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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  Awesome Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By AccordFan77 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Honda Accord EX V-6 Sedan this year. This is the first new car I have ever owned and I love it!!! This is not only a great reliable family car but it is also sporty and fun to drive. I would highly recommend people who are shopping for a new car to check out the Honda Accord.

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  A good car to own and drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MCMORRIS - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Good

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  Cant beat a Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By trophygal8 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 99 Accord for 3 years now and its the first foreign car Ive ever owned, and trust me, its not going to be my last. I simply love this car. I have not spent a dollar on maintenance besides the regularly scheduled oil change. Its has been very reliable car and I truly enjoy its comfort and roominess. Its my first four door, and even though I dont have kids, it has come in very handy. I would have never known it was a four cylinder unless my husband had pointed it out. It runs so smooth and just as powerful as my last V-6. I cant say enough about it. If you are looking into buying a Honda, you will not be disappointed!

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  Satisfied Overall - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Ather - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car just for the Honda reputation used with 24k miles. Great long distance runner, people mover and multipurpose vehicle. It drives smooth and quiet. I have put over 55k miles on the car and have had to change the battery, brakes, tires (a few times) and rear side window which slipped out of its frame. It has a Honda recall on the tranny which I havent had problems yet with but am starting to feel it a bit now. Tire balancing has been a problem with all the new tires. Overall, quite satisfied. I would also look at the Toyota Sienna. It is smaller but has a tighter feel to it.

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  The Best Honda Available - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Drelude - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. From its sleek design to its amazing 195hp. Surprisingly it get good gas milage and maintains it amusing driving characteristics.

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  passport review - 1995 Honda Passport
  By rfig - January 12 - 2:00 am

  No problems to mention. At about 101K miles had a miss, replaced plug wires, problem solved.

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  The Purest Sports Car of All! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By FluByU - January 12 - 2:00 am

  After wanting this car for two years, I finally got behind the wheel of one. The throttle is more responsive than any other car on the road and the steering is point-and-shoot! An absolute blast to drive with an amazing 6-speed. Forget the fluff, this car has the bare minimum and manages to have a greater "wow" factor behind the wheel than any other. The 9000 RPM redline is unbelievable! You must experience it to understand it. Stick to the 2003 and older--the redline is higher and the suspension tighter--it stays true to the purpose of such a pure sports car.

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  Good - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Jaxy - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Good, economical SUV... Good gas milage for a SUV, Dependible Honda enginering, High functionality, Not a lot of wasted space... Its not a bus. Easy access to fluid chambers under hood.

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  The Seven Years Overview - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Surly Luke - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Build quality is better than my mothers 2003 Corolla, and the only problems ive had are some leaky gaskets and the front axles. The engine is unbreakable - im sure ive overrevved it more than a few times in its 244,000 km and it still pulls as well as it ever did if not better. Only flaw right now is that it has a bit of an erratic idle, but I think its a voltage issue. I have the DX engine (i checked the numbers on the motor - its the 102 hp variant) so it feels like a 9 sec car, and it will laughably dust V6 Camaros and mustangs.

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  beware of new/redesigned model years - 1994 Honda Accord
  By sergio rubio - January 12 - 2:00 am

  in the first 3 years, we had minor cosmetic problems, like door handle trim,(replaced many times-factory recall)-spent alot of time at dealers, glove box retainers broken, brake lights relaced every 6 mo. air conditioner smells after turning off and running just air major problems at 46000 mi- replace water pump!! new water pump now has 140000 miles!!!!!!!!!!replace slave cylinder! steering wheel deteriorated. at 90000 mi (5 yr) replace broken plastic radiator and again at 186000 (12/2003) new struts and shocks at 170000. very unhappy about these problems, but overall, 10 years, satisfied.