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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  Fit for almost 60 - 2007 Honda Fit
  By SergeantWiz - February 21 - 6:30 pm

  Honda said it offered good mpg. Said it was sporty. Said it was roomy. Said it offered good handling. Said it looked great. I ordered it in March. I Saw it live on 22 April. Honda said what they meant, meant what the said. I fell in love with it. If I were 40 years younger, Id take it to prom.

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  Diamond White Accord 4 door ex-v6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dan smith - February 21 - 2:03 pm

  Car is a rocket with the 268 HP 3.5 liter V6, though not great on fuel, 21 mpg. Fit and finish is near perfect. If I could I would have the cylinder management system disconnected. I can feel the engine kicking off cylinders which is my only annoyance with the car. The dash controls are a little fussy and is taking some time to get use to, but nothing like a friends very very fussy Audi.

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  Excellent Automobile - 1994 Honda Accord
  By yumi - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Honda Accord straight off the dealer lot with 5 miles on it and now I have over 170,000. What a truly superb automobile. I have had only few problems with the car. It still has about 98% of it’s original parts. The leather seats and the interior have held up much better than the Toyota I have before it.

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  A great car for little people - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jacqueline K - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is ideal for getting around town if you are a person who is five ten or shorter. I am a five foot four female and i have no problem feeling comfortable in my car but some of my male friends feel differently. there is little head and leg room for people who are tall.

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  editors dont know how to rate this vehic - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By homer smellfungus - February 21 - 10:00 am

  this is without a doubt the finest suv on the market in any size. anyone who would consider a ford or a jeep or hyundai or toyota is throwing their money away.

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  Accord EX V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By James Heck - February 21 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Accord is a fun car to drive, that still accomadates my family with plenty of room and comfort. The engine performace of the V6 VTEC is great, especially after adding the Cold Air Intake system.

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  Honda for Life - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Sooner In FL - February 21 - 4:30 am

  This is my first Honda and I love it! For a little 4 banger, it has some get up and go. The ride is smooth and the seating is comfortable. XM radio is nice to have and the sound from the radio is pretty good coming from stock equipment. Handling is very responsive, but I do feel a little knock when turning once in a while.

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  Sound Car With High Resale - 2006 Honda Accord
  By R - February 21 - 12:46 am

  This is a nice and comfortable sedan that has undergone recent tweaks to the exterior, interior and the suspension. Honda continues to improve the Accord every year never letting a good thing rest on its laurels. The Navigation system is the best-of-breed. XM Radio is a nice complement. The new tires and suspension make this a more spirited drive than the 2007 Camry; although, horsepower is less than the new Camry. Honda needs to give this car a facelift. It is like dating the average girl next door rather than a supermodel. The mechanics are fantastic and fit and finish are superior to most vehicles. The exterior needs an overhaul to compliment the interior.

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  Perfect - Except for the driver seat. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By John - February 20 - 6:00 pm

  This is the best performing four cylinder Ive ever driven, it does perform like a six. Handling is tight at any speed. The interior is high quality. At around 18,500, I feel Ive gotten a pretty good deal as Ive paid more in the past for less car. My only complaint is the angle of the front seat, Im a little over six feet and have fairly long legs. After driving a couple of hours my right ankle starts to hurt from the sharp angle your right foot is forced at. No amount of seat adjusting seems to resolve this issue. Ive never heard anyone else complain about the seat so perhaps Ive the exception...

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  Excellent - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By ROBERT BRENNER - February 20 - 3:10 pm

  All i can say is this is the finest vehicle i have ever owned, im 72 an owned a lot of cars, an this is tops, thanks