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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  Lovin It !!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By wa59 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I drive 60 miles one way to work every day, and I was looking for a comfortable vehicle that could get me there in bad weather, and get good gas mileage. I found exactly what I was looking for in my CR-V

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  Honda Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By FamilyChavez - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Our Honda 2000 Accord EX is everything we could of ever of hoped for. We have had many other American cars and have always had some issues with them. The Honda Accord is one solid car. It rides smooth and performance is great for a four cylinder. Its always a pleasure to drive. Very happy..

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jwill - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The Civic has been basically a trouble free car for the most part. We have had to have the the drivers seat track replaced 2 times under warranty and at 3 years old the right front strut was replaced under warranty. Gas milage has been great with over 30mpg avaraged in town and nearly 40mpg on the highway consistantly. The ride is good and the front leg room and dash design beats Toyota Corolla and others by a mile in my opinion. With the current lease deals by Honda we will get another Civic for sure.

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  HOnda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wael Shaker - December 29 - 2:00 am

  It is a very good car but still Honda Accord has a problem with the brek disc , every Km5000 I need to polish it , my car manual transsimition

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  Outstanding - 2004 Honda Accord
  By head - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned quite a few vehicles in my time bit this is by far the best. Its the only car Ive ever owned where I dont lust after other cars. Its a pleasure to drive and it was reasonably priced. Every time I see another car like it (and I see alot lately)I check it out so I can see how I look going down the road, I look great. It handles great and the power is there without losing fuel economy. I am seriously grateful that I found this car.

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  Simply the best for your buck - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Red Rocker - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Okay, Im biased, I bought a Honda civic 15 years ago and Ive never owned anything other than a Honda since. I get a new accord every 4 years or style change. Love em.

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  My Third Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chandos - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Love driving this car, I have to use the crusie control because this is a fast car. Ill be doing 90 mph and not even know it! For a 4 banger this car really performs like a 6 banger, handles well and you can accelerate quickly from 60 to 80 with a slight push on the gas pedal. My wife calls it "the fast car", she enjoys it as much as I do.

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  Very Good, But Improvements Needed - 2004 Honda Accord
  By AusTex Cliff - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Im 6-1 and I have good leg room. This is the best car Ive ever owned and my first Honda. The navigation system helped me get out of a confusing sea of unexpected detours during a massive traffic jam in an unfamiliar major city recently by letting me view a street map and suggesting alternative routes. Will definitely pay for a XM subscription when the three-month free trial ends. The sound system is great. Caution: Using a metalic rear-window tint may make the navigation system go screwy, but no problems with my after-market dark rear window tint . Annoying rattle inside, but havent had a chance to take it back to the dealer.

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  The Best Value on the Road - 2004 Honda Accord
  By denvrfan - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Honda really did their homework improving the current generation of Accord. Build quality is excellent, materials unsurpassed for a sub-$30000 car. Great content for the $$. Plenty of power, all of the creature comforts including the best seats available in an affordable family sedan. Stereo has been improved by a wide margin over the previous generation. Bravo to Honda for marketing to the future by making XM Satellite radio standard on the EX V6. Could not be happier with this car!

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  Nice vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By van - December 28 - 3:53 pm

  I have had my CRV for two months now and I cant complain. Gas mileage is ok for now (23 around town and 27 hwy) but I hope to get better mileage once it is broken in. One thing I am disappointed in is the Bridgestone tires on the CRV. They dont have very good traction at all in the snow. If it wasnt for the AWD I would be sliding all over the road. I cant believe Honda puts such a poor tire on their vehicles. Other than the tires I really like my CRV. Its fun to drive and a nice looking vehicle.