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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  Best all around roadster - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Starpaf - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Amazing drive, best cornering on the market, best shifting on the market and basically loads of fun...the downfall...do not drive more than 2 hours...tires wear quick...very quick!

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  honda cr-v - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ec - July 7 - 3:33 pm

  We bought our CR-V in January, after driving a van for eight years. I really like the size of the vehicle. I needed something that was big enough to haul things like 50 lb bags of animal feed and a bale of hay once in awhile, and it can. We also needed a vehicle that got good gas mileage. This vehicle has met all our needs for hauling and I gets between 25-31 mpg. per tank. If I set the cruise control and then decel a bit, I get the best mileage. The only thing that I miss about the van is the cushy ride. The CR-V has a stiff ride, no luxury . Air conditioner works well on 100 degree days. The hitch can haul a small trailer, also the rack is good for camping and kayak . Overall very happy.

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  Great value, great car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Los Angeleno - July 7 - 8:23 am

  After looking at the 2005 Honda Accord, I checked out the CTS Caddy, the Toyota Camry, Acura TSX and a few others. The Accord gave best bang for the buck! Great car. Got the EX with leather and Nav, and now wouldnt get another car without a Nav system. I love it! Love the voice control, which controls not only nav feature but radio, air conditioning, XM radio, etc. Even tells you the time! Smooth ride, excellent finish, overall just a joy to ride.

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  good commuter - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tom.stodola - July 6 - 11:23 am

  I bought the hybrid to save on gas because I commute 41 miles each way on the L.A. freeways. I have been pleased with the mileage (about 43-44 mpg) plus in California I have received my exemption stickers that allow me to use the carpool lanes alone. This saves me over 30 minutes each way daily. My auto insurance also dropped significantly. Probably owing more to the change in cars (previous car - Subaru WRX). While the car is definitely not built for the fun factor that the WRX was, it is comfortable (except on potholes), has major safety features and great ergonomics.

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  Surprised at Honda!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Gulf - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have just had this Honda Accord for 6 weeks. I first noticed the dashboard got extremely hot when the air condition and cd/radio was on.I was told it is normal. It does not start at the first turn of the key at all tmes. Alarms have gone off 2 times. NO screen over the front to protect the condenser etc. Brakes pulsate at times.

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  Honda Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Glen Welker - July 5 - 6:46 pm

  I drive approx. 30,000 - 35,000 miles per year. I purchased the car primarily for the gas mileage.

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  not too bad - 1999 Honda Civic
  By ross66 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  It is not too bad car even though its noisy, less powerful. I surprised when I sold my civic at a higher price than I thought last month. Thats a good experience. I just bought a 2003 toyota corolla. I really dont know corolla is such a good car before. I strongly suggest you trade your civic with this one if you want to change.

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  my honda Vs. canadian made cars (kiddin) - 2000 Honda Civic
  By extere - July 4 - 2:00 am

  in response to bullits review on top of the page: what is NOT an import in canada? civic is without any question one of the most reliable cars out there. its my 3ed. i remember my other ones: not a single mechanical problem after 70,000. just oil, tires, and filters were replaced. great car.

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  Quality! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By rlfuzz - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a 2001 EX looking for a trouble free vehicle (never again will we own a Volvo). The brakes are horrible, rotors were turned at 7500 miles after complaining about severe vibrations when braking. Well, it is time again at 12500 miles, not a good trend. The power doors are nice, when they work! The dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with them. About 75% of the time I have to get back out and shut them because they would not close all the way (Honda Quality?). The engine is wonderfull, both powerfull and smooth. The transmission could use some tuning. I hate the "Grade Logic" feature. It is noisy on the highway but rides great, smooth and stable.

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  Fastest Automatic Honda you can get - 1999 Honda Accord
  By accord - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Its design that has charisma always stuck in my head since I ever saw it. Accords do not look like boyracer style, also do not look like old people car. But, you can race with it tho. If you want to... Its engine is so powerful, it hit 0-60mph in 7.5sec.It is so roomy and comfortable. Its interior is perfect! I hope you all you guys enjoy your life with an accord !!!