices with a tan interior (a must for us). Just knowing I could blast to 60 in 7.4 seconds is great, though not planning to test that limit until I have at least 500 miles on the OD.

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  Its a very, very good little car. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Roma - July 28 - 2:00 pm

  Ive been driving a lot for about two and a half years. I love it. Never had a single problem with it. Never! After you get rid off your junks and buy smth. descent - you appreciate it much more. So, on a highway it gets 40mpg if I set it on cruise controlit at 72mph. In the city it gets about 32 mph. DX starts off much faster and stronger, but the EX is better on highways. When I drive more than 200 miles I start getting tired in the seat, but up to an hour driving - its excellent. I would recommend it to anybody who wants reliability and a gas sipper. (Used to put gas into Crown Vic...). I wish I had more power, but again, you wont get the mileage you count on. Its a good car.

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  start of a trend - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jen - July 28 - 12:11 pm

  I LOVE my car! V6 is v. smooth/ great pick up. Had it over 4years & have replaced a faulty dashlight & recently the altenator. B/c I do all service w/my dealer I was given "goodwill credit" & paid only for labor/they pd. for the part. I saved over $200.00! I WILL buy another honda. No troubles in the NH winter, love the climate control. Acceleration is v. smooth, dash layout is v. ergonomic. I recommend this car to anyone looking for reliability, safety & an all around great car.

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  Everythings Great But The Radio - 2004 Honda Civic
  By MLA - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. Around LA, I get 37-43 MPG, and no less than 35MPG in around-town driving. I have only one complaint--after years of driving Hondas main line Acura Legend, I was not expecting this Hybrid to have such a crummy sounding radio. It sounds quite "tinny". I replaced the speakers, but the radio needs to be upgraded as well. They should off er an option going in to get their better quality radio/CD player. Fix this one problem (or wait and buy the Accord Hybrid when it comes out this fall, which should have better quality equipment) and one should reach driving nirvana.

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  Hybrid Honda is terrific - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Evans,Blair - July 28 - 10:00 am

  We thought we were going to purchase the Toyota Prius, but were not pleased with the dashboard configuration. We then decided on the Honda Civic Hybrid and are extremely pleased. We discuss each morning over who will get to drive it; the one going the most miles wins. We are very pleased with our purchase.