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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  Great car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Honda lover - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 93 Accord SE sedan in April, 2002 with 90K miles on it. It now has 101K and rides and looks great! And the resale value is unreal. Think hard before you buy another American car! This one should last a long time.

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  Great Minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By tscm98 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Minivan. Very reliable, traction control, rear seat temperature fan control, foldaway 3rd row, lots of room even when the 3rd seat is up. My husband drives a 94 Accord, and when he drives on the highway, I usually have to remind him to check his speed, because he ends up above 80, without realizing it. I never thought I would drive a minivan, but now that I have it, I dont know what I would do without it. The 3rd row seat that folds into the floor is very convenient. The 2 captains chairs in the center can be pushed together, or kept separate. I love the van and would recommend it to anyone.

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  new honda only family - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By minivan no longer - October 22 - 2:00 am

  never had a honda before - now its all we want!! fits our three children (and many friends) wonderfully - fits more than our previous minivan. has 8 shoulder belts - very safe. the dvd system with wireless headphones is such a godsend on long trips.

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  great value - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By GH boomer - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive with storage, comfort, performance and decent MPG to boot.

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  I cant believe I own a Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe7 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Rides great and very roomy!

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  My Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By phkawa - October 22 - 2:00 am

  It only has a little over 3000 miles, ut seems to be a tarke for people. People on cell phones have run into me 3 times. Last time was in a parking lot at a stand alone Walreens. Her 1992 just suffered some Teal colored paint to her back bumper, but she almost deployed my right & left side air bag as she knocked me so hard. Moral is Dont Talk & Drive. I choose Honda after My daughter had totaled one & all 5 kids inside were buckled in & although the car was totalled the kids were all fine!

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  Our New Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By F16 - October 22 - 1:13 am

  We were one of the first five people in Florida to buy a Honda Crosstour EXL (white with black leather). We have enjoyed driving the car. The day we brought it home and got the pass to our gated community for it, four men walked out of the office and just looked at the car. It is fun to drive. Averaging 22 miles per gallon in heavy traffic to downtown Miami. Great stereo sound system. Large cargo area. We are glad that we got it. It is eye-catching.

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  Best Value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ron - October 22 - 12:43 am

  We looked at the xA, xB, accent, Rio, Spectra, Civic, Sentra, Corolla, and others but after testing the Fit ...no contest... the Fit is far better than the others... its combination of looks, feel, room, features, price, & mileage are unmatched... definitely need to get the Sport... more than worth the extra money... the Civic has less room, less flexibility, less features, and less looks (opinion), all for a couple thou more... only advantage is more power.

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  Amazing honda civic si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By vindicated410 - October 21 - 1:23 pm

  I love how it feels around turns, it has amazing handling and comfort for a sporty little car

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  The little Honda that could... - 1991 Honda Civic
  By jvillegurl - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda used from a private owner back in 98 for $3,500. This car, (LUCY BLUE)will not die. She just keeps going and going. She now has 260,000 miles on her and I bet she will last another 50,000 easily. I have not had to do anything really major to her, other than replacing CV joints twice, Clutch twice,and a radiator.(By the way, the radiator was my fault- I guess she was not meant to jump sand hills at the beach:) I will definately buy another Honda, matter of fact, thats all Im buying!