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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  Very new S2! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By FF2Skip - August 11 - 2:00 am

  After test driving one, I bought one not for the looks, but for its superb handling. I begged my wife to test drive it. Golf clubs fit in the trunk unlike the MR2. Seats are reassuringly firm, supportive when cornering hard. After 200 miles, I still havent found a comfortable position to rest my left arm for any extended period of time (freeway driving). As everyone has already noted, running this car at such high rpms is different- the ear has to adjust. Top operation is quick and easy. Its amazing that so many people do not even know what it is! Guess they havent seen "Fast & the Furious."

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  STILL Love this car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Kimi - August 10 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car a year ago and have put 24000 miles on it, mixed city/highway. It is STILL a lot of fun to drive and Im still getting 24- 28 city, 32-35 highway. It loves to run at high rpm and because of that, commuting is no big deal - I can stay in 3rd gear from 10 mph to 55 mph and clutch foot doesnt have to get tired. Lots of zip (you do have to know what gear to be in!), still love running up through the gears.

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  Excellent College Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By huds1086 - August 9 - 9:00 pm

  My Civic is fun to drive and has consistently achieved 30+ mpg. It has been extremely reliable; Ive performed only routine maintenance. Two things deter from the cars overall greatness. The rear suspension bounces more than I think it should and there is a lot of road noise on the highway. The Civics faults however, are few and Ive never regretted the decision to buy a Honda.

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  Look for reasons to drive - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Sabra - August 9 - 3:46 pm

  We traded in a 2001 Caddy for my new Civic and find this car so much more fun to drive. Test drove Toyotas and Hyundais--Civic outshone them all. Ive taken it on two trips and had plenty of trunk room for 3. Car handled well on highway beside big rigs as well as city driving. I wish it had better hwy noise insulation. Also wish the seats were not quite so hard and had lumbar support but because I like everything else, I can live with it. Got a great deal on the car in mid June which makes me like it even more! I plan to keep it until it dies. Three out of four sons have Hondas and all have high miles and are doing great. Sweet husband volunteered to drive the old family van.

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  The best Accord yet. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Michiganer - August 9 - 5:40 am

  I originally planned to buy the 2.4L EXL I4 5MT coupe, but after seeing and driving the V6 6MT, I had to have it. The extra 2 grand gets you better looking wheels, Homelink, fog lights, integrated spoiler, dual exhaust, and some other small odds n ends make it worth the cost (since I would have wanted to upgrade the wheels and put fogs on the I4). The V6 also provides a great amount of power, but the I4 will suffice for most and is sufficient. I only wish that the 6MT had a taller 6th gear. I get the EPA rated 26 mpg, but Im sure it could be better with a taller final drive while still being fast on the low end.

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  No buyers remorse - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Norris - August 9 - 3:43 am

  This vehicle has been great and I have recommended it to friends. The tire pressure, fuel and service notices are very helpful. This car is smart and takes the headache away from the driver. The turn radius is impressive. This car is smooth to drive and the entertainment including speakers and listening to music makes travel fun from taking kids to practice to driving coworkers at lunch. Reliable, easy to drive and park and looks and feels like a luxury vehicle. The new grille looks good. I also have the leather seats that are heated which I think not only look good but are also comfortable.

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  Havent experienced much better.... - 2000 Honda S2000
  By firstngoal - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted an s2000 since they came out - and it has surpassed my expectations. Im absolutely crazy about this car... quick, agile, sporty - just a total kick in the butt to drive.

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  Worth the Wait - 2006 Honda Civic
  By L. Skvir - August 8 - 2:53 pm

  I took delivery two weeks ago on my 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid after a two month wait. The car was worth the wait and then some. Compared to my spartan 5-speed 1995 Saturn with 225K miles on it, this is the automotive equivalent of man discovering fire. In my first 950 miles of daily commuting and business use I have averaged a very respectable 47.2 mpg. The car is solid and responsive and has the feel of a more expensive car. Compared to some of the outrageous sticker prices on cars today, I feel like Ive found a rare bottle of wine in the $5.00 bin. Im looking forward to driving this car for years to come.

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  Fun and reliable - 2005 Honda Element
  By Pat - August 8 - 3:16 am

  Very comfortable, easy to drive, pretty good gas mileage and very relable. what else could be said. The most fun car I have ever owned.

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  Top Notch - Fun to drive - Built to last - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By j4k3 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The title says it all. This is one of the most reliable vehicles ever built.