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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  They lied - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Dean2 - December 26 - 2:00 am

  You know the saying "if it seems too good to be true, it is"? Well my s2000 is the first and only car Ive ever had that doesnt get old. The more you drive these things, the more you get into them. It fits like a glove, its NOT soft, and it feels like it reads your mind. You dont just choose your line through a corner, you decide which pebbles you want to tie together to make the line you want. This is just flat out fun and theres not enough room here to describe it.

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  Honda for Life! ! ! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Mack Hibbard - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own and drive. My two sisters had one right after college and they are just upgrading to brand new Hondas and love driving them each day. Being a used Honda, I still havent found a thing I dont like yet. Its better than my Grand Am.

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  My New 05 Accord Coupe EX V6 6sp - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DJ - December 26 - 1:43 am

  This is my review of my new 05 Honda Accord Coupe in the EX V6 6 speed variant. FYI, I am an aerospace engineer, so I do look closely. I didnt even do a test drive for 2 reasons,first they didnt have a 6 speed on the lot then and I had recently sold my 2000 Integra GS-R and knew the quality I was looking for. I might add, if Acura would have put a 6 cylinder in the Integra I would have kept it, but ... I purchased the Sapphire Blue sight unseen but from the brochure and was very happy when it showed up at the dealer. The color was brilliant in the sunlight with a mild metallic sparkle, the color/paint was consistent over the contours and body seams.

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  What Took Me So Long? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dubuquer - December 26 - 12:06 am

  Almost anything you could ask for is standard equipment, styling gets you lots of compliments, and its fun to drive. After owning Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Ford, Plymouth, and Renault cars I am favorably impressed with the design, fit, finish, and quality of the Honda. I wanted a car that would last a long time, and I think this one will. This car sets a high standard for competitors to meet.

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  You Get More For Your Money - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ray - December 25 - 10:23 pm

  I have a MBenz C240 and was thinking to get a ML350. With the high gas prices, I decided to get reliable car that uses regular gas. The 2006 Honda Pilot EXL with DVD player is an excellent choice, youll get more for your money. Smooth ride, reliable engine, very good interior leather work, excellent sound system with the DVD player on. You also get 3 months free of XM Satellite radio. Very comfortable driver and front passenger heated seats, lots of cargo room with the third seat down and uses regular gas. And the greatest part is for less than $35K youll get a full loaded car.

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  I Love My Element!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lovin My Element - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I got my Honda Element a little over 2 months ago. I chose to get the 4wd-Ex model in Sunset Orange Pearl. I absoultely love this vehicle. It performs great, and I get looks every where I go. I would recommend the Element to anyone that is in the market for an eye-catching vehicle, and who wants something that is great to drive and just so much fun!

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  HOT HOT HONDA - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SHNhert@aol.com - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Best dam SUV we ever owned.

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  Nice car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jmeqb - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive this car, the only complaint that I have is the rear tail lights are a little funky looking.

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  Trouble free huh? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JeffTx - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Civic a year ago and it now has 28,000 miles. It has had quite a few problems, which Hoindas supposedly dont ever have. There was a clicking noise that took 3 dealership visits for them to fix. There is also a noise the enging makes in second gear which the dealer has not fixed after 2 visits. Seats are rather uncomfortable and the ride is loud. Doubt I will buy another Honda again.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lv03 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to own and drive. As a first time buyer I wanted something affordable, attractive and reliable.