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:

• 

  Seattle 2002 Civic LX Review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JDY - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the first foreign car I ever purchased new. I got tired of selling my domestic cars with little resale value, so I bought this Honda with the future resale in mind. I heartily endorse Hondas after driving mine for two years.

• 

  Honda builds a winner! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Louis Narcisi - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The people at Honda deserve congrats on this fine automobile. Weighing the options and prices avalible. You are left with no choice. For 28,000, how can you beat this car. Try it, test drive it you wont be able to. Handles like a german sport car. The added horsepower, leaves you to wonder if your actually in an Accord or a fine tuned sport car. The people at Rosen Honda, helped me get exactly what I wanted at a price I could afford. Rosen Honda is located in Illinois.

• 

  Honda listened!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By George S. - September 30 - 12:13 am

  I just purchased the DX model. I am very pleased with so many things about this car! Thank you, Honda, for putting the same engine in all models. The safety factor is awesome! Fuel economy is near "hybrid" range with 40mpg! The DX model is stripped, but it gave me a chance to get into the car, I can always add my own stereo!

• 

  Marys element - 2005 Honda Element
  By mary Boucher - September 29 - 11:26 pm

  The honda element is the best design in a new car Ive seen in years. I have a 3 year old that just loves it. My husband and I like to drive it more then our Audi or suburban.

• 

  Love my Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By luv my car - September 29 - 9:53 pm

  I went from a Mercedes C280 to a Honda Accord, V6 w/navigation. This car is much bigger and has all the bells and whistles. The navigation is worth the money and I love the blue tooth technology being used with my cell phone. Also, love the xm radio. I dont feel like I downgraded at all. Absolutely got a great car, roomy, comfortable, great ride for a nice price. Also, the 2.9% financing was a great deal.

• 

  great looks for a hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By neilb - September 29 - 7:56 pm

  as hybrids go, this car is the best. the gas mileage is on par with its main competitor, the prius but the styling is much better in my estimation. the ride is smooth and surprisingly powerful. i have a six cylinder mercedes and somehow the super efficient 1.3 liter civic engine with hybrid electric motor assist can easily get up to highway speed quickly. the best however is the interior design. the car feels more normal on the inside than say the prius. the 06 dash is really cool looking and quite functional. standard on the hybrid civic are -get this- 6 airbags! finally, the hybrid civic is built in japan and is very tight and well crafted. i highly recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Great car at an affordable price - 2000 Honda Civic
  By mrOPERMAN - September 29 - 6:03 pm

  All around dependable and cofortable car

• 

  First New Car..... - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Rlovrin1 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Well, The 99 Si was my first brand new car. I was driving an 87 Prelude Si. When I first test drove it, I felt that the prelude was snappier. i then decided to try a theory. Since the Civic had an entirely different RPM range, I changed the RPM where I was shifting and it became another beast. I bought the car that day.

• 

  Fun and reliable - 2000 Honda Civic
  By sarah_92107 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  As a everyday car, this is the best. It handles very well. Has more then enough power. And when any other hondas drive along you know that you car is much more bad a**. Me and my honda civic si have gone throught alot together, and well go throught alot more, i wouldnt change it for the world.

• 

  Good CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Erin - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been very reliable... excellent on fuel economy too.