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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  Solid choice - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ian stuart - December 14 - 6:50 am

  Turned in my Honda Civic lease car with plans to lease another Civic. But the Accord was so much quieter and smoother riding than the Civic. So I ended up leasing an Accord. Love the 6 CD set up. Nice sound system. Manual transmission is smooth. The manual transmission seems to be much better mated to the engine than the automatic. Automatic seemed noiser and rougher. Plus the manual gets a bit better mileage. I average about 27 mpg in mostly city driving. (The Civic did get better mileage.) The engine is silky smooth for a 4-cylinder. Plenty of power. Who needs 6 cylinders? Honda makes great engines. Love the Moroccan red color.

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  Prelude S - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Cardinal - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Only thing its lacking is speed. Would love to have V-tech or Si.

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  Great car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Jesus Vega - December 14 - 2:00 am

  3 years of constant driving an average of 45 miles per day never gave me any problems besides going thru a couple of clutches was never taken into the shop for mechanical problems only maintenance. The fuel mileage on this car is outstanding I usually filled the tank with 8 – 10 dollars and lasted around 360 miles a full tank. I recently sold my Honda, which after already having a new used Mitsubishi eclipse ‘99 still was hart broken when the happy new owners drove of in my Honda. I love my new car but after a month I still miss my Honda which never let me down.

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  Perfect Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By hondahoot - December 13 - 4:13 pm

  Im a college student, and my parents bought me this car at graduation. It is the perfect car for a college kid. Its dependable, sporty, safe, fun to drive, and turns heads. My parents like knowing that I always have my seat belt on, and that I love my car. Plus I get at least 36 mph on the highway. I have the rally red, and I just had the under spoilers and moonroof visor put on it, and people love it. Could not be happier. Plus the iPod aux jack is great, I never listen to the radio.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By daveyguitar - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This our 3rd Honda, Never had any problems. I had been looking at 2001 Lexus RX 300s priced close to 30k. I thought the Pilot price was close to 40k. Wife said the RX 300 looked too much like a station wagon but she would consider a Pilot. I could not believe the MSRP for an EX with leather and all the goodies and a DVD system was just over 30k! Brand new! She loves it and so do I and I know we are driving in one of the safest vehicles on the road. How can you put a price on family safety? I didnt think I would use the DVD much, but when she shops, I sit in the back with my own A/C and watch LOTRs or nap. You cant get better quality at this price.

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  Great little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By sierramom - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our CRV last November, after looking at the Forester and the Rav4. Decided on the CRV because of the roomy interior and safety features. All wheel drive gives us added security on trips to the mountains. Driver also has great visibility through windshield.

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  Another New Happy CRV Owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By RAYSKI - December 13 - 10:00 am

  After looking at all the other comparable models,Santa Fe,RAV4,Escape the Honda CRV is by far the best midsized SUV. It was exactly what we were looking for to zip around town in and get decent gas milage. We have owned it for a couple of months and enjoy driving it.The intieror has planty of space and also has the most back seat leg room than the others, which is appreciated by my two big teenage boys.The moonroof is a nice touch and love the fold down center tray.Road noise is not terrible but noticable.A little disappointed with the gas milage.We drive only around town on Long Island and get 17-19 mpg,.I was hoping to get around 22 mpg.

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  lovinmyHonda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By scatnhonda - December 13 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car for the money, and better than some that cost more, test drove some luxury models that did not handle as well or were as quiet as this car. Exceptional acceleration and power for a 4cyl car. Excellent gas mileage.If I was to purchase an upscale luxury car it would definitely be an Acura.

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  The Right Choice - 2007 Honda Accord
  By MJSND80 - December 13 - 8:56 am

  This was The Right Choice for several reasons. I had it down between a Volvo V50 and the Accord and picked the Honda for mileage and interior room reasons. I have a long commute, so interior comfort and mileage were top priorities. Skip Hondas link for iPod. I had it installed and wrote the dealer that very night to arrange a time to bring the car back and have it removed. Got an aftermarket unit thats half the price and mixes the ease of an iPod with the direct-link sound quality. Great car. Comfortable, practical and keeps its value at trade-in time!

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  Great car - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Pcflorida - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Even pulled a 1200 pound boat a few miles back and forth to the lake.