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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  Cant miss with this! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By stealthy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun and Stylish. Had one problem off the lot that was easily fixed. The drivers door lock was sticking. Not a problem.

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  2003 hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jonancy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  very happy with the interior room, sufficient head room for 6 250 lbs male. will accelerate to highway speeds easily. like the auto temp control

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  Jusr for the color! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HKH - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a 92 one before and when I wanted to change my car, I directly went to a Honda dealership. because LX doesnt come in red color, I got the SE. it doesnt have anything more than LX in performance but I love the alloy wheels and audio system. strange thing is that, in cold weather, the car is not as smooth as it is in the warm weather! specially when its cold, there are some rattle sounds from dashboard that dealer said its normal!

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  typical honda.... kicks ass - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sattsmith - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Im pretty picky, and I cant find one thing to complain about as far as build quality and design. I think the Camary rides quieter, but since I wanted leather seats and the high end trim package with base engine and tranny the Honda "EX" package offered the configuration I coudnt get in the Camary. I like the looks of the Accord over the Camary too. Good car.

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  NOW I KNOW WHAT ALL THE HUBBUB IS ABOUT - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JJJJSSSS - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! I came down from an SUV and have never looked back in regret.

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  Traded in a Focus - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Traded in a Focus - January 29 - 1:26 am

  I traded in a 2007 Ford Focus. The interior quality as compared to the Focus is way better. The car is very quiet with the exception of some wind noise. I like the two-tier gauge design, although it took a few days to get used to. I also like the fact that there is no radio antenna sticking up anywhere. The daytime running lights saved me on insurance. There are lots of little features that are cool; such as the automatic door locking/unlocking feature, telescoping steering wheel, etc. My mileage is 37 MPG with 80 percent highway driving. I gave it a slight deduction on exterior design for the lack of a rear spoiler and fog lights.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By stevem1225 - January 28 - 12:56 pm

  I was shopping for a car w/navi in the $35,000 range-G35,TL,ES330.I really didn`t want to buy an Accord because you see so many of them on the road.The more I shopped the better the Accord looked.For over $10,000 less than I planned to spend I got a well engineered car thats comfortable and fun to drive.The interior is well done with nearly all audio and climate controls avilable on the steering wheel.

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  Downsizing - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By wjs - January 28 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased our CR-V almost 2 weeks ago, and LOVE IT! We had a 1999 Expedition with almost 200,000 miles and it fit our needs really well, but with our oldest daughter getting her license and hardly ever being with us anymore we decided to downsize. We almost purchased the Accord we knew it fit our needs and was a solid car, but wasnt too thrilled about getting a car. Our salesperson asked if we looked at the CR-V and we thought it was too small but decided to look anyway. We were very surprised on how much space was inside our 3 long legged daughters fit nicely in the back (they are 58", 56" and 54"). We dont know how a long car trip will be, but know day trips will be just fine!

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  Good, but not perfect - 2007 Honda Fit
  By naydtklein - January 28 - 9:03 am

  We have owned our black Fit (automatic) for 2 months and love to drive it. However, our gas milage (mostly around town) is only 26.5-28.6 MPG, much lower than we expected. The a/c is anemic as well. We were in a limited time frame to buy and ended up paying $1000 over the sticker price for the only Fit in our area. Id love to see this in a hybrid, minus the dealer bribe and that would be much closer to perfect!

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  Sweet - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Evan Deutsch - January 28 - 8:03 am

  I have 2.5K on this car. Today I filled it up and was delighted to see that I am getting 46 mpg city/hwy. I think I am still in the break-in period because the last time I only had 30 mpg. Bottom line: Only 30 mpg aint shabby. The car has impressive pick up for 109 hp.