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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  A Dream - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wnas - August 10 - 10:00 am

  If any of you all are doing research for your next car, look no further. This car has it all. Engine power, agility, quiet cabin, plenty of room, terrific speakers, and tremendous acceleration. In short, an absolute dream. Why pay twice as much for a BMW 3 series when you have it all with this one.

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  2003 Honda Accord Ex-V-6 Complaints - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gw - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Compared to my 2001, the car has significantly more rattles and road noise - the sound deading material seems non-existant.

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  Best for sport,reliability,practicality - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jerms - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I originally considered a BMW, but got scared away by claims of problems some were having. For the price of this car, you got yourself something very reliable, very fast, very practical, fun to drive and even a little luxurious! This car accelerates like mad without making a sound. It has such tight suspension and hardly any body roll for taking those curves fast. The factory wheels and tires look great. This really is a wolf in sheeps clothing. You dont need a fancy hood emblem. This car performs like "one of those" but is much more reliable, and holds its value about as well, too.

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  Amazing Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By almassengale - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car this week to replace a Volvo with 197k on it. Amazing machine. It drives like an Audi. Great steering. Ride that soaks up bumps. Strong engine. Well designed interior. Within two miles I felt like I had been driving it for years. Everything makes sense. I think some of the complaints on this car are foolish. Who cares if a mercury has auto-on headlights or doors that lock themselves? Pointless features and mourning their absence makes you forget whats important. The driving experence and thats what the accord has.

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  I Miss Her - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Donna - August 10 - 3:55 am

  Bought my 96 brand new and never regretted it. In over 145K miles, only needed to replace alternator and plug wires. This car never failed to start, the fit and finish was excellent, and it was a solid, well built car. Some idiot decided to steal it, so I no longer have one, but I just wanted to let everyone know what a great car they are. Have not done the research, but I hope that the new ones have kept all the quality features of my 96.

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  THE anti-bloated SUV for the big city - 2004 Honda Element
  By Marthirial - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Basically, this car is a dream come true for a devouted pragmatic individual seeking the perfect companion for movility needs in a city like New York. Responsive engine to claim your rights against &@#$# taxi drivers, compact body so it fits anywhere side parked, rugged interior so for me (and other 11 million people) without a driveway where to hose the car, cleaning is fast and easy. Interior, very elegant and functional, spacious out of description, almost a magic trick.

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  Honda Accord Review - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dbrut1 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Had trouble with automatic transmission at 24,000 miles. Honda America replaced it completely and extended the transmission warranty from 3 years or 36,000 miles to 7 years or 100,000 miles! I am very pleased with the car.

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  Still love it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dbredvik - August 10 - 2:00 am

  After driving my Honda Hybrid for over 30,000 miles and to both coasts of the country, I still love it. Lots of pep and fun to drive. Two friends have already bought thier own after seeing and driving mine. Only draw-back is that it will need snow tires in prolonged winter driving conditions. It also was sluggish going over Vail pass, or any high, long, mountain pass.

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  Love the Hybrid-- - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Justine - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Love my car although it gets great gas mileage, its not as great as I thought it would be. More leg room would be nice.

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  mpg problem - 2004 Honda Civic
  By arnle - August 10 - 2:00 am

  car has 5500 miles and is yielding 17 mpg. rating is 30-38.dealer cant find reason.situation is dragging.