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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  Love my Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VALady - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I commute an hour each way to work, and this car is perfect for both the commute or for hopping around town. Extremely comfortable seating, very quiet inside, decent stereo, almost no blind spots. My only complaints so far have been minor (mostly cosmetic) issues -- when its wet outside, a LOT of rain seems to come in, even with the window only cracked. The air conditioner seems to sometimes take a long time to reach full power. It could use a little more horsepower, but thats not a deal-breaker for me. My first impression upon buying was that it seemed like it should cost more than it did.. and that hasnt faded.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Alli S - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Lots of features for a good price! The back and side of this car are great looking, but the front leaves something to be desired. Very comfortable, well- designed interior.

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  Door Rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Davmar - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in Dec 2002 and it now has 6K miles on it. In the past two months it has developed several interior ratttles where the windows and door frame meet the body of the car. I have brought the car in to the dealer twice to have them repair the problem. Both times the rattles have reappeared after a few hundred miles of use. This problem is very annoying and I suspect there is some kind of design flaw with the car.

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  Solid Family Sedan With a Little Fun - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bman1 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Solid construction. Decent handling (maybe a little heavy), smooth engine and tranny. Fantastic interior - almost perfect.

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  Redesigned Interior - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JCZaldivar - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The interior is the most appealing because of the excellent features it provides. The handling and acceleration is also very good.

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  What more could you ask for? - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephanie Taylor - April 14 - 5:12 am

  Sure, the 2005 are a lot better looking inside and out, but whos got $15,000 more dollars when you can get an 04 thats just as good. Weve had ours a week. We shopped around for almost 6 months. It was between the Sienna and this. The Honda looks better outside. The Sienna has more "cubby holes" and looks a little fancier. But as far as SAFETY, RELIABILITY, RESALE VALUE, and LOOKS..Hondas got everyone beat. Your kids are the most precious thing, and you would want them to be as safe as possible... what are you going to trust? A van thats won the "Safest Car on the Road" for like 5 years now... HONDA ODYSSEY! Has that sporty feel, takes corners wonderfully, excellent for trips!

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  Baby Blue 2012 - 2012 Honda Civic
  By babyblue2012 - April 14 - 2:32 am

  My new 2012 Civic replaces a beloved 1995 Camry and it immediately felt as comfortable and solid as the Camry. It handles well, is easy to drive, and gets 32 mpg in the city. On a recent road trip, we fit in three adults with luggage, camping gear, and extras. We got 38 mpg on the trip, and it was quiet enough to easily have conversations with our back seat passenger.

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  Excellent car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Tony - April 14 - 2:26 am

  The car is excellent, well built and that is why I always buy Honda accord. This my third accord and best ever. Fun to drive, has everything luxury cars have for less money. I had 2003 v6 accord, drove it for 200K and sold it for 8 grand!

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  Great SUV absolutely loving it - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Pramod Rao - April 13 - 6:13 pm

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  Value for money - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jayesh Mehta - April 13 - 2:17 pm

  Known brand this is my 2 cr-v and my dealer is the best, they make feel at home like family and i am doing buying my cars since 1992.