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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  2004 Honda EX AWD - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By RSC3 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We saw this vehicle side by side at an annual auto viewing...nothing compares with the CRV dollar for dollar

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Big boy - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV so far I looked at alot of others and this one was the best bang for the buck. Feul mileage was one of my gripes but then i reminded myself this is a SUV they dont get mileage like a car.

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  practical comforts of surban mom - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By captain of the pilot - February 14 - 10:00 am

  after test driving all suvs with ample space to fit a stroller, childs bike, fat yellow lab, costco supplies, groceries and other necessities, the pilot offers the reliability, space, comfort and practical accessories to make it a great suv for a reasonable price :-)

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  This car is great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By RossMan - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up the car late on thursday night. I absolutely love it. The 1.7 v-tec has suprisingly good power. Gas mileage is great 34.56 mpg on first tank. Interior is very comfortable expecially with the side bolsters on the seats. Transmission shifts like butter.

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  perfect car, just not the one i got - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ltmarks - February 14 - 10:00 am

  overall virtually a perfect car. navigation is the best in the business. overwhelming power. too many features to list, including many i never would have thought of. XM is great. seats are great. All great except my car has a lot of rattles, the sunglass holder wont stay closed and bad tires. Guess its just my bad luck.

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  HONDA V6 WITH NAV - 2004 Honda Accord
  By EITON1 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR FAST FUN TO DRIVE

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  HONDA V6 W/NAV - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TONY O - February 14 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR GOOD PICKUP EXCELENT BUY

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  2005 red Accord V6 coupe - 2005 Honda Accord
  By David H. Smith - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Honda I have owned or leased. I traded in a 2002 Corvette and I couldnt be happier. The V6 engine is very quick and by adding items such as rear spoiler, tinted windows, fog lights and 17" wheels, the Accord handles much like the vette for a lot less money.

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  Overall - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Hondav603 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall its a damn good car.

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  dependable - 1990 Honda Accord
  By mackjohn1 - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 140000 miles on it and it is still going strong. I am sold on thr great quality and dependability. Will buy another without a second thought.