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:

• 

  Great so far.. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By WadeI - March 7 - 10:00 am

  No problems and no complaints so far. My last 3 vehicles have been Toyotas. If this car lasts as long as those, I will be completely satisfied.

• 

  very nice car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By andres907 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  its a great vehicle:fun to drive, sporty, and fast

• 

  I love this car. - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By David Lanchbery - March 6 - 6:37 pm

  I just love the way this car drives. It handles so well and the power delivery is so nice, that I enjoy every day with it.

• 

  Its a head-turner for sure! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By shadoh - March 6 - 6:10 pm

  Want a sportster, or just a fun, sporty, and affordable car? S2000 is the car to get! Similar in style to the BMW Z3 and Audi TT roadster, but a fraction of cost. S2000 is FUN to drive, and it gets looks. Theres not a ton out there, so people always say "cool car!" or "I didnt know Honda made a sporster!" Its true that low-end torque is lacking, pass the 4,500 RPM mark & hang on to your hat! Fun to drive, nice too look at, and definitely grabs attention. I recommend it to anyone I know.

• 

  Great get around vehicle. - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By gocubbies - March 6 - 5:32 pm

  Great vehicle to get around town in.

• 

  Great Car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By erick - March 6 - 3:05 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic. The 2012 Honda Civic EX-L with Navigation System is a great car for all round car for technology buffs like me. Great gas mileage 40+ on the Highway. Good ride that handles bumps with composer. Technology like Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, USB connection for Music devices, CD player and a great Navigation System with FM traffic. What else can on ask for?

• 

  Shes a keeper - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Az civicSi - March 6 - 6:40 am

  Just love it, Honda worked up a real Si this time. Get in the gas and just when you think the power is dropping off the backside of the RPM curve the iVTEC opens up and the real fun begins. I sometime forget the car has a 350watt sound system because I love to hear the “little motor that could” wake up at 6grand and let you know it’s the “little motor that will”. I have had a lot of front wheel drive cars and none of them come close to what this car will do, turn the wheel tight and hit the gas NO wheel spin just some G’s and “bang” your off in a new direction. It truly is the baddest car you can get for the money. Plus it’s a Honda.

• 

  BEST 05 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JC - March 6 - 4:13 am

  The 2005 Honda Accord EX V6 is a really wonderful vechicle. Not only is it beautiful, but it handles very well. I get compliments about my car every time Im driving. The gas mileage is good. I made a wise choice in purchasing my Accord and I dont have any regrets. I like the fact that the radio controls are on the steering wheel also, so its not a distraction while Im driving to change from radio stations to my C.D. music selections.

• 

  Totally dependable - 1990 Honda Accord
  By joeZ - March 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st Honda. During the last 12 years, with minimum maintenance and almost no repairs, the car helps me getting around with an ease. Never had to worry about car trouble on long trips. Great peace of mind. I especially like the steering and handling of the Accord, very nimble. The car is still running strong and the engine hasnt lost any power, feels it can go on for another 10 years. Honda sold me on its dependability.

• 

  S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By tcampbel2 - March 6 - 1:18 am

  This is by far the best roadster on the market. In fact, it is probably the best vehicle sold in North America, period. And now that it has a glass rear window, the only real complaint has been remedied. To get a near equal car you would have to spend $20,000 more and you have to ask yourself if haveing a Porsche badge is worth $20k. I smile every time I look at the thing. Most dealers are chargeing sticker these days. Buy this car!