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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  The Best I Have Ever Had - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JMK - September 26 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of 18 new vehicles over the past 40 years nothing else even comes close. The Odyssey is that good.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jazzy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive. Only complaints is that although im not sure where the noise is coming from its either the shade or the sunroof that squeaks when open while going over something like a speed bump. They also could have put better tires on the car. Had to replace after 36000 miles. Is it normal to get approx 300 miles to a full tank of gas???

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  Love my 2004 CR-V EX 5-spd manual - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bjpva - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, fun to drive, Im very pleased with quality. Many convenient features! Beats RAV4 and Forester in appearance. The 2004 CR-V rocks! Lots of standard features!

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  Love my CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Labman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded a fun-to-drive Celica for a more practical and useful CR-V. It has proven to be a very good purchase. Its very useful and fun to drive. Honda quality shows through in many ways. The engine is very peppy and its easy to keep up with sometimes manical California freeway traffic.

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  The thieves like it too! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Eds Honda - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The car is great. It looks good, there are several aftermarket products to choose from, and its economical. Ive installed an aftermarket stereo, wheels (17"), tires, and the best damn alarm system you can buy. Thieves love this car. My car has been broken into twice since I purchased. (AIG insurance is the best!!). GET AN ALARM!

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  Wonderful Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By TCraigmo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Just because you drive an economy car doesnt mean you have to settle for a sub par vehicle. Civic gives me a good fun ride with better handling than any economy car I have ever drove. Hint - get the 5 speed manual transmission, provides a lot more get up than the automatic.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tbbucs29 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My civic is the best!

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  My "Bad " Little Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jfranklincarden - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I use the word "bad" in the title as many young people use the word - "Bad" is good and my 2002 Civic is just that - Good! Good gas mileage (36 per gallon on the road) Good in that I can use regular gas as opposed to Premium, good in that it is easy on my pocketbook to maintain, good to look at and easy on the eyes. Good in that it maintains its value and has little depreciation. Good relationship with my dealer. Good continuing contact with the salesman who sold me the car, Good, good, good. My "Bad" Little car is GOOD.

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  Thank god I upgraded - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dgkt2 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I had been driving a Honda Civic Coupe DX, which I thought was the best car in the world. Thanks to an untimely event with a deer, I upgraded. The new EX is incredibly comfortable. I feel as if I am driving around in a lazy boy recliner. The gas mileage seems to be just as efficient as the DX, but the power and handling of this car makes the DX inferior.

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  This is a great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By sblink182f - September 26 - 10:00 am

  im a 20 year old and this honda was the best thing ever it was low in price drives great and looks great kinda sporty i love it