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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  Honda envy - 1996 Honda Civic
  By hon-da-man - July 27 - 1:26 pm

  Got this one with 60k on it and now has 144k. Gas mileage can go up to 46 mpg if I really baby it, but gets 40 mpg now. No problems, except self induced ones. Wish I had gotten one with power windows and doorlocks, just for convenience.

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  Its incredible........ - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jodim - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for nearly 5 mos. Its incredible. Great handling...like a car but with features of an SUV. Lots of leg and head room. Comfortable on the long hauls, too. And, its peppy! Great pick up when Im merging onto the highway.

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  honda odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By valma - July 27 - 10:00 am

  this has been a great purchase...an absolute pleasure to drive and so easy to handle

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  Honda Odyssey 2003- Rated all 10s - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By GDoug - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our first family van. It has exceeded all the requirements that we weere expecting. We love it.. It has power under the hood, especially when you really need it. Rated the best and will always be the Best... Safety Ratings= Outstanding.. Once you get into one, youll be amazed...

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  new si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rusty - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Thsi is fun to drive(feels like a race car)that brings me to issue #1 the steering is fine at low speeds but way to heavy at highway speed -an adjustment of the variable power steering unit will be something I may undertake.

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  2004 Civic LX 4 door - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mrgoodwrench - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th Honda and I have not been disappointed in any of them. I traded a CRV for the 2004 Civic and dont regret it. The ride and drive is great. The mileage looks great, cant seem to empty the tank. If you can do without the sun roof and alloy wheels this seems the best buy. Very solid and a huge amount of room compared to the previous version. Nice car.

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  I Love my Accord V-6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lotustwo - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this V-6. It is my second..upgrade from 98 V-6 :The first model. This is a very smooth riding and quiet car. Has alot of power. Hardin Honda was great. Renaldo was my sales person. $400 under MSRP. I also had teflon coating. What an upgrade! the body just glows.

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  Two weeks old - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Magilla - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Altima, Passat and Accord. Im really happy I went with the Accord. Very soft leather and interior feel is excellent.

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  Love my honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By cyn - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Accord, and it is the best so far. I love the changes they have made to the new 2003 models.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sniffydad - July 27 - 9:46 am

  Best car Ive ever owned - bar none! This is a jewel to drive and very luxurious. No better value out there. Heated leather seats, 6-disc CD, Navigation System that is VOICE ACTIVATED ... the list goes on and on. This is a $45,000 car for less than $27,000! I currently have over 28,000 miles on it and have never had any problems -- not one. If I ever trade it in, it will be for another 6-cyl Accord.