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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  Is there any other car to buy!!! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Keith Shoemaker - March 30 - 11:46 pm

  I bought this car after doing my home work on Toyotas, Hyundais, Acuras, and Nissans. There was no comparison to be made. The engine was smooth and powerful. The handling quick and agile. The comfort level was incredible. And the over quality is fantastic. Best car for the money, maybe even for more money.

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  ***WARNING*** - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Chip - March 30 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned the 03 EX/V6 Accord for almost two years and in that time I have had several problems that should make any prospective buyers run for the exit door. I have had the brakes redone way too many times for a car with only 75,000 easy highway miles in it. In fact Honda even replaced the rotors at 26K because they were warped. Most recently the LED display enter "burned out". Scott Honda told me that it would cost $150.00 minimum to diagnose, but in his experience they have always had to REPLACE the unit to THE tune of about $1,200. Ouch! $1,200 to fix a non-wear part that the service rep admitted has been an issue with the 03 Accord. DEEFECTIVE DEFECTIVE DEFECTIVE!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Family & Utility Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan Prince - March 30 - 12:29 pm

  Sold for 2k OVER Edmonds excellent status!

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  Bang for the buck - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kiddoinseattle - March 30 - 10:40 am

  I went shopping for the LX or EX, but when I sampled the Si my mind was made up. Ive driven 2,000 miles in the three weeks Ive had it so far and am very impressed with the car. I was drawn to the Civic line due to the quality, reliability, and safety. I fell for the Si because it suits this accountant who has a fun side in addition to a toddler. The interior has really grown on me and I find everything very easy to use. The seats are outstanding, great for trips and sporting. Transmission is superb as is the steering communication. This engine requires a driver who pays attention though. Great overall room, functionality, and value. Beats Mazda 3, VW GTI, Cobalt SS.

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  First and Last Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Geordie - March 30 - 8:26 am

  Im a long time manual transmission driver and after an extensive search thought Id found the perfect car. This car had the style and comfort unmatched in its price and class. However, after two weeks of driving this vehicle the transmission started to get very notchy in second gear especially when cold. Once winter hit the problem became noticeably worse to the point that it actually jumped out of second gear on several occasions. By mid-winter I didnt want to drive this car anymore. I took it to the dealer but they could not duplicate the issue when the engine/trans was warm and they checked and flushed the trans fluid. I traded this car after 4 months and couldnt be happier.

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  My 2008 Honda Accord Lemon - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dennis Spitzer - March 30 - 2:46 am

  I bought my fourth Honda in December.I traded in my 2006 Se 4 door Accord.Boy do I regret that.I am having problems with the passenger side seat track,pealing paint on the rear bumper,Horrible Upholstery on the drivers side,and the major thing is an Major electrical problem with the Headlights and taillights flickering and dimming when you use the a/c and the cooling fans kick on and off.The dash lights and radio go in and out also with this problem.The 2008 Accord is a danger to the road....am a Handicapped citizen and basically Honda does not care about their faulty products.

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  Great Car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Spike7 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The car is great until my bro flawed it on I-55 and blow up the engine cuz we forgot to add engine oil. NP. We were thinkin about changing motors already. We decided to stick with the budget and put a ZC engine into the Si. Now instead of 108hp I have 130hp! It handles well.

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  Great - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Angelcake - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I myself have enjoyed having my honda civic.It always start up with no problem ,but like any car it just need to be loved and cared for.

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  MY ODYSSEY - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By MARK EDINGER - March 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST MINIVAN IN THE MARKET. MOST OPTIONS AND FEATURES FOR THE MONEY, BEST CRASH TEST RATINGS, AND YOU DONT HAVE TO LEAVE THE 3RD ROW SEAT AT HOME TO GET MORE CARGO SPACE.

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  Nice Alternative - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MrQuisp - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1999 ML320 for a brand new Pilot with navigation. Shopped around and final settled with my local dealer at MSRP and a "pro package" at dealer cost. Also added the wood trim package and a DVD/tv tuner for the car. Was really surprised that I was able to get MSRP considering this dealer was asking $4000 over and the local dealers are notorious for not making good deals. Fun car, though disappointed with the gas mileage.