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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  Poor Mans sport Car to the MAX - 2000 Honda Civic
  By SI-VTECH - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my car brand new from the dealer. Its a joy to drive, and to make modification on. Most civic owners complain about the road & engine noise when driving. Well remember that the Civic is a lower-end Honda product and wasnt meant to be a luxury car. Nevertheless, it far excel in its purpose and gets a definate THUMBS UP from this Honda Civic SI owner.

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  honda 2-dr 03 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By djhimes - March 4 - 10:00 am

  totally pleased and a big improvement over my previous 2002 model.

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  From Corvette to Accord? No way... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hbsgary - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife decided that she had the Vette for long enough. She wanted a four door sedan...again! We looked at the 2003 Lexus ES300, the 2000 Mercedes E320, and the 2003 Honda Accord. The Honda came into play because we have owned four of them. We drove the Lexus. It was very nice. Was it worth $35K? Nope! The Mercedes was very nice as well. I located a used 2000 model and had secured a price of $27K. A great deal. And then we looked at the 2003 Honda. We got it totally loaded except the Navigation system for under invoice. A fantastic vehicle with good power under the hood and lots of comfort in the interior. We love this car!

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  I love my civic! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Meg - March 2 - 4:03 am

  I really enjoy my civic EX 2-door coupe. It drives great, looks great, and is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned.

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  Lovin the Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JH - March 2 - 3:06 am

  I have owned 2 ford trucks a full- sized Bronco, a Bronco II and an Explorer. This Honda blows them all away. It is tight, runs well, and I havent had to take it back to the dealer for major warranty work like every one of the Fords. The ride is fantastic. The trunk and gate remind me of my dads old 57 Ford Fairlane stationwagon. These items are practicle and useable. The Ridgeline may not be a "real truck" but it has done everything Ive asked of it. I cant wait for our first snow storm. If this thing goes in the snow Ford has lost me as a customer forever. And that is saying a lot as my father worked for Ford Motor Company for nearly 30 years.

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  It Just Fits! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By RandysFit - March 1 - 8:16 pm

  With 700 miles and 1 week in Hondas Fit, Im enjoying the ride! It handles exceptionally well in the twisty Santa Cruz Mountains with enough power to keep up (and pass) most everyone. The interior is roomy and comfy with lots of of space to haul big items. The 5 speed manual has short, precise throws and the electric steering gives enough feedback for spirited driving. Despite its small econo car looks, it is ready for a long drive with so many standard features (even more on the Sport model I own). The mileage so far is around 34mpg (twice my trade-in). The price point fits the feature content. Everything works so far and Im very happy with the Fit.

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  2008 Odyssey Touring (NO PAX) - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - March 1 - 12:56 pm

  Overall, its a great car. Already over 1000 miles on it. Works like a champ and drives great. Be sure to buy it without PAX/Runflats. We waited for 08 so we could get normal all season radials. Went through Costco buying program, cost $37,500 (500 over invoice)

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  fun honda - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By kitana - February 29 - 11:30 pm

  Being the first truck from Honda, they went all out on this very user friendly, fun to drive sports truck, with its VTEC V6 engine, theres no problem getting up to the desired speed!

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  This is a awesome commuting car!!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Point A to B, Great! - February 29 - 5:43 pm

  This is a awesome commute car, The gas mileage is really good even though its a mid-size sedan. I was torn between the civic and the accord, but the miles per gallon isnt that much different. For few bucks more you can get a bigger, more powerful and just as economical car, the accord. I would recommend %100!!!

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By great truck - February 29 - 12:10 am

  Great truck, fuel economy is great for a truck 23-24 mpg on the hwy and 19-20 around town, better than every truck in its class in fuel economy. Rides like a car, handles like a car, has a lot of power for a 6 cylinder. The power rear sliding window is a great. Truck has a lot of storage - the trunk is bigger than most car trunks, can fit 3 golf bags in it and still have some room. Its the perfect truck for a family, can take the family along and still have room for stuff from home depot. The composite bed is nice - dont have to worry about dents or scratches.