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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  Great though not perfect van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dr. Perfection - November 30 - 10:00 am

  What makes a vehicle a great one? It lives up to what it says in reality. It could be quality, reliability, comfortness, power, design functions, appearance, fuel economy, performance (all kinds), etc. This Odyssey is doing really well in almost all of the above characters, except the fuel economy, powertrain noise, and interior material quality. Overall, its a great van with value though not perfect.

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  Suave SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By scotthou - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Hondas has done it! A sorely needed replacement for the aging and unpopular Passport. With an excellent engine and body platform, I couldnt go wrong. If you are not pulling a large load, its the best all-around choice for an SUV. I got 16.6 mpg first tank but it should get better. With 240 HP its enough for the intended market. I ordered mine at MSRP (but options are discounted) from Kevin Keen of Ken Wise Honda in Marshalltown Iowa over the phone. They drove it to Mpls w/no extra charges. Its my third Honda from the same dealer (CR-V, Odyssey, and now the Pilot.) Small town dealer offers great service!

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  Great for the Money - 2000 Honda Accord
  By according to jeff - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Honda for 2 years and have had no major problems. Had a bad computer which Honda replaced at no charge. Interior console seems cheaply made, but the rest is great. Great mileage (31-35mpg). Handles great. Very spacious for 4 adults. Seatbelts in the back seat tend to lock up often and frustrate the passengers. Have had problems with paint chipping, we have little knicks all over the car.

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  Love My Honda Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Naomi - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It looks good , head on, rear, and sideview. It feels good to drive. It is very responsive. Good CD player and radio and speakers. The control panel has a large speedometer, easy to read.

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  Awsome Little Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jim - November 30 - 9:10 am

  There just arent enough words to describe how nice this little car is. Headroom is the nicest. Cant even fit into any ford, Chev or Toyota and have more than five inches clearance in the little Civic. Quick, Nimble and oh so economical. Average mpg is just around 50.

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Honda S2000
  By I.Buzz - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a head turner...looks good standing still....even better going zero to 60 in no time flat! Quick shifts. Just wait until it really kicks in at 6500RPMs.

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  Fantastic Ride - 2003 Honda S2000
  By martha - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This was the best car I have owned by far. The handling is superb. I always have the top down...as long as the sun is shining. Unfortunately, I have to put it up in the winter but it just makes it all the sweeter to drive in the summer.

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  Oh What A Car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By HondaMoma - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but a fun car. Good performance, fast, and LOOKS GOOD!

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  BEST Convertib le Roadster - 2003 Honda S2000
  By MEllen - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is stunning! It is so much fun to drive. It handles speed and turns so well. You can put it up next to the more expensive roadsters and I bet you will think the quality is far superior. I raced a BMW roadster and left them still waiting on me. This is a GREAT CAR!

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  everything i ever dreamed of, but more - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Larry Skillzs - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for 4 months now and everytime I step into the drivers seat and turn the key I love it even more. I raced it all summer(including 8g neutral drops)and the only car that beat me was a e55 amg. I paid for those neutral drops in late sept when my clutch blew and i paid out 1800 for a whole new tranny =). Ive read the reviews and people complain about heated seats, power seats, blah blah. This is a true sports car, period. If you want all that stuff the s2000 is not what you are looking for. I really feel the only sports car that can give you the same feeling as you feel in the S is a ferrari