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:

• 

  Love my Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Love my Accord - January 29 - 12:33 pm

  I have leased a BMW 5 series, an Audi A6, an Audi allroad and an Infiniti M35X since 1998 and my new Accord beats them all. Its roomy, my 4 cyl has enough power, my MPG is best ever, and its got looks. its the real package folks!

• 

  Grrrrl Power - 2003 Honda S2000
  By esse49 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Driving this car = pure joy. Being a woman who enjoys turning a head or two, Im never disappointed when Im cruising top-down along the freeway or the avenue. In short, the S2000s performance gives me a sense of power. Its great looks fit me like couture Chanel. The car is my idea the perfect accessory: understatment with pizazz.

• 

  My honda - 1998 Honda Civic
  By kjen - January 29 - 10:00 am

  My car has 104k miles and has not once given me any problems...alternater and new battery is the only thing i had to replace

• 

  Happy Pilot Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Llerenas - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Love my Pilot! Did extensive research before deciding to buy, got internet quotes easily on the exact options we wanted and went with best deal - no hassle. Had to wait 6 weeks for delivery, but got $2500 under MSRP. Needed something big enough to seat more than our family of 5, but didnt want a big Expedition or Sequoia. I love that it has so much room inside but is not a huge truck. Easy to drive and handles great. I drive everwhere, hubby sits in the passenger seat! Kids love the rear DVD/wireless headphones. There is nothing else out there that has everything we were looking for, along with comfort, convenience, quality and price.

• 

  Performance and Comfort - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By korydan - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving over six months and all my family are very happy about performance, size, ride, handling. However, night time driving is not a fun at all due to very weak headlight. This headlight should be improved right away.

• 

  Cant miss with this! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By stealthy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun and Stylish. Had one problem off the lot that was easily fixed. The drivers door lock was sticking. Not a problem.

• 

  Lexus LS 400 to Honda Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By maui902 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace my 1991 LS400 and became interested in the hybrid when fuel prices spiked. Although definitely not a Lexus, I have been very satisfied with my purchase. Car is roomy and performs better than one would expect. Its also true that the Civic Hybrids battery guages will change your driving behavior. Im convinced the same gauge in regular gas powered cars would significantly reduce gas consumption. Im also impressed by very good balance between luxury/convenience features and environmentally friendly technology. And I wish I had a dollar for everyone who asks, "But where do you plug it in?"

• 

  2003 hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jonancy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  very happy with the interior room, sufficient head room for 6 250 lbs male. will accelerate to highway speeds easily. like the auto temp control

• 

  Jusr for the color! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HKH - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a 92 one before and when I wanted to change my car, I directly went to a Honda dealership. because LX doesnt come in red color, I got the SE. it doesnt have anything more than LX in performance but I love the alloy wheels and audio system. strange thing is that, in cold weather, the car is not as smooth as it is in the warm weather! specially when its cold, there are some rattle sounds from dashboard that dealer said its normal!

• 

  typical honda.... kicks ass - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sattsmith - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Im pretty picky, and I cant find one thing to complain about as far as build quality and design. I think the Camary rides quieter, but since I wanted leather seats and the high end trim package with base engine and tranny the Honda "EX" package offered the configuration I coudnt get in the Camary. I like the looks of the Accord over the Camary too. Good car.