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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  MY FAVORITE CAR - 2004 Honda Insight
  By CHAZ ODIN - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I have a Benz convertible,a VW Cabriolet a Mazda truck, and I always will go for my Honda when it comes to fun to drive and love the handling.

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  best for your money - 1998 Honda Civic
  By lil ill - April 20 - 2:00 am

  if u got 8gs its the best thing you will ever do

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  Vans are better than SUVs. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By John Lederer - April 19 - 9:30 pm

  Excellent car, drives more like a car than a van.Two things Id change:put in digital dash, you cant read the dashboard with sunglasses;next it would be nice to have an audio alarm on the parking brake. We frequently drive with it on. Also it would be satisfing to be able to notify the manufacturer with suggestions.

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  A very nice car for the price - 2006 Honda Accord
  By vb - April 19 - 7:33 pm

  I had a test drive on 2004 BMW 325i, 2.5 L, - and, unexpectedly, was disappointed. The 6 speed V6 Accord is the best idea so far. This car is clearly not boring. Driving is GREAT!!! The only problem remains is the ROAD NOISE.

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  Absolutely, best value for the dollar - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Cecil Ingram - April 19 - 6:00 pm

  My Honda accord drives like a sports car, has great positive steering, not the mushy feeling like Nissan or Toyota. Love the exterior design, even Mercedes has copied it. Im 6,2" and enjoy the leg room. The seats are great, reminds me of the 911-s I used to own. The interior also has the full size feeling (the Altima and Camry were definitely mid-size). Gas mileage is very satisfactory, getting about 23 1/2 mph town-33 mph hiway.

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  Great little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Denessa - April 19 - 11:53 am

  This is my first Honda purchase. I was looking for good gas mileage & a fun car. The price was excellent and the gas mileage is even better. The 2006 Honda Civic EX 2 door coupe handles well and drives very good & smooth, the trunk space is spacious for a small car. I plan on keeping it as a starter car for my 13 year old.

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  Best Truck Ever? - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tim - April 19 - 7:20 am

  I fell in love with this truck. After driving many american pickups, this one blew them away! i highly recommend this truck!

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  great car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By shuksan - April 19 - 2:00 am

  the best car ive ever owned. replaced brake pads once, timing belt once (as a precautionary measure) and tires twice. have had no mechanical problems with the vehicle at all. did not have rustproofing and wax it once a year and still have no rust. would not hesitate to buy another.

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  An awesome car to own - 1994 Honda Accord
  By jlucas - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Theres no possible way to downplay the overall rating of this car. I am a student in college and am proud (not to mention lucky) to own this vechile. Its needed very little work. This car is fun, reliable, and very sleek. I recommend it to anybody who seeks a comfortable, good-looking car with great handling capability.

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  2000 Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Cwynar - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, comfortable, good ride. Would buy again.