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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  Honda Continues to Build Great Cars - 2003 Honda Civic
  By joel03 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have just purchased a 2003 Honda Civic LX Coupe. After owning a 2000 Civic VP -- This was a slight upgrade. All - in - all this car feels rock-solid, Very Affordable, considering what you get. Sound system very clear, nice punchy mid-low end. 5-speed is very smooth. Ride is very comfy, bu could use a touch more power, though Im pleased with the power it has, it is certainly adequate. I love it, and will continue to buy Hondas in the future.

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  Poor interior craftmanship - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dr. Marvelous - July 20 - 10:00 am

  From the first day, the right front window area rattled. Eventually the back seat, moonroof, and post behind the driver-side front window all began to rattle. Fortunately the radio drowns much of it out. Forget a quiet ride in this car. I guess thats what happens when they are assembled in the US...

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  First Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By New Honda Fan - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a Honda but when I first saw the options availabe on the new Accords I was very impressed. The nav system really grabbed my attention. The ride is smooth and comfortable while still giving that in control sporty feel. It has more horse power than most other cars in its class and it comes through when you hit the pedal. The car is actually for my wife as I am a Ford Truck man, but I really like to drive this car. The final item to put me over the top was the price, I could never get into another car with as many great features for the $27k I paid. I only have about five hundred miles on the car so far but have no second thoughts.

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  The EX V6 offers nothing less than - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Pragmatic - July 20 - 10:00 am

  a Lexus ES330 and is costing $7000 less. This is the car for people like me who is pragmatic and does not care much about showing off with a lexus name.

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  Roomy, agile, well designed! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By yuppiejr - July 20 - 8:00 am

  My wife and I chose the CRV based on its balance of safety ratings, interior space, fuel economy, looks and Honda brand loyalty. The fit and finish are amazing (mine is 100% made in Japan), even compared to my 2004 Civic. The step-in height is perfect for my wife and I and theres plenty of room for car seats in the back seat even with a "family visit" worth of cargo (pack and play, stroller, suitcase, etc..). The 166 HP 4-cyl engine has plenty of juice even with the A/C on for a combination of aggressive city, freeway commute and 2-lane country driving. All of the key driving, climate and audio controls are well placed from the drivers position. The ride and handling are superb!

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  top down greatness - 2004 Honda S2000
  By rodester driver - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Only two negatives, no storage room on the interior and you need to rev the engine past 3000rpm to get any power from a stopped position otherwise this car is great to drive, lots of power once the engine rpms are up, classic road feel, smooth gearbox, very comfortable driving position in nicely contoured sport seats and great handling. Buy it in yellow so everyone can see you coming down the street.

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  Update - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Warren - July 20 - 12:03 am

  We purchased our base fit in February and at first the mpg were okay (about 30 mpg). As we became familiar with the car and became diligent in watching the mileage bar and adjusting our style of driving we steadily over time increased our mpg. Last fill-up we got 36.5 mpg comb. city/highway. This car is like a hybrid without batteries. It is unbelievable. The only problem I see is that the mpg bar should be used only as a guide. When we got 36.5 the mpg bar said we were getting 40 mpg. On this tankful it is registering 42 mpg on the mpg bar. So were probably getting 38-39 mpg comb. This car really should get a tax credit like hybrids it is that good. We have put on 2,300 mi.

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  2005 Pilot Great value - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By esox fan - July 19 - 3:46 pm

  This suv drives so solid and handles very well. The turning radius is exellent. Compared the Toy Highlander which felt cheap inside,the rx330 and acura MDX were 8-10 grand more-def. not worth it. Got quotes on the internet then asked my local dealer to match the lowest, Paid 30,100. A GREAT VALUE! No negotiating with the dealer, a very pleasant experience.

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  AWESOME CAR - 1999 Honda Civic
  By christineAtNORDSTROM - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very reliable. Ive owned my car for 5 years and have never had any mechanical problems. And its very thrifty on gas. I get 25 miles to the gallon. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for reliable transportation, with style, its a cute car. You really get your moneys worth with this one.

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  49+ MPG almost daily - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mike Naumann - July 18 - 12:36 pm

  I drive 70 miles round trip each day to and from work. If I am not rushed, I can get over 49 MPG. I can hardly believe what an investment I have made.