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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  09 Accord LX-P - 2009 Honda Accord
  By david - September 2 - 9:23 am

  We have had our Accord for two weeks. Our gas mileage averages 25 mpg with the best mileage being 31 mpg. My wife and i are very pleased with the car and found it both comfortable and easy to drive. The seat are firm but on long trips still comfortable. Road noise is not excessive and is related to the type of pavement.

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  Accord lives up to billing - 1999 Honda Accord
  By tbergen1 - September 2 - 8:26 am

  My 2 1/2 year old Accord is excellent in reliability and dependability. Having driven a friends newer Accord 6cyl I noticed my 1999 isnt quite as peppy. It really is a great car though. Ill buy another one. (in about 7 years)

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  A Street Legal Go-Kart - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Stooook Guy - September 2 - 2:42 am

  The S2000 is an amazingly fun car to drive, not to many cars can compare to the amount of fun that the s2000 can provide. the seats that hug you in all the right places, a suspension that will get you around corners like you never thought possible and an engine that spins to 9000 rpms an its a convertible. its not the most comfortable or quiet ride, at 75mph at 4k rpms with top up, it seems like your going faster than you really are. down low in the rpm range it seems like a civic which can be annoying, but get into vtec around 6k rpms an it feels like your driving an F1 car. the steering feels light an quick an it feels like a go-kart, quick, agile, an light. an amazing car!

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  Fun to drive!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Tim2K - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Faster than the MR2 and Miata, more agile than the 350Z roadster and a LOT less money than a Boxster, Z4 or TT, the S2000 hits a sweet spot. It has a mid-engined 4 cylinder (yes the motor sits entirely behind the front axle), a power to weight ratio better than anything within $20K and handling and brakes to match. If youre considering a roadster, go test drive an S2000! When the rpms go above 6000, VTEC kicks in and youre pushed back in your seat - what a rush! This is the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned! The biggest downside I can find is lack of passenger side airbag cut-off which means children under 12 should not ride in this car.

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  Gotta love this coupe - 2001 Honda Civic
  By bigney - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car. This car has never given us trouble, is a breeze to drive, and we still get compliments on the looks of it even though we havent made any modifications. We get about 34 mpg, which made our trips to Nova Scotia, Niagra Falls, and Florida more affordable.

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  Fun and Functional! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Diamond Dave - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Commuting 150 miles each day, I drive in both heavy traffic and winding country roads. The Civic makes it all a joy! The transmission is very smooth, the interior is very comfortable and quiet, and the mileage is as stated on the sticker! The clutch is soft and easily held down in traffic, and the 5-speed makes country roads a blast to drive! Plenty of power, and nice ammenities for a small car. On weekends, I dont have to run errands anymore because my friends run them for me, just to drive the car!!!

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  Cheap and unreliable batteries!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SouthCal - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The interior of this car is nice and roomy. But, there are a few little things that do not work right such as the glove compartment and the CD storage lid (does not close). The exterior is a little boring. The BIG PROBLEM is the cheap 3 years battery made in Mexico. I expect a battery with 5 years lifetime. My battery broke down after 5 months and was replaced by a Honda replacement battery with a 5 years warranty. But after 2 months, the new battery starts to act up again. My two previous cars are Honda and I was quite happy with them. Now, I totally lost my confidence in the Honda name.

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  98 Honda Passport - 1998 Honda Passport
  By tmc - September 1 - 10:44 pm

  I love my Passport. Having been a Toyota man for years, I have one problem. It doesnt get the fuel economy I hoped for. I know it is a V6 4WD, but I was hoping for better than 14 mpg. Otherwise, I absolutely love it. Note to prospective buyers, the Honda Passport was built by Isuzu. The Honda Pilot, which replaced the Passport is built by Honda. Just an FYI.

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  Great SUV however BEWARE of FUEL COSTS - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By sahmed - September 1 - 7:26 pm

  I love my 2004 Honda Pilot EXL. I am a female driver and I feel extremely comfortable in this car. The third row is great to have and overall the car is very roomy. My son loves the DVD player and its great for adults in the back seat as well. However, fuel costs will run you $30-50 per week if you are driving around the city daily. It adds up!!! I wish there were a hybrid Honda Pilot.

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  My first hybrid wont be my last - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JOHN LESESNE - September 1 - 11:20 am

  I found the Honda Accord Hybrid to be a better driving machine than my 1995 Buick V8 Park Avenue. Both have excellent gas milage. The comfort level is the same inside the cabin . The Accord is some what sporty also and has great pick up and manuverability . The fuel economy gauges on the Hybrid are a constant reminder of how ones driving habits affects their overall gas mileage. It helps one to adjust to better driving habits that save fuel. I can see better out of this automobile than I can out of any other I have owned. This Hybrid is quite a machine.