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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  Roger - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Roger Bache - June 1 - 11:23 pm

  Although we have only owned our 2005 Honda Odyssey for a little over 2 months, we are thrilled with all aspects of this vehicle. It drives likes a high-end luxury vehicle, it is quiet, and the Touring Model has as extraordinary list of options. The safety options are particularly impressive. I am thus far a very satisfied customer.

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  Hands Down the Best - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Guzwierdo - June 1 - 7:43 pm

  Thank You Honda! After owning a Ford for 4 years and waiting for the next thing to go wrong I finally have a car that does what it is supposed to. Gets me from point A to B with no fuss and doesnt cost me an arm and a leg to maintain. It is a lot more fun to drive then I thought it would be. Also, Chezik-Sayers gets my vote for anyone looking for a new car.

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  Nice 09 Accord LX-P - 2009 Honda Accord
  By rjb - June 1 - 2:10 am

  I tend to buy cars and run them for many years and for 200k + miles. I did a lot of research and was concerned about the 4cyl using oil as that complaint was reported by some 08-09 owners but in 3k miles I havent used a drop. Seats are comfortable and handling is good. Its just a 4 cyl so dont expect great performance. Its geared right so even going up hills it rarely downshifts. Honda tends to build good cars and this is no exception, even though its already 7 yrs old, everything is tight, no rattles. I drive 25 mi to work every day and get about 30 mpg. Only thing I dont like is theres no outside temp. display, seems odd that was left out. When going shopping, which is a 45 min drive, the whole family wants to take the Accord because its the most comfortable car we have, compared to the 08 Highlander...

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  Fantastic - 2004 Honda S2000
  By sphinx99 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  A superlative driving experience; the 04 exterior treatments subtly improve the overall look of the car, while the 2.2L gives it more usable torque and passing power around 3000rpm than the previous models. The revised suspension is more comfortable over bad roads as well. And yet, no loss of performance!

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  Great car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Aquafina - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Gets great mileage even when I beat on it. Took out the rear interior and ran a 17.4 on bald street tires at Bristol Motor Dragway. Paint was crappy from previous owner but it was repainted after hail damage and looks great.

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  Rough Ride for passengers - 2003 Honda Element
  By Richard Russell - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but complaints from rear passengers. On windy days hard to handle steering. Only one arm rest for driver. Have to unbuckle to let out passengers in rear.

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  I researched them all for a year - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dizzie - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Very happy I did all the leg work driving all the other suvs. Price was right. It has everything I wanted: standard. The body styling is much better than years past. I want it all, but can not afford it, so this made me happy.

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  Still love my ex coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Cracker - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used in october 2002 with aprox 34000 miles to replace the nissan altima my wife totaled. After a year of ownership im confident that this vehicle will get many more trouble free miles it has been flawless mechanicaly. The clearcoat has chiped a bit off the passenger door. Otherwise a very good daily driver.

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  Litas new civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Lita Bush - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2003 Honda Civic DX, and I love it. It handles great and is so fun to drive. It has a great new design on the outside and the inside is comfortable. It is nice and quiet and is a pleasure to drive.

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  Hanover Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dick Wolan - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent riding vehicle. I know because I personally drive an 8- cylinder Ford Crown Victoria on a daily basis. The ride is as smooth in the Honda Accord at 80 mph as it is in the Crown Victoria. The Hondas suspension system is excellent, providing for a firm yet very comfortable ride. Noise reduction is excellent. Controls are easy to use and offer a variety of options for balancing the temperature on either the drivers side or passengers side. Safety is very important: two side air bags give some peace of mind. The only negative aspect is that the interior height in the front could be higher.