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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  Great car - saves money and air. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By BobT - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a hybrid that looked like a car, and the Honda Civic is that car. Most people who have ridden in the car cannot believe that it is a hybrid. The performance has been great, and the mileage even better.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By cesar_smith - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about 3 months ago due to Honda bias and a previous Civic. I do not regret buying this great car. It has everything I need to get to work comfortably, and cruise around with no worries. My wife just tried it for the fist time, and now wants it for herself!! She loved the smooth handling and seat comfort. I have noticed some rattling near the drivers seatbelt housing. It is muted by radio if put loud enough, but going to the dealer to see if it is a defect. Bad roads will cause bumpiness, which I guess would be the case in any car.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Teh - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for a couple of weeks and love it.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tazjenngirl - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This was my 1st new car purchase. I got a great deal on the dealers demo model that was fully loaded and then some. Great pick up, had it 2 days and I love it. Nice wheels, controls are easy to use and reach, roomy trunk, so much better than a 4cyl car with no guts!!

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  Luxurious Rocket at Value Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Riverkeeper - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Accord Coupe has the absolute best fun/performance/luxury/value equation in the under $25K category, bar none. It has distinctive "love it or hate it" styling which I think is swoopy and sumptuous. The 240 hp V6 is eager, the handling confident, if not up to slot-car standards. The interiors rich leather envelops occupants, wonderfully. Minor gripe is the occasional mysterious squeak from the vicinity of where the headliner meets the windshield. But a fabulous job, nonethless.

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  Great Car but......... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Geechieg - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I find the 4 cylinder LX to be a great car for my personal needs. It has most of the options one could want standard. The steering is quick and responsive. The brakes are firm and reasuring. The manaul height adjuster on the driver seat is a great touch. The five speed automatic is very smooth, no sudden jerks or lunges at take off. My dealer experience was superb. I would highly recomend this car to anyone looking for a midsize sedan.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By EHFLA - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I spent a few weeks researching what to get for my next car. I looked at the usual suspects and kept coming back to the Accord. Ive owned two Hondas in the past so I was comfortable with the idea of getting another one. I have a family so safety is important to me, so after doing some research I decided an EX with Side Curtain Airbags (SCA) was what I wanted. I had some trouble finding one but this past weekend I was at my local dealer and found one on the lot. I got it for 21,600 and Im very happy. This is a great car for the money, the drive-train and build quality is second to none. If your thinking about an Accord get it, you wont be disappointed.

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  Quite A Car For The $$$ - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Burt - June 28 - 9:23 am

  Had a 2004 Acura TL and traded for a 2008 coupe and couldnt be happier. Looks great inside and out and I feel a real competitor to the Infiniti G37 at thousands less. Spend a lot of time on the road and the car is never boring to drive in city or highway. Great performance and handling make this a real Winner!

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  Fabulous! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mamavm - June 27 - 9:50 pm

  I picked up my new Accord EX V-6 Sedan four days ago, so I dont have feedback yet on reliability or long- term quality. But, it is fabulous to drive. Its comfortable, interior features are well thought out, theres a lot of hp under the hood and simply glides down the road. This is the "funnest" car I have ever owned. Prior to this purchase, I test drove every 4-dr sedan, from economy to luxury. This Accord has no close competitors. Im hopeful that as time passes it proves its long-term reliability and mpg reputation. So far, so good.

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  Whattacar - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By nuzedit - June 27 - 9:40 pm

  This is our third CRV (we still have the other two - a 2000 and a 2001) and this is the best yet. Love the styling, fit and finish. Very comfortable even after a 15.5 hour, straight through drive from McAllen, TX, to Albuquerque, NM. Averages between 21 and 23 mpg in town and as much as 31.5 mpg on the road. Our other CRVs were LX models - on a two-wheel drive, the other AWD. Decided to go top of the line this time and feel it is well worth the difference in price. Full well expect to keep this one for up to 10 years. Our 2000 has 158,000 miles and it still running like a champ. We traded in a 2002 Accord on this CRV. The way if figure it. You cant go wrong with Honda.