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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  2003 DX Sedan 5 speed manual - 2003 Honda Accord
  By northwest98133 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Great performer for the $. Powerful acceleration w/good mileage. Drives well, quiet, fun 5 speed manual. Very refined for a $15K car. Not a lot of bells and whistles but has CD player & power windows. A/C is an option. Want A/C?, then an LX is a better deal. Only problem has been window seal buzzing (seems to have mostly gone away on its own) & buzz in the center console CD compartment at 70 on freeway. Wish it had power door locks. This is a low price entry into a top class of automobile. This car can be had for about same cost as Civic LX and is much more refined, powerful & roomy. Great value to buy and cheap to maintain over the years.

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  tuff to beat - 2004 Honda Accord
  By gwk222 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Accord. My first choice was a Mazda6 because I dont love the looks of the Accord. The deal on the 6 fell through so I went with old reliable. Im glad I did. Solid build. Engine is terrific for a 4 cyl.....Im about 63" and I fit fine with the moonroof. The ride is very quiet and comfortable.

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  NA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sweettomato - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a recent purchase. I am completely satisfied at this point in time. It is exactly what I was looking for.

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  incredible handling - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By arnieg - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has amazing performance particularly the handling when equipped with the "SH" option. Corners like on a rail at twice the recommended speed. A bit noisy but music to the sports car lovers ears. Was a bit overpriced in the beginning but now represents one of the best sports car values available. Acoustic sound system is the best standard system I have had so far.

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  I love my CR-V - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Joyce Kleinholz - May 25 - 2:00 am

  It has been many years since I had a car that has been this much fun to drive. The manual transmission gives me control, it is responsive, easy to park, fits in the garage just fine and is comfortable and useful.

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  Sa-Weet! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By genxcp - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just let go of our 99 Accord EX V6 black/black coupe for an 04 black/black Acuras TSX. I can only hope that the Acura now lives up to the departed Accord. The Accord was a blast! Always got looks, always delivered smooth and fast performance, never any troubles, etc. It hasnt travelled far, we sold it to a family member, so Im sure we will see it for at least several more years.

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  Practical yet fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By KS - May 24 - 4:16 pm

  Very sensible vehicle. Stick shift is very accurate (my reference is Mazda3 2.3L 5-sp), and well mated to the engine, which has suprisingly enough torque to accelerate without frequent downshifting. Dash is well-laid, everything visible and within reach. Seating position is too low w/o height control, and that does not let the driver take advantage of the large windshield and short hood: visibility forward could be better. Cargo space and configurability is excellent, would be outstanding even for a much larger car. Nice rims, and right size tires for the car size and weight. Everything about this micro-van says "practicality", yet it is fun to drive, too

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  CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jle - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Great small versatile SUV. Seconds generation is much better then first.

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  Great Family Car! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NJMOM - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Honda has come through once again with a practical, family friendly, fun to drive vehicle. My three kids fit comfortably in the second row seat and we have room for their friends when we need to with the flip up third row. I am grateful to no longer drive a minivan. Just watch out for dealer mandatory accessory packages that are unneccessary and make it more costly than it should be. I have the EX with Leather and the DVD and its perfect as is without any accessories!

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  great car for the money! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By alem100 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2-door EX coupe, auto. w/side a-bags, metallic silver. Ive had no problems mechanically at all with the car. Ive noticied a couple of my fellow reviewers mention dashboard noise &/or rattling inside the cabin. I have never heard any noise up to this point; in fact, the cabin is very quiet. I like the convenience features that came standard like the sunroof, A/C, cruise control (HUGE help since I drive long distances frequently), power windows etc and ABS. Fuel efficiency is excellent, especially on the highway.