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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  Love my Honda! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DJS - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with our new Honda EX CRV. We were concerned about it only being a four cylinder, but we have found that it has plenty of "get up and go!" Our one complaint are the head rests for the backseats, particularly the middle one. It tends to cause a blind spot, but it is easy enough to remove. Other than that, we love it!

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  Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By sbloustine - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. I have enjoyed owning it very much.

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  Another great Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jacobwallace - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Loved my 97 Civic so much I bought my wife an 02 Accord EX. Fun to drive, roomy interior, huge trunk. Plenty of features, as usual on EXs. Realiability has been great so far, but its only got 3900 miles. Transmission shifts perfectly smooth, doors shut with that great vault "thud". The dealer we bought from, South Tacoma Honda, in Tacoma, WA, has a great internet sales program - NO ONE else in the area would even match their FIRST offer via email - I didnt believe it, so I wasted 3 days trying to shop their offer around before I finally bought from them.

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  Accord EX V6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By smh - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This newly styled Accord is so much more refined than its predecessors. The ride is softer and the engine is quiet and ready to go. The overall experience is as though youre in a much more expensive luxury car.

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  Smart car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Cayman - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a smart car to own because it is so practical and fairly inexpensive to own. The Camry was equally nice, but rather boring, and it had inadequate brakes. Forget the Altima for the cheap interior plastic parts. The Accord is my first Honda. I hope it will last a long time while offering a fun car to drive.

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  My Honda Accord LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jac - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Seats hard. Blinkers could be louder. Arm rest should be further forward. Plenty of pep & good ride. Some control confusing.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By G - August 7 - 10:00 am

  awesome And I coudnt believe its great handling. The interior is full of amenities. Great caar

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  My Honda Accord LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JAC - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Seats hard. Blinkers could be louder. Arm rest should be further forward. Plenty of pep & good ride. Some control confusing.

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  Accord EX V6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SMH - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This newly styled Accord is so much more refined than its predecessors. The ride is softer and the engine is quiet and ready to go. The overall experience is as though youre in a much more expensive luxury car.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By g - August 7 - 10:00 am

  awesome And I coudnt believe its great handling. The interior is full of amenities. Great caar