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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  none - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bgtiger - September 15 - 2:00 am

  thsi care is an amazing machine that anyperson can turn into a street racing machine

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  First Impressions - 2003 Honda Accord
  By clayh13 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  As a BMW-driving enthusiast, I was initially skeptical that I would ever in my life enjoy driving another vehicle other than the loaded 2000 BMW 528i w/ Sport Package Ive owned for the past 3 years. However, Ive been pleasantly surprised by how much I now enjoy driving my Accord EX V-6. While far from having the performance, handling, torque and curb appeal of the Bimmer, I find the Accords roomy leather interior much more attractive and comfortable. What the Accord lacks in body style sexiness, it more than makes up for in terms of value.

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  Very reliable, still plain vanilla - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BillyGates - September 15 - 2:00 am

  A dependable car with lots of interior space, but very boring on those back country roads (although a nice highway and city cruiser).

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  SSSWWWEEETTT!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Suzy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Got my car 2-22-03 from Rusty Wallis Honda. Anthony Smith is absolutly one of the nicest salesman Ive ever met. (If there is such a thing)... Got a GREAT DEAL on my car. Absolutely love everything about the new accord. I wouldnt change a thing. Fun to drive very cozy and rich feel.

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  smooth... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By citiboy76 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This car was all I was dreaming of, especially at the low price it was negotiated at. Very reasonable pricing for a quality vehicle such as this one. The LX V-6 is one powerful engine.

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  Undecided - 2006 Honda Civic
  By undecided - September 15 - 12:10 am

  I did a ton of research before buynig my new Civic. I love the features, the smooth shifting, the look of the car, and how it drives. Unfortunately, my new car has not been reliable. In the first 3 months I have had to repair my vehicles brakes, replaced the power steering assembly, and due to a faulty grounding wire, Ive been stranded on a busy freeway with a completely shut down car. I purchased a Honda for reliability above all else. My story isnt a typical one, but I post it here in case it helps other people. Other than the continuous repairs, I am very happy with my purchase. All repairs have been covered by warentee, but I would have prefered the car to be realiable.

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  Fuel milage is below expectations - 2008 Honda Civic
  By LB - September 14 - 11:26 pm

  Its a little car that gets about 28 MPG combined driving and around 33 MPG on highway. This is very close to what our 2004 Accord does, and the Accord is 4 years old. I was expecting MORE. It is well constructed and easy to drive. The driver seat is a little hard. I do not like the gas gauge; would prefer one that shows 1/4 1/2, 3/4 and full. Those little dots on the gas gauge leaves much to be desired. The AC is not adequate at low speeds and the split level puts too much on the feet and not enough on the upper level. I may not keep this car very long.

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  First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Don - September 14 - 9:13 pm

  This is my retirement car. Had a VW and was looking at another. Had issues with repairs and too many people were talking about reliability issues for the new ones also. Moving into a fixed income decided on a Honda. Many people told me of stories where all they spent was on gas, tires and oil. Soon to be on a fixed income just what we needed. It is great to drive, has many nice features and gets you there with great mileage.

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  Honest evaluation 2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Enrique Cornejo - September 14 - 7:23 am

  Very noisy inside the cabin. Not very good seats for long trips. Bad transmission. According with Honda, the transmission failed one year after new, in 2004. Even Honda admitted is a bad transmission, but they didnt do anything. Broke two (2) engine mounts (first time in my life). In my opinion, not as good as the publicity wants us to believe.

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  Very Reliable and Fun to Drive! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By RR1RR - September 13 - 10:53 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004, and it is probably the best car I have owned to date. It has been very reliable, as I have only done the usual routine maintenance (wipers, tires, oil changes, etc). I got the VP package with manual locks and crank windows (less to go wrong- not that it probably would). The 5 speed trans. makes it fun to drive. Power seems on par or better than other 4 cyl. economy-minded models. Buying price was maybe a tad higher than some competing models, but the lack of repair costs and the great fuel economy have long since justified the price! MPG of 35-42 is about the usual for me. I do tilt the seat back a bit, as Im 65" and 250 lbs. Great car though!