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 Accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By mperez - May 16 - 2:00 am

  When I bought my Honda, it was 2yrs old. The car has been excellent. Very few things have gone wrong. It is now over 10yrs old with over 130,000 miles and I know that it will start every morning. Only problems areas have been the a/c and the cv joints. otherwise, I take it in for a tuneup every year and thats it. still put around 15k miles on it a year, and ov80mph on hiway

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  Almost Perfect! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By T.C. - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Civic Si brand new. I have never had a single problem with it mechanically. Just followed the recommneded maintenance - thats it! I have driven it through fairly heavy rain/snow with no problems - that is, AFTER replacing the stock Michelin XGT V4s, which were downright DANGEROUS on any wet road conditions. I am now running Yokohama Avid T4s, which are not as high-performance but they increased the ride comfort considerably - at the cost of more body lean in the turns due to a softer sidewall. A fair trade-off, because their wet-weather capability is outstanding.

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  A reliable sporty car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By FuSheng - May 16 - 1:33 am

  This car is very, very fun to drive (for those who like sporty cars and sticks). It gets excellent gas mileage while still being pretty quick. The interior is very nice, with some cool Si-only touches. I got a crazy good deal on this car used, but Im not sure if Id like to pay full price for it new. Its not quite as quick as some of its competitors (only 160hp). But, it outhandles most of them, and, importantly, it has just about bullet- proof reliability. Most other "Pocket Rockets" are pieces of junk with powerful motors (like the Neon SRT-4) but the Civic Si will still be perfect 100,000 miles from now.

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  Good for the Cost, Reliability - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dstech - May 16 - 12:40 am

  I have now owned this car for close to three months and the thing that gets me is the gas mileage. Its got good functionality, nice looks--but the gas mileage is the part that sells it.

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  Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lestat - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised by the overall practicallity of this vehicle. Everything in the car has its place and purpose, from the numerous cup holders between the driver and passenger seats to the back seats being slightly higher than the front.

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  7/24/04 Purchase - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sl49 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Moving up from a 1993 minivan. Big improvement. Very car-like ride for its size. Excellent handling, very good driving position. Headlights do a superior job illuminating the road. AC cools very rapidly & rear unit can be controlled from 2nd row if desired. Radio/CD player is fine to these non- audiophile ears. Center console has tons of storage. Lots of room w/ 3rd row seats folded down. Early evaluation is very positive.

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  Exellent - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ana Barrios - May 15 - 10:00 am

  the gas tank is a bit short so, one has to go to the gas station often. I would love to see a hybrid version.

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  Best Car I have Driven - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lee Ovian - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I am in sales and was in need of dependable and reliable vehicle that had navigation. I am die-hard Chevy fan and hard a time separating my feelings for another GM product. After several weeks of contemplating what car buy, I decided on the Accord. The Navigation system was far superior to Onstar and other competitors such as Nissan. I have owned this car one week and I am truly impressed with my purchase. I would recommend this car in a heartbeat. Just two weeks ago I was reading others testimonials and based on the positive feedback made the decision to buy the Accord and you should to.

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  damn nice car at low ass cost - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ilovemyhonda - May 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the only car under 30,000 to get 3.0 liter and 240 hp with full option. this is much more roomier than 350z and g35 for the driver and passengers. honda is known for its excellence at low costs and i never regret getting this car for even one second.

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  cant go wrong - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hondaowner22 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car a little over a year and love it. No problems, no glitches, no repairs. Drives well, great mileage. The 4 cyl is all you need unless you are a hot-rodder. I did put a seat cushion in the drivers seat - could use more thigh support. Everything works and works well!!