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:

• 

  My best car ever! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By HondaCub - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a fan of american cars, until now. I bought my Honda, and I could not be happier. It is pumping out 167 HP with minor modifications, and still getting almost 40 MPG. I have taken it in road trips, and it is a blast.

• 

  In love with my civic :) - 2003 Honda Civic
  By d3m2b9 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car. I am 19 and a student, so low gas intake is a big plus, and I feel safe in this car at all times, in addition, its adorable! :)

• 

  Love the 2003 Accord! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dbucha - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I was excited about purchasing my new Accord. My daughter has a 12 year old Honda Civic that has been fantastic! I test drove the Accord and Camry and knew I couldnt go wrong with either, but the Accord was so much fun to drive! I am looking forward to years of reliability and enjoying my Accord.

• 

  $ for $ well worth-it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By 1badmoefoe-car - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is exceptionally fun to drive.

• 

  Great Car for Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kozzy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, sporty looking, lot of room in the backseat to sit adults comfortably

• 

  Excellent Value - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Satch - November 28 - 10:00 am

  After months and months of research and test drives, I finally chose the Accord V6. I test drove the Mazda6, Passat, Acura TL, Altima, and none compared to the value and quality that the Accord possesses. I have just over 800 miles and no worries. Sound system is great-- BOSE is overrated. Averaged 26 MPG on the first tank of gas! Very Impressed.

• 

  One of My Most Favorite Things - 2009 Honda Fit
  By kookiecat - November 28 - 2:24 am

  Before I bought the Fit, I was contemplating getting a Nissan Versa. But things changed when my sister and her husband bought a 2007 Honda Fit Sport--I was so impressed that I decided on getting the 09 model. I am so glad I did! It has a lot of power and is so fun to drive! The stereo, IPOD input are my favorite features since I have to have music whenever I drive. The things I dont like about it are few namely: rough/ grainy paint finish (needs more sanding/ coats of paint maybe), no car mats, no height adjustment for drivers seat, no window tint. Otherwise, I highly recommend this car for those looking for fuel efficiency, functionality and cuteness in their car!

• 

  Love my little DoodleBug - 2008 Honda Civic
  By LL - November 27 - 1:03 pm

  This was a great purchase. It gets 35 mpg in the winter and 40+ in the summer. There is plenty of room inside and it is a ball to drive. Lots of pickup for passing and it corners like a go-kart. Oddly enough, many people dont recognize it as a Honda, they think its a little exotic of some sort. Im glad I bought before $4.00 comes back to stay...just fill it up and drive all week.

• 

  Great car for all the features - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DanS - November 27 - 2:23 am

  I compared this car to the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, and Honda Accord. I chose this because of the combination of features that no other car presently has for the $. There is no other car that has the combination of this ones mileage, newer styling, reliability, expected resale value, fun to drive, and size to compare with it. The Honda Accord needs a long overdue total redesign by now as I easily chose the new Civic over the Accord as the Accord didnt have the style and sportiness of the Civic. This new style may be the same style for the next 5 years. Its difficult to find a sensible reason not to own this vehicle. Be prepared to pay close to sticker because of demand.

• 

  Great car compared to Camry - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bob - November 26 - 9:30 pm

  I had 2 Toyota Camrys and changing to the Accord, its a great positive change. First better handling. Suspension is harder and the stability control made the car very fun to drive. Assisted brake is better than the Camry. More room. 2 big suitcases + 3 small ones when taking family from airport (we were 5). I cant even believe it can fit them all. Concerning some issues: road noise. Im quite sensitive to noise and of course the noise canceling system is helping. Good point: it happens only time to time. The seat is slightly hard. I have to pull on the head rest and then its ok. The 190 hp is there when needed. No regret compare to the Camry LE. MPG: 29 mpg mixed for the last 6000 miles!