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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  Hondas Pilot Is A Hit - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Burdem - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Our family of 6 has long outgrown the Volvo wagon. We are not a minivan family, needed a car to seat all of us and a friend or two but didnt want a "trucky" feel. We test drove Honda Pilot and we were sold. It has excellent handling, tight European style steering, more than adequate power and spacious interior. The leather interior is very luxurious and comfortable. Many standard amenities like heated seats, heated rear-view mirrors all add to the enjoyability of this car. The DVD player is also a hit with the kids and Mom and Dad! All at what I considered an affordable price when competing with the Volvo and Acura SUVs.

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  04 Civic LX Coupe - 2004 Honda Civic
  By terry1terry - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Having recently become a (initially reluctant) Civic owner I felt I should leave my 2 cents here. My wife and I commute to work and my Jeep was killing us on gas. The civics reputation for durability and gas mileage drew us in. This car fits our commuting life style. Its roomier than I thought inside and sleek enough outside that I dont feel like its my parents car! We arent yet 30 after all. The gas consumption is the best feature of this car for us. Its a real miser with gas and thats fine. I have come to really enjoy the extra money in my pocket...makes it easy to fall in love with the car!

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  Solid vehicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Joe454 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Honda Accord for about 4000 miles now, without experiencing any rattles or any kind of engine problems. It had been dependable, even in sub-zero temperatures, and so far it had performed adequately in snow and ice. More interior space would be nice, and better gas milage in the city. Youll either love the exterior design or hate it, although I cant honestly call it "Cheetah-like" (sorry Honda). My experience with dealerships was frustrating until I found Zimbrick. Perfectly suited for shorter commutes, but not country- crossing treks.

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  first car wasnt as perfect as expected - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jay57 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have heard many good things about honda. My sister and girlfirend have used ones which work fine but for some reason with my new honda that wasnt the same. A week didnt pass by when the trunk release broke. I got it fixed by honda. Also I started getting this rotten egg smell and took it back to honda. They told me the catalatic converter had to be changed and they changed that. As for the service that was another story. Each time i went to honda for a problem i had to wait 3 plus hours. When they serviced my car they put two oil stains on my trunk which couldnt come out easily. The honda dealership gave me wash.

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  happy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ann100579 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with my honda, gas, handling, and style are excellent

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  my most excellent Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
  By tom driscoll - December 31 - 1:06 am

  This is by far the best car I ever drove. It handles great, goes as fast as I want, and gets over 80 mpg on the highway. It has plenty of cargo space. Just driving it and seeing the effect of my formerly heavy left foot on the mileage has transformed my driving from the usual "get there first" attitude to "get there in my own sweet time", and I enjoy driving much more now without the usual rush. If youre man enough to let go of beating everyone else youll love it.

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  LONG-Term Honda Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Woody Smith - December 30 - 8:07 pm

  Mine is a 2000 Insight purchased in March, 2000. It now has 116,000 miles on the odometer and has been absolutely trouble free. I mean, not even as much as a single lightbulb has ever needed replacement. In brief, it is the very best car I have ever owned by a VERY wide margin, and Ive owned a few, including a big Mercedes, two BMWs, two Volvos, an Alfa Romeo, and other nice cars. Its a spectacular long-distance cruiser -- I once went over 800 miles actually nonstop, and only stopped then because I had to pee -- I still had gasoline left in the 10.6 gal tank. Its quiet and comfy and is the only car Ive ever owned where I dont need the seat all the way back. I absolutely LOVE it!

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  Hybrids KICK GAS - 2004 Honda Insight
  By CraigSquirrel - December 30 - 4:02 pm

  Much more fun than we ever imagined. Quick and fast. Cruises on highway at 70-90 with no problem other than having to occasionaly downshift. Concentrating on milage we get upper 60mpgs. Driving fast low 50s. In city, Washington DC, no option other than drive aggressively we get low 40s. Great city car because nimble and quick. When supersized, dark colored SUVs tend to get aggressive its a simple matter to leave them in the rear view mirror with a smile. Many people think the car is all electric and most dont know it gets up to 70 mpg and can go 115 mph. Commercial media, the one source most Americans use for news, does a horrible job of informing the public.

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  ride the countryside - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Baron - December 30 - 1:43 pm

  This is a vehicle worthy of your disposable dollars. I have an automatic and the only disappointing item about this vehicle is that the fuel estimates should be revised with each number going down by 10 (highway/City). Even then it is a great buy. I purchased based on the epa estimates. They were close but not quite right. I would but it again and again. I am funding my 401k catch up contribution with the gas savings that I am receiving. I cant imagine why anyone would pay such ridiculous prices for gas anymore. I guess it was because we didnt have a choice. Now we do.

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  A Winner in my Book! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By DelightedInsightOwne - December 30 - 12:01 pm

  I bought the second insight my Honda dealer received in 2000 and I now have driven it 37,253 miles. Over that time and distance it has averaged 68.6 miles per gallon, and gradually rising! I live on a hill about 400 higher than the surrounding more or less level terrain in a suburban bed-room area. The best mileage I ever logged on a single leg was 93 miles per gallon on a 120 mile trip with few hills. I was on an Interstate and stayed in the right lane and drove at the truckers speed limit - 55 miles per hour. My wifes car is a new Honda Accord Hybrid because we have been so satisfied with the 2 seater. She needs more capacity for occasional trips with friends, heavier loads, etc.