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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  Great vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Elecbluestreak - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 9th Honda. Have had 4 Civics and 5 Accords. Best vehicles on the market. Very reliable-great mileage. Worth every penny. You get your moneys worth and then some.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By M Bly - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I am a Honda finatic now it was one of the best purchases I have ever made and am in the middle of purchasing another one right now for my wife !!! I love these cars.

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  BMW Performance without BMW price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By I Love Cars - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned two 1997 and one 2001 BMW vehicles. I will tell you that the Honda Accord that I have is right next to the performance as my 330ci BMW. The quite engine roars when you feed it a little gas and its amazing that you can get such quality for such a fair value. Worth Every Penny...

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  A great car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jules08 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My Accord EX has been a really great car! Excellent handling, style and very reliable! The only negative is the rotten egg smell of the cars emissions. This smell is also evident on my mothers LX, as well. Compared to other cars at the same price point, the Accord cant be beat!

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  I Love My Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kelgal123 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Honda Accord Coupe. I have only has it for a month and everytime I look at it, I feel so proud. The interior, exterior, safety features and the engine are wonderful.

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  Another Winner - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lil_Debbie - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Hondas redesign of the interior and exterior makes for more backseat head room and an appealing, sleek look from the outside. My previous car was an 01 Accord.

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  Get the V6! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Holli - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The redesign of the Accord is fantastic. The V6 is worth the additional cost for those who frequently use an expressway.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Richard - September 30 - 12:33 am

  Exceeded my expectations in every respect. Overall mileage about 50. Easy to get 55 MPG on highway commute at 62-65 MPH. Better ride and acceleration than Insight, but Insight has "head turning styling" and better MPG. As reliable as any Honda or Toyota. I like Hondas use of the Hybrid Technology better than Toyotas.

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  The great debate: Sienna or Odyssey - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By LaFio - September 29 - 5:15 pm

  I must have test driven each of these cars at least 3 times. In the end, I got an Odyssey because I got the better deal and more options. The Honda was fun. Downside: Honda road noise is awful and, after several weeks, I feel like Im driving a tank with no pick up. The passenger seat feels like it teeters when you accelerate or stop. And the stitching on the steering wheel has come unraveled. The passenger doors dont open/close fast enough. Im happy with the van (see pros below), but I wish I had gotten the Sienna, despite its boring appearance.

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  The Little Civic that Could - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Derek M - September 29 - 11:04 am

  I got this car after my 16th birthday. Its a manual because all of our cars are manual. I told my parents that I really wanted to get a civic or an accord and they agreed. Ive put maybe 3,000 miles on it so far. The only thing that I had to replace was the clutch assembly because the previous owner burned it up. I love this car. The next car I get will definitely be a new civic. My family has bought new accords every 4 years since 1998. Its amazing how good these cars are! It has no blind spots and its easy to zip around people. I wouldnt trade it for anything. I dont use A/C so its not really a problem for me.