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 - Lousy Service - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hayn - August 9 - 10:00 am

  No complaints about the car. Its everything I expected - easy to drive, good gas mileage, very well built. However the car was not cleaned properly. I took the car at night, did not do a good inspection. I returned to have an alarm installed and showed the salesman the dirty windows and wheel wells. Guess what? They didnt clean it up, in fact they didnt even rewash the car after installing the alarm. I will not go back to this dealer - Winward Honda, when its time to buy another car. With two other dealers in town, youd think theyd provide better service.

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  satisfied customer - 2004 Honda Civic
  By brandon shaw - August 9 - 10:00 am

  car has proven itself to be a good commuter. good on gas and i am satisfied with the car

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  nice reliable bland vanilla ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By captian tony - August 9 - 10:00 am

  reliable, quick, great economy, great resale, everything good except it is boring

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  review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By customer2004 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  good car no more comments

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  Although It is too early to review... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MilindPatil - August 9 - 10:00 am

  some items (such as fuel economy, reliability) as I just bought my this second Accord today, I just went ahead and rated these based on my previous experience. Of course, my last Accord was built in Japan and this one in Mexico, but hopefully that wont have changed the build quality and reliability. However, looks, feels and drives simply awsome, My deep Green color is outstanding (Graphite Pearl is equaly good). Limited choice on interior color, but one can live with. BUT THE ONLY (AND TERRIBLY) ANNOYING PART IS ... THERE IS NO CASSATE PLAYER AS STANDARD !!!! ONE HAS TO PAY EXTRA FOR THE IT. That is very very annoying.

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  stupid honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Kris Merkley - August 9 - 2:00 am

  3 months after purchase, the Alternator dies and takes the battery with it, acceptable. 2 months later, the transmission dies and we pay $3000 for a rebuilt, which was received about 3 months after going into the shop. Then, not too long after that, we notice the car shifting hard in the mornings, guess what? seals on the torque converter are hosed, another $800 for 3 ea. $1.50 seals. and then at about 95K, the catalytic converter fails, so, we replace that, and the o2 sensor stuck in it. and now, at 106K, the drivers side CV joint is popping when I turn right. I will never again buy a honda.

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  LOVE IT - 2000 Honda Passport
  By u got to get one - August 9 - 2:00 am

  well whats to say its a great suv althought it is bult by IZUSU with there 3.2 V6 which has plenty of power but its never had any problems i took it on a 8.952 mile trip and it peformed great and the 4X4 worked great in las vegas when it snowed but when i left on the trip it had 25,000 miles and that was just befor x-mas in and now like 6 months later its at 44,000 miles and still no problems

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  1996 Honda Accord LX Sedan - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Koller1 - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Bought it with 32K miles and now has 133K. Drivers side window is very slow going up but that is it. Ive changed the timing belt and have gone through two sets of tires and thats it. Not a high performance vehicle that will put you back in your seat but very dependable and comfortable with overall very good performance.

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  storage - 2003 Honda Element
  By Porterhill - August 9 - 2:00 am

  One would think a SUV would have storage. Not! Space for storage is non-existent. There is space under the body alongside the spare and under the passenger side that Honda could have used but didnÂ’t. Where does one store tire chains or a first aid kit or for that matter a 6-pak without it sliding around. They could have made a larger glove box, as there is wasted space there as well. It might have been nice if Honda had not placed devices under the front passenger seat so one could slip long items under (like the mast to my wind surfer). I wind surf and mountain bike and can carry all toys inside. Most often I use the roof rack for the board.

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  Meets all my demands - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe Brosky - August 8 - 7:53 pm

  First, the dealer experience was outstanding from no-pressure shopping, to the test drive and the conducting of negotiations via the telphone. I have had fusion spinal surgery and the firm leather seats with heating elements that cover both the bottom of the seat and the adjustable back is just what the doctor ordered. Plenty of room in the crew cab for comfortable seating both front and back. The addition of a trunk in the truck bed is pure genious. I am very happy with the composite bed and my bed extender-nice system. My wife likes the fact that she can control the temperatures on her side of the cab whether she is a passenger or the driver. The fit & finish is all Honda-they do it again.