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 purchase--very impressive!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drfid - May 22 - 6:53 pm

  I love this car! I had an Acura TL before this car, and thought Id have to eat humble pie by purchasing an TL. We built a new house further away from work, so it became necessary to downsize and get something more economical. I too, like another owner, have had my car two weeks, and I have yet to require a fill-up. The cars design is great, with a very convenient instrument panel. I obviously have sacrificed power, and the fabulous sound system of my TL, but hey, the stereo is pretty great. I love the MP3 jack for my Ipod (I had to install that aftermarket in the TL). I would recommend the 5 sp manual--makes it very fun to drive. Ive had a lot of people look at my car--they bought too!

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  Recession Chic - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Rich - May 22 - 5:50 pm

  Ive only had it a few weeks so I cant judge the reliability yet. But I feel cool riding around in such an efficient car during this recession; would be embarrassed to be driving a BMW. Have put several hundred miles on it and found the seat comfortable for my back even on a day I drove for over 4 hours, though most of my trips are short. With regard to other reviews, I dont find it any bumpier or noisier than my last car, a 2006 VW Jetta, or most mid-priced European cars Ive driven. But I imagine it would be quite a bit bumpier and noisier than say a full size American car, so it depends what you are used to.

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  Good Minivan - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By eddie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan has been excellent. I have two small children and the interior has held up incredibly well for the pounding they give it. The car has all the features you need - reliable, good size, comfortable, excellent safety, nice ride. I liked it so much that I just bought the 2002 EXL.

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  This is a roadster to love! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By bumper - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The S2000 is everything the 60s British roadsters aspired to be . . . but without all the fussing to keep them running. Throw in cornering ability that was unheard of back then, an engine that revs to 9 grand, and every trip to the store is an adventure. Some have groused about a lack of low-end torque. This may be true if you are comparing it to a V8, but next to many other cars, the Miata for one, the Honda has more torque. Certainly power below 6K is not awe inspiring, but it is adequate. Above 6K - - unbelievable!

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  My new s2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By roadracerray - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I researched all the top performing cars...based on price and performance...there is not better value out there than the s2000 in my opinion. I was able to purchase a brand new 2002 model for about 2k under sticker, so I know the value will retain itself in the future. Im just breaking the engine in so I havent pushed the car to its performance limits but I know I will love it when I do. Mine is blk/blk

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  Another great Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By steven - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is another great Honda. It might not be the fastest suv of there but I know it will not be in the shop like the other cars that I have had. I put on a lot of miles a year both on highway and city and I never had a problems with Honda. I can not say the same about the VW GTI. It was in shop every 2 monthes with a bill average of $600. Glad to be back in a Honda

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  automatic sliding door not working - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By c_chang - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 EX model. The BIG problem I had was that my rear automatic sliding door didnt work for three different times. They replaced the mechanism on both side, and I still had a problem. Computer on board decide to shut it itself. I am afraid how much I need to pay to fix this again after warranty expires.

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  Very Good but Get the best. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Penn State - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After a long debate between getting the LX or the EX. I opted for the LX mainly because of price. So far everything about this Van is great. Exeptional Honda quality as I expected. However when I see one of the kids slamming the manual side doors I find myself wishing I would have spend the extra money for the EX model with the smooth closing power doors. Either way LX or EX compared to the competition you cant beat the Honda Odyssey mini van.

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  What we wanted - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Diana - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love this vehicle, and coming from a bigger Explorer that had numerous maintenance problems, we find the Accord adequate for our needs. Two years and 20k later we are not dissapointed with this vehicle and we will buy another one without hesitation. Oil changes and tire rotations is all we have needed to do.

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  2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L w/Nav - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By JC - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a TL for this. Loved that car & love this one. Way more room than the TL, AWD, loads of features - just not as fun to drive as my TL. Hopefully Acura takes a cue here & builds out an equivalent Acura model. Got to use the car in deep, blowing snow this weekend & the thing was a champ.