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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  My First Love - 2004 Honda Accord
  By InspireAccord - April 24 - 2:10 pm

  My first Honda, drives great, gotta love the I-vtec. I have the 4cyl and it kicks. 160hp is not bad for the price.

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  Totally worth it! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Julie - April 24 - 11:33 am

  OK, Ill admit, the sticker mpg of 47 highway is high - I usually get about 40mpg on the highway setting the cruise at 70. And the pick-up is a little slow (I used to have a 6 cyl, so its an adjustment). In town (which is most of my driving anyway to work/school) I get 47/48 mpg, which is fantastic, and I still love how it "shuts off" at stoplights -all my friends just think this is the coolest. Sure, if money is the only reason youre buying, youll probably never make up the cost unless gas reaches $5 a gallon, but if you want a reliable car thats easier on the environment and still nice on the pocketbook (a $30 fill up lasts me well over a month) this car is for you.

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  great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By james - April 24 - 7:56 am

  I expected to be buying a value-family sedan, but instead I got a great- driving, leather-comfy driving car. It drives better than the 2002 A4 1.8T I replaced. The auto-transmission is quite sporty and 4 cylinder engine is more than enough power. It even has the auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

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  Honda Accord 2000 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Ricahrd Narvadez - April 23 - 6:40 pm

  I believe this is the most reliable car out in the street in its category. It never failed on me at 92,000 miles. Ride quality though is affected by the kind of tires. My original MXV4 plus were the best in cornering and hadling, but my replacement, Michelin X Radial (from Sams) got very harsh and bumpy as they age. My car is still very solid. I love it, and will keep it. My next vehicle is , for sure, another Honda Accord.

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  The Yellow Hornet - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Judith Johnson - April 23 - 6:11 am

  This car has major curb appeal, handles like a dream and makes driving anything else very disappointing. However, it has to use premium gas, will only carry 400 pounds in passengers and luggage, must be hand washed, children under 12 cannot ride in it and it is not comfortable for a taller driver due to the way the headrest on the seats is constructed. It is very expensive to get a satellite radio installed and there is no place to put anything like a purse if you are hauling a passenger.

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  High Mileage Review - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Hi Mile Civic - April 22 - 8:58 pm

  I have 186000 miles on my Civic. Have never experienced a failure to date. I use only synthetic oil and change it every 7500 miles. The car has never let me down. On a recent trip of 3000 miles to the Florida Keys the gas mileage was 36 MPG with the best tank average of 40 MPG

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  Worlds greatest-150k and running - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Honda4Life - April 22 - 6:55 pm

  I am on my second Honda, over 150K. I had an 84 Accord in high school, and I know I would own a new one post graduation. Ive driven Cadillac, Buick, Olds, Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Nissan.... Dont compare, dont compete!! Love my Honda, plan to get SUV or Ridgeline in near future. Classy car for a single mom with boys. They cant wait to sport it. Honda, please give me more power, maybe a V8? Otherwise, LOVE LOVE LOVE my HONDA! replaced EGR valve and 2 motormounts, 2 recalls on ignition switch, and I still love it, glad I went with coupe instead of sedan (due to transmission issues I was warned of by Honda Technicians)

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  Where Have You Been All My Life - 2004 Honda Element
  By stpaul - April 22 - 2:23 pm

  This is the vehicle Ive been waiting for. Im 63" and the Element has provided not only necessary leg room but also unexpected head room. As my sister said..."you fit in this car." Since purchasing it, I have driven from Chicago to Butte, MT and back and what has always been a long trip turned out to be a joy to drive. I have also moved to the DC area recently and with the rear seats folded I was able to transfer all those "little things" that you need upon arrival to the new apartment without any hassle. For those with a sense of individuality and a desire for quality, the Element meets both qualifications. P.S. The cat likes it too.

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  Fuel-efficient and fun! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gary - April 21 - 5:26 pm

  The Civic hybrid is so much fun to drive and still is very environmentally friendly. The car is packed with features, very roomy and loaded with safety equipment.

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  Love my Big White Minivan ( ICEBOX ) - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ike eisiminger - April 21 - 5:36 am

  We are a older couple (no kids ). Its great to get in and out of. Handing is outstanding. Lots of power-wish gas was cheaper so I could use it. At 5500 miles our gas mileage is 26-28 hwy only at 70 mph. We dont drive in city very much, we use a scooter for that. Only problem so far has been soft brakes, twice to dealer ok now. Had a olds sil. Before Honda was a great upgrade. Ride is smooth, quiet and controlled. Best looking minivan inside and out. Great dash, lots of nooks and crannies for storage. Seats in 1st and 2nd row are very comfortable, havent tried 3rd row yet.