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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  Honda Hit This One Out of the Park - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By 007 - July 21 - 1:00 am

  Only had CT for 2 days but LOVING IT! First Honda weve owned (prev Nissan/Toyota owners). After test driving the small Mercedes, Audi Q5, Lexus RX350, Venza, talked my husband in to looking at the CT. Sure glad we did, best decision we ever made. NO buyers remorse we love the car. If you are in the market for a new car. This one is a must to drive.

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  Great Car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Cheri - July 21 - 12:01 am

  Before my Honda I had two Chevy Berettas. They were money guzzlers (over $8000 not including purchase cost!). The only money Ive put into my Accord was for sway bar link and bearings (about $60 total) and a starter (about $150). Ill be spending about $500 more in a few weeks when the 105,000 maintainance comes up, but to me its well worth it. My Accord has always been reliable (I bought it used 3.5 years ago), cost efficient, and great on gas! (I laugh at those pulling up to the filling station in Suburbans and pickups :D). Im completely sold in imports thanks to this car. Thanks Honda!

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  WOW,WHAT A VAN!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By James B - July 20 - 3:26 pm

  Drives like a Dream. Great 0 to 70 for entering the Highway. Handles really good @ 80 even when it is windy. MPG around 16 city 24 Hw. Could be better but, MPG is @ the bottom of my list. Safety, build quality and quickness are more important. Truly the odyssey is the best all around Van/Car for the money. You can not go wrong with this van.

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  Replacement Vehicle - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Debbi - July 20 - 11:48 am

  Havent owned the car all that long but needed a replacement after an accident. The price was right and the maintenance was well recorded. I was impressed with the condition and how well it ran. I was concerned with the mileage but everyone and my research told me I would be fine. So far Im very happy. I find it to be reliable, its gone on road trips and gets great gas mileage. The tranny slips when cold but was also told thats a Honda thing, so u will be keeping an eye on it. For the year it was pretty fancy with extras back in its day. I am happy to be driving it around and feel really good about my purchase.

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  I Did Buy Two! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Snake - July 20 - 6:56 am

  Yup! I couldnt resist so we just picked up my, I repeat my, Accord this week. Even with all my previous complaining I added the Navigation option and I have to say it is very nice, but still overpriced. The Accord has a tremendous environment. I purposely take the long way to destinations. I notice that I now drive with a big smile on my face. What a car! I did test drive the coupe and found it too confining due to an almost 2" difference in headroom. I did not like the interior door moldings that covered the door controls. All in all, per Hondas website, the sedan has 19 advantages over the coupe so my decision was a no-brainer and I have never regretted my decision.

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  After 18 months, I still love it. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By karenellenrose - July 19 - 6:13 pm

  The Civic is a great car, fun to drive and comfortable. I use it for a long highway commute and am still very pleased. It feels solid and stable, has all the safety features. The dash is laid out beautifully and I love the speedometer over the steering wheel. The car is a little low in front (for cement barriers) and rear visibility for backing up could be better. Mileage is about whats expected (mid- 30s for highway). A nice little car. I highly recommend it.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Tiffany - July 19 - 5:14 pm

  This is the most awesome stab and steer car since the Corvette. Streamlined exterior with minimalist interior all goodies within a fingertip reach.Not good for a large/tall person. Short geared, high whiny rev. Access to gas tank cover in an odd place. However it is the perfect convertible-easy top and you cannot go wrong with Honda dependability.

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  s2000 2005 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ratrunner666 - July 19 - 5:03 pm

  An amazing vehicle, especially for the price. Ideal combination of performance, handling, and solid construction. What more could you want?

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  Awesome Car for $12500 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jay - July 19 - 8:56 am

  I got to say what a great little car for the money. You cant go wrong here with the Honda Civic VP, 5 speed. I guess for a 24 year old that car suites me quite nicely. I love the gas milage, the design of the vehicle, and the overall build quality of this vehicle. This is a basic car from point A to B, with nothing but A/C and a AM/FM CD Player. Car rides and drives great! MY GF loves the car! I sold the 2000 Tahoe I had due to the gas prices. I was spending almost a $100 a week in gas for the Tahoe, where as now I only spend about $30.00. This is a perfect car for a young adult, or someone young at heart

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  I LOVE IT!!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Honda#2 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second honda, the first 199K, Lord bless, this one will take me over 200K.