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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  Minerals - 2003 Honda Accord
  By drewboy22 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY HONDA!

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  Accord Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Perepierre - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Honda Accord LX sedan is a joy to drive, very comfortable, handles easily, good power, maintenance-free.

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  Paid Great Price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Stripe - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2004 EX V-6 Sedan painted white. White is the best color, for when you add makeup to the car, like a woman, she looks beautiful. The seating comfort is unreal--very comfortable. I also own a 1999 Accord V-6 Sedan, and it cant compare to my 2004. The V-6 power in the 2004 is unreal, especially when passing another vehicle on the highway. The gas mileage is even better then my 1999. However, Honda could have done a better job on the design. One more thing, when I start the car, it sounds like I am starting a 4 cyl. My 1999 sounds completely different.

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  2004 Honda Accord Ex w/ Nav & XM Radio - 2004 Honda Accord
  By USAONE - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Only a few hundred miles and I can tell you that this is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I was so against the four cylinder engine that I wasnt even going to look at it.One test drive with Fred at Weymouth Honda and I was convinced. Fred was right,the 4 cylinder was "plenty of power,after all,how fast do you really think you need to drive?" This car is incredibly nice, well put together and a ton of fun to drive. The XM radio is really nice, but Navigation is the best option you NEED to have. Buy one...go see Fred at Weymouth Honda and tell him I sent you! He was excellent! 781-337- 7400.

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  Love It - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Sandy - July 5 - 5:06 pm

  I did some major research before purchasing my CR-V. Picked up my new baby last week in time for a weekend trip. I love it. I think my husband is having more fun driving it than me. Pretty peppy on the interstate. Still figuring out the navigation system. Lots of compliments on its good looks. Would do it all over again.

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  I love my Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Anita - July 5 - 1:23 pm

  This car is just everything I wanted in a vehicle--a mini SUV-type that is practical yet fun to drive. It is unimaginably responsive. I was surprised that on the open interstate I easily took it over 90mph and not once did it feel out of control or blown about by larger trucks. In fact, just about anything is larger than the Fit, but you dont feel that way inside. I sit up so high that I feel that I am in a big vehicle and have to stop myself from taking on a Hummer! It is the tiny little thing with a big bad attitude.

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  Family highway car - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Jerry McIntire - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Okay, power rear doors are a bit much but overall this is the greatest family minivan available. Safety second to none. Lots of power for hauling, and 3500 lb. towing capacity. Good stereo, comfortable/useful/adjustable seats, and that wonderful flat rear floor, 4 x 8 with the seats flat/out. Strong climate control-- the only thing I wish I could change is the fuel mileage. But its still at the top of its category in that department as well.

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  could not be better - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jfigueroa1 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Saw it at the Miami auto show and my wife and my self were really please with the way it look,we were looking for a car for her and she do not care about a lot of things it just have to be practical as she call it. she looked at all of the different small suv brand and no joy untill we saw it, yes, that is the one she said to me,lay out very nice interior space, ground clearance good, the plus mpg.it is been 3 weeks and she love the crv

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  Remembering Why I Love Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MichaelC - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I once had a Civic that I loved. But then I "grew up" to a full-sized SUV that handled like a dump truck. Then I settled into a luxury sedan, but I missed the spacious SUV. The RAV-4 had an interior that felt very cheap (the salesman said the plastic was "expensive"). The Escape almost got me, but "built Ford tough" seems to mean "seats made of stone." IÂ’d dismissed the CR-V after one dealership asked for a deposit just to test drive. A few days later, I drove by another dealership the day a big shipment arrived. After the test drive, the CR-V hooked me. I love it. Still enough pick-up to merge, plenty of room for five and all of those little things that makes Hondas terrific.

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  16 years old with 200 hp. Any Questions? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Carguytwo - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 Honda Accord EX V-6 L The car is a fine example of what automobile ownership should be like. This is now our 4 honda, and all of the previous cars have lasted well over 250,000 miles. Car only has 22,000 miles on it, and no problems to report yet. Oh yes, and responding to a comment made earlier by someone. The reason honda doesnt come out with a car like the Acura CL-S, is beacause honda owns Acura, and there would therefore be no point making competition for a vehicle honda already makes.