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:

• 

  PRELUDE ENTHUSIAST! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By derek43 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great buy for the money and it was very reliable!! I enjoyed everyday that i drove it. Comparable to Integra, Celica and Golf GTI but I think it is the best out of all of them! HAVE FUN!

• 

  Honda CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Nathon - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid, reliable vehicle.

• 

  Like the Mississippi - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Oxford15 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This car just keeps rolling along with problems, without fuss. Though Ill probably but an Acura TL later this year, its not b/c Im having mechanical issues with this car. Reliability has been and continues to be outstanding. The only non-scheduled maintenance repairs Ive needed have been to replace the power antenna, the driver-side power lock motor, and the exhaust (at 9 yrs in the Northeast).

• 

  Luving it - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rich - February 22 - 12:13 am

  After selling my Del Sol, I was leery about the Fit, but its been great. We considered an Element and Mazda 5, but the Fit is as versatile with far better mpg. Its fun to drive, has a high quality interior and is great for our baby and dog. My wife is short, but finds a good position no problem. Great car!

• 

  not that bad for a little car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By CommuterMan - February 21 - 7:43 pm

  I prefer larger cars, but living in the city and wanting something fuel efficient led us to get this Civic. After getting rid of the stock Firestones, this car is reasonably comfortable driving around town, has enough room to drop off the kids at school, and isnt embarrassing parked next to my boss Mercedes. My gas mileage isnt as good as I expected, averaging 22 mpg, mainly because I have a short daily commute across town. However, on long drives to my in-laws, this baby get almost 40 mpg.

• 

  2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Barb - February 21 - 10:36 am

  Great vehicle to drive and ride in. Had a large SUV previously and do not miss it plus there is more room in the Odyssey.

• 

  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By moelladeville - February 21 - 4:46 am

  Purchased Odyssey over Sienna because in the Sienna, you must use headphones w/DVD (although the commercial depicts this differently). I have toddlers who wont wear headphones. Also, Sienna loads DVD from second row, Odyssey loads it from front seat (driver can do it). Would like a better center console in the front. Rear console is okay if you dont want to use third-row seating. Dont really use the lazy Susan that they tout. I love the second row windows that go down. Nav and dvd are great.

• 

  Honda Civic LX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Andrew - February 21 - 2:03 am

  Great car! It may only have 115 horses but it is still very peppy. The seats are comfortable but are on the stiffer side. Gets great gas mileage.

• 

  Impressive!! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Honda_fond - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used (110K) vehicle for my college bound son several years ago. He recently returned it to me with 170K miles as he succumbed to a new vehicle attraction. I replaced the alternator and a rear strut that was rattling and I am driving it daily about 100 miles. Im averaging 32 MPH and it is as tight and peppy as one half its age. First auto Ive owned in 62 years that Ive felt safe in driving these distances with the miles that are on it. It will be my work ride until I retire, I hope. Just dont overlook the timing belt!!!

• 

  good mileage - 1991 Honda Accord
  By geys - February 21 - 2:00 am

  i actually like this car we bought for our daughter in college more than our 2002 honda accord se..wish i had looked for an older one before i purchased new.