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 Value SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By KungPhu - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, high-revving engine that gets most jobs in most situations done-and done well. More spacious than the Accord wagon I had back in college and looks better too. I get about 22 mpg which is more than I expected. All in all, I love the thing.

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  Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gary01 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This vechile is really what it saids "GREAT" if you are looking for a compact SUV this is the one ot buy the Honda CR-V and it has very good and recommmened by Consumer Reports.

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  Economy Meets Sporty - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cory - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Civic EX, because I wanted a car that would be freindly to my wallet, but still fun. When you upgrade to the EX you loose some in city gas milage, but I still average 330 a tank, and thats all city driving. The upgrades are what make the EX so cool. A 1.7L V-tech engine Delivers more than enough power, and you also get alloy rims, power everything, moon roof, tilt steering, and premium sound. You feel like you have a sports car instead of an economy car.

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  2003 Honda Accord LX Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lagerman - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful automobile. The best I have ever owned. Its too bad that the "Big 3" cant build a car thats half as good as this Accord Coupe....with the exception of the Corvette perhaps. This car is so well balanced and thought out, I think it would be a mistake not to test drive one if youre in the market for a new car. (Where else can you have this much driving fun matched with practicallity and unmatched reliability for $18K? Also, the five speed 4 cylinder is probably the best way to go, since its about three hundred pounds lighter than the V6.

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  Simply the best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Chirag Patel - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The best vehicle on the market. No other vehicle handles better, drives better, feels better, looks better, or performes better

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  Great Teen Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Mike - August 27 - 1:48 pm

  Bought for my 16 year old son with 123K and now has 125K. Excellent transportation and good gas mileage. It is my 4th Honda we currently have in the family and cant say enough about their products.

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  Excellent little motor - 2004 Honda Element
  By English_Knave - August 27 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my E since new, it has never had a single thing go wrong with it. Its a bit noisy and gets a little breathless on the highway, but the mileage is good and the handling is excellent. Incredibly versatile, I have had bicycles, lawnmowers, snowblowers and even a mid-size motorcycle in it. If you want a fun to drive, utilitarian , pickup type vehicle with a good standard of creature comforts this is the vehicle you want. I am still on the original tires . Dont buy the multi player CD player...buy an Ipod instead. I am currently looking to replace it with another E.

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  Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By kchorzewsk - August 27 - 10:53 am

  Car is extremely inviting. Even with 7 passengers in the car, it handles well, is roomy and the rear passengers enjoy the same heat and air conditioning as the front area passengers. Cars cargo area has six hooks, which when used with bungee cords, holds down most transported items nicely. The raising and lowering of the rear row of seats is effortless. Plenty of glass make this car a safe car for viewing the sides and rear oncoming traffic. As good as the MDX at thousands less.

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  RAWNESS - 1997 Honda Accord
  By THEPITSTEELERS - August 26 - 9:43 pm

  THIS CAR IS AWSOME THE POWER THE SPEED THE DESIGHN AND IT IS THE EASIEST CAR TO ADD ATREET RACING FEUTURES TO I WILL RECOMONED THIS RAW CAR TO EVERYBODY IT IS TRULY THE BEST

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  2016 Honda Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By RGhound - August 25 - 5:36 pm

  I have really been impressed with the changes Honda has made to the Civic since I owned my last one which was a 1996 model. I really have been spoiled on the keyless start and remote start feature. The Display Audio works great with my smartphone and gives me on-board navigation using Google Maps. My gas mileage has been terrific so far and I hope as the engine breaks in will increase even more. Im 62" and I can sit comfortably in my Civic though my hair will sometimes hit the headliner if I sit the chair up straight. The seat height is adjustable but I feel like Im sitting on the floor if I let it down too low.