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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  08 Civic EX-L - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Tom - June 23 - 8:43 am

  Great car. Went from a 97 Crown Vic P71 to this and love the gas mileage. Rides nice and is sporty looking. I am 62 and thought I would lose headroom with the sunroof but I did not. I fit very nice in it.

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  No regrets - 2007 Honda Accord
  By coryn - June 22 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first new new car and I love it. I went with the LX V6 because I dont care about leather seats and dual climate control and I couldnt be happier with my decision. Compared with the new Nissan coupe and the Solara, this car was far and away the best desicion.

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  2010 EXL-V6 Sedan is stupid comfortable - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Mort - June 22 - 9:46 pm

  My 2010 EXL-V6 Sedan is stupid comfortable, and there is no road noise to speak of, just quiet and nice. The seats are firm and they offer great support, and are super comfortable on long trips. Depends on what you want! VCM is seamless. Great passing power but quite economical considering its 271hp and a big car. The V6 Accord doesnt scream like a Maxima but it has all the power a person needs. Add to that sporty handling/feel, room, comfort, elegance and a well equipped Accord cannot be beat. I tested top of the line Maxima, Camry and Avalon. Had any measured up I would have bought one, but they did not.

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  1997 HX Coupe Manual - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Josh - June 22 - 8:00 pm

  I am the 2nd owner of this family car, and I love its reliability. It is not by any means a "performance" car however it is still very fun to drive and with 160,000 miles I am stil extremely happy, not to mention 40 mpg!

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  Whoa Nelly!!!! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Denn - June 22 - 4:42 am

  Im 58 and live in SoCal. The S2000 is the car that Ive been waiting for my entire life. Quick. Fast. Slick shifting. Tight steering. Incredible drift through curves. Fits me like a glove and the seats are totally supportive. Have blown my friends 350Z and Z4 off the lines by a mile. Who needs a top except in the rain??? I didnt buy a convertible to have the top up.

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  Great car, a pleasant surprise - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JTC335 - June 21 - 4:50 pm

  For a 4 cylinder sedan with an auto transmission I was amazed at how this thing goes. Its no supercar, but the acceleration is better than you would expect from a car like this. It also handles quite well for a car its weight. On the practical side, I have had no serious problems with this car. Nothing but standard maintainance and the passenger widow rattles a bit. Stereo is great.

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  2 much fun for the buck - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Kahuna - June 21 - 2:01 pm

  I spent a lot of time researching what sport car i was going to get. this one had everything i wanted and you cannot beat the performance for the price. the power top is quick and easy and the car is a complete blast to drive. just driving or in the parking lot people will comment or rubberneck. go to the dealership and look at the sticker price, take it for a spin, and it will be very difficult to leave without it.

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  From one Civic to another! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By gant77 - June 21 - 4:46 am

  Today was a great day! I left the house at 10am and by 11am I was the owner of another Civic LX and was ecstatic! I was sad a bit, as I am retiring a 1998 Civic LX that has been with me through thick and thin and is a great car! I got the Urban Titanium Metallic and am loving it. The ride is so smooth and the new warranty is AMAZING!!! It covers virtually EVERYTHING!

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  Sweet Car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By preludeman92 - June 20 - 6:19 pm

  I love how everything looks and feels. It still looks almost new (stupid rust). I get lots of comments on how new it looks(despite being almost 15 years old). The accord engine is a little down on power when combined with the auto tranny. It will still keep up though, especially in corners. Ive never really had any big issues with the car, just normal wear then the known issues with hondas of that age (brake master cylinder, master relay, valve cover seal and cam seal). Im looking for a new car now and cant find anything that looks and drives as good as my prelude. I think Im getting a newer one. Im glad that it has back seats, keeps insurance down despite them being useless.

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  Excellent Family SUV Alternative - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By JCGray - June 20 - 5:50 am

  After owning 2 Ford Expeditions, Vans, etc., our family is truly impressed with our 2006 Honda Pilot w/Navi. Eight passenger capability is great for carrying our sons and daughters high school friends safely. We have had no problems to date. The car drives and rides extremely well. Very quiet inside with no problems described in other posts. Great safety ratings for front, side, and rear collisions really make this vehicle a comfort to own. I trust my wife and children are safe in this vehicle. We looked at the Acura MDX, Toyota 4 Runner, Highlander, Explorer, Subaru B9 Tribeca, the Durango, and the Trailblazer. Dollar for Dollar considering our needs, none of these cars compared.