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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  Another 02 going strong!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By sgladwin - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Only hit 25,000 miles so far, hoping to add another zero to the end of that number by the time I need a new one. Typical Honda, my forth one and still perfect for the price. Sure itll never be a BMW, and the interior will never be a Lexus, but for $20,000 its on par with the best of them. Mechanically flawless as usual, I continue to be happy with my purchase, and would recommend the Accord to anyone

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  Honda Accord SE 2002 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By wzwest - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Honda I have purchased and I would totally buy another in the future! This one is going to be my teenage daughters in a few years...especially since it was rated one of the safest sedans on the road!

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  A Debendable CAR - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Omari - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This will take care of you if you take care of it.

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  real nice car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By junior - March 7 - 10:00 am

  let see i bought my car on sep. 2002 i HAVE ALREADY put 22,000 miles on it yes i drive it alot well should i say my wife :). its a real smooth car we enjoy long trips. My maine concren was SAFETY for my daughter.kind of makes you feel in a luxury car with out the big price im very happy with the car. But only one bad thing about it the back breaks had to be replace at 17,000 miles the dealer said that the reason for the back breaks wearing out because the pads in the back are more softer then the fronts.other then that its a very good vehicle. I highly recomended.

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  Great so far.. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By WadeI - March 7 - 10:00 am

  No problems and no complaints so far. My last 3 vehicles have been Toyotas. If this car lasts as long as those, I will be completely satisfied.

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  very nice car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By andres907 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  its a great vehicle:fun to drive, sporty, and fast

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  I love this car. - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By David Lanchbery - March 6 - 6:37 pm

  I just love the way this car drives. It handles so well and the power delivery is so nice, that I enjoy every day with it.

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  Its a head-turner for sure! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By shadoh - March 6 - 6:10 pm

  Want a sportster, or just a fun, sporty, and affordable car? S2000 is the car to get! Similar in style to the BMW Z3 and Audi TT roadster, but a fraction of cost. S2000 is FUN to drive, and it gets looks. Theres not a ton out there, so people always say "cool car!" or "I didnt know Honda made a sporster!" Its true that low-end torque is lacking, pass the 4,500 RPM mark & hang on to your hat! Fun to drive, nice too look at, and definitely grabs attention. I recommend it to anyone I know.

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  Great Car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By erick - March 6 - 3:05 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic. The 2012 Honda Civic EX-L with Navigation System is a great car for all round car for technology buffs like me. Great gas mileage 40+ on the Highway. Good ride that handles bumps with composer. Technology like Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, USB connection for Music devices, CD player and a great Navigation System with FM traffic. What else can on ask for?

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  Shes a keeper - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Az civicSi - March 6 - 6:40 am

  Just love it, Honda worked up a real Si this time. Get in the gas and just when you think the power is dropping off the backside of the RPM curve the iVTEC opens up and the real fun begins. I sometime forget the car has a 350watt sound system because I love to hear the “little motor that could” wake up at 6grand and let you know it’s the “little motor that will”. I have had a lot of front wheel drive cars and none of them come close to what this car will do, turn the wheel tight and hit the gas NO wheel spin just some G’s and “bang” your off in a new direction. It truly is the baddest car you can get for the money. Plus it’s a Honda.