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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  ZIPZOOM! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ioprules - August 18 - 10:00 am

  What Can I say? This is our second one. Have a 01 now we have a 04. Fun to drive!

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By avj97 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We have owned a Pilot for 2 months now and love it. Initially I refused to even consider one because I didnt like the wimpy look of the front end and it didnt offer a sunroof. The ride is really smooth and I love the look of the interior, very rich. Id hoped to get around the same gas milage as my 2000 Odyssey but that is not the case. At first I had some problems when starting the truck. After taking it in, I found out its the WAY I start the truck that was the problem. I was putting the key in the ignition and turning the key to fast. Something about a microchip in the key. I start it slower now and havent had any trouble.

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jamie - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Needed new struts at the first oil change. Needed new tires and alignment also (though I drive 12 miles daily on a highway with no potholes). The radio stinks. There are cubbyholes and compartments, which would be great, but the hinges are breaking (after opening about four or five times).

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  Outstanding - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wendellgee013 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Not the fastest thing in the world, but more than adequate for any legal speed. Excellent handling. Crappy dealership tires (Firestones)- should be replaced at purchase. Aamzing interior.

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  Give it 2 thumbs up - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Attitude - August 18 - 10:00 am

  When i first bought the car, i thought, "I could have gotten me something a little bigger (since im 59"). But the more i drive it, the more I realize that it is just enough room for me and the comfort of the seat. O MY GOD!!!perfect 10!! the gas millage can not be any better. (providing that the gas is high right now. It is also a very sterdy, dependable little car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  hot in florida - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ocello - August 18 - 10:00 am

  the hybrid is the future i did have an suv whit about 15 mpg but i have to have a feather foot to avg 40 mpg but still a wonderful idea toyota does not use engine for slow city driving please explain thank you

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  I cant believe I bought an import... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Epaphroditus - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The EX adds enough features to make it worth the price premium over the LX. 5- speed is a joy to use, although the i- VTEC peaks at 5,500rpm. Interior is, far and away, the best in class. Teenagers like the look; adults think it is a sports car. Also enjoyable is the 30mpg in the city and 37 on the highway (EPA says 26/34). The resale is also predicted to be well above average for this segment.

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  "ONE BAD MUTHA" - 2004 Honda Accord
  By vsiX2nr - August 18 - 10:00 am

  After owning 1 month and 1,000 miles on my 04 Accord V6 Sedan all I can say is this one is definitely "A KEEPER". I mean its a no brainer Its no wonder its been rated Motor Trends one of the "10 BEST CAR OF THE YEAR" and consumer rates it the #1 HIGHEST RATING in crash test performance with the side curtain airbag standard on all EX V6.

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  New 2009 Fit Sport - 2009 Honda Fit
  By rpw - August 18 - 1:00 am

  Just got my new 2009 Fit Sport. So far so good. Fun to drive, great MPG. Some cheap looking stuff inside car.

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  Awesome sporty family ride - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jravelo - August 17 - 11:44 pm

  If you still think that a fun-to-drive car and a family sedan never go together, think again. Go to your Honda dealer, test drive this V6 accord, use the S on the gear shift, and enjoy !!!! Build is tight, looks are great inside and outside, the technology is a little confusing, but great once you figure it out, and overall, is a great car, Simply put, you CAN NOT go wrong with this car, it drives great, it looks great, and as soon as you drive it, you know you will have a long lasting car.