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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  Suprised - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dv - May 2 - 3:36 pm

  Everyone talks about how great Honda Civics are. So, I decided to buy one. I have had the car for almost 3 years and I have already had to have my dash display replaced (due to some type of a defect in this model), the motor for my fan replaced, and my trunk is broken. The car performs great, and the gas mileage is outstanding. Of course all this stuff was covered under my warranty, but it has just been an inconvenience. I was so surprised by all of this because the Civic has such a great reputation. This experience has me wanting to trade it in for a new car, not a Honda.

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  Fun with flair - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sus - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great utility vehicle with good ride and easy options for hauling. Retro dash is an eye catcher and the different look of the vehicle always attracts attention. People have aksed me if they could take pictures of my car. This is a fun car with a design flair and solid design.

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  VTEC SUV....little lifted RSX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By acuradrian - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun Lots of room The best stick in a SUV

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  Snappy, ready to go always. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie Mohr - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car. It is always ready, and hard to believe it is a 4 cyl.

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  what happend? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By josh murray - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is a bad representation of what honda should be. I had an 86 prelude that was a great car , but times they are a changing. First off the body is so thin you can dent it with your thunb, the car drives ok but it rides like a big wheel. I lost the windshield at two weeks to a rock so small we didnt see it . The brakes were next at 15000 , followed by tires that you couldnt replace because they wernt avalible and now an AC.

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  Solid Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By mpiazzisi - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had many vehicles. American, German and Japanese. My American built Honda is the most reliable car I have ever had. Not in the shop one in almost 3 years. Except for new tires, after 45,000 miles.

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  Very Well Built - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mofo - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall it is a good car. very well built, very comfortable, rides smooth, ect ect. I came froma sports car so I have to put the performance down but I didnt expect it to be a sports car when I bought it. It is great for road trips but not so fun on small curvy roads. This car has every option a BMW or Lexus has on it but not the price tag.

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  Best Shopping Expierience... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 6SpdAccordFan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This new Accord v-6 6 spd is unbievable. It drives smoother than anything else i compared it to (maxima, solara, is300, c320) The best part of buying my new car was he dealership I purchased it at. Gregg Martella my salesman was outstanding in understanding my needs and finding me the car that met all my needs. Herb Chambers in Burlington.

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  4 dr Ferrari - 2004 Honda Accord
  By bfleshner - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We traded up from the 2002 EX V6, an excellent car. But now its like wow! The sound system is better. The navigation system. The interior room even larger. Performance with the 240hp V6 is breathtaking. The ride is more sportier this year with 16"wheels and a tighter suspension but still very comfortable. The drive by wire(no throttle cable) actually gives smoother throttle response, especially from a stop. Dual climate control is heaven. You can have the vehicle do or change whatever you want it to do just by asking it. Great voice recognition and the trip computer with all its various function are great.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dan Miner - May 2 - 12:50 am

  Driver seat could be more comfortable however, but I love everything about it. Gas mileage is above average. Mine is black, and just looks awesome.