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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  Grat Baby Transporter - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By B J Dixon - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Car runs like all Hondas...smooth, safe ride. Children are loaded at waist level which reduces stress on caretakers back. Plenty of room for stroller and packages in rear.

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  Rock Solid - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Dharvey - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The Accord coupe is good-looking, fun to drive, completely reliable (of course it is-its a Honda) car that gets good gas mileage to boot. My one complaint is the low entry height. Im 62" and its a little awkward getting in to the car. All the pluses more than make up for this, though.

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  Tiring to drive - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Alain Boutin - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Hard to drive. The slippery steering is designed to create resistance against the driver. The direction is too direct. A slight movement of the hand nearly result in a change of lane. Imposible to drive with one hand making a long trip very tiring. There is no suspension except for something I would call a bump amplifier. There is a lot of road noise. The steering wheel block the speedometer and the highbeam light. The steering wheel is too far from the driver. Not enough clearance for the legs. I seems this car is designed for small people. The seat hurt my back to the point now I am now getting rid of that car. (though the service was good).

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  Love my car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Kyann - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Honda Civic Coupe in June 2002. I loved it so much that I went back and bought two more this summer for my kids. Its a great car!

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  2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By carlos - March 7 - 10:00 am

  this car is a race car i love it it has a Vtec engine 1.7 L. i just love it

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  Honda Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Ceriana - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this car for its fuel economy, but my husband finds it impossible to drive as his commute car because he doesnt have enough leg room. Since he drives 45 miles each way, this is very important to him. Hes 511" and 270 lbs. Its very comfortable for me at 54" and 160 lbs. The car has 13k miles on it and we have some rattling starting in the console and theres a very annoying whining from the engine since about 8k miles.

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  Another 02 going strong!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By sgladwin - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Only hit 25,000 miles so far, hoping to add another zero to the end of that number by the time I need a new one. Typical Honda, my forth one and still perfect for the price. Sure itll never be a BMW, and the interior will never be a Lexus, but for $20,000 its on par with the best of them. Mechanically flawless as usual, I continue to be happy with my purchase, and would recommend the Accord to anyone

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  Honda Accord SE 2002 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By wzwest - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Honda I have purchased and I would totally buy another in the future! This one is going to be my teenage daughters in a few years...especially since it was rated one of the safest sedans on the road!

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  A Debendable CAR - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Omari - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This will take care of you if you take care of it.

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  real nice car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By junior - March 7 - 10:00 am

  let see i bought my car on sep. 2002 i HAVE ALREADY put 22,000 miles on it yes i drive it alot well should i say my wife :). its a real smooth car we enjoy long trips. My maine concren was SAFETY for my daughter.kind of makes you feel in a luxury car with out the big price im very happy with the car. But only one bad thing about it the back breaks had to be replace at 17,000 miles the dealer said that the reason for the back breaks wearing out because the pads in the back are more softer then the fronts.other then that its a very good vehicle. I highly recomended.