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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  3rd owner - 1993 Honda Civic
  By josef - October 1 - 2:00 am

  i bought my car last year ,i like this car very much.travelled to many cities in the midwest during winter time,when i bought it was108k,and i changed the front brakes and silenser,

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  Accord Coupe - 1999 Honda Accord
  By nselvera - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Its been a great car to have, it rides smooth and feels very well built. Its a great car for the younger crown like myself, there are tons of ways to customize the car any way you want. I threw on a set of 17 inch wheels with low profile tires and it makes it look even more aggressive. overall its been a great car to own, easy maintenance, nice quality, and great style makes this car a winner.

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  06 Civic EX Automatic Sedan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AlanW. - September 30 - 12:40 pm

  Love the new body style. Its very sporty looking. The standard alloy wheels really makes the Civic look cool! Handles great and the interior quality is excellent. Fun to drive and a real head turner. ABS and side curtain air bags are standard and thats what sold me(along with the gas mileage).

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  Love this car - 2003 Honda Element
  By Cfabtrev - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a wk, but I love it. It runs smoothly, its fun to drive, I like the weird look of it, and all of the space that it has. Its really easy to clean. My son loves the fact that he can put the back seat down and sleep comfortably and he loves the space and that hes higher up in the back and can see everything. I did a lot of research before getting it, and its worth every penny

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  Honda Element.... Gotta love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By MajorElement - September 30 - 10:00 am

  If you want a great, reliable, spacious, and stylish vehicle, then youll certainly appreciate the Honda Element. I bought mine for my birthday last month, and I love it. Besides benefiting from Hondas reputation of building reliable vehicles, I have lots of storage room and the vehicle gets "oohs and ahhs" every time I drive it. Please dont buy one, because I enjoy receiving the exclusive praise and treatment when strangers see it for the first time.

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  The reason you buy a Honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By piscorpio - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This has been one fantastic car. Not the quickest car, but it has enough pep to get you by on daily commutes. The best feature by far is the reliability. You expect if from Honda, and they certainly deliver, it is not just hype. I have had this car for close to 3 years, and I have not had one single problem, NOT ONE. Just keep up your regular maintainance and it will probably run for over 200,000 miles. I have to sell mine unfortunately, to make room for my growing family...I will probably buy a 2000 Civic EX sedan!!

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  Honda Civic LX 2002 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Lucy02 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Hondas have been a part of my family from the day I was born, this was a natural choice for the purchase of my first car. The Civic has come along way since my father first purchase his first Civic in 1979. The Honda now has all safety and reliability of the old Honda, but the added improvements of style (its a car you wont be embarassed driving) and upgraded features.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SI guy - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We were deciding between the Camry and the Accord for this car purchase. The Accord is by far a much better value for the money (in terms of features). The radio is great, but theres no option to upgrade the speakers. The Navi is easily comparable to that of any luxury automobile, my friends Navi in his E-class is almost identical to this one. The dash is beatifully illuminated, and it stays this way even if the headlights are not on. This car is loaded with great features and options, for a fairly low price (got it for $24K), and I would definitely recommend it. However, if the ride quality is your 1st priority - go with the Camry instead.

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  An Honest Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BillyB - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Have driven all the competitors to the accord. It came down to the Accord or Accura TL. The only difference between the 2 was price and ride. The Acura had a softer ride but not worth the extra $4,000. The Accord does ride a little stiffer but on the expressways it flys. Accord EX had all the same amenities (leather, CD changer, climate control, sunroof, etc.) Gas mileage? All I can say is they must have a leak. My gas mileage has been excellent for a 6 cy. Been on 2 trips and got 31-32 MPG. Around town has been 27-28. Added a spoiler to improve the rear end, although I havent disliked it as much as some. Much better value than Camry.

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  All the combinations - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RealCar - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This car seems to me to be a lot of things to a lot of people...for me its the performance that made my decision. Cruising down the highway at 80 mph with a quiet ride and only at 2200 RPM is awesome. This car will last a long time and handle whatever I throw at it. The fun score would have been a 10 if the tires were better for cornering. I almost spent about $10k more for an Infiniti but the Accord comes with so many luxury features in the base price I had to get one.