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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  Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jsandrijr - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Own 2003 Model. Firm, comfortable, and fast when I need it.

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  Honda...still the best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tygger - July 30 - 2:53 pm

  Ive always owned Accords or Civics, and just traded my Civic for the 06 Accord. We looked at the 2006 Civic, but the interior is...well, weird. The 2006 Accord is MUCH nicer and roomier, and the cost is very comparable once you add all the goodies. Absolutely no complaints..we drive a lot and love the new Accord. But one side note: be sure you CAREFULLY check the interior doors. Somehow the factory installed gray interior on the drivers side, and black on the passengers side, and we didnt notice for a week. No big deal, and Honda is making it right with no hassle. The Accord is definitely much nicer than the Civic and worth the extra money.

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  Im overwhelmed - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Serge M - July 29 - 2:55 pm

  First of all, Im the second owner. I had the chance to inherit a 2007 Accord with barely 34k which belonged to an elderly couple in my area. This vehicle was kept impeccable and its engine is superb. Im looking forward to the experience of an Accord ownership.

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  Amazing Car with a Crummy CD/Radio - 2007 Honda Civic
  By rocker13 - July 28 - 3:46 pm

  I traded in my 1999 Mazda Protégé’ for this 2007 Honda Civic LX and it’s a vast improvement over my old Protégé which was a car that I really liked. The Civic has a much more sophisticated feel, handles extremely well, and has a sporty space ship-like interior. The gas mileage seems to be about the same as the Protégé, but it’s a slightly roomier car, so that not an issue. I’m glad they put the speedometer out so far on the dash, because I find myself going faster than I think I’m going and it’s easy to see my speed and slow down before I get pulled over. I do find that the long dash causes a reflection on the long windshield, it helps to use polarized sun glasses during the day.

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  Great car, but... - 1997 Honda Accord
  By JonesHonda - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven my Accord for 3 years and been very happy. the only regret is that the power gadgets are cheapo. The power mirrors have failed and the motors for the power windows are flimsy; Ive had to replace both. Otherwise, the comfort, design and engine reliability have been superb.

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  Perfect family SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Alta Loma Pilot - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It is everything you need in an SUV, and the kids love the wireless headphones that come with the DVD player. Its also nice having separate music available for the kids, and a third seat that folds flat (although its pretty tight back there for the passengers legs). The Pilot drives as smooth as my ML320 and has a great turning radius as well. The dealer was alittle greedy, but so far my wife (she drives it, but I keep finding excuses to run errands)and I love it. Gas mileage was not as good as advertised on the sticker (about 14 to 16mpg) but the pickup is pretty good.

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  GREAT TRUCK, BUT BEWARE OF SHADY DEALERS - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Fan2341 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely the best that Honda could offer. Being a long- time Honda owner, I fell in love with the Honda Pilot. The cargo volume is incredible, let alone the hideaway 3rd seat. The only thing that disappointed me, was that my local Honda dealership, with whom I had service done on my cars for 5 years, wanted to charge me almost $4,000 for rustproofing, fabric sealant, undercoating, and a bunch of other intangible items. Being a previous Honda owner, I know that that stuff is provided on the vehicle from the factory, and it was un-necessary to try and jilt a loyal customer. Sorry Colonial Honda, but your prices are too high.

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  Civic Si is a great hatchback - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Doire - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Buy one, but dont pay MSRP!

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  Great car! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By citygirl - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Civic EX Sedan. I have not had any problems with it at all. I added the spoiler when I bought it, and it gives it a more sporty look. This is the second Civic that I have owned, and I can tell that my experience will be another great one!

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  Top Rated for a Reason - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Gunner - July 27 - 9:16 pm

  The laundry list of practical and convenient features (from lots of storage spaces to power sliding doors and moonroof), luxury sedan-like handling, and high-quality fit and finish make this van a pleasure to own. Abundant safety feautres, innovative technology, and just overall clever vehicle design all make their way into the 2005 Odyssey and constantly remind me that I made the right choice. The two Touring trims could easily fit in to the Acura lineup.