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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  Not built like they used to be - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 07 Civic SI Sedan - October 25 - 10:20 am

  Im a bit disappointed with my 07 SI Sedan. Ive had several problems with it. Tons and tons of interior rattles that can never be fixed, buzzing in the speakers, and now my 2nd gear is grinding like crazy. 2nd and 3rd gear issues are VERY common on these cars, and Im now having trouble engaging 2nd gear at high RPMs, which is where the SI lives. The car is fun to drive, although it doesnt deliver what it should for its price. At almost 5k cheaper, you get the cobalt SS/ion redline with more performance. For a mere 1-2 thousand more, you get the mazdaspeed3/GTI which has a LOT more spunk and refinement to it. I would suggest checking out the Mazdaspeed3/gti before buying the Honda, sadly.

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  Great Car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By AZLUDE - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Best Car on the road fast anf fun what else can you say.

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  Ill buy another - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Bonnie Antalick - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Insight. My large 64" 250 lbs husband does also. We drove it from St. Louis to Palm Springs California this summer and all he did was rave about how much fun, power, and gas economy it had. I have had people I work with ask to drive it and they loved it. I dont understand why I dont see more. You can test drive mine any time.

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  Great family car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By sreiss - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This car doesnt sell at MSRP for no good reason-- its definitely in high demand because its a great car. If you have young children, this car does it all. Even if you dont, it does. We know more than one older couple who have bought this car just because its so well built and well designed. Its very flexible and comfortable on long trips. Highly recommended.

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  the best civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By hang - October 25 - 2:00 am

  in my opinion, this is by far the best civic that honda has sold in the states. even the new si doesnt compare to the 2000 in terms of looks and performance. you get a lot of performance out if this car for $17,000. it even outperforms some cars costing more. ive had mine since 2000 and wouldnt trade it in for anything. i highly recommend this car.

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  All around Excellent SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By herbjunky - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive never been disappointed with a Honda before, and this vehicle is no exception. Even though its larger than most cars Ive purchased, it has extremely responsive handling and is quite fun to drive. The back seats fold up to hold all sorts of large cargo loads and still handles well fully loaded. We had an optional trailer hitch put on to tow our kayaks, but have not yet purchased a trailer. Hope it will tow nicely too. All in all, a very comforable vehicle to drive.

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  ONLY IN A HONDA! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HEYGURL17 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  WONDERFULL CAR; LASTS FOREVER!!!!

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  Acura by another name - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mezzfin - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 Acura 3.2 TL at the end of my lease and "downgraded" to a 2004 Honda Accord EX-V6 w/navi. WOW! Up until that point, the Acura was the best value for a near-luxury car I could find. But this Accord is bigger, faster, has more gizmos you actually USE, gets better mileage, and is about $100/mo less in a payment. The warranty is a year less, but with a Honda you wont need it anyway. If you are thinking about an Acura, check out the new Accord first!

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  An absolute blast to drive! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bapin32 - October 24 - 2:03 pm

  This is my 2nd Accord and already has become my favorite. This car is a blast to drive! The performance is awesome all the way up to its limited 130 mph top speed. 130 seems extreme but the car still wants to go! The seats are tight, the dash layout is very comfortable, and the Navi and XM radio are nice features. I do have 3 complaints however. The 130 mph limiter is incredibly stupid, the overhead eye- glass holder wouldt stay locked, and there is an annoying rattle coming from the trunk that Honda cant seem to fix! All in all I am pretty happy with the vehicle.

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  96 Honda Accord LX - 1996 Honda Accord
  By G Bland - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I have is my muffler rattles at low speeds.