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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  Accord V6 EX Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By phorsley - October 21 - 2:00 am

  A very nimble car that feels very stable and secure in its handling. Lots of acceleration from the V6. 5- speed automatic is smooth. Interior design and quality is outstanding. overall handling much better than most cars Ive driven. Visibility suffers from the high beltline. Windshield posts seem to be in the way of side visibility. The ride is choppy on uneven roads. Mine developed a dash rattle 1 day after delivery. 2 trips to the dealer fixed the problem 95% of the time, but its occasionally still there. Gas mileage is 27 overall, combined city and freeway, outstanding for a car of this performance.

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  Okay car, but not worth the hype - 2006 Honda Accord
  By bjmba - October 20 - 5:13 am

  I bought this car after hearing rave reviews and have been very disappointed. V6 has the power, but the handling is substandard. The AC comes on when car is started up. \Such a pain to have to turn it off every morning. I paid 27 for this car and trade in value 19k. Previous car was VW Passat and the Germans have the answer with handling. Will not buy another Honda, will go back to VW or look elsewhere.

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  Everything but the comfort - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dzigi - October 19 - 9:10 pm

  Yes, true cant expect much comfort from civic, but as previous owner of 00 Civic comparing with 08 can say that 08 civic is below my expectation. Front seats are uncomfortable and hand brake hurt my knee every time I drive it. Still havent driven it on longer relations but itll be painful.

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  My First Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By K.D. Adams - October 19 - 2:36 am

  Ive owned Honda cars for years, but this is my first Civic. Pros: Stylish car, nice ride and performance, dependable Honda quality, good gas mileage. Con: A very deep dashboard makes it and the window difficult to clean if you are petite like me. Automatic door- locking feature interferes with accessibility after exiting the car and then trying to retrieve something inside the car.

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  Good Car, but Pricey - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Micheleathome - October 18 - 6:30 pm

  I just purchased my Civic EX-L two weeks ago. My previous car was a Maxima so this is very different. The Civic is no longer a cheap car to buy. The final price was over 22K. It is probably worth it though. The coupe is fun to drive and handles the road well. The car gets around 26 miles to the gallon so far in city driving using regular grade gas. Most of the controls are easy to use. The steering wheel is in the way of the tachometer (located on the lower tier of the dashboard). I dont need to see it anyway. The only problems so far are a dashboard rattle and the drivers side door handle keeps loosening. There is also a big blind spot in the coupe.

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  Its pretty good, but not that great. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Luke Kim - October 18 - 4:46 pm

  Well I bought my Civic on February. The tranny is a little clucky, my gas mileage wilds out sometimes, and my engine sometimes doesnt start(coldstarts). Other than that the car is pretty nice. I would suggest a lot more horsepower for newer models and they did that already. LX owners if you think 127 hp V-Tec engine is better, its really not. The new Civic is going to come with 140 hp. But I wish I waited and get the new Civic Coupe Si with 200 Hp V-Tec. Now thats engine power!

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  Excellent commuter car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Edmunster - October 18 - 2:00 pm

  I own/have owned various cars and this is the best commuter car in my experience. Very nice, comfy and easy ride for an economy car. The EX has great head room and the seats are adequate - typical in Hondas. The ergonomic controls are excellent. And you cant beat the gas mileage.

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  Cant beat a Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By chuck - October 17 - 10:58 am

  Never had a problem with the car. Gas mileage is great still get 29 on the highway. Never had it in for any work. I drive it a 100 miles a day and its just as fun to drive now as it was when I first bought it. Ill buy Hondas from now on.

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  Wife Loves her Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By ASW - October 16 - 3:45 pm

  Admittedly I dont drive this vehicle much, but often enough. My wife uses this car as her everyday car and she loves it! We are expecting a baby in early 2008 and are looking forward to having a safe and reliable car to transport our new one around in.

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  Not bad for its price - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sandy M - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the CRV after a lot of research. It is the best buy for its price. I contacted the dealer fot the low fuel mileage - 19/23 and was told that it would improve in the summer as there would be no additives to the fuel. Lets see. Aslo I feel the engine is always at a high RPM. It should not be more than 2000 - 2500 RPM on the top gear.