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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  Long in the Tooth - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hyampols - October 31 - 10:43 pm

  When I first purchased the Accord in the fall of 2007, I gave it a glowing review, noting that Accord had a perfect balance of quality, value and sportiness. After nearly a year of ownership, the car seems to be getting long in the tooth. Yes, it is roomy, has a nice interior, silky smooth engine, good transmission and direct steering. Yet, the Accord seems to lack that spark posessed by its predecessor. From the hard and uncomfortable driver seat, excessive body roll, several rattles in the interior and intrusive road noise, the vehicle just does not strike a chord (n.p.i) with me. In fact, I find my 2006 Civic Ex w/Nav to be a better built, more comfortable and more engaging car.

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  Almost Perfect - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CarGuy10 - October 30 - 2:40 pm

  Everything everyone saying is true, great car, very smooth and quiet. My only regret is that the auto trans doesnt have a manual mode. This car has good power when you stand on it, but in city driving the transmission is always trying to go into overdrive, cutting off the power and forcing you to stand on it. It downshifts smoothly, but it tends to "hunt." I know the transmission is trying to achieve better mileage, but Id give up some mileage for a 2.0 liter engine and more torque or a manumatic mode.

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  Headrests Very Uncomfortable! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By PaulaK - October 28 - 2:03 am

  Im having the hardest time with these seats. The leather is not soft at all, the seats dont warm up that much, but MOST OF ALL.....the headrests lean tooooo much forward!! I feel so uncomfortable riding in it. I had to pull them all the way up so I could sit back comfortable.

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  ok - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Marlene - October 26 - 4:33 pm

  this is a boring car the interior has no trim just a little silver on the vents. i like the gauges i dont like the transmission shifting. i6ts ver choppy and seems like it underevs. i dont like the whining noise that the engine makes

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  Best overall value - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HRB - October 26 - 10:26 am

  Best value out there if purchasing the EX. Sure the RAV4 can be loaded with a powerful 6 cylinder, but it costs 5 grand more than the CRV. The CRV maxes its power with an efficient 5- speed automatic that delivers plenty of power [torque] off the line. It cruises quietly at high speed, gets more than 25 mpg while doing it, and is equipped with great standard features.

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  Workhorse - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jim S. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 3 other Hondas and needed a workhorse to take care of 4 kids and a hockey coach. I bought the demo with 8000 miles on it already back in 10/98. It has been a very dependable car. Ive done the recommended maintenance on the vehicle and had the timing belt replaced when it hit 80K, (that was based on previous experience and manual recommendation). I liked the style of it and it was designed well and comfortable as well as fun to drive..just ask my kids!!

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  civic ex - 2003 Honda Civic
  By r - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Good looking coupe, very sporty. The ex is well equipped at a good price. The engine could use a bit more balls. The dealer open road sucks, my trunk lock did not work correctly and it got dammaged by me fron slamming it shut. They said the car was broken into which did not happen and i paid $500 to get it fixed. I will buy another Honda but not from them.

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  HONDA LX 4CYL. REVIEW - 2003 Honda Accord
  By t_alcantar - October 24 - 10:00 am

  OVERALL GOOD COMFORTABLE CAR FOR THE MONEY, NOTHING TOO EXCITING - MAYBE THE V-6 WOULD BE MORE FUN. DEALER GOOD AT SALE BUT NOT GOOD AT DEALING WITH RECALLS OR CUSTOMER CARE LATER. TOMAS ALCANTAR T_ALCANTAR@HOTMAIL.COM

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  Comfortable cruiser - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By peter - October 22 - 9:36 pm

  This van is very comfortable, handles and accelerates well, even the base model is loaded with safety features, mileage ~18-19 city, 24-25 hwy., if you dont need all the "bells and whistles", you might be happy with the base "lx" model, highly recommended...

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  Needs keyless remote entry! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mary Shaird - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car overall. I enjoy driving it, since the pick-up is great for a 4-cylinder. I would recommend the vehicle to others.