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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  maintenance - 1998 Honda Accord
  By maintenance - July 18 - 2:00 am

  found that actual ownership experience is the best opinions from all The Ultimate she drives great and is very dependable!! The seats are comfortable and you do not realy need the sunroof. Erganomics are superb and you should go out and get one!!

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  nice car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2000 owner - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is more fun than any thing within 20 k, the only thing that may be better is the lotus elise.

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  Boo Boos - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By charliep2 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Deler forgot to put the antenna on the car. The tripmeter broke the first time it was reset. Gear shift lever is in an awkward place.

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  CRV or Sport trak? DUH! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joans_david - July 18 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were on our way to purchase an Explorer Sport Trak, even after having done research on these two vehicles... my wife liked the Sport Trak. Well, we stopped by the Honda dealer and drove the CRV on the way to the Ford dealer... OOPS! We loved the drive, comfort, and power of the CRV. We then ventured to the Ford dealer and were amazed at how cheap the Trak felt... We are now loving the CRV and it moves like no four-banger Ive driven

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  just a bit better than before - 2004 Honda Accord
  By brntorange - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 2000 accord ex v6, just bought 2004 version of the same. Obvious improvement in horsepower and interior, with the exception of exposed cupholders. I think michelens are not worth their price. Car would be much better off with higher performance tires...and do something about that rear end design, please! All in all, very nice car.

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  Great - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Micki - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fast and very fun to ride in. Just a great car.

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  Best Buy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JRausta - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Pulled my down payment off a G35 in favor of the Accord. Six grand for HID and 30 hp wasnt worth it. Plus, the Accord has classier interior and-this is minor but it caught my eye-the color coordinated door handles look better than the chrome-with-everything Infinity. Ive been very pleased with the Accord. It has nice acceleration and the auto shifts smoothly. Yes, the trunk isnt large. Its a sedan people, not a Ford Expedition. If you want to get into rush hour traffic a few seconds earlier, buy a G35, TL or 330. The Accord is a reliable car with some very nice amenities, performance and comfort at least six grand less.

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  Great... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By si_civic - July 18 - 12:40 am

  I was on a waiting list for this little coupe, and it finally arrived 4 months later. I am quite pleased with the handling. No other front wheel drive car, in my opinion, handles this well from the factory. Many aftermarket parts are available (as of this writing, July 07). There are a few problems I have encountered: clunking noise from pass. side strut assembly, drive-by-wire throttle issues, paint quality (POOR), intermittent wiper system sometimes doesnt work properly, interior scratches very easily. All in all, I highly recommend this car. Compared to the Cobalier this is one car you would surely love to drive, and drive all the way to its 8300 rpm redline!

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  Problems, problems, problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jessica - July 17 - 7:40 pm

  Quick review of my problems: 1. Transmission went totally out. Honda did replace this under the recall and made me very happy. 2. Drivers side window switch problems. It clicks all the time and the switch stays stuck in the up position and I am unable to get the window down. About 50% of the time I cannot roll my drivers side window down. 3. Interior light near the rear view mirror stopped working, but it is not a bulb. Occasionally it comes on when Im driving down the road. 4. Now, much to my enjoyment, My mid- dash lights (stereo, time, temp, etc) are totally out. Night time, Day time... I cant see anything. To sum it up... I made a big mistake by purchasing this car.

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  Absolutely Amazing - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Brett Guthrie - July 17 - 3:43 pm

  This car simply has the best of both worlds while considering gas mileage. You slam it to the floor and you take off... its obviously not supercar but it is plenty of power for pulling out into traffic etc. Turning and cornering is impressive for a car of its size and designation. Great appearance!