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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  Suprising Honda Accord Problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Louis Amoanti - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Car was purchased new. After five dealer visits, a service bulletin was found regarding clunking and creaking noises from the cars underbody. A number of BODY WELDS were apparently MISSED AT THE FACTORY. The car is now being serviced by a body shop for spot welding the defect areas. There are also noises from something loose in the drivers seat. This has yet to be fixed. Face plate on Sound System needed to be replaced as it came loose. Car has some door rattles.

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  Not all theyre cracked up to be! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DaleMF - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Im surprised by the inconsistency between magazine reviews of this vehicle and actual real world driving. For the most part, it is a well built vehicle, though far from the perfect theyre said to be. Interior is plagued by multiple annoying rattles, especially in the doors, back shelf and the console bin cover. Stereo would be fine if only I could play it louder, but the vibrations it causes keep me from doing so. Dealer has yet to correct. Engine is outstanding, though. And while most cars grow on you after a while styling- wise, this one looks less attractive the longer I have it.

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  Unbelievable Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jimbocullen - July 8 - 2:00 am

  My first Honda. Ive owned a couple Acura Integras in the past, and was happy with them. Picked the Accord over the Mazda 6 and Nissan Altima. I was pretty sold on buying a Mazda 6, and wasnt even considering an Accord because I thought it was too conservative looking. I drove the Accord anyway, and fell in love with it right away. The interior quality and finish is generally superior to the other cars I looked at. And the performance, wow! Impressive low end torque. As quiet and smooth a car as Ive ever been in. Ive been getting over 25mpg, better than the 2.5L V6 in my Mazda 626. No missing features on the ES-V6, everything is standard.

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  Great but design flaws - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jlaing - July 7 - 5:40 pm

  My first Honda. Great safety; good mileage. My fault for not paying attention to two major interior design flaws, in my opinion. Front headrests angled way too far forward, thrusting drivers neck forward when trying to sit back in the seat. Thought it was a mistake just on my car so ordered another headrest. Theyre all the same. No solution. Back seat headrests are perfect but they are not interchangeable. Also, severe front windshield glare due to expansive dash, which is a great thing otherwise! I was just going to replace the glass and the glass guy told me it would do no good. It takes a lot of getting used to.

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  A Driving Pleasure - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By 98Prelude - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. It has a powerful engine, handles great, and has a very nice sound system.

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  good - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Judy Farell - July 7 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Oddesey is a great small mini- van which is a great choice. This mini-van handles excellently and is great in the snow even without AWD.

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  good - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Jared Willams - July 7 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Oddesey is a great small mini- van which is a great choice. This mini-van handles excellently and is great in the snow even without AWD.

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  beautifully done car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By cycads - July 7 - 2:00 am

  In every sense when evaluating a car as tofit and finishthis car was a 10! ditto for fun when driving and arriving. One (1) fault- trunk would not hold one (1) set of golf clubs let alone two (2). And I have Japanese clubs! and bag! Mine was actually a 2000 leased for 3 great fun car years.

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  Smile and drive - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Hans Pustelnik - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. I ride Ducati motorcycles and this Honda S 2000 is so far the only 4 wheeler that puts a smile on my face. I have tried other cars including the Porsche Boxter and the S 2000 got my vote!!!!

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Honda S2000
  By MC Lieb - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving my S2000. Of course, its my "toy" car and its great driving along the beach.