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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  satisfied customer - 2004 Honda Civic
  By brandon shaw - August 9 - 10:00 am

  car has proven itself to be a good commuter. good on gas and i am satisfied with the car

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  review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By customer2004 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  good car no more comments

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  Although It is too early to review... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MilindPatil - August 9 - 10:00 am

  some items (such as fuel economy, reliability) as I just bought my this second Accord today, I just went ahead and rated these based on my previous experience. Of course, my last Accord was built in Japan and this one in Mexico, but hopefully that wont have changed the build quality and reliability. However, looks, feels and drives simply awsome, My deep Green color is outstanding (Graphite Pearl is equaly good). Limited choice on interior color, but one can live with. BUT THE ONLY (AND TERRIBLY) ANNOYING PART IS ... THERE IS NO CASSATE PLAYER AS STANDARD !!!! ONE HAS TO PAY EXTRA FOR THE IT. That is very very annoying.

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  LOVE IT - 2000 Honda Passport
  By u got to get one - August 9 - 2:00 am

  well whats to say its a great suv althought it is bult by IZUSU with there 3.2 V6 which has plenty of power but its never had any problems i took it on a 8.952 mile trip and it peformed great and the 4X4 worked great in las vegas when it snowed but when i left on the trip it had 25,000 miles and that was just befor x-mas in and now like 6 months later its at 44,000 miles and still no problems

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  1996 Honda Accord LX Sedan - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Koller1 - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Bought it with 32K miles and now has 133K. Drivers side window is very slow going up but that is it. Ive changed the timing belt and have gone through two sets of tires and thats it. Not a high performance vehicle that will put you back in your seat but very dependable and comfortable with overall very good performance.

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  Meets all my demands - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe Brosky - August 8 - 7:53 pm

  First, the dealer experience was outstanding from no-pressure shopping, to the test drive and the conducting of negotiations via the telphone. I have had fusion spinal surgery and the firm leather seats with heating elements that cover both the bottom of the seat and the adjustable back is just what the doctor ordered. Plenty of room in the crew cab for comfortable seating both front and back. The addition of a trunk in the truck bed is pure genious. I am very happy with the composite bed and my bed extender-nice system. My wife likes the fact that she can control the temperatures on her side of the cab whether she is a passenger or the driver. The fit & finish is all Honda-they do it again.

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  Great car at great price - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dave Painchaud - August 8 - 3:36 pm

  After researching all hybrids I narrowed it down to the Prius and the Honda Civic. I settled on the Civic because its a better looking car. I love the car and get about 40 mpg all around. I purchased a new Civic hybrid with navigation for $22,101 including destination charge. It was $24,350 out the door. Apparently that is about $1,000 under invoice. Use the Costco discount and go to the internet mgr. Im completely satisfied.

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  Very Functional Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kurt - August 8 - 10:13 am

  We have only had the vehicle for 3 weeks, but we have already taken a trip with it and put on about 2,000 miles. The vehicle has surprisingly good pep, and the sound system is well above average. It rides well, has plenty of leg room (my 68" brother in law had room to spare in the backseat), low road noise and most of all, it is very functional. I have only two criticisms; first, I only averaged about 24.7 miles/gallon on interstate (which was a little disappointing). Second, when you fold up the rear seats for storage (which is really nice feature), you have greatly reduced visibility and are forced to use mirrors almost exclusively (I dont think Honda can help that though).

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  Not Just a Pick Up - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Spahn - August 8 - 8:50 am

  Im retired and this multipurpose vehicle replaces a Lincoln Town Car and a small motorhome. It rides and handles like a car with low road noise plus comfortable rear seats for passangers. Theres plenty of storage for everybodys gear in the trunk. I can take the Ridgeline to the Opera, the Country Club, the desert, the beach, the mountains, dining out or shopping. I plan an extended trip through AZ, NM, OK, AR, and TX next month and will tow a travel trailer part time and drive on the beach at one point. The sound system is excellent and satellite radio guarantees great listening anywhere. The rugged design should test out as the safest vehicle on the road.

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  WOW os what an S2000 means - 2004 Honda S2000
  By former racer - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars from rolls and MBenz to Jaguar to a Jensen Interceptor and this is the best all around speedster I have ever driven...needs a bit more weight in the rear end and has a rather tight suspension but for sheer manoeverability. speed, mileage and shifting flexability this is one great car with virtually no maintainance...I simply love it and for the money it is the best kept secret in road racers around.