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 EX 4 door - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mathias1 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Far exceeded my expectations both in performance, quietness of ride, smoothness and asthetic appearance. The gas mileage is unbelievable. I can go over 400 miles on a single tank.

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  Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JBrehm - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a 12 year old Honda Accord in addition to the 04. The 04 has more room and more fun to drive. I traded a Camry in on the 04 and have been impressed with the new Honda.

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  Very good - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Mila Ustinova - March 29 - 7:56 am

  I own this car 7 years and have no problem at all !!!

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  2000 Honda S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By go top less s2000 - March 29 - 6:09 am

  Love the ride. Even though Im 63 and its a tight fit, I still enjoy it royally. Gas is great, gone for weeks on a tank. Even though its high test its worth it.

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  This car sold me! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Bonnie - March 28 - 9:14 pm

  We bought this car used with 16,000 miles for my husband to commute with. Now has 128,000, runs like the day we purchased. We only replaced the drivers side window motor and NOTHING else! This has been a great car worth every penny. I was driving a 2000 Volvo V70 that was a nightmare. Finally after beaucoup repairs and $$$ we agreed it had to go. My husband was stunned when I said that I wanted a Honda. Mine being the family truckster we purchased an 06 Pilot and Blows that Volvo away. Thank God its gone! Im sure his Accord will probably stay in the family and end up being my daughters first car. We are very, very pleased with both our Accord and Pilot.

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  S2more4urmoney - 2002 Honda S2000
  By boobie - March 28 - 4:17 pm

  this car is great on a curvy road. the convertible top is easy and fast. the whole car is easy and fast.

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  Best All Around - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Mary Anderson - March 28 - 12:21 pm

  This has been the best used car I have ever purchased. I would like a new car but think I will hold on to this one a while longer. No major problems.

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  Redline fun - 1999 Honda Civic
  By bpayne - March 28 - 11:35 am

  I loved this car, its a great high reving b16 engine, similar engine to what comes with the acura integra.

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  Heads Up - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bob t - March 28 - 8:40 am

  At 25,000 miles my Michelin pax tires will need replacement in 5-7000 miles. Cost to replace is $225/tire. Cannot subtitute other rims or tires. Keep this in mind when puchasing the touring model.

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  Small improvements would make it perfect - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jimmy - March 27 - 9:43 pm

  A truck that drives like a luxury sedan. Handles most jobs with ease. Build quality is top notch. I only wish there was a collapsible bulkhead like the Chevy Avalanche.