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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  A Fun Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By scotsman39 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  It is just a really fun car to drive. My wife would rather ride in it than her Mercedes.

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  funwagon rocks - 2004 Honda Element
  By TrailNut - January 22 - 2:00 am

  5spd AWD is really fun (!) to drive, quicker ( in 0 to 60 mph) than a v8 Chevy Tahoe SUV, nimble as a Civic with anti-lock brakes.

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  2004 Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Maria Donnelly - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first time driving an SUV and Ill never go back to a car. Ive owned Honda Accords and have loved driving them. But after being up so high now I dont feel as comfortable when I get into a car. My husband and I are thoroughly pleased with the entire vehicle inside and out.

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  Great small SUV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jacatch - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I love it. The ride is pretty smooth for a SUV and so far my gas mileage has not been too bad (about 22 mpg). The EX model includes everything, there are no options. The only haggling you have to do is getting a price under the MSRP.I have a family so I really appreciate the standard anti-lock brakes, side impact air bags, dual crumple zones, security key system and moon roof. In addition, this SUV has excellent crash protection results. My insurance was lower than for the 1999 Dodge that I traded in.

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  Nice - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jscanner1 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new, and have enjoyed it very much. I upgraded the air filter and found it improved the responsiveness. Very few cars have this nice styling and comfort.

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  Super Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By leroy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car -- combines the best of both worlds (family sedan and guys sportscar). Plenty of horsepower, great handling, with Honda excellence.

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  Honda reliability is not just a catch phrase - 2003 Honda Civic
  By stingrey13 - January 21 - 10:53 pm

  Honda reliability is not just a catch phrase its real. I just purchased this car. For a 13 year old car I have to say its humble, slightly under powered but cost effective commuting car. Its nothing fancy, but it will last in years to come. BEST part of this car is the low maintenance fees. Newer Hondas dont have fuel filters and have instrument clusters that constantly tell you to take them into the dealer for maintenance. Honda figured out they were building their cars too reliable. There will never be a new Honda like these older Civics.

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  Mid-life crisis car gone hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Paul F. Lintelman Jr - January 21 - 8:40 pm

  Solitude npr on the radio on the back roads for the morning commute. Its jazz, cruise control and meditation for the freeway. As for the orange barrels and the Emerald green berm it has to a chieftans cd to calm the sea of glistening red tail lights ahead. Then at the end of my day I start my commute home only this time wide awake it be comes a game watching all the gauges maximize speeds, timing lights, taming curves, using hills, and choosing alternatives. No crissis here just a middlelaged man driven to hybrid instead of hemi in the slow lane.

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  Pretty Nice Car!!! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By handler - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Accord used with 60,000mi I like it alot. Only if it had a manual tranny, I would love it. I think Honda should decide if they want sport or luxery, or a little more of both would be nice.

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  By far the best on the road - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By TKofColorado - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I am quite surprised to hear so many have problems with their van. Our 2000 LX has performed without a glitch. I couldn’t be more pleased to drive this van. I’ve driven vans from Dodge, Ford, Mazda, and Chev. All don’t hold a candle to this van— especially the loose-goose Dodge.