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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  Love that gas mileage - 2004 Honda Civic
  By tedintx - January 15 - 12:13 am

  I work out of my car putting about 60 miles per day all in-town driving. The 42 miles per gallon is wonderful. The car rides well, over all the Fort Worth potholes, enough power to get on the freeway when I need it, and plenty of room.

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  New Accord owner very happy so far - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tvs513 - January 12 - 4:13 pm

  Ive had the car for just less than 2 weeks so maybe Im a bit premature for a truly accurate review. E.g. since Im still breaking it in I really cant comment on the power/performance of the V6. Been taking it easy so far! But I will say that coming out of a 98Civic I am enjoying the extra punch. The reasons for wanting this car to begin with still ring true now that I own one: proven H reliability, conservative style with a bit of flair and a touch of luxury, a great mix of practicality and fun-to-drive. Not to mention the notch up on the sexy meter with the new 6M! On the negative side the brakes are a bit soft and the suspension/wheels a bit hard. You will feel the bumps.

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  V-6 Loaded - 2010 Honda Accord
  By 1st2themoon - January 12 - 7:33 am

  I purchased a loaded white diamond sedan. I absolutely love this car. Its as fun to drive as my BMW (which was surprising). The 6 cylinder has plenty of power. Well worth upgrading from the 4 cylinder. Ive had mine since Aug of 09 and not one problem. Ive had 2 other accords in the past and this wont be my last. Its great to be able to operate the AC/heat, radio by voice. Works really well also.

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  1,100 Miles Follow-up Report - 2008 Honda Accord
  By The Lords Accord - January 11 - 11:13 am

  Just a follow-up to "My First New Car" report after another 700 miles in my new base model Accord. Overall MPG is 21.2 miles per gallon, with 60% city traffic and 40% freeway driving. The engine performs flawlessly. I heard the VSA kick in today during a sudden 110-degree left turn, NASCAR manuver. The VSA prevented my car from spinning out and made me look like a pro. The drivers left shoulder has a sizeable blind spot. From morning, cold startups, the steering wheel gives some squeaks and noises the first time you turn it as you back out of a parking spot, a recurring problem. Left and right sides of the trunk are somewhat taken up by the bulges

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  Great value - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kate - January 11 - 7:50 am

  When searching for a new car, I looked for 3 things: great overall ratings, great mileage & a small sporty car with 2 doors and room for 4. I got just what I wanted with and my Civic reminds me of driving my old Acura Integra!

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  Ex 4dr is excellent value - 2009 Honda Accord
  By elijah54594 - January 11 - 5:43 am

  I love this car to death. I drove an 88 pathfinder for 8 years and finally upgraded to this beautiful baby. I love everything about it. The ride is tight and smooth, the sound system is crisp, the seats are perfect (everyone else is crazy to say anything bad about them). The only complaint I have is that there is no fuel economy gauge so that I can tell how well Im doing with the mileage but that is relatively minor. I would recommend this car to pretty much anyone.

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  Love at first drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By latnluv - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Smooth shifting. Plenty of interior space. All controls at fingertip from steering wheel. Best priced SUV as compared to others with similar features. And cant beat Hondas reliability.

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  The Near Perfect Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CJMends - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Pilot is everything that was and is advertised. Great family vehicle that pleases everyone in the family. Wife loves driving it. For this size vehicle gas mileage is very good,have experienced 19 - 21 with mostly highway driving. First time Honda customer, can see the quality of their products. Definately will buy Honda again.

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  A SOLID AND RELIABLE CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By THE MOPAR MAN - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel milage,handles pretty good at high speed cornering(should be a bit sitffer for my driving habits).All in all runs smooth,good power(1.7vtec).Im 37 years old with 2 fat 03 ram 4x4s---I love my 4x4 but it stays parked.I am very happy with the overall on my car. civic ex-03

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  From best to better than best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ted MacDonald - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1994 Lexus and have test driven several 2002 and 2003 Lexus.(All ES300) My new Honda Accord (which I bought loaded) is bigger and better! Firm sports car ride and handeling. Not mushy and all over the road. Extremely smooth transmission that does not go bump! Excellent gas milage on regular gas. Peppy? WOW! 6-CD canger in dash- -youve got to be kidding--at this price? All this and a friendly dealership. I did a lot of reading and bought the car I test drove. High expectations? This car is beyond the highest ones I had. I went from the "best" to better than best.