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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  Good car, not great - 2004 Honda Civic
  By steve lawrence - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Good car. Ive owned Hondas since 1980. Was somewhat surprised when I had to have the right front strut replaced (under warranty). Another problem is fuel guage which sometimes (about once a month)will read empty, even though there is gas in tank. Dealer says it is a design flaw and they dont know how to fix it. Otherwise, this is a reliable, solid car.

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  How can so many people buy this junk? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Henry04 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I really hate this car! Summer in Virginia is always hot, and this car has the worst AC I have seen in any of the car! Take >10 minutes to cool down even set at the maximum. I want to get rid of it ASAP!!!

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  Wonderful - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Kia - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I was scared to buy a new car. My family convinced me to by a honda becasue is was so reliable and the gas mileage was right. Still a little reluctant I went and test drove it. I heard nothing but the wind. The engine was so quite i couldnt believe. Can you tell i am a first car buyer. I love my little HONDA LX. It matches my style and life. Thanks Honda for making such good cars for people like me.

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  Dont think about it, be about it!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hondaboi04 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  After months and months of research and constant debate, I finally purchased a 2004 silver ex-v6 Accord. I could not be more satisfied with my purchase. It was a tough decision between the Altima, Maxima, and TSX. Ultimately, more bang for the buck sums the Accord up in one phrase. At 1000 dollars below invoice, there was no need to make a choice. This is my second Honda. Being the best can only get better.

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  Maybe its just mine.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jlieb - November 7 - 10:00 am

  But Ive had a lot of problems with the brakes. The pads wore out in the first 5000 miles and had to be replaced. Now at 16000 miles, they are doing it again. Also, there have been some electrical problems as well as AC issues. Overall though, its a great car to own. Im averaging well over 25 MPG with a lot of city driving. Also, being tall, the redesigned interior is great. Accelleration could use a boost, but thats what I get for buying the 4 cylinder model. The trunk has a lot of room as does the backseat. All in all, I think the Accord is the best sedan on the market in its price range.

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  After One Year of Ownership - 2007 Honda Accord
  By zzzooom - November 7 - 5:16 am

  This is a follow up after one year of ownership. The strengths of the car are gas mileage (WOW - better than any econobox) build quality, low ownership costs. The fun to drive factor is not there - I miss my Mazda 6. One discovery is that even though I have a fully power seat with adjustable lumbar, the leather drivers seat is hard on the seat bottom and the seat back has no upper back support. This seat feels good for the first 10 minutes and then it becomes the most uncomfortable seat I have ever endured in any car or truck, including an old vinyl bench seat. Also, I have had continual problems with brake pulsation due to rotor warpage or pad deposits.

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  Amazingly Perfect - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris - November 7 - 1:03 am

  What can I say about this car, it is simply the best car purchase Ive ever made. Was looking for something fun, fast, comfortable and practical and got it all with this car. Honda has stepped the Accord Coupe into a new market. I was torn between this car and the 350Z but chose the Honda for cheaper ownership costs and better practicality. I could not be happier with the performance and ride of this car. Im worried Im going to put too many miles on it but I just want to drive it all the time!!! Did I mention is looks absolutely beautiful in Belize Blue! I told my friends I bought an Accord, when the saw it first time none of them believed that it was an Accord. Youll love it!

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  Excellent Car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jon - November 6 - 11:46 pm

  I have owned an EX-L CR-V for a few weeks and am very pleased with the cars performance. On my first tank of gas we averaged 28.6 mpg and on the second tank, 29.3, all mountain highway driving with the vehicle fully loaded with me, my wife, and plenty of luggage. The ride is smooth, and the acceleration and passing speed is more than adequate for passing and overall safety. We bought the "Borrego Beige" EX-L because we wanted the light camel colored interior. In addition, we also purchased the cloth floor mats, the all-weather rubber floor mats, and the rear cargo mat.

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  Fantastic Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jsmith - November 6 - 9:03 pm

  Coming from a large 4x4 truck, this car is a refreshing change. Before my truck, I owned an 88 Accord that I was very attached to, yet reluctantly sold it. That attachement, along with gas prices, the world economy, social responsibilty, etc. is what brought me back to the Accords and Honda. The engine and transmission are butter smooth. The interior is quiet, fairly refined and comfortable. The suspension is taught and the steering precise. I still havent went through the first tank of gas yet, but I expect the mileage to be as advertised. Overall, I am tickled with my Accord. Honda has done a very nice job with the design. The Accord SE is a GREAT value for the money.

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  A very nice car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By mep - November 6 - 5:40 pm

  Pickup is not as agressive as my former Taurus SHO, but adequate in our hilly terain with 4 passengers. More nimble and handles well. Im 64" and have head room. I measured driver side dimensions and its as roomy as our Lumina Van; adequate trunk space for most purposes. Very tolerable on cross country trips, even in the back. Quiet interior, nice stereo.