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 Best! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By gatormd - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing, it turns heads everywhere, outperforms a Boxter S and is $20,000 cheaper. It is the best convertible in its class, and will stay that as the years progress. Honda definitely knows how to keep up with the rest of the companies.

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  Highly Recommended - 2004 Honda Element
  By JTDEW - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Buying a Honda Element is highly recommended if your are looking for a samll SUV. This vehicle is well built and plenty fun to drive. I use it as a work vehicle and find the adaptability of this vehicle is fantastic. It is easy to keep clean and maintain and is a rock solid vehicle. Being a Honda, this car will last me well over 150K miles given proper maintenance.

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  You wont be sorry - 2001 Honda Accord
  By summerheat - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I needed a vehicle to offset our Suburbans enormous thirst for fuel but one that would also work for carrying around the kids and fill in on cross country trips. I also didnt want to pay a premium new or used car price. In enters the perfect vehicle for the chore. My only problem has been not bypassing my exits as I am really enjoying its comforts and convenience. Thanks Honda.

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  Miss the Accord - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Erica B - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Use to have 00 Accord SE. but then got an civic LX after parents divorced. Weve had over five Hondas, so we knew this was a good decision. But now a year and a half later, my feelings have gone downhill for the Civic. The performance is bad, paint is chipping, maint button comes on constantly, etc. Id defintely love to have the 00 Accord back. Id recommend the 00 Civic instead.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By 02SEfan - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 32K miles on it. Sold my 97 Accord to get it. Have not had any problems with it. It is much better than the 97 Accord. The interior is a lot roomier, the exterior is much more stylish, and the engine has a lot more get up and go. The gas mileage around town is OK at 19 MPG. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. Highly receommend it.

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  The worst car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kydrizer - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car.I chose honda civic because of brand power. But it is very noisy that really annoying me when accelating.It has real weak power than its competitor like hyundai elantra,toyota corolla.. And gas milage is not good especially in city as it is advertised. (genuine 25mpg)

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  One Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By treasman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  It is like driving a luxury vehicle for a moderate price. Not one problem since I drove the vehicle off the lot 8 months ago.

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  i love my 04 accord v6 coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By masccat - August 27 - 2:00 am

  i love the 240 horsepower, the handling - especially in the rain, the ride is smooth, quiet, great stereo system, i would buy this car all over again.

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  You Got to Love this one - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MaddiePatterson - August 27 - 2:00 am

  There is not much to not love about this car. I really enjoy it and the looks I get when driving down the road. The kids fight over who is going to drive when the family goes somewhere together and they are always trying to get mom to let them borrow the car.

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  Jordans review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jordan Y. - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Its my first car, great performance but it could have a option for a semi- aotumatic transmission.