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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  Honda Civic EX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bolnbroke - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car .. Good Value for the Dollar ..

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  great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jacob42 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  great commute car, fun to drive and priced very well for such a reliable car.

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  sporty yet sensible - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Pinkie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! It sporty but also sensible! I wanted an eclipse..but my parents disagreed because thats not a very safe car..the honda civic two-door was a great compromise! its got a great look, but still has antilock brakes and other safety features

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  Good Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lavalady02 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Hondas are known for their reliability and the fact that they will stay in good shape for a really long time. The redesigned body style adds a nice touch to an already sporty car. The new sleek lines make it something that is well noticed.

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  Accord Cpe. EXL/Nav - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Logan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car purrs...the navigation system is pretty awesome. The leather is plush. Acceleration is tops for a 6. Sound system is first rate. Exterior is sleek in Nighthawk Black! Get one!!!

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  Accord V-6 2003 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DbB - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Enjoyable to drive and enough acceloration to handle Southern California driving with ease. Highly recommend this vehicle for the price which includes almost every option necessary.

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  great car to own ,above the rest - 2004 Honda Accord
  By albert hechme - November 4 - 2:00 am

  i love the car and i think i made the right choice,but i wish it could of handled more like a family sport sedan ,especialy on turns,and pickup.for a 240hp engin it should have a quicker respons. i had a 2001 maxima se and it was the same hp but the response was a lot quicker,and it handled better on turns than the acccord,but no where close to the workmenship of the accord,inside and outside,and comfortabilityis unmatched by a car of its class.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jennscott5 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be more happy with my accord. You wont regret buying one.

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  Love the "Box on Wheels" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jay - November 3 - 6:30 pm

  Weve only had this "box on wheels" 3 weeks, but the whole family really loves it. Great for hauling the kids to school or camping gear and mountain bikes to the mountains. The ride, fit and finish is typical Honda, spot on. Could use a little more horsepower to fight the NASCAR like Atlanta traffic.

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  A car that exceeds expectations.... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Morphie - November 3 - 4:30 am

  We bought the Coupe for my daughter (graduating from a Civic); My intention was to get a reliable, attractive vehicle that she would like and that my wife and I might occasionally use. What I did not expect was to start to covet the Accord. It is one of the few cars we have had that turns heads (red, black interior). Its build quality is at least equal to our last three Audis (A6s, avant=wagon) and superior to our Subaru Outback. Because of fuel prices, I elected to get the 4; it is excellent. 190 hp and superior gas mileage. With the exception of a minor paint issue, the quality control, both aesthetic and mechanical, is first rate. Honda is a world class engineering company.