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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  i love this car!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By rowan77 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Handles well-great turning radius. Awesome in ice and snow. Awesome stereo and quiet ride. Very useful space in back for biking, dog crates, moving etc.

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  A Great Midsize SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MikeDuluth - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot is so quiet it is hard to know it is running. At highway speeds, the car is smooth, quiet and stable. It gives a car like ride while still being able to hit a pothole and not worry. The brakes are great, and the transmission shifts flawlessly. I have no regrets after purchase. The sound system is impressive. The fuel economy is not great, but better than the competition. Overal, this is a great SUV that beats the competition. The price is nice, but we could not bargain with the dealer, they arent giving these Pilots away for anything less than the sticker!

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  2003 honda crv ex auto.w/side a.bags - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hickory55 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  superb drivability & handling making for a pleasant experience. responsive steering and everything works well together. very pleased with the shift lever on dashboard and the placement of handbrake. the ride is firmer than i am used to as i have diven larger sedans, but ride is very quiet and very well controlled. brakes are magnificent;best that i have ever had on a vehicle.22 city&27-28 hwy mpg

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  The Best Car in my Life - 2001 Honda Accord
  By andrew_melix - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, beautiful, comfortable, nicely designed. This is one of the best cars ever made. For me it is much better than new Accord. 2001 Honda Accord EX-V6 Coupe is a awesome Car!!!

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  best mini suv in the world - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By root - January 4 - 2:00 am

  i love it and am going to buy one more for my wife

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  MY HONDA - 2002 Honda Accord
  By SHERMAN - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, but would like the steering to be more like my 1986 Accords.

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  The Best Accord Ever! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Andrew Q. - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The newly redesigned 7th Generation Honda Accord V6 is the best Accord ever! Honda has loaded this car with every creature comforts that you will only find available on high-end Japanese & Euro Coupes/Sedans for less than $27,000! The refined SOHC VTEC V6 engine combined with the silky smooth 5spd Automatic transmission and loaded features is at the top of its class! I miss the 4th (92-96) & 5th (97- 01) Generation Honda Prelude but the new Accord V6 Coupe has a hint of the Preludes persona. In my own opinion theres nothing "family" about the Accord V6 Coupe... just dont tell that to the insurance companies.

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  Great car, definitely best in its class - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Keef98 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this car for 3 months and love it. It looks and runs great. We considered several other cars: the Taurus, Malibu, Camry, and Maxima. The Taurus and Malibu were ugly and didnt have the features of the Accord. The Camry looked better than the Ford and the Chevy, but was still pretty plain. Plus, to get the features that the Honda had would have cost a a couple of grand more. The Maxima is a great looking and driving car. But it is significantly more money than the Accord, and the Accord only gives up about 20 HP to the Maxima and is almost as fun to drive. Overall, there is not a car that is a better value than the Honda Accord.

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  My beautiful new accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By tx1yankee - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many Hondas, Most recently a 2003 Civic which I traded in on my 04 accord. I love the way my car handles. It is smooth and shifts seamlessly. The noise level has been drastically reduced froimprevious models.

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  Buy This Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Katsu-san - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We looked and test drove higher-end cars like the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C- Class, as well as the Altima, Maxima, and Camry. So why did we end up with an Accord? The PRICE/QUALITY ratio. For the money, we could not find a better deal considering: Interior styling/comfort (It feels like a European car!) Build quality (Honda – need I say more?) Standard Features (Upscale – heated power seats, moonroof...) Resale Value Safety (8 air bags!) Spaciousness At around $23k OTD, nothing out there can compare, esp with standard features that can rival that of a more upscale European car in terms of comfort and fit/finish. Leather interior is BEAUTIFUL.