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:

• 

  Nearly Flawless - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By pgardner - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The only unexpected incident, a whining noise from the rear diff when doing a u-turn, was fixed by changing the oil in the rear diff. Mileage on this 5-spd has been better than expected. City has averaged 26mpg. Hwy mileage is another story, it really fluctuates with speed, as low as 22mpg driving a steady 85mph across Montana, to a high of 31mpg driving 50-55mph along the Oregon coast. Typical 65-70mph cruising yields 28mpg. Off-road ability isnt bad, but lack of ground clearance and any low-range gearing really limits your options. Replacing the stock tires was the biggest help off-road. Cant be beat in the snow & ice.

• 

  Now over 500,000 km - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tee Bee - September 17 - 6:06 pm

  Purchased this car new, my first new car, and have enjoyed it immensely. Now at over 345,000 miles, it rides smooth (original struts, joints, CV, links all original), still get over 32 mpg, auto transmission shifts like new, AC blows cold, heater cranks out heat, all doors, hood, trunk lid function fit-perfect. Leather interior wears excellent, no repairs, and carpeting is in fine shape. All brake rotors are factory original. I have replaced only one rear caliper. This is probably the best car ever made in USA. I do all of my own maintenance.

• 

  This Car is FANTASTIC! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ThirteenRight - September 17 - 10:13 am

  I just got my 2007 Fit Sport in Blue and it is the best! I love driving it, I love being seen in it ... best purchase Ive ever made! Who knew a Hatchback could be this awesome!

• 

  the best damn car on tha planet - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jeaser - September 17 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is the most smoothest running honda ever produced with a slick style and high performance, i give it a perfe

• 

  BALANCING ACT - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Sophisticated Driver - September 17 - 10:00 am

  In low RPM, the S2000 drives like a normal car. Select a lower gear and press the gas pedal, a smile will come upon your face. It doesnt get better than this!

• 

  SE Coupe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By StephB - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Honda. I started with a 99 civic vp and decided to upgrade to an accord. All of the bells and whistles I wanted. Also less road noise than my civic. Although not as much vroom as a v-6, definately more ooomph than the civic. Ive had my new accord since April and Im very happy with what Ive gotten for what Im paying. Only disappointment is that I could not hold out till the 2003 model came out.

• 

  My favorite car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By My favorite car - September 17 - 3:43 am

  I recently bought the 2008 Honda civic sedan LX and i love it. I have bought a lot of cars and this one has to be my favorite. I drove the accord it was great but i was just liking the civic more. The a/c isnt too great as everyone else says but i like to ride with the windows down anyway. The radio works really good. It has some get up and go when its needed but definitely not the si. Other than the a/c the car is great!

• 

  its so cool - 2002 Honda Insight
  By mr. ark - September 17 - 2:00 am

  the insight is the only vehicle ive driven that is a compact car with a QUIET ride and groove design. i like the fact its got some kick to it as well. overall it rules.

• 

  Daves Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dave O - September 16 - 11:16 am

  This car is solid and quiet. The quality and reliability is flawless. I have owned this vehicle for 13 months, and have had zero problems.

• 

  High Class Car for Entry Level Price - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ed Cohen - September 16 - 4:23 am

  This car cost the same amount of money as the `01 Civic LX it replaced. Its a much improved and upgraded car. Many of its features--i.e. anti-lock brakes, theft alarm, etc.--were only on the EX in the earlier generation. Any less- expensive-to-buy current car comes with fuel efficiency or depreciation draw- backs that make the cost of ownership more. I am amazed that this refined, good-performing car is the cheapest.