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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  PERFECT CAR FOR SINGLE PARENTS - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sunameb - December 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE PERFECT CAR FOR SINGLE PARENTS..IT IS GREAT ON GAS.

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  Best car driven to date - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Johnnie - December 27 - 12:23 am

  Bought this car for my wife and havent stopped driving it. It is definitely a step up from the Ex model civic with lots of extra power. The seats hug your back with comfort while it handles with ease. Feels faster than the Mazda 3 and accelerates harder also. For the price you cant beat it. This car seats my family of 4 comfortably and is excellent on gas. One day Ill let my wife drive it.

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  nice and economical - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Adam - December 26 - 7:36 pm

  Have had the car for about a month now. Seats are comfortable and the dual temp control is a nice feature. XM radio is a great addition. For the difference in price between leather seats or cloth seats, and all the extra goodies you get with leather seats, cant imagine why anyone would get an EX without leather. I get about 29 MPG with 1500 miles on the engine. The car accelerates adequately and is quiet at highway speeds. Suspension is a bit stiff, but is acceptable. This car is very easy to start and shift. Would be a great car to learn stick shift on.

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  4-cyl with a kick - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Vic - December 26 - 5:06 pm

  Now that I have 3k miles on the car, I want to share my experience. I have a LX-S 4cyl model, in white. After the first month of ownership, I took the car for a weekend trip to central coast, CA (est. 600 miles). For a 4cyl, it has excellent acceleration (kinda reminded me of my 2002 Lexus IS, but not quite). It is very roomy and very stylist. The ride is a bit rougher than the Camry. The seats are a bit uncomfortable. Mechanic is good. Steering wheel does not vibrate like other 4cyl. Fuel to power ratio is excellent, maybe the best in its class. It would be much more fun to drive, if it had rear-wheel drive.

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  Prelude=Spectacular - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By J23erbs - December 26 - 12:16 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It does exactly what I need it to do and then some. The performance is truly a reflection of Hondas brilliance and the engine is one of the best honda has ever put into production.The h22 is just remarkable. It revs so freely (not like a wankel engine though)and it displays remarkable durability.The car is also built with exceptionally well build quality. The Prelude, like all Hondas, can withstand lots of abuse and still run like a charm. I would highly reccomend it to anyone, unless you want to use it as a family car because the back seats are lacking space, but if your like me you didnt buy the car for back seat room.

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  Overall good buy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Robert - December 26 - 11:23 am

  I bought my Fit to replace my pickup truck as a commuter vehicle. So far, it rides smooth for a small car, and its a fun drive. My lowest gas mileage was about 30, and the highest was 45. Ive avereged 35 on mixed city and interstate driving. The sound system is good for CDs, but FM reception is relatively poor. Seats are more comfortable that I expected for a small car. Visibility is excellent it feels like youre sitting higher than you really are. I love the large, flat front window, but the back window gets dirty a lot from slush blowing upward from the back tires. When on low-beam, the front lights are set too low, so it is hard to anticipate road hazards or read signs

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Car Critic - December 26 - 10:38 am

  The Honda Accord is the best car in its class. It takes the bumps like a sports car. The pickup is smooth and quiet. This car makes the BMW 3 Series look like the pile of junk that it is! This has got to be the best value of any car on the road.

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  Excellent Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By soilys - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car has been extremely reliable. It has never had any real problems.

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  Thank God I bought this car !! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By kaio - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Only maintenance and tire change over the past 3 years.

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  Best minivan money can buy - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By htown - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Awesome engine and loads of comfortable space. "King of the minivans"