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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  Awsome Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ghassan - November 10 - 1:26 pm

  This car is great, if anyone is thinking of buying a great car thats reliable and reasonble priced, you should think about buying a Honda Accord because its know for its great reliability and also it wont depreciate its value like domestic cars and for a 2.4 Liter 4 Cylinders that produce 160 HPs and 161 pound/FT. torque its very fast and fun to drive.

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  versatility and roomy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By anthony - November 10 - 12:23 pm

  Roomier interior. Fun to drive. Quality engine. Tough trunk bed. Excellent interior design.

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  2008 Honda Accord 4 cyl Automatic EXL - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mario Gutierrez - November 10 - 10:23 am

  I traded in my 2006 Volkswagen 2.0 turbo Passat for my new 2008 Honda Accord. I fell in love with all the goodies. Leather, Satellite radio, sun roof, and the 17 alloy wheels. For the money it was a bargain..I got the car for $24,900. Which is about 5 thousand less for a comparable new Passat. The cabin of the Honda is roomy for two adults and three kids. The seats are comfortable, and there is ample leg room in the front and rear. I also dig the lumbar support on the drivers seat. The ride quality is smooth and quiet. And there are no rattles or noises even on rough roads. The car has a certain European look especially when viewed from the side and rear.It looks like a 5 series.

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  Life Saver - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Pacsman - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This van does it all. We can take our 2 kids to the airport with us and pick up Grandparents, 4 lg pieces of luggage and all be comfortable for the trip home. No more taking two cars. Weve liked it so much, were trading for 2002 model.

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  Happy Honda - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Happyface - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This van is fun to drive. Has lots of pick up. Had one problem with it, but it was fixed. Great service.

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  43mpg Road Trips - 2002 Honda Civic
  By bigjj - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Honda Civic EX Sedan for almost a year and never got to take it on any road trips until last weekend. I averaged over 39mpg for over 2,000 miles of driving, including two trips through the mountains and some city driving. This is amazing noting my lead foot and the engine is tuned to create as little emissions as possible. Another amazing thing is the tranny doesnt go around always searching for gears on inclines. Just leave the cruise on and it takes care of the rest. On a quality note. This car has been flawless like my older Hondas. Cant get any better quality for the money.

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  Smooth Fast Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Joe Doyle - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, I got a great deal on it. It came with way more features than the crappy looking Camry and was far less. Its a Honda so it will be great on resale. Motor is smooth and quiet, I have the rear wing so it looks even better. Needs heated seats and an outside temperature gauge in it though, ride is good, gas mileage is ok for a 6 cyl. Toyota is way more expensive with less standard options. Cant wait for the new pilot to come out to buy one of those also. Go Honda...your products are the best. Toyota doesnt have a robot like Honda either.

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  Best Honda Ever - 2009 Honda Fit
  By MissFit - November 10 - 5:20 am

  I bought my new Fit Sport 4 days ago and already have 500 miles on it! It is a blast to drive. I drove from LA to Palm Springs and all around town and my mileage was... 44 mpg! I was shocked it was so good. I have owned 2 Honda Accords and 1 Honda Civic and this Fit is far better in quality than any of them. If you are considering a small car with good gas mileage this is the one!

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  Best compact car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Melissa - November 10 - 3:06 am

  When I was shopping for a car I test drove the Mazda 3s and the Honda Civic EX. I found that the Mazda 3 was not as comfortable or as refined as the Honda Civic. After test driving both cars I priced them. They were roughly about the same price. Therefore, the Honda Civic Ex was my decision due to many factors such as resale price and Hondas build quality. I have experienced that my Honda Civic is fun to drive and is a nice looking car. Another benefit of this car is the air conditioning because it gets cold right away but the Mazda 3s took the whole test drive for it to get comfortable inside of the cabin. Overall, this is a great car and I will continue to purchase from Honda.

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  Very fun and Sporty - 1994 Honda Civic
  By RCWolfist - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my Civic EX, Its very fun to drive and reliabe. All I do are oil changes and the usual maintence. Has great performance for the price. Parts are also reasonably priced, not that youll every buy any (unless parts of yer car gets stolen).