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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  Real good "little" car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Civic Minded - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is only two weeks young at the time im writting this but the early feeling is this is a pretty solid compact car.It handles reel well and has more pep than i though it would have for a 4 cyl..My only complaints so far are drivers seat headroom the radio and road noise.Im 6 tall and with the seat adjusted all the way down my hair just touchs the headliner which is a little annoying so i have to recline the seat back a little more than i like. As far as the road noise is concerned a change of tires will probably take care of it. Last but not least the raido. Weak,weak,weak.If you like a sound system with balls this one will need an upgrade.

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  Almost what I expected. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Blake - May 26 - 12:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle thinking that I was going to get a solid, well-built car. For the most part I did with the exception of noisy, squeaky brakes and rattling behind the back speakers. The car drives great and gets better gas mileage than my 2000 Lincoln LS V8. I did take a 3 hour trip in it and my back started hurting 2 hours in. Im only 22! Dealership experience has been pleasant and the car has a great sound system. Overall, I am happy with my purchase. It looks great, handles well, and gets good gas mileage. I avg about 25 mpg.

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  Love The Fit! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pat M - May 26 - 12:13 am

  I just traded a 2003 Honda CRV for the the Fit. Love the gas mileage. I dont feel confined as I thought I might. Easy and fun to drive. The whole buying experience was great. Love Honda!

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  Hybrid for sale!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CRA - May 24 - 10:28 pm

  $4300!!!! Thats the price quoted by the dealership to replace the hybrid battery if it fails after the 80K warranty. 40.4!!!! Thats my average MPG since I purchased my hybrid. Not quite 50/49 MPG. Consider the negatives before you buy a hybrid. Go for the standard engine!!!!

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  Still the best transmission - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jds - May 24 - 2:40 pm

  Got the dark gray color which meshes quite nicely with the Si wheels. The audio hookups are astounding - CD, XM, pc card, FM, AM, iPod, and USB key. The navigation graphics are dated (same or similar to those which debuted in 2006), but the system is integrated quite well and the information presented is all helpful. I have yet to get a single voice command to work, even after reading the manual. The engine is quite free revving and the transmission and clutch combo is sublime. It is not a particularly fast car, but the best version of a proven car with a fantastic stick.

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  Need To Sweat More Of The Details - 2003 Honda Accord
  By N2BURNIN - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Having previously owned a 1985 Prelude and putting more than 250K miles of faithful miles on it, I looked at nothing other than another Honda/Acura, with the exception of the Toyota Camry. I excluded the Camry because it was overpriced and I didnt like the ride characteristics, too soft and didnt compare to the Accords wishbone suspension. I was leery of it being made in the US rather than Japan were my Prelude was built, and put my faith in Japanese leadership. I had to order mine, didnt care for the "baby **it" interior color of most on the lot. I had wanted a maroon exterior w/ black interior, but it only came with that crappy color. Wish for 4cyl/6

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  Superb Car! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By RAZORMAN - May 23 - 4:20 am

  Im not sure why there are a lot of complaints about this car. Mine has been an extremely pleasureful car to drive. For a great price, you get a car with the superior Honda quality and technology, great acceleration (had it up to 130 with power to spare), comfortable and in a very attractive package. I looked at BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. This Accord was whole lot less money and gave all the features yet again, with the Honda reliability and quality. I love the car and Im very happy with the purchase.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed - May 22 - 9:50 am

  I was very disappointed when I purchased the new 2008 Accord after owning a 97 Honda Accord LX for 10 years (purchased new) with very few problems. I currently have about 3700 miles on my new car and have had numerous problems with it. The transmission whines in low gears, the headlights flicker while driving, the visor lights do not work, and gas mileage is on average about 25 (all my driving is on the highway). I cannot describe how disappointed I am with this new car. When taken to the dealer for service, they tell me most of the problems are normal. Normal? What happened to Honda quality? I should have purchased the Toyota Camry SE.

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  great little - 1993 Honda Civic
  By jw - May 21 - 6:48 pm

  i bought this car in 2002 used with 87,000 miles on it. it now has 126,000. very few repairs. it is very reliable and well built. hondas are unbeatable on their ability to build practical, long term vehicles. love this car!

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  2005 Rallye Red EX - 2005 Honda Element
  By beaker - May 20 - 1:30 am

  I really like the Element. It drives well,and has excellent acceleration. I would suggest if you are considering any color that is paired with the blue or black composite panels to reconsider. The black composite panels are difficult to keep clean. I had owned my car for about 5 days when a thunderstorm came through. I drove on all paved roads, yet the dirt and mud that accumulated on the panels was unreal. I had to wash the panels at least 3x to get rid of the dirt. Water spots are also a problem. The regular gray panels would be much easier to clean. The red and black look sharp together but it takes a lot of time to clean the panels.