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 my car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By xxgirlcali - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, its so reliable. I know now why there are tons of parents getting them for their kids. Its my first new car, so i pay my insurance, and gas, and its great. Even w/the gas prices going up, it doesnt faze me, my car is so good w/gas that i fuel up maybe once every two weeks or once a week when im really driving around. Ever since i got my Honda there are two words that i love to say w/my friends "Road Trip" and that means Las Vegas or where ever we want to go. By the way the trunk space is amazing you can fit 3 bodies in there!

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  Honda Leather Coupe Florida - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Samuel James Jr - April 9 - 10:00 am

  My Honda Accord Coupe is great car to drive. I have to drive round trip everyday about 140 miles. The Front driver and passenger sits are comfortable and relaxing. All controls are at your fingertips. This 4 cylinder save me a lot of gas money over my previous Cadillac Seville SLS. The exterior looks like a more expensive sport coupe.

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  Honda from SunnySide - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Big Bruce - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love to know that my Honda Accord is comfortable for both front and back seat riders. Plenty of leg room and comforts. I rides smooth and solidly. This if my first Honda and it wont be my last. Everything from the dealership to the detailing was fantastic. Honda knows how to take care of its customers!

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  6-speed accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mcpuck - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned in the last 30 years of driving. Very quick but still good on gas and ultra low pollution; that takes some superior work in the design office. The car is very tight & handles great. At 120 it feels better than some of the cars I have had going 70. I had to look around to get the 6- speed (manual) but for me it was well worth it. However, it wasnt enough to prevent my wife from loving to drive it too.

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  Love driving this car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dnelson - April 9 - 3:00 am

  Im 50+. I wanted a sporty, good looking, powerful (quick when I needed it), full featured, fun to drive, and reasonable gas mileage car without paying exorbitant price. Wow! Got all I wanted with the 6 cyl 2dr coupe -- with sun/moon roof. Tried Mustang, 350Z, 2 different Mazdas, Acura, and others. Nothing compared when considering power, comfort, styling, carrying room (for trips), economy, reliability, and price.

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  The Good, The Bad and the Ugly - 1990 Honda Civic
  By escapevelocity - April 9 - 2:00 am

  While there are good to great things about this car, unfortunately it has had enough problems that I wonder whether I got a lemon. Many repairs needed, including a front axle replacement (under extended warranty, good thing I purchased it), a front windshield which cracked on its own from a defect, CV boot issues and the rear windshield when it shattered while parked, no outside cause found, an oil- burning issue never properly explained. Its also one of the most "user-surly" cars to service that I have seen so far. I still think enough of the overall design that I would purchase another one, just to see if my problems were unique.

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  Now for Something Completely Different - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Ambientity - April 9 - 2:00 am

  When I began my search for a new car, I looked for one that would have character and performance. I wanted an anti-SUV, an "environmentally friendly" automobile (perhaps an oxymoron), and a car that you would not see every day. The Insight is uniquely and beautifully designed. It provides the "difference" which I was seeking and is, both in size and performance, the quintessential "anti-SUV." I now hope that more and more drivers will opt for this wonderful, sensible, and responsible vehicle.

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  Insight 2003 - 2004 Honda Insight
  By paulrich - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent commuting car for my wife and I. We drive 125 miles round trip everyday. Unlike many of the Prius reviews, we are actually exceeding the DOT Mileage rating. In the winter time we were getting 60 to 62 mpg. With the warmer weather we are now achieveing 68 to 72 mpg. We found that the mileage was a little less for the first 3000 miles, as stated by the dealer, but after that break in period it has been an excellent performer. The car operates as any other car, a little sluggish on the long uphill home, we use third gear instead of fourth on our regular Honda.

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  Im in love with this car - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Sandals12349 - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. i deliver pizzas in it and i get great gas efficiency with it. I buy less gas and fill it less times a week.

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  Dont want to give up - 1997 Honda Civic
  By partingsweetsorrow - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with car from moment saw and first drove it.Searched for Hondas due to reliabilty and high fuel ecomony. This car is great for city and/or suburbia. Love having a manual but soon give up sadly to a condition that allows me to drive automatic at maximum. I intend to find another Honda. I had to replace muffler,due to the large amount of erosion caused in Chicago winters, and an unavoidable pothole/debris incident (Chicago streets -{ hurt radiator but the new one will outlast the engine YEARS from now if possible. I adore paying so little in comparison once every 2 weeks for gas even for a job that requires me to drive daily!