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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  Review of my S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Dwarflord - April 24 - 2:26 pm

  Very tight inside, in fact it is close to being uncomfortable. Because of the high revving engine and convertible top, this car is very loud inside. The car is fun to drive on curvy roads but you have to keep the rpms high to enjoy the vtec engine. This car is quick, but does not feel like it due to the lack of torque on this vehicle. Quality is typical honda, so no disappointment there.

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  1991 Accord Review - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - April 23 - 8:48 pm

  Despite the 246,000 miles on the odometer, this car remains a reliable daily driver.

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  NGV - 2009 Honda Civic
  By NGV Guy - April 23 - 4:06 pm

  I bought the Civic GX because I love the idea of using natural gas instead of petroleum. The engine is smooth, although somewhat underpowered. The car handles surprisingly well, despite having a big (and obviously heavy) tank behind the back seat. I average around 37 mpg, in mostly freeway driving. Mileage drops considerably on short city trips. Dashboard layout and visibility are excellent. The drivers seat unfortunately is undersized, poorly designed and uncomfortable (the seat in the Corolla is substantially better). E-brake in the knee underscores that the Civic is designed for small drivers.

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  review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By george gomes - April 22 - 5:56 pm

  c\Car gets you from point a to point b. I am use to driving muscle cars there for I see this car has no performance. Its good on fuel economy and good reliability.

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  Fun and Economical - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Elias - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, awesome gas mileage and best styling yet. I previously owned a 1995 civic 4 door and this time around I chose a 2 Door.

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  Great car for the price. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Aubie - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I want to rate it. This is a very smooth ride all the way around. Extremely comfortable. The V-6 is strong but not overly peppy. The black leather interior stays cool even when it is hot outside. Overall great car for under 25k.

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  Getting to like it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tpc - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle over the phone after calling 5 dealerships and getting the price on an EX-L down $2200. We are paying $398 a month for a 36 months lease-12k miles a year. We put down $1598. The buyout at the end of the lease is $18,200. Very happy so far with the vehicle. Its our 5th Honda. Never any problems. I have a 98 F150 pickup and use it for work. Piece of American crap. Would never consider an Explorer for the family.

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  SHOULD HAVE RECALL ON FRONT BRAKES - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CHIVAS - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASE MY CR-V EX LAST OCT.2002 THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT I HAVE SO FAR IS THE FRONT BRAKE PAD BANGING WHEN REVERSING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE FIRST TIME.

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  So far, so good - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By redly1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my 02 Odyssey EX-L for 17 months now. I love the power and the very attractive interior. No major problems thus far, though we are only at 13000 miles. My only complaints would be that the drivers side heated seat barely heats, the side doors are starting to rattle a little, and it was way to easy for me to crack the front bumper cover on a curb.

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  Probably the best compact car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By alexi - April 19 - 2:00 am

  No problems with this car. Drives well and one of the most spacious interiors in a compact car. It handles well both in the city and on highway. Excelent turning and decent hill climbing. The seats are comportable and there is enough head and feet room both in front and in the back. I like the new design (looks a little bit like the VW passat). The trunk is very large for such a small car. I was able to squeeze in my daughters crib without opening the original box. Lowest cost of ownership.