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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  Fantastic automobile! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By BamaFlum - April 15 - 6:19 pm

  My wife bought this car brand new and I inherited it. It now has 136k and I love it! Fit and finish are top notch. Weve replaced the CV boots, the clutch cylinders, rotors, and done routine maintenance to keep it going. Im going to replace the shocks and springs next and hopefully it will take me another 136k. All three of my kids fit in the back (albeit snug!). For a car that is 15 years old, it is great. If my wife would let me and we had the money, I would drop in an JDM h22a (Prelude engine) and that would solve the power issue! Great car and highly recommended for a used car, especially for a teenagers first car.

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  Love My CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mrfeemom - April 15 - 3:00 pm

  As an owner of many SUVs prior to this I thought they were pretty much all the same. This truck is fabulous...comfortable, handles great, fuel efficient and reliable. I am a Honda owner for life...Dont let yourself down!

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  Not a bad deal. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tyler - April 15 - 7:33 am

  Overall, Id say its been a good car. I bought the EX fully loaded with everything but the navigation system, and I must say that I like all the features, although its no Camry. But it also doesnt cost as much as the Camry. The ride is a bit firm, and it has a lot of blind spots. Overall its a beautiful car, but when youre in it, it feels like a cheaper car that has been loaded with features. The Camry feels much more solid. And for some reason, Ive been getting only 17 mpg! The dealership tells me it still needs to be broken in. I got an amazing deal on it though. 21,800 brand new. It actually could have sold it used for more.

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  Ill be a repeat honda buyer for sure! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By KentuckyGuy - April 15 - 6:08 am

  I purchased my 95 EX Cpe with 20k miles in the fall of 97. Now, 8 years later, I am at 225,000 miles and am sold as a Honda fan for life. Other than brakes (warped rotors have been frequent), I have done little more than regular tune-ups, oil changes, etc. I have put this car to the test in road trips loaded with luggage/people, city/hwy/mountain driving, and have even had it in some mild off-road adventures while camping, and it has surprisingly good traction in mud/moderate snow, even in mountains (significantly better than similar cars Ive driven). It has been fun to drive, and incredibly practical and reliable as well. Still is a solid car, with no rattles/significant wearout.

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  Love to drive - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Joy - April 14 - 6:30 pm

  We bought this car 2 weeks ago and now the Pilot has 3000 miles on it, we live in TX and we love to drive with this car only for out of town very week more than any other cars I bought before, and the engine very smooth.

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  Better than a go-kart - 2003 Honda S2000
  By aphelps - April 14 - 6:06 pm

  After purchasing my 2003 S2000, everything else seems soft, slow, and lazy. Any sports car must have three things: beauty the S2000 owns some of the most agressive angles ever on Honda, performance at 9000 rpms, nothing comes close the excitement or impressive poise of that engine, and excitement the S2000 translates each factor of the driving experience flawlessly through the wheel, pedals, and seat. Trully a drivers car, this no nonsense pocket-rocket can really create driving memories thatll last a lifetime.

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  An exclusive club... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By BoxsterBeater - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is, by far, the funnest of the 12 cars Ive owned. The "Big & Tall" crowd should avoid this car and Honda has made sure that anyone that prefers an automatic cant get one. The S is a pure drivers car. Roadster enthusiasts, this is THE car. Forget spending $10K more on a Boxster and still not measuring up. The closest competition is the 350Z roadster. The S will out handle it all day long. My car sees at least one autocross per month and handles exceptionally. There are no electronice aids (except ABS), so it is very involving. The biggest plus is that you can drive all week and only see 1 or 2 others on the road.

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  Love my Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VALady - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I commute an hour each way to work, and this car is perfect for both the commute or for hopping around town. Extremely comfortable seating, very quiet inside, decent stereo, almost no blind spots. My only complaints so far have been minor (mostly cosmetic) issues -- when its wet outside, a LOT of rain seems to come in, even with the window only cracked. The air conditioner seems to sometimes take a long time to reach full power. It could use a little more horsepower, but thats not a deal-breaker for me. My first impression upon buying was that it seemed like it should cost more than it did.. and that hasnt faded.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Alli S - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Lots of features for a good price! The back and side of this car are great looking, but the front leaves something to be desired. Very comfortable, well- designed interior.

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  Redesigned Interior - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JCZaldivar - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The interior is the most appealing because of the excellent features it provides. The handling and acceleration is also very good.