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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  EXCELLENT - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Desi - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The best I ever had.

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  Best car for college students - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Nokdelun - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Handle is great, economic (For surviving full time student), Very comfortable, all around the love of my life(keeping in mind its JUST a car)

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  the new accord ex 2003 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By nicky - May 17 - 10:00 am

  i had a honda accord ex 2000, it was totaled in a car accident. it saved my life getting hit from behind when a limo was going about 65 miles an hour.

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  My Tissuebox - 2008 Honda Element
  By AL - May 17 - 2:11 am

  I am thrilled with my Blue Tissuebox. The reason I bought the SC was because it came with the armrest with storage. Currently dealers are giving cars away cheap and this was a great deal so I couldnt pass it up. I have no problem with the mileage. It gets exactly what the sticker said. I love the steering and I feel my SC is very comfortable.

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  Better Than I expected! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Margaret - May 16 - 10:49 pm

  Ive always driven large vehicles - Jeep Grand and big Dodge Truck - switching to a smaller "car" was a huge step and it turned out that I made the right choice with the Honda Civic. It meets all of my expectations. Im a realtor and my clients approve!

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  Karens new Honda! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - May 16 - 3:00 pm

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  Not a BMW... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jack1610 - May 16 - 11:39 am

  Initial mpg 22/27 calculated by driving and topping off frequently. My wife did a little better @ 24/28. She just broke 20k and now we get 25/36. There are times when we get a real bad number (quite possibly from gas station pump error). The city mileage is about the same as a regular 6-cyl. Hwy fluctuates from (minus bad readings under 21 mpg!!!) 27-37.5. The more "broken-in" the better it seems at the moment. I am really curious about the rest of folks with this car. Are you all getting better results as the vehicle gets older? One small neg is the "jerk" when you step off the brake and touch the gas petal. The work around is let the brake go, wait 2 sec then touch the gas.

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  Great Improvement - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sean - May 16 - 4:30 am

  Great feel, far better than before. The interior is very luxurious, and very quiet, and a pleasure to ride in, especially on long trips.

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  Hybrid Surprise - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Joe Brady - May 15 - 5:00 pm

  I bought the Civic Hybrid to ensure that my wife could make her 100 mile (round trip) commute even if gas were to be rationed. Her other car is a Mercedes, and although she says that the Merc "fits her better," she has only driven it three times in the three months that we have had the Civic. On the rare occasions that I have been permitted to drive the Honda, I have been impressed with its fit, finish, and general willingness to do whatever I ask it to do. It is definitely a small, light car, but it is almost silent at speed, and surprisingly lively. We are averaging 45mpg to date, and make no special attempts to conserve fuel. Overall, the Civic Hybrid was a great choice.

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  s2kblack - 2004 Honda S2000
  By will malone - May 15 - 12:59 pm

  This s200 handles like a race car . I love the acceleration in all the gears and how it handles in curves and take off on the straight aways