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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  The reason you buy a Honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By piscorpio - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This has been one fantastic car. Not the quickest car, but it has enough pep to get you by on daily commutes. The best feature by far is the reliability. You expect if from Honda, and they certainly deliver, it is not just hype. I have had this car for close to 3 years, and I have not had one single problem, NOT ONE. Just keep up your regular maintainance and it will probably run for over 200,000 miles. I have to sell mine unfortunately, to make room for my growing family...I will probably buy a 2000 Civic EX sedan!!

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  Honda Civic LX 2002 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Lucy02 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Hondas have been a part of my family from the day I was born, this was a natural choice for the purchase of my first car. The Civic has come along way since my father first purchase his first Civic in 1979. The Honda now has all safety and reliability of the old Honda, but the added improvements of style (its a car you wont be embarassed driving) and upgraded features.

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  All the combinations - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RealCar - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This car seems to me to be a lot of things to a lot of people...for me its the performance that made my decision. Cruising down the highway at 80 mph with a quiet ride and only at 2200 RPM is awesome. This car will last a long time and handle whatever I throw at it. The fun score would have been a 10 if the tires were better for cornering. I almost spent about $10k more for an Infiniti but the Accord comes with so many luxury features in the base price I had to get one.

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  FIT for a King/Queen - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bonnie Bloss - September 30 - 5:03 am

  This new Honda is FIT for a Queen or King. Great gas mileage, plenty of get up and go power and plenty of room. I was amazed at what this car can do. Handles like a midsize car, and gives you mileage per gallon like a motorcycle. Fit is stylish, compact and everyone stops you to ask what kind of car it is and where can they get one. This is a winner.

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  Great Family Car - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By rumrazz - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 3 years and I am the second owner. This car has really worked for us with two growing teenagers and taxing their friends around. The captain seats in the second row are a real bonus for long rides, each child has their own space. I like having all four doors open like a sedan and that all the windows roll down giving everyone air. The third seat is small but so easy to fold down when not in use, leaving a large cargo space.

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  Great car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Nick93ex - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 149,000 miles on it. I was a little worried that it wouldnt run that good with so many miles, since I had never had a Honda before. It ran great, no problems. I owned the car for about 10months before it was stolen (only downside to hondas) and never had to do anything to it. Of course I did do a few things, like cold air intake, springs, rims etc, but nothing needed to be done. Unlike my old buick which had 120,000 miles on it, and needed to have two valves in the engine replaced and a new transmission put on it, in the 1 year I owned it. Hondas are great cars, period.

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  AWESOME - 2002 Honda S2000
  By S2000jaybird - September 30 - 2:00 am

  A very fun car to drive. i can pull up next to almost anyone and beat them, believe me, i do!!!! You also get looks from everyone, everyone loves this car

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  My 1995 Honda Wagon - 1995 Honda Accord
  By ct-yank - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Honda, my 1st was an 85 Accord Hatchback. The only time either Honda wouldnt start was when the battery was dead. My Wagon has 126,000 miles & going strong. Will buy another Honda when the wagon dies....

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  What a Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By BlairB - September 29 - 4:53 am

  We set out to buy a Saturn Outlook but after test driving all the competitors, took a look at the 2009 Pilot just to rule it out. Immediately we had to have it. Dont know what the fuss is with the styling, we like it from every angle. We have the Mocha Metallic ext. with beige leather and think it is a very classy combination. I love the drivetrain. With concentration I can feel the VCM but it is very imperceptible. Ride is very smooth without being floaty. Handles great. Very solid feeling, doors slam shut like a Mercedes. Awesome seats and features for the money. Would not mind another couple mpg but easy on gas for a lg. vehicle. Love the dual exhaust looks and sound.

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  Civic Hybrid AT-PZEV Engine - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Chad S - September 28 - 3:26 pm

  Just purchased it, ride is smooth and quiet for a little car. More headroom than I expected, interior is def. Honda, i.e. plain, but thats OK. Display is nice with MPG per trip and the IMA battery charging/assist meter is nice. Could use more torque but not sure where it would come from, but considering rising gas prices, it is a great car! Hybrid model includes side airbags and ABS.