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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  best car i have owned - 2005 Honda Accord
  By anna dickson - August 24 - 1:26 pm

  I have previously owned Toyota, Chevy, Infiniti, and Nissan, this Honda Accord is simply the best! I love driving it, I have the leather seats and all the bells and whistles. It handles great in snow. Lots of safety features too.

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  Love my Civic! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Proud Honda Owner - August 24 - 10:36 am

  This is one great car! I love to drive it, steering is tight and it turns on a dime. Love the gas mileage - close to 30 city and 42 highway. Fit and finish are great. No problems with car. Inside and out, the styling blows the competition away! Many compliments on the way the Civic looks!!

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  Great Redesigns - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By wanderlust24 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I would have never bought the old CRV. The NEW CRV, however, is competitive to anything out on the market---and Ive test drove the Forrester, Escape, Tribute, and RAV4. Its got pretty good zip, though youre not going to win any races. Interior has ample room---Im 6, and have plenty of leg and head room. I didnt like paying MSRP, but still I got the EX (top of the line) with trailer hitch and roof rack extras for less than what I would have paid for a car with like features from Ford, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota---plus I love that I have Honda quality. I plan to keep this one for a long time.

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  A++++++ - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Eric Y. - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my AMERICAN HONDA CIVIC, its got 56000 miles on it, havent spent a dime on repair bills and 13 dollar max at the gas station using the most expensive (91 octane) gas. The power and acceleration is very quick for an economy car. I kinda feel sorry for the people that drive gas guzzling domestics with costly repair bills, hehe.

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  The Best of Performance, Style & Quality - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Brian - August 24 - 9:36 am

  I traded my 2004 Chevrolet Corvette for a new 2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6 and I am totally happy. This car has great gas mileage even with the V6. Its much more comfortable than the Vette and I absolutely love driving it. It has great handling and does so with comfort. I researched many other makes and models but for the performance, quality, and style, the accord won hands down for cars under $32,000. HONDA, YOU GET AN A+! Thanks

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  Similar to RL, nicer on my budget. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Happy Oly Family - August 24 - 8:16 am

  I traded my 2004 Acura TSX w/57k for this baby! I looked for months for a car to "catch" my eye. I got the Sapphire Blue w/ black leather & NAV, its a beauty to drive! Great feel of the road, and roomey enough my kids no longer kick me. We loved our TSX, but this is extrodinarily similar on the inside! All the buttons are pretty much the same, but gave me the creature comforts of my old TSX while giving me the RL space. AND I saved money! I couldnt figure how to program the radio presets, or turn down the fan on the climate control yet but I have the bible to read now. Honda hit it out of the park with this one! The 6-speed is a blast and the V6 makes it not my Moms car! Watch Out Road

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  I bought it new...still love it. - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Mary Smith - August 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my lude new 12 YRS ago immediately after seeing one.It was obviously love at first sight.Id never kept a car for more than 2 yrs before the Prelude, but I just wasnt able to find another car I liked more at upgrade time. We now have a 2003 Altima as we needed the room, and a 2004 F250 for the hubby (and me!), but I REFUSE to let go of my Prelude. With 175K miles its now needing a few things, but is still a blast to drive. I really wish Honda had not discontinued the Prelude - Id get another in a blink. Its been a very abused car from my post-college (read broke) days that just keeps on ticking. I like my Altima. I LOVE my Prelude.

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  2008 Honda Civic Coupe - 2008 Honda Civic
  By stravi - August 23 - 9:23 pm

  I can find only 2 flaws with the new 2008 Honda Civic Coupe, EX-L, 2D, Automatic: (1) horrible blind spot where backseat windows/frames meet. Must have blindspot mirrors. (2) Seatbelts tend to hit me in the neck rather than over my shoulder. Im 55". Also I dont know if the radio/navi system is bluetooth compatible. It should be for what it costs. Other than that, this car is perfect for a small, sporty, nice designed car. Leather seats are very comfortable. Back seat is even comfortable.

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  A must buy. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By EJP - August 23 - 11:36 am

  I have the car for just over 2 weeks and with only a minor change in driving habits (Going speed limit) I had 46.5 mpg on 90%s city driving and 47.9 mpg for 90% highway driving. Better than the EPA ratings on mph and the car is just breaking in. I have a driving range of approximately 500 miles per tank. Not bad at all. My weekly cost for gas has gone from $150 plus per week to approximately $38 per week. The difference between a mini-van and a hybrid is amazing. Great comfort, style, performance and mph. Much more stylish than a Prius. This car is fantastic so try one and you will be a believer.

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  Best car Honda has ever made! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By hondafan29 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  In March 2002, I totalled the 97 Accord I had driven since it was new. It had been a great car, but nowhere near as good as the 93 Accord LX I traded in on it. So, I found a 92 Accord with only 85K miles on it and I love it! This is the best car Ive ever owned. My friends give me crap for driving and older car, but I like it better than anything new Ive driven. No problems at all, peppy performance, very comfortable and fun to drive.