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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  Great Car, Good Purchase - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Brian - November 11 - 6:50 pm

  Ive had two Accords prior to this one and I like this the best. Its the roomiest of all, has good power and MPG are good, has a smooth engine and transmission. I almost bought a Fit but was too small for a family of five. I like the fit and finish, ergonomics, driving position and handling.

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  Disappointed in 2nd Odyssey mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat R. - November 11 - 2:26 pm

  Owned a 2005 Odyssey for 4+ years and traded it with 75,000 miles for the new 2005 Touring edition Odyssey in September 2004. Have been very disappointed with city gas mileage--my previous Odyssey got about 17 mpg and the 2005 was advertised to get approx. 20 mpg city and 28 highway. I average 14.5 mpg city and 22-23 highway. Needless to say am not happy and am seriously thinking of selling and buying the Toyota Sienna. I have owned 5 Hondas and have been a loyal customer but maybe its time to make a change.

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  Look at that S Car gooooooooo... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By CeeJay - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The S2000 is a wonderful, fun car to drive. Living in Chicago, I have to store it for the winter. I am always anxious for spring so I can drive it! Top down on a summer nite...perfect. It is a great car!!!

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  Untitled - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sfisher - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a typical Honda. The features in the vehicles make good sense but nothing is too fancy. This is our first car that is not a sedan, thus we are acclimating ourselves to being high up. It looks like it will be easy. I cannot figure how to downshift into third gear, but the dealer shold provide a clue. This SUV is a keeper, like all Hondas.

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  Best Honda Ive Driven Yet! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By sboersema - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several Hondas, and this is my favorite so far. The V6 is powerful even with the air running. The climage control system takes a bit of getting used to, as far as fine tuning, but I love it now. The car rides smoooth, is comfortable, and is surprisingly QUIET! I compare this to Big 3 cars of the same vintage and size, and the Honda quality is still definitely above any of those. I just turned 250,000 miles on a 91 accord and am sold on the Honda name!

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  Smooth Ride - 2003 Honda Civic
  By scolob - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Having just bought my Civic, Im still learning things about it. But in the 2 weeks Ive had the car, here are my impressions. This car is so sporty looking. By getting rid of the panel most cars have, it makes the car appear sleaker. The instrument panel rocks. The brightness is astounding. It has zip. It accelerates nicely up hills and on freeway onramps. The interior cloth, still has that entry-level import look to it, but is tons better than in years past. The 6 speaker CD stereo has great sound. The trunk holds plenty of cargo. A very comfortable back seat with, get this, a flat floor.

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  Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By new_civic_owner - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Civic is a great economy car. The gas mileage is very good with prices being so high. The car handles very well but it is a little on the low end for acceleration. A great thing about this car is that the oil only needs to be changed every 10,000 miles. Another benefit comes when you sell the car, the Civics tend to have a really good resale value.

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  acihybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By aceberg - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car handles very well and is fun to drive. I love listening to the sound of silence when it goes into auto-stop mode. Rapid acceleration in drive was only fair. Finish is typical Honda, excellent. So far I would buy it again.

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  Greatest Midsize to date. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Gecko8 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all, it has the reliability, the fuel economy and power for a car its size, and the leather and cushy interior makes it feel like a luxery car. I never had one problem with this car, and it is my first foreign purchase. I now am looking to buy nothing but Honda because my experience w/this car has been nothing but great.

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  Rides Like A Truck - 2003 Honda Accord
  By StPete - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Everything on this car works perfectly. But, it rides like a truck. Drive a couple of hundred miles and you hurt. If it had a ride like a Camry it would be the greatest car ever invented. Take a viagara and go for a ride in a Honda and you are in for an exciting day. The thing never stops jiggling. Rotten springing. Reminds me of an old Army jeep. Also wish the steering wheel buttons were lighted.