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:

• 

  Awsome Ride - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By TJ Gutierrez - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have wrecked this prelude TWICE once at 120mph and the other at 60mph and both times i came out with not even a scratch.

• 

  BUY THIS CAR - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By robjay06 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had the most fun driving this car out of any car Ive driven. it has been a plaesure to own since day one. you definatly must go for the 5-speed manual. the H22 (engine) is extremely fast for a 4-cylinder and can keep up with most anything on the road, especially with aftermarket encouragement. some say its overpriced but those probably havent expirienced revving up to 7,000rpm before shifting while flying down a road.

• 

  Pilot is well rounded SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By 3x27 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about the Pilot. It meets all our needs and then some. It is an urban vehicle and a traveling vehicle. It is comfortable on long drives and nimble enough for city driving. The amenities are plentiful for cost and the quality is great. There are a few minor problems with some of the Pilots out there according to other owners (mine seems to have less than others)but for a first year model, it is the least problematic than any domestic vehicle I have owned. Honda has won me over with the Pilot.

• 

  First evaluation - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Al Wiggins - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Great experience driving and comfort on road and in town. Great vehilcle for transporting three grandchildren,especially with DVD entertainment system.

• 

  love my civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By chris g - March 19 - 10:00 am

  My civic is excellent in many ways except for two things. It does not handle well in the snow because its so light. It could be made more comfortable, a softer seat with a little better lower back support would be great. Otherwise it is very ergonomically laid out.

• 

  Great Car, bad dealer - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CA5150 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been researching this car for a few months now. I finally got to drive it and love it more than I even thought I would! I drove both the 6 cyl and the 4 cyl setups. The 4 cyl really suprised me, and the interior was more comfortable than my current luxury car. The ride was a tad bit stiff, but as a result pulling corners was great with little roll. However, the deal went sour when the sales "manager" tried to mislead me about some stuff, so Costa Mesa Honda wont be getting my business! Beware of this dealership, and do your homework before you go to ANY dealership.

• 

  Family sedan youll love to drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rich C - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly good gas mileage considering the Accords size and feel. Accelleration with 4 cyl / 5 spd combination more than adequate. Engine is very quiet, almost too quiet as I sometimes find myself driving 10 mph beyond optimum shift point. Interior is comfortable and quite adequate for 4 adults. Overall, car is an exceptional value.

• 

  Outstanding Ride! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bjlakatos - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Powerful, quiet, comfortable, reliable...good value for under $25k

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Klub - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CRV used almost two years ago with 117,000 miles on it. I got a great deal due to the high mileage. So far I have never broken down and have had to have no work on it other than routine maintenance and replacing some hoses before they became a problem. My car before this one was brand new and I had non stop problems with it from 6 mos until I sold it 7 years later. For an SUV it has a pretty smooth ride and decent gas mileage. I am pregnant now and will feel very safe with my child in it while still feeling sporty.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Govione - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Riding a 1995 Honda Civic Ex Coupe is pleasurable. Its interior comfort is great and its performance is almost excellent. The EX model is powerful though lacks much horsepower. It should have brought a twin cam Vtec system. Ive been a couple of years with it and had not a single problem with it. It has a beautiful exterior design because of its sportish, modern design. Overall Ill rate it excellent