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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  Excellent Buy of Performance & Value - 2002 Honda S2000
  By JohnnyJ - February 11 - 2:00 am

  For the price you pay for the S2k, its an excellent buy. The handling of the car just so well. Excellent performance for a small engine.

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  Blast to drive! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By ddd444 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  It is absolutely the most fun you can have in a car! It gives you the feeling of driving a F1 Race car!!

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  Great Vehicle - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Chicago - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Awsome car, just bought it... despite some suspension problems i discovered over 65 m/hr, this car is perfect. Very comfy with yokohama wheels on it, the EX/Si is the only way to go though, 2 reasons, the VTEC and the curve on the back of the trunk... (had a 91 DX before - it was fun but anemic) Once the VTEC kicks in and you downshift to speed-up, itll give you goosebumps. very fun.

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  Awesome drive - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Amy Dizney - February 9 - 5:56 pm

  I cant say enough about the performance. Fast, smooth, handles very well. I just wish I could legally really get on it to see how fast it will go. Beautiful black leather interior. Easy access to console. Highly reccommend Ipod adaptor,the controls are on my steering wheel. Heated seats required in Mass winters. Fits my family of five comfortably in back seat. The roomy rear seat was my major decision for choosing this over larger SUV. Great on gas. So far got me to work during 2 snow storms at ease. Sunroof gives a nice breeze rather than huge air rush through the vehicle. Huge trunk with fold down seats for large items like lumber. My 10 year old cant wait to get license to drive this car 2015.

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  Our 15th Honda Vehicle! A+A+A+ - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Lily Jaeger - February 9 - 12:33 pm

  Between my son and I, this is our familys 15th Honda Product since 1986. This is our first Civic and we absolutely love it! It is fun to drive, great fuel stats and the best looking interior and exterior of any vehile that we have seen. We plan on buying a SUV before the end of the year and we are considering only a Honda product. My son needs a vehicle to carry his Mobility Power Chair, so he is considering either the CRV or Pilot as his next purchase. The quality and reliability of Honda remains impecable, and once you own one, youll own another, and so on, and so on, etc... Keep up the great product and youll keep us as a customer for life!!! We spread the good word everywhere!

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  Jakes 1993 Accord EX - 1993 Honda Accord
  By jon&virgil - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new and I am now selling it because my family has out grown the sporty accord. I would tell anyone who is looking for a good dependable sharp car to look for this year model. I have NEVER had a days trouble......I hate I must sell it......

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  96 Accord - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Curtish - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car,the wife really enjoys the driveability. The only problem has been at 81K the balance shaft oil seal failed and dumped all the oil out. Honda repaired as a defect with no cost.

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  Best of the Best - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Batman - February 8 - 7:23 pm

  I bought this car after my 7year old van began to cost me more and more. I was trying to stretch it a little longer while I researched this cars overall value and others experiences. I was hooked on its looks and functions to say the least. The fuel economy is outstanding and I have cut my monthly fuel cost by 60 percent. I average about 36 driving around town. I have owned a lot of different vehicles and this car is a winner. For driving such a great little car with big features sure puts a smile on my face. My neighbors mentioned how kool it looks. I get people always asking about it. Great car with or without hybrid technology. Buy one and have fun saving $$$$.

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  Cant expect any more! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By reuthermonkey - February 8 - 9:00 am

  Ive owned this car for only a few weeks now, but im absolutely in love with it. Im not a "car person" by any stretch of the imagination. My previous car was a 95 Honda Accord and after 240,000 miles, I needed a replacement. I looked exclusively at Honda and Toyota for a new, inexpensive alternative, and stuck with Honda because it was simply a better value and a prettier car.

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Alejandro Gonzalez - February 8 - 2:50 am

  Simple but great vehicle. Able to put 5 peoople into the car without problems. Handles my mountain bikes easily...