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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  2009 Accord sedan exl - 2009 Honda Accord
  By survivor1 - February 9 - 4:56 pm

  I picked up my car Saturday. I love being in it and driving. Its a comfortable ride, and looks great. I would definitely recommend this car for the money. I purchased the taffeta white with the tan interior, it looks so luxurious. I love it!

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  Good car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By orcren - February 9 - 11:00 am

  Good safe car, very comfortable.

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  An appliance with class - 2008 Honda Accord
  By john - February 9 - 3:53 am

  Well, the 08 Accord (LX 4 cyl) is an awesome car. Honda delivers again. Except...its just ugly. The engine is the most refined in its class, maybe the world, the build quality is polished, and the transmission/chassis is superb. But it looks like something my grandma might buy if she wanted something "young and hip". Recently drove a new Malibu, and am hooked. Seriously considering a trade.

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  52,704 miles so far - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PilotFan - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe Ive taken this car to 52,704 miles so far. It has never been in the shop for anything other than scheduled maintenance. They took care of recalls during sched maint. Honda of Santa Monica takes care of me big time. California doesnt offer harsh winter weather to really test the vehicle but it has been to Tahoe(winter), survived pretty bad rains and even the nasty fires of so cal., and the dreaded heat of Las Vegas, NV. Ive been getting 20mpg highway lately. I took a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee to 242,000 miles and I sunk so much money into it by the 50,000 mile mark. The Pilot so far has been its weight in gold.

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  OK - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By student - February 9 - 2:00 am

  After reading reviews and looking at specifications, the CRV was at the top of my list. Interior is well designed, the silver exterior is sweet. The first drive I was impressed with the acceleration from 0-60 mph. The 6 cd changer w/ cassette is pretty cool, now I can connect my mp3 player to the stereo. The speakers are ok but I needed a little more bass so I put a sub in. But what really disappointed me was the gas millage. I average b/t 17 and 18 in city and 20-21 hwy. These numbers more resemble a V6 rather than a 4 cylinder engine. Overall I have a little buyers remorse but I am satisfied with my purchase.

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  03 civic Si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By allmtrep3 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  awesome car. fun to drive, handles great for a stock car. extremely happy with my purchase.

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  Good Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bob - February 8 - 4:40 pm

  The Accords ride is rough with alot of road noise on rough roads. The interior is well laid out. For the price of the car, there are many safety features with airbags front, side and rear side bags. The 4 cylinder gas mileage has been exceptional around 34-38 mpg driving on the highway going anywhere fron 65 - 80 mph.

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  Alrighty - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Nita - February 8 - 10:40 am

  This is my first Honda and Im loving it so far! The pick up is good but that 18.5 gallon tank lets you know when you accelerate. Getting about 20 mph and hopes that gets better. Wish the colors were better with matched with the interior and exterior colors offered. Where is the Navy or dark not Royal Blue and that is not Red that is Wine.

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  Love this car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Daybud - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 99 Passat and needed cheap transportation until I find the convertible of my dreams. I bought this one owner car with the original tires (replace yesterday due to rubber rot). What a sweet car, I have people beggin me to sell her to them. It didnt look so great under the car port with two flat tires, dead battery and an inch of dirt but today she looks like a brand new 9 year old car.

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  Honda Civic LX - 1997 Honda Civic
  By CivicDriver - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is a good deal because of its low price. The engine is very rev happy and seems to ask for more. The gas mileage is wonderful. The car is well built and you know when you wake up in the morning the car will be waiting for you to start it up. The car is some what rommy and can fit 4 people nicely when there is 5 people it gets a little crowded. Another thing that could be better would be the accleration because you will need that extra pick up to merge on to the freeways. Besides that this is a great car and I have learned to love this little car.