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:

• 

  Excellent - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dmorgan - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive Limiting seating space in rear

• 

  Finally I bought Japanese - 2002 Honda Accord
  By T. bone - January 1 - 10:00 am

  After owning a VW jetta and spending thousands on annual repairs we decided to try Honda and I wish we had did it sooner. Great Car Awesome amenities!!!

• 

  WOW!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RA War - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Never been more impressed by a car.

• 

  Huge bang for the buck - 2003 Honda Accord
  By M-1 - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my EX V6 sedan in December 2003. Compared with Camry XLE V6, Passat V6 GLX, this was the best combination of features and handling for the price. Previous car was a 1998 Passat, which was excellent and is still running fine after 190K miles. The Honda was larger and more powerful, handling is close to the Passat, and thousands less. This car is so FAST - it always feels like theres more power waiting to be used. I am averaging about 28 MPG in mostly highway driving. I dont really miss the Passat.

• 

  Huhoooooooooo! Love it! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CalivinTheGreat - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is so awesome all around... It is smooth and quiet. Very fun to drive. I love the front and rear design. A few disappoinments... Honda didnt XM Radio. They offer for Acura but not Honda. Also, Honda Coupe EX didnt have thermometer and Compass.

• 

  setting the bar higher - 2003 Honda Accord
  By maronti - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a great car for the money. The interior leather seats are awesome!!! The overall finishing and handling makes it a pleasure to go somewhere and be seen in this car. My last car was a Camry, no comparison.

• 

  Loved it. Drove it. Own it. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SeoulChick - January 1 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing about this car I dont like.

• 

  I Heart The Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Zogar - January 1 - 12:23 am

  This car is great. Handles well, easy to park, fun to drive! Getting 39 mph highway.

• 

  SIMPLY THE BEST - 2007 Honda Fit
  By BIG BILL - December 31 - 8:00 pm

  I am a domestic car salesman. I drive a Fit! This car is an absolute hoot! Tons of room (I am a 250 lb man), very nimble, very versatile. If I sold them I would be wealthy! Problem being, Honda cannot build enough. I love this thing and plan to keep it a good long time!

• 

  2005 Honda CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By RALPH1827 - December 31 - 2:07 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for a little over five months and all i can say is that ive fallen in love with it..I prevously owned the 2000 crv and passed it on with 80,000 miles and never a problem to speak of...This 2005 model seems to being heading in the same direction...Just love everything about it except the rear middle seat safety strap with comes down from the rear ceiling near the back door. I feel its unsightly and awkwardly placed.