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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  Baby Boomers First Sports Car - 2007 Honda S2000
  By SamsS2K - July 3 - 11:59 am

  I fell in love with a cousins red Austin Healy when I was a teenager. What a rush! Nearly 40 years later I get that same rush with my red S2K. We lost our 2000 Accord to a rear end accident earlier this year. I love Honda and felt it would be only right to replace the old Accord with another Honda. A wild hair steered me to the S2000.Its been only a month or so but I cant get enough of it. We went on a near 5 hour mountain ride this weekend through some winding roads in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. My "automatic transmission" legs were worn out but the thrill was a true "heart pumper". Its my version of a safe Harley (all the fun and none of the risk). Why did I wait so long???

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  Chess 3456 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Gary Chester - July 2 - 10:00 am

  The Hondoa Accord can fit 5 people in it comfortably. This is my third Honda and Ive never had any problems, only normal M & R. Hoping the 2003 version is a winner, so I can look forward to another Accord in the future.If you want to buy a 1998 Hondoa Acord the price should be between 13K-16K.

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  Hondas forever! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By lovemyhonda - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Honda- I bought it when it was 4 years old with 65,000 miles on it. I have since put another 120,000 miles on it and it runs as well as it did when I bought it. All you need to do with these cars is change the oil and replace the timing belt now and again! I am treating myself to a 1998 Accord, otherwise I would keep this one for another 60,000 miles. You cannot beat a Honda Accord- they look great, run well and are low maintenance vehicles. I am a lifer!

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  Great Car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Daniel Robles - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ever! I dont know what else to say! I have owned many different cars, and there are none better than this one in my history!

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  2002 CRV - A Bargain at Sticker Price - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike VaVerka - July 2 - 10:00 am

  If want a mini off-road vehicle then dont buy a CRV. However, if you want a versatile, fun-to-drive, economical and surprisingly spacious mini-SUV, the CRV cannot be beat. Save yourself a few thousand and buy the 2WD LX model. It still has a lot of nice features and handles fine on steep dirt roads. You can purchase most of the useful Honda add-ons like security, keyless entry, enhanced sound system, etc. by buying these items through the web and installing them yourself. I purchased the car through a broker who charged me the Edmunds Invoice price plus $700. The total price was still less than MSRP. Ive been driving this car for 2 months and have had no regrets. Way to go Honda!

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  Perfect - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondadude - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Perfect car in every way.

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  MyGoldie - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Goldmine - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is simply the best mid size 4 door car for the money. I travel alot and get approx 29 mpg avg city/hwy. Very roomy, comfortable cabin with excellent seating ergonomics front and rear. I would argue that the Accord SE is the only import branded mid-sized car that can solidly beat all of these fine domestic models.They combine performance with luxury features that no other car in this price range can deliver.

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  Just what Ive been waiting for - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jfish - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This car gets great gas mileage for being a 4 seater. And it still drives as you expect a civic to drive. So far, Im very happy with it.

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  Wins over Altima - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ubie - July 2 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the Accord EX and the Altima SE many times over several weekends, I bought the Accord. Even in its 5th year, the Accord is still a better car and a better value. I got the Nissan dealer down to the price I wanted but I still went with the Accord. Why? $3,500 less with more std features, and a much better safety rating. The new style of the Altima will wear thin after its first year and people will be wishing they had waited for the 2003 redesigned Accord. I wish I could have waited myself, but my 1989 Civic (289,284 miles) couldnt last until Sept/Oct.

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  A nice choice - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Goutam Tadi - June 30 - 6:29 pm

  Great Crossover SUV.