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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  Sold on Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By CivGirl01 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with the 2001 Honda Civic LX sedan I recently purchased. It had low mileage and was in excellent condition. The engine is responsive for a 4 cyclinder compact car and the interior is roomy. After extensive research, I found Honda vehicles had the best reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. The 100,000 mile/7 year power train warranty is impressive, and the dealership also included a full warranty for 12,000/1 year due to it being a certified used Honda. I had a great experience working with the Honda car salesman and am very happy with my purchase.

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  accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jtm - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent value. has all I need at 59% 0f the BMW cost.

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  Excellent value, but ho-hum feeling. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Vannareth - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Everything about the 04 Accord Sedan works well as expected...so much so that it almost has no character. The engine is exceptionally quiet and it coasts at 70mph at a little over 2000 RPM. WOW! The front seats are good, but not great like those on the SAAB that I am so used to. There was wind noise at high speed. The speakers sound cheap and I found myself wishing for a replacements. That said the general day-to-day operation of this car is so ever effortlessly easy and that is its greatest virtue. I can live with this car knowing that it will be reliable and efficient, w/o being too boring, and that is exactly what I was looking for.

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  The best of the best - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By lude000957 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  The 1993 Si VTEC model is the quickest prelude ever produced. It handles like a dream and the VTEC exhaust note is oh- so sweet. The factory Recar seats hold you firmly in place while the OEM 7 speaker stereo plays. This car is for the most part, automotive perfection. To top it all off, its 12 years old and has 106k miles on it. If youre considering this car, just keep in mind that they are very expensive to own and maintain. However this more than pays off in having the pleasure of driving the fastest Honda branded 4cyl coupe ever sold in the US.

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  My dream family car - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By DiY - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I am now at 60K miles. I waited a year for this van to come on the market because the Toyoto van was too small inside and drove like a boat. I have loved this van. Wished many times that I had had the remote controlled sliding doors when my kids were still small. I like the way the rear seat folds down for a flat loading area. ...and yes, all the new van models are immitating all the practical features of this one.

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  My dream car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Oscuro - August 31 - 2:00 am

  My weekend car for the past 10 years was a 90 RX7 conv. Took an S2k for a 30 min. test ride in July over winding roads and fell in love with it. Great on turns and fab acceleration - especially in third gear. Interior very well designed and trunk very adequate room for a sports car. Had some difficulty fastening the cover over the top when it is down, but its in place. To my taste, the styling beats all the other two seat convertables.

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  Love it!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By captroynsteph - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Before I got my S2000 I thought that excellent performance required 8 cylinders and a $50,000 price tag. I was wrong. I had a Vette before this car. The Honda is more reliable and every bit as much fun to drive.

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  Love my 6 month old CRV! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Leslie - August 30 - 11:06 pm

  Hondas are great cars. Ill probably always buy Honda. I traded in my 1999 Honda Odyssey EX,(121,000 mi. - pretty impressive!) in for the 2007 ex/4dr/awd CRV 6 months ago. I love it! Darn good get up and go for a 4 banger. I have only one complaint Honda: next time use the same fabric the the CRV, that you put the Odysseys.

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  Better than my BMW - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By JK in Chicago - August 30 - 8:56 pm

  Just purchased one last weekend after driving BMWs for the past decade. Drives a little less sporty, but with so much more comfort, reliability and ease of mind. 100,000 mile / 7 year warranty Im sold. The response of the engine from 6 cylinders to 4 in city driving and 3 cylinders in stop and go is seamless and the 4WD is so nice for Chicago winters. No more worries while driving our snow-packed streets. I smile when I drive this car!

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  This car is ok with ME - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Regster34 - August 30 - 6:20 pm

  The 03 Accord is my first Honda.I have had the recall on the transmission taken care of. It was never a problem.I have read that people have had problems with the brakes, I live in MASS. I have not experianced any problems. I have 14,ooo miles. I installed the rear spoiler and splash guards, moon roof visor, the car looks more sporty now.