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 - 1990 Honda Accord
  By MAC16 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Lasts a long time. We got it in 92 and i am still waiting for it to brake down so we can get a newer model. Safe, reliable. Great air- conditioning and heating system. Comfortable.

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  I have a Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MIke - July 8 - 10:36 am

  Love it. The fit. Only down part was long drives on Interstate. This is not a highway car. City traffic, parking, driving the kid to school. I can fit skis in back. Good traction.

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  Great Performance Car w/ no frills - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Borteg - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I gave it 10s on everything except interior design and comfort. If youre over 5 8" and over 160 pounds, it will be a tight and short fit, but well worth the snugness and shortened visual height (w/ top up). Wish it had seat height adjustment. No need to repeat what everyone has said about the remarkable engine and even more remarkable body and handling characteristics. A pleasure to drive, and I love blowing away BMW Z3s, M Roadsters, Audii TTs, and Porsche Boxsters (including the Boxster S!). Unbelievable peformance value, but need to find an honest dealer. Bought mine for 2K over MSRP last year.

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  2002 CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jke4man - July 7 - 2:23 pm

  The new CRV is a great small SUV it drives just like a car and is incredibly versatile. The CRV also gets its peak torque early so it pulls through all the gears.

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  Quality Car with the best value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By sanaboys - July 6 - 11:46 am

  I have this car for about a week with Carbon Bronze and ivory leather that turn many heads on the road. The quality of this car is simply impeccable. The engine is smooth and full of power. You did not step much of the gas even with this four cylinders. With the value of this car, it is comparable to thousands more Accura but with 30+ MPG advangtage. I was originally on the market for a Camry but after inspecting 06 Accord. It was just a no brainer decision. Camry is simply too plain and not very exciting. With comparable equipment Camry, it costs about $2000 more with dealers attitude, which I do not know where that came from. Overall, you just can not go wrong with this car.

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  Groundbreaking Utility Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By hdrinc - July 6 - 10:10 am

  Perfect vehicle for the gentleman trucker! Love the ride for everyday commuting - quiet and solid, like the outstanding Pilot that shares the garage with our new Ridgeline. Ideal for Saturday trips to Home Depot hauling landscape materials or taking furniture down to Goodwill. Great design, rugged good looks and incredible functionality (in-cab trunk compartment makes this one). Drive it and youll want one! The Amazon Green is especially sharp.

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  these cars are awesome - 1998 Honda Accord
  By mariceleste - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda Accord EX Sedan last August (2002) and I havent even thought about regretting it since! Because of the fact that Hondas only change their models every 5 years (except for a few minor details that only an owner would notice), and because they age beautifully, my car could easily pass (and has!) for a 2002. Also, it is highly maneuverable and very fuel efficient- itll be up at around 145-150 (not that I would know) without breaking a sweat. Its truly a beautiful machine, inside and out, and I would recommend one to anybody!

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  DOHC VTEC - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By danduv - July 6 - 2:00 am

  For all of you that have the VTEC prelude, you know that it is way better than any other. performance is better than mustang gts, and gas mileage is as nearly as good as a civic. does it get any better than this? yes it does. reliablity is just as good as any other honda!

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  nice little car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By z4130 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  great little car... reliabile and fun to drive... this car will suprize you with its speed!

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  Love our Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Alias2 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  After almost a year research purchased a Honda Pilot. Our choice was between Volvo, Honda and Nissan. It is a great SUV/Car to drive. My wife loves it, very easy to put our 16 months baby into her sit. We just had a bad experience with the dealer. Next time I rather to pay more and go somewhere else. Thanks