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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  Perfect car for our new family - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Steve111000 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 2003 EX CRV automatic. My first though on this car (before test driving it) was that the four cylinder would be anemic. However, Ive found it to be fairly peppy and definately fast enough for us. There was more torque than I imagined it to have. The car handles well and the turning radius is excellent. Also, the interior build quality is spot on with plenty enough room for our new baby. All around its a great (small) family hauler. If our family gets larger, Ill look forward to getting a Pilot.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Chris001 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for almost week. All controls are easy to reach and use while driving, nice cup holders and storage. Adequate power off the line and passing. Handling is responsive and comfortable, the brakes are touchy. Auto-stop is nice when at a drive through (easier to hear and talk with the people for ordering, etc) Adequate sound system. Easy to install child seats into it. Minimum of wind and road noise. Fuel economy on my first tank of gas was only 37-40mpg highway (I commute 110 miles a day, so it was dissapointing) I refilled the gas tank, my trip odometer read 466 miles and 40.4 mpg, I put in 12.4 gallons which calculated to 37mpg.

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  Dream car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Angelas Accord - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive been coveting this car since last fall and was on pins and needles as the dealer tried to find the car in white. Having finally taken delivery of it, it is everything I expected and more. The car is responsive and quiet. The seating is comfortable and can fit my family of four easily. The leather and wood trim are nice touches that "luxury- ize" the vehicle. And, the 6-speed is a blast to shift through. I previously drove a 95 Civic to 170k miles -- Im looking foward to another 170k in this Accord.

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  The Best Buy ! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lesli Eisenhart - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first Accord on 1994 and just traded it in (could have kept it) for the new 2003! Redesigned with more room, leather is fantastic and the sound system rocks! I love the new dash, the heated seats are nice and comfy. it handles very well, smooth ride, little road noise but that is ok, unlike the Camery, were you cannot hear anything (not good for EMS/Police) Highly recomend!

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  Best of All Worlds - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Grailmanitou - July 30 - 6:16 am

  We bought this new SE in looking for a car for my mother--we wanted everything- -particularly in a safe, comfortable, attractive drive which could handle all road conditions, coming truly highly rated on all aspects which make a difference. This SUV has everything one could want, with a car-like ease of driving. We know we wont have to worry about my mother in terms of safety or reliability. This is a well thought out design on all fronts which merges attractiveness, drive, safety, interior features, incredible standard features and overall class for an incredible price for the Special Edition.

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  Traded in my TSX for it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By M. Salzano - July 30 - 5:46 am

  Im pretty much a Honda person, Ive owned the previous generation Si & owned a 05tsx w/ navi before trading it in on the new si. Hands down it is a COMPLETE car, handles like a dream, pulls hard thru all the gears and ergonomics are phenominal!! ONLY bad part was trying to obtain one right now dealers know the demand is high so there are alot marking them up. I got mine at MSRP after being shafted by a local dealer. However, there is NOTHING else that can compare for this money. Keep in mind i traded in a 30k TSX with navigation for this Honda Civic Si... if that doesnt tell you something I dunno what will ENJOY!

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  One of a kind - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Melissa C - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I set eyes on my car-it took my breath away. Driving is a dream. The car is solid and heavy like a Mercedes so safe to go on road trips. Good size trunk, unique features, and you will have a fan club wherever you go. Mouths drop when you drive by...if only they knew what it was like behind the wheel:+) Best thing Ive ever done. Just make sure you wave to the rest of us when you pass by...there are only a minimal number of S2000s produced by Honda each year.

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  Best Sports Car under $60K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By David4UCLA - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Motorcycle excitement on 4 wheels.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By julie - July 28 - 11:36 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! I feel like for the first time I am in a vehicle that was truly researched for what a driver would want - I cant find anything I do not like about the van. I wish I hadnt gotten one sooner.

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude Lover - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new, 7 years ago. No problems to report. The car still looks and runs like new. My partner bought an Integra a few months prior to my purchase. Shes currently looking to replace the Integra - although the Prelude and Integra are very, very similar the Prelude has been a much better car.