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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  Dependable and easy - 2011 Honda Accord
  By stephen villa - September 21 - 10:21 am

  I bought this used as it was my first Honda and I wanted to see if I liked it. I love it. My car insurance premium went down significantly and its very dependable. Maintenance has been as scheduled with no surprises. Fuel mileage is good, but I do wish is was better. Now that Ive had it for a few years, I know Ill replace it with a higher end Accord. I love the coupe and will keep the same style.

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  Quite good for a sporty car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JR - September 21 - 3:00 am

  In a nutshell, I sold my 03 RSX type S and got the Accord instead. More comfort, power and its not a kids car. Handling is good for what it is. Power is very good. Auto shifts crisp but get the transmission recall done if you have not done so. VERY IMPORTANT.

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  So smooth! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mssp - September 20 - 11:00 pm

  I finally thought it was time to let go of my beloved 1994 Accord and replace it with another one. I looked at the options out there and kept coming back to the 2007 Accord. Im glad I made the right decision!

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  Love It - 2006 Honda Element
  By Scott S. - September 20 - 8:42 pm

  This is one great suv. I had a 02 Toyota Tacoma 4dr 4x4 and thought that i was getting a slow no room vehicle. Think again! The Element has it all. The gas savings is a plus. Awd is great. I would never had thought the Element provides all that i need. My kids love it.

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  boo hoo - 2001 Honda Civic
  By ckc - September 20 - 3:23 pm

  Its pretty gutless and the clutch has some issues. I have the EX with VTECH For the price I wish it was a little better. Runs great Sunroof button is in a stupid spot and the sunroof doesnt go all the way back. Radio is pretty cheesy for "high quality"

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  Great little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By KOby - September 20 - 11:54 am

  I bought it new in 99 and it continues to get the job done with only a few minor repairs along the way. It is not powerful but with a manual transmission it can get out of its own way. The lacks of power is made up for with MPGs. It is sporty for an economy car, looks good inside & out, and is well built-- it doesnt feel cheap. The folding rear seat makes it suprisingly useful, I can put my mountain bike in the back and even Home Depot trips. Its good in the snow with low torque & FWD- decent all season tires have gotten me through several bad NJ winters Drawbacks: wind & road noise, reverse hard to engage, weak A/C, takes forever to warm up in the cold, unsupportive seats

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  Great Roadster-Great Price - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rtack40 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Before purchase, considered corvette and BMW. S2000 was better buy. Excellent responsiveness, great looks and quality. Great fun to drive. Amazing power for a 4 cyl. Minimal road noise. Great feature is the glass back glass.Interior color choices could be better. Would suggest a few interior modifications: heated seats, auto door locks and 6 disc in dash CD player

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sharkzbyte - September 20 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted a 3rd row seat to haul the kids(ours and their friends), but didnt want a minivan, or stationwagon. I wanted something with as much horsepower as possible. After exhaustive research, and numerous test drives, the Honda Pilot seemed to be the clear choice. After 8 months, I dont have any complaints. The ride is comfortable, the looks are just right, and I love to pass sportscars on the freeway! Great Vehicle!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Givemlharry - September 20 - 9:08 am

  I bought my Insight al little over a year ago, used. It is fun to drive, has held up very well and averages about 62 MPG. I cant believe Honda is stopping production. Instead they should be advertising the Insight as the answer to the worlds oil crisis. Anyone that has to commute long distances should own one.

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  Japan built accords last longer! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By cer - September 20 - 7:55 am

  i bought my accord used, the ulev edition, which is built in japan. the transmission is only now, at 199,000 miles, is starting to slip a little, mostly due to old tranny fluid. american built hondas are the ones that are giving the company a bad rap. you cant build a japanese product outside of japan, it just wont work. wont buy another honda because they majority are built in the u.s. now, but will never rule out buying a used one after researching where the car was built.