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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  My New Honda Civic LX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Steven Glatter - February 21 - 3:06 am

  I purchased my Honda Civic from Rick Case Honda in October 2004. As a former owner of a 1996 Saturn SL which was starting to show signs of needing more frequent repairs, my fellow coworkers recommended that I get a Honda Civic instead of a Saturn Ion because a Honda is a more reliable and dependable vehicle. I also checked Consumer Reports and they rated the Honda Civic as one of their top choices as a quality vehicle for about the same price of a Saturn Ion. I also did not particularly care for the interior design of the Ions instrument panel. The Honda Civic is a very reliable and dependable car for the money and I am very satisfied with my final decision to purchase a Honda.

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  love the car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By robjohnson81 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  has been an exelent car, I miss it when I am not driving it. my wife loves to drive it and hardly lets me drive the civic.

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  Everything I Hoped For And MORE! - 2003 Honda Element
  By surkh - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Id been waiting for this puppy to be released for a while. So far its lived up to all of my expectations, and MORE. The beds are a lot more comfortable than I expected. Its very peppy, much more so than I expected. The shifter is great too and perfectly placed. And the handling is unbeleivably better than I expected. Basically like a coupe. Theres very little Body roll, and the grip is amazing for a vehicle this tall. Its also fun great demonstrating it for everyone. Im VERY happy I bought it, and I expect to take LOTS of road trips in the near future in wonderful comfort, with my 20GB MP3 Player! :-)

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  Best car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Nightridas - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car its very reliable

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  Honda no more - 2001 Honda Accord
  By exhondaboy - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchasing my 5th accord was suppose to be a no loose deal, previous models were exceptional cars to drive. I was sold a lemon when I bought my new 2001 accord. The car shakes and rattles, the weatherstripping is poor, and the stereo belongs in a dodge aries k car.Neither the dealership nor the service center in CA has been any help. Ive basically been told "Its yours now" and my concerns have been overlooked. Maybe Honda should concentrate on quality control at its plants instead of making top sales. Honda youve lost a loyal 17 yr owner for good.

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  Dont expect too much - 2002 Honda Civic
  By digitalworkhorse - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is pretty much what I expected. I bought it for a to commute with since it has a good track record, and is fuel effecient. But it is hard to get excited about driving it. Take a close look at toyota corrola before buying the civic.

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  Best minivan to date... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mils - February 20 - 11:50 pm

  Despite this seeming like the typical mininvan "mom-mobile"....it is definitely not. I drove a large SUV for the last several years and loved it. With my 3rd child on the way, even the bigger SUVs wouldnt have been convenient. Despite my resistance to convert to a minivan, I looked at the Odyssey just before making another purchase of an SUV. The convenient features, the new styling and the quality of the ride won me over. Its so much easier hauling two young children in the new Odyssey compared to my last SUV. The only other minivan I also considered was the Sienna for the AWD feature.

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  MPG is awful - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Loyal to Honda - February 20 - 12:50 pm

  This is my 7th Honda and 4th Accord. The car rides better than previous generations. However, I cannot get better than 23 miles to the gallon, even on the highway! I drive the same way I did in my 2004 Accord that got 33 MPG. I expect much more from Honda. The dealership said everything checks out, so it is just the way they built the car. Too bad. As much as I love Hondas, they can never seem to get everything working at the same time.

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  I am sorry I bought this car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Michele - February 20 - 8:16 am

  I have been very disappointed with this car. The back brakes went out at 25K miles, the battery went out after two years, the drivers side door lock has now broken and will cost a $200+ to repair. The pass-through space for the fold down seats is ridiculously small and ineffective. I cant afford to trade it in so I am stuck with it but not happy about it.

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  Best Accord Ever - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Westies96 - February 20 - 6:06 am

  I have had many Accords and got the 2003 when they first came out with that model change. This car looks, feels, and rides like a much more expensive car. It looks and rides like an Acura RL or a Lexus. The new 190HP 4cylinder engine has great pick up. You feel like youre floating on the highway and have great control over the car. Honda far surpassed Toyota (Camry) and Nissan (Altima) when they created this vehicle. Ive only had my car for 4 days and already have almost 400 miles on it. It gives you a reason to have to travel somewhere. There is so much room in the cabin.When you sit in the drivers seat, you feel like you have all this car around you. It is a very safe feeling.