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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  2003 Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mark Gammill - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all of the mid-size cars on the market and found the Honda to be the best value. I could not find any real difference between the 2003 and 2004 so, I got a 2003 for a good price.

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  LOVE MY HONDA - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JC75219 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I miss the power and attitude of my Mustang GT convertible, but its nice to be able to use the A/C and the headlights at the same time. Im 64 years old and 61" and the comfort is great. With only 2400 miles on it, the fuel economy isnt quite where I hope it will eventually be, but it nothing to complain about. I love the car.

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  Fit and Fun - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jindestin - December 30 - 3:36 am

  Just purchased today, but had to drive 120 miles one way to find the base in manual. Supply is limited, demand is high (for all styles) and dealers wont trade. Anyway, drive home on US HWYs as well as Interstate... driving speed at about 70-80 with no problems. Didnt notice a "buzz" or even too much wind noise. Great for our second "around- town" car, with capability for hauling items or short duration roadtrips with the family.

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  This car is BAD!! (BAD meaning Great!... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By HondaAdvocate - December 30 - 2:00 am

  as in BADASS!) I bought this car for my wife as a Christmas gift and she loves it ... the handling is excellent, great power, and best of all its a 4- cylinder.

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  Buy it - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By garyl - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a perfect vechicle for small loads, lots of mileage, and dependibility. Rides like a car great around town and Ok on highway. Not an off road vehicle.

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  A lot of space in a little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By L. N. - December 29 - 11:33 pm

  After owning a used 95 Nissan Altima for many years (and it now costing more to fix than it is worth each year), I decided to purchase a new car. I am very glad I waited for the 2009 Fit. It sounds much better than the 2008 when driving. It is very comfortable to sit in, the stereo sounds great, and the display lights are easy on the eyes. It provides a lot of storage space for a small car. I have to cart my recycle garbage can to a central dump site and occasionally buy large things to cart home (e.g., today, four 4x 3.75 sheets of plywood). I love that the seats fold up or down to provide the extra space. I purchased the sport only because the base did not have cruise control.

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  Sharp and Sexy - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Phoenician - December 28 - 10:30 pm

  I traded my 2006 Accord Sedan, for the 2009 Accord Coupe. Im really happy with my trade. The body style is sleek and sharp. Although the EX has 190 HP, I think it drives fast and smooth. Im having lots of fun driving this baby around. Although theres lots more buttons on the console, I found it easy to navigate. A lot of people complain about the road noise, but I have no problem with it, and I aint going deaf.

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  Awesome, star wars machine - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Erich J Abt - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned, beautiful styling, fun to drive, interior room super, rear seats, actual higher then then front seats. Tight steering, good handling, fast, just get on it, shifts through gears like a dream, love the rear space, put an living room club chair inside and closed the hatch, many stooge compartment, sunglass holder, cell phone, coin holder, deep cup holders, cd, and extra bottle holder in doors, get many compliments on looks and color. Honda is a very well built car, star war electronics, separate climate control, super radio, sound system, controls on steering wheel, also bluethooth, hands free, safety, 10 air bags, Honda engine, 3,4, 6 cyl. Great gas mileage, over 30 mpg.

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  This is Like A Muscle SABB - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By I love my Crosstour - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Design Horsepower I love They should have changed that honda radio other than that I love it!

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  Dont get it. - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By nz24 - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I assume the 7.5 rating the editor gives this terrific car has to do with its lack of room compared to other SUVs. Well they dont get it. What they should be saying is that the Crosstour has a great deal of room compared to other cars. This has all the attributes of an excellent car and the benefits of an SUV. I also drive a Infinity G35X and the Crosstour although may not be quite as peppy, it is in definitely in the same class.