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:

• 

  Love the "Box on Wheels" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jay - November 3 - 6:30 pm

  Weve only had this "box on wheels" 3 weeks, but the whole family really loves it. Great for hauling the kids to school or camping gear and mountain bikes to the mountains. The ride, fit and finish is typical Honda, spot on. Could use a little more horsepower to fight the NASCAR like Atlanta traffic.

• 

  A car that exceeds expectations.... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Morphie - November 3 - 4:30 am

  We bought the Coupe for my daughter (graduating from a Civic); My intention was to get a reliable, attractive vehicle that she would like and that my wife and I might occasionally use. What I did not expect was to start to covet the Accord. It is one of the few cars we have had that turns heads (red, black interior). Its build quality is at least equal to our last three Audis (A6s, avant=wagon) and superior to our Subaru Outback. Because of fuel prices, I elected to get the 4; it is excellent. 190 hp and superior gas mileage. With the exception of a minor paint issue, the quality control, both aesthetic and mechanical, is first rate. Honda is a world class engineering company.

• 

  My first Honda - wont be my last! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Paul - November 2 - 11:16 pm

  I bought a Honda after having American made cars. I had heard about the reliability and higher resale of Japanese cars and decided that I wanted some of that after having a few lemons. I have not been disappointed! My Civic is great. I drive about 32K per year, and since I spend so much time in my car, I needed one that would be reliable, comfortable, and get great gas mileage. My Civic is all of these. Plus, it looks great!

• 

  Great Car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By rx7guy - November 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable car I have owned. It is stunning on the road, and is only slightly underpowered. The engine is great, but I would love to have a manual trans with it instead of the mandated auto with the V6.

• 

  Super Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By kimmyg - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the LX, 5 speed with 46,000 miles on it, put another 104,000 on it myself, and would still be driving it had it not been totalled in a rear end collision. It did need a new radiator at 100,000, and a new distributer at 145,000 miles. Thats it, except for brakes, batteries, and other normal maintenence stuff. This was a well built, great car.

• 

  Cant beat Honda reliability - 1991 Honda Accord
  By s2k4me - November 2 - 10:00 am

  This car just keeps on going. I bought it a year ago with 257k kms, or 160k miles, and drove it hard. it now has 170k miles and still drives quite the same. A few problems were the plastic door handles breaking, rust forming around the hind-quarters (I live up north). I cant believe I get better than 30 mpg on the highway on this car. Some rattles and squeaks, but for a 1991, I cant complain. Leaks a bit of oil due to Hondas Achilles heel, the Distributor.

• 

  Amazing Car for the Price - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Manuel J Pereira - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints about this car. If youre in the market for a reasonably price roadster with more power than a Toyota MR-2 or Mazda Miata the S2000 is the car for you.

• 

  Well worth the Money - 1995 Honda Accord
  By johnnyD - November 2 - 10:00 am

  While we worried about buying an american made honda, weve come to the conclusion that no matter where you buy a honda, if you take care of it, itll last a long time. all maintenance was preformed @ the required intervals, and the car has well over 145,000 miles on the odo w/ no signs of weakness. Its on its second set of tires (first being the original tires that came w/ the car) and second set of brakes. only complaints are jerking transmission and squeaking brakes.

• 

  Accord blows away competition! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By BrentSki - November 2 - 10:00 am

  No problems- runs great, looks great. Its a HONDA!

• 

  Best car ever! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Tiffani - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new in 2000 and love everything about it still. I have also owned Hondas before and definitely think they make the best cars out there. Never had one problem with the car! Was going to buy the V-6 but went with the 4-cyl SE model still has alot more get- up than I ever thought it would. If your going to buy a car, buy a honda!