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:

• 

  Very, Very Nice!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Stevie P - August 29 - 6:13 am

  Just bought this car for my son that is away @ college. He will be driving it around 200 miles each way to and from school about every 3 weeks. This car fit the bill perfectly. He loves it and so does his parents (safety, reliability, economy. Considered the Mazda3 also but the new Civic edged it out. Have added aftermarket wheels and window tint (car is silver) and it looks like an Acura. Very nice looking! Again, very impressed with this car.

• 

  A Nice Car to Own - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Big Dog - August 29 - 4:13 am

  I purchased this car because the transmission on my Intrepid died. I must say I am impressed. Overall, this is easily the most intelligently designed car Ive ever owned. It irritated me that Detroit couldnt bother to put as much effort into their designs as Honda does. Took a while to get used to the transmission rhythm (went from 3 to 5 speeds). Fuel economy can be an issue. On the highway, I got a nice 30+ MPG, but in the city, barely 20. I have the lowest end model, and I am impressed with the amount of extras it came with, as well as the performance of the engine. Very peppy for a 4 cyl. All in all, I am very satisfied with this car.

• 

  I Love This Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ralph - August 29 - 2:43 am

  I just purchased my Honda Accord Ex, and it was love at first test drive. I recently had a Nissan Altima, and this is so much more comfortable. The ride is so smooth, and its hard to believe that a 4 cyl engine is under the hood. It is so responsive. I really love the dashboard layout, as all the instruments are so convenient. The controls on the wheel are really nice. This is a lot of car for the dollar. It is the best deal out there. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a quality car, at an affordable price.

• 

  Dontcha Love The Box - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mellyssee - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car, or thing, whichever you like to call it, runs very smoothly and comfortably. You get a great sound system and there is lots of room for long distance driving. People love to ask why my husband and I bought it because it is so ugly, some call it a spaceship even. My husband and I love to rave about it to those people and tell them how fun it is to drive and we can laugh at the people who stare. They just dont know what theyre missing. Never judge anything by its cover, right?

• 

  Been happier - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By svteresa - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The check engine light has been on since we bought the car. The dealership tried 3 times to correct it but finally said the company was aware of the problem and would advise as soon as there was a solution. We are still waiting. We have received 2 recalls on it so far for other minor things. I bought a Honda over other brands because I was looking for a trouble free car. Granted, these are fairly minor problems but I was expecting more. I would not buy another one. I have had Subarus in the past and should have stayed with them.....just didnt like the styling of the Forester.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jimmy2456 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle!!! Bought this for my wife and Im getting a little jealous because it has exceeded our expectations. Smooth ride with a smooth interior. I would recommend the tan interior if you can get it. For some reason it makes the car look a little richer. Honda Cars of McKinney Texas made us a great deal. Stop in and see Elbony, she will hook you up.

• 

  Impressions - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cj567 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car drives great and gets decent gas mileage. I am getting 17 MPG in the city. The interior is very quiet and comfortable. I especially like the extra set of radio controls on the steering wheel. There are plenty of DC outlets for powering a lot of accesories i.e. CD/DVD players, etc. It has plenty of power expecially at the higher revs. My only complaint is that it does not have a second row of captains chairs. This would make access to the rear seat much easier and still be able to seat 7 people. Other than this one area, I am totally satisfied with this vehicle and would definitely buy again.

• 

  We bought two - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By crv x2 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I looked for several months as we needed to replace both my wifes car and mine. We had a 97 crv and a 2001 outback station wagon. We ended up with a new 2003 and a new 2004 CRV EX. The 04 has auto door locks on the passenger side, but otherwise is the same. I wanted AWD, good mileage, side air bags, a roof rack, and a nice driving, comfortable car. I think I got it.

• 

  Honda is still tops - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By crv enthusiast - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Had an older CRV when it first debuted. Was not happy with acceleration and smallness of car. Came back to it with the 2004 edition. Power was improved greatly. The EX edition basically gives you everything you need. Was able to purchase one that just came in before the dealer added all of thier extras to. Got a great deal on a rainy night.

• 

  Exceptional Vehicle V6 Accord EX! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Accord in Marin CA - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all! Totally impressed. The ride, the power, the comfort! Drove the 2004 Acura TL & TSX,BMW 3 series, & the Lexus 330ES. Have owned Nissans and would not buy again. No need to spend 7-10K more to obtain the quality of the 2004 EX Accord in another vehilce unless your ego needs the snob appeal our you are trying to impress the 19 year old valet a your favorite restaurant