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:

• 

  Top Notch SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By RonBowden - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I think Honda are wonderful vehicles & CRV is one of the best Hondas! I Love that vehicle--the dealer was wonderful,too!! RON Bowden

• 

  Great van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mentonedad - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I Love our new van it is great. Awsome leather, And my two kids are in heaven watching dvds in the back.

• 

  Good for the money - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Mr. Porter - October 20 - 10:00 am

  A very reliable vehicle, very low maintenance. The only problem I have had is there was a defective part in the transmission that had to be replaced, which the on-board sensors picked up almost immediately. The performance of this car is superb and it handles exceptionally well. The gas mileage/fuel efficiency is tops for anyone that has a substantial commute (about 30 mpg with 87 grade gas and about 40 with 93 grade). Not only is it a "green" vehicle, it is a very well designed and is definitely worth more than what you pay for it.

• 

  Honda Civic LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By thelostspy - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Whithout a doubt i believe that this is the best car in its class, it has exceptional stability on the road, and has the power availble when you need it incredible since its comming from a 1.7 4 cyl

• 

  Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Anisa - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Just buy this car!

• 

  2 Days: Amazed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By The Jansens - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The car is beautifully engineered, and we have few complaints. The pillars give a somewhat large blind spot, and the wipers are easily turned on by knucles when turning the steering wheel

• 

  I love it! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MB4 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Had my 03 Accord Coupe for 3 days and I love it! Drives like a dream. The 5-speed automatic is new to me Im a die-hard manual user, I dont even miss it! CR stated that the radio and heat controls are not easy to use, who were they talking about? The radio screen is easily read when driving. I do miss the door lock button from my old (01) Civic and the sunroof. The front seats have a lip on the inside edge, a little uncomfortable for one with an ample derriere(sp?). I wish the foglights didnt cost $408. Very sporty looking, great driving, couldnt ask for any thing more. Dealership treated SWF with respect and courtesy.

• 

  Healed itself - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Larry - October 17 - 10:46 pm

  Had many issues with VCM - irritating nauseating in and out of 6-4-3 modes so noticeable that it made my wife/passenger ill. At about 3000 miles it all went away and the car is now a pleasure. There seem to be so many components that enter into the VCM that performance can vary WIDELY from car to car. I read about the former BMW owner getting 20 MPG 50/50 hwy and city. Well, I dont know how they drive but I am pretty aggressive and the worst I have gotten is 24 combined and I regularly get 30 in the highway at 75 with A/C on!

• 

  Second one!! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Shehz Ali - October 17 - 4:52 pm

  No contest in buying our second one.

• 

  Hondas Pride shaped into reality - 2004 Honda S2000
  By T. S. - October 17 - 2:00 am

  A car designed without any compromise to realize the Honda/Mugen spirit, as commented by Honda Japan employee. Some people complain about its low torque in the low~mid RPM, but only people that doesnt know how to drive a high-RPM engine car would make a stupid comment like that. (Thus only the U.S. S2000 was given a bore up to 2.2L in 2004) Honda engines are designed to be REVd high. Very high frame rigidity despite it being a convertible, giving it great handling.