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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  Hondas are the best! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Silvio Narvid - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love Honda Accords with the Navagation system because it is voice activated so it is more convienent.

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  Wow - what a great car !!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By EugeneC - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up an 04 4dr Accord LX- V6, and what a fantastic car ! Its power is truly amazing, and I have yet to really lean on the accelerator. It is very quiet on the highway, and has responsive handling, even though it weighs about 300 lbs more than a 4 cylinder. Accelerating onto the highway is so very easy - the engine barely breathes. One would be hard-pressed to find a better value than the Honda V6.

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  Why didnt I get one of these years ago! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By blh - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I am hooked on Honda. I have always had an "American" car. I must say I have been missing out. For $4000 less than a new GM sedan I got better mileage and a better value. The little things that make the usefullness of this car is outstanding. From the double pass through back seat, the all in one key fob, the valet security features, and of course the safety.

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  Didnt even mean to buy it.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Limestone - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I went out today to buy my pregnant wife a 2003 CRV. We got to the dealership, drove it, then told the sales guy to write it up. The guy suggested that I take my wife out in an Accord while he did his thing so we took off in a totally loaded 04 with everything possible but the Nav. I fell in love immediately and when we got back I told him to work up some numbers on this one as well... his eyes lit up and we left the dealership with both vehicles. I love this car, and I was about to pull the trigger on a brand new 325i. For the 10K I saved, this car blows the bimmer away in value and performance, and comes really close in handling.

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  Love my Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jtrt - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The look is so stylish. The new exterior with grat interior and beautiful! I love the way the car feels and looks. My Honda is great on gas getting 400 miles to a tank. Affordable, stylish and dependable. I look forward to seeing at least 200k with this car.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By terry13usa - December 13 - 8:13 am

  The 2009 Fit is larger and I think better than the 2008. The actual vehicle looks better then the pictures. The acceleration was very good for this car. The handling was also very impressive. I just bought the car a couple of days ago. Im waiting to see what mpg I can get. It has a mpg gauge which is very useful. The interior is great. The fit and finish is what you would expect from Honda. It seats five people in relative comfort (only if youre not overweight). The car was better than what I had expected. Another great car from Honda.

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  Odyssee - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry B - December 13 - 6:31 am

  Very reliable with excellent gas mileage for such a large vehicle. Very few maintenace issues encountered over 4 years. Have owned two and will probably consider getting another one. Recommend with anyone with a family. Lots of features.

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  2017 Honda Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Williams - December 13 - 4:50 am

  Have had the car for less than a month but, I am impressed with its acceleration & responsivness. Car holds the road very well. Electronics are nice but not spectacular,(everything works fine but I am not crazy about the volume control for the radio), other than that, I am very happy with its performance & looks.

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  2017 Honda Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Williams - December 13 - 4:50 am

  Have had the car for less than a month but, I am impressed with its acceleration & responsivness. Car holds the road very well. Electronics are nice but not spectacular,(everything works fine but I am not crazy about the volume control for the radio), other than that, I am very happy with its performance & looks.

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  2017 Honda Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Williams - December 13 - 4:50 am

  Have had the car for less than a month but, I am impressed with its acceleration & responsivness. Car holds the road very well. Electronics are nice but not spectacular,(everything works fine but I am not crazy about the volume control for the radio), other than that, I am very happy with its performance & looks.