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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  Awesome SUV for Moms - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dmm496 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family car.. an alternative to the minivan. We can fit our baby, all of his things, all of our things and our 120 lb. dog comfortably. The ride is extremely smooth and the car is very manageable. It has everthing I need and doesnt feel too big even though it is fairly large. Love it!

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  cant belive we own a van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Davidz - September 1 - 10:00 am

  now I know that I am old. I drive a mini van listen to am radio and love it. We traded in a volvo wagon for our van. it rides great and can take 7 people and all of their stuff for a ride. the back seat is larger then my friends surben and it is a honda!! what else can I say

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  Sold on Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By CivGirl01 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with the 2001 Honda Civic LX sedan I recently purchased. It had low mileage and was in excellent condition. The engine is responsive for a 4 cyclinder compact car and the interior is roomy. After extensive research, I found Honda vehicles had the best reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. The 100,000 mile/7 year power train warranty is impressive, and the dealership also included a full warranty for 12,000/1 year due to it being a certified used Honda. I had a great experience working with the Honda car salesman and am very happy with my purchase.

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  Best value out there - 2003 Honda Accord
  By carczar - September 1 - 10:00 am

  At around $18,000, this is the car to have.

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  Refined - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dsops00 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The power train is very smooth and quiet. For a family car it is fun to drive. Some annoying plastic on plastic rattles, a passenger heated seat back that doesnt heat, a thermometer that is 4 degrees high all the time. Even my Chryslers didnt have these issues. But a sweet power train

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  accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jtm - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent value. has all I need at 59% 0f the BMW cost.

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  Excellent value, but ho-hum feeling. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Vannareth - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Everything about the 04 Accord Sedan works well as expected...so much so that it almost has no character. The engine is exceptionally quiet and it coasts at 70mph at a little over 2000 RPM. WOW! The front seats are good, but not great like those on the SAAB that I am so used to. There was wind noise at high speed. The speakers sound cheap and I found myself wishing for a replacements. That said the general day-to-day operation of this car is so ever effortlessly easy and that is its greatest virtue. I can live with this car knowing that it will be reliable and efficient, w/o being too boring, and that is exactly what I was looking for.

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  The best of the best - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By lude000957 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  The 1993 Si VTEC model is the quickest prelude ever produced. It handles like a dream and the VTEC exhaust note is oh- so sweet. The factory Recar seats hold you firmly in place while the OEM 7 speaker stereo plays. This car is for the most part, automotive perfection. To top it all off, its 12 years old and has 106k miles on it. If youre considering this car, just keep in mind that they are very expensive to own and maintain. However this more than pays off in having the pleasure of driving the fastest Honda branded 4cyl coupe ever sold in the US.

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  My dream family car - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By DiY - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I am now at 60K miles. I waited a year for this van to come on the market because the Toyoto van was too small inside and drove like a boat. I have loved this van. Wished many times that I had had the remote controlled sliding doors when my kids were still small. I like the way the rear seat folds down for a flat loading area. ...and yes, all the new van models are immitating all the practical features of this one.

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  My dream car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Oscuro - August 31 - 2:00 am

  My weekend car for the past 10 years was a 90 RX7 conv. Took an S2k for a 30 min. test ride in July over winding roads and fell in love with it. Great on turns and fab acceleration - especially in third gear. Interior very well designed and trunk very adequate room for a sports car. Had some difficulty fastening the cover over the top when it is down, but its in place. To my taste, the styling beats all the other two seat convertables.