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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  Good Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Zapa Zo - April 20 - 2:13 am

  This is a great car for city driving. I got up to 89 mph yesterday!! Its and excellent build and I love it. Its a pretty quiet car. A lot of head space too! The only problem is that its not hybrid :( I recommend it.

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  Great Ride/Low Power - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Yardie - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own. Fun ride. Sluggish on speed because of low power.

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  Two weeks later... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ILU - April 20 - 1:13 am

  LOVE this car. Drives well, looks great, all-around wonderful. Wish I couldve sprung for the navigation. My only regret is in getting black on black. Ive only had it for 2 weeks and Ive had to wash it twice already.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By JAC47 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The idea to combine an ecology friendly electric powered vehicle with the convenience of gasoline power (fill up on any corner) is futuristic & long overdue. Last fall I bought one for my teen daughter. She drives it non-stop & loves the great gas mileage: 50-60 mpg. Whenever I catch it at home, its my car of choice to drive. I love zippin around town & into tight parking places. Each driver in the family brags on whos getting the best mpg, each trying to top the other. Its a blast to drive, with fun instrumentation! Weve put 12K miles on it in 6 months and the only problem weve had it in the shop for was a battery harness recall and suggested periodic maintenance.

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  SI Is a great buy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By volcomzero - April 18 - 6:16 pm

  I am the type of person who researches everything going into purchasing a car. After 2 months of researching cars my buddy and I came across the Honda CIVIC SI Sedan. This Car is amazing!! I will never not own a Honda after this car and this car is fast for being a four door sedan. The car shifts great, when it RPMS passed 6000 VTEC kicks in and its amazing. For the price, I paid $19300 but I had to include extended warranties over 7 years 150,000 miles, that alone was 4500 dollars and with taxes, all in all, paid $25000. This is a great car, gas I am getting 32 highway and 27 city, comfortable seats, and once you drive it you will never want to drive anything else. GREAT CAR!!

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  Ody 2002 Nice van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mauibound - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Looked at them all and found this one to have it all, power, looks and comfort. Reliablity is also a plus. No problems to date, oil changes only!!!

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  making a statement - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dukegrad2000 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  What a great way to make an eco statement...without looking silly (have you seen that other hybrid on the streets?). This car is great!

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  Excellent!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Timmy D - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 2 000 miles on it. Ive put another 5 000 on it with no problems whatsoever. No rattles or sqeeks. My previous vehicle was a Ford...aka Lemon! The engine is good for a 4 cyl and the auto transmission reacts well. Im lovin this Honda, and I recommend an Accord to anyone looking for a sedan. Rear spoiler is a must, the car looks 10x better with it.

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  Im back for a second round - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Hooked - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I had my first accord for 13 years and put 220000 miles on it. I really wanted a different car this time. Determined that there would be another car out there that I would like as well or better, I test drove all the cars in that class ranging in price from $18,000-$32,000. When I finally tested an Accord, I knew I was getting another one. There wasnt a car I drove that had as much to offer for the price. The style is much different than my old Accord so I really dont feel like I have the same car again. This car has power, comfort, style and is nice to look at too. I highly recommend it.

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  Looked at every vehicle before this one! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Rich - April 16 - 9:50 pm

  I looked at almost every vehicle out there before deciding on the Honda Pilot. I couldnt be happier. The suv/car does everything right. Its a major improvement over my 2004 Dodge Durango (lease ended)- its quieter, quicker throttle response, more comfortable, and mostly more fun than most of the vehicles that I looked at, including Nissan Murano, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler Pacifica and especially my Dodge Durango. I love it! and I have already suggested that my friends test drive it to see for themselves. I got a really nice lease deal on the car which helps me say a lot of nice things about it.