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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  Not what I expcted from Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Pro DJ - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I am continually impressed with my Honda Accord EXV6 with navigation. The car responds to my voice commands, is incredibly fun to drive and looks and feels like a luxury vehicle. My previous vehicle was a 1999 Cadillac Escalade, the features of this new Accord make Cadillac look bad!!

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  Wasnt my first choice, but... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LDP - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Im pretty happy with the Accord overall. I wanted the CRV, but didnt like the way it rode. The car looks great and rides well, generally, but the city gas mileage is rotten. Also, the blind spots are very big. Finally, on one of the hotter days this summer, the wheels made this horrible, screeching, metal-on-metal noise that went away after a few minutes and came back periodically. It was only that one day and I never heard it again, but it was unsettling.

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  best accord to date - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dustinrh - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a really great car, i was going to get one with the Navi but it lookes too complicated and the salesman also said it would be obsolete in about 2 years so i decided it wasnt worth the extra $2000. This car has a great amount of power. the salesman was very nice.

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  2009 ACCORD V6-NOT SO GREAT! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ELMALO212 - March 14 - 2:16 am

  Ride quality stinks, a lot of wind noise v6 power not so powerful, interior designed its good, a lot of road noise if you are driving on the hwy. Honda not that reliable.

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  My Buddy - 1995 Honda Passport
  By Passport Allegiance - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my Passport. Ive owned it now for 7 years, and at 185,000 miles, it still runs like the day I drove it off the lot.

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  a great little SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By MAW - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Not a luxury car, of course, but nice if youre looking for great reliability and some additional cargo room... without guzzling tons of gas.

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  Windshield Susceptibility To Cracks - 2003 Honda Element
  By Frank Johnson - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this little vehicle. It does everything we were told by the dealer that it would do. It is a joy to drive. It sits higher off the ground than a sedan, so it is easy to get in and out of.

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  Joels 2016 CRV EXL - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Joel Sellers - March 13 - 7:59 am

  This is my second CR-V with the previous being a 2009 EX-L. This is my fifth Honda. The 2016 rides and performs significantly smoother, more quiet and is more economical on fuel than the 2009. I am very pleased with the comfort, ride/handling and how much more quiet the cabin is than the 2009. I am very pleased with the CR-V thus far. The dealer that I purchased the vehicle from is top notch and made the buying process very easy.

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  PURE PURE SPORTS CAR - 2003 Honda S2000
  By S2000 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  How many PURE sports cars are out there you can buy right off the show room without some modification. S2000 is it & much cheaper then those exotic namebrands. No doubt the best two seater open top REAL sports car for the buck & out performs those priced $10K or more.

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  94 honda civic ex coupe - 1994 Honda Civic
  By civicracer94 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i ever had when i got this car it had 110000 now it has 220000and only had minner stuff go bad