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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  Great car!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Michael - February 25 - 3:10 pm

  This is an outstanding vehicle! After doing the research, it was apparent to me that this car gives the maximum bang for your hard earned dollar. It has features you would not expect for a vehicle which costed under $29,000 (including destination, taxes and all). I added an alarm system for security and auto door locking feature when placed in gear. Great dealership experience. Another tip for those who might want daytime running lamps or auto on headlights is to keep your lights on all of the time. The auto off feature in the EX model will turn off the headlights after 5 or 10 seconds. The car has great power (240hp) and fit and finish. The Honda Nav system is second to none.

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  99 MR SIR - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Alekss - February 25 - 1:49 pm

  A very fun car to drive. Mine has about 90 000 km and no problems whatsoever. I have TEIN lowering springs and thats about all. If you are on a budget and want something fun and sporty I recommend this car!

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  Love, love, LOVE this car!!!! - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By southernchick - February 25 - 5:52 am

  You have to see this car in person to see how gorgeous it really is, inside and out. Kudos to the designers for thinking outside of the box and designing a sleek, good looking "crossover" vehicle. The inside fit and finish is luxurious, gorgeous leather, burled wood trim. The controls are simple, easy to read and use. The entire cabin is very spacious, including the back seats - super comfortable and plenty of leg room. The drive is so quiet and ultra smooth - like driving on glass.

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  Great car for two - 2005 Honda Insight
  By alexkoch - February 25 - 2:04 am

  Great car for two, compliments my other vehicle (LX470) nicely. Fun to drive, small enough, great design (well, exerior looks are different, no question). I just love it for fule economy, it gets me anywhere for basically nothing, still stylish and great dashboard.

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  Great all around car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mikey - February 24 - 9:13 pm

  I just purchased my 03 Honda CRV EX in 02/2005. In a week and a half I have put over 600 miles on it. Only had 17k miles when I bought it. I love the look, the way it drives, the features and storage, and the size. Its a perfect fit for me.

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  Great car- 110,000 miles and counting - 1998 Honda Accord
  By mark-pa - February 24 - 2:27 pm

  Bought new summer 98 w/ 4 cyl w/ 5 spd manual. Had rear wheel bearings replaced at 37K warranty covered. Replaced timing belt and water pump at 90K, battery at 105K - no problems, but preventative. New cat converter at 110,000. Beware- nearly a grand for this one. Overall, a very dependable, classy looking car at a reasonable price. Handles well with right tires. The 5 speed manual compensates for the lower powered 4 cyl engine. But 30+ mpg highway more than makes up for the lower power. Keep the oil changed regularly- it should run to 200k plus- know people who have done it.I bought based on Honda reputation, and would buy Honda again.

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  best mini van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By royal5177 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  best mini van i ever bought i have owned many vans from differant manafactors.like chevrolet,dodge,nissan toyota,and oldsmobile the honda is the best!!!

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  great car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By my pooper - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for more than 2 years now and have not had a single problem with it. What it lacks in luxury it more than makes up for in reliability and build quality. My family and I are able to turn the key and not worry wether were going 10 blocks to the store or 1,000 miles on a road trip. The peace of mind we have with this car is extraordinary.The maintenence on the car has been outright simple also. The honda dealership has an easy to understand schedule with reasonable prices.

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  My Dream Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Brooke - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This Honda Coupe has always been my dream car to finally own one and drive ona a daily basis has been great. I wouldnt trade it for the world. Overall I would never go a different route than a Honda Vehicle!!! Re sale value is also great.

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  My beloved 1980 Mercedes 240D kaput - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Ronald M. Burkhart - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Although it is very difficult to find a Insight with manual transmission, I was lucky to have located one on the islands. It is simply a technological marvel, and great fun to drive.