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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  Honda the car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Yahoo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Cool!!! very dependable car. IM using it since 4 years and so far all I had change is break pads.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Honda Accord
  By avasquez - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NEVER OWNED A HONDA BUT SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS HAVE..I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  Best Coupe for the money!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By speedracer - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Believe me, I shopped. I test drove everything from new Nissan Altima 2.5 and 3.5, Toyota Solara, VW Passat, to Acura CL 3.2 TypeS, and new Infinit G35. I even considered trucks and SUVs like Tacoma, Xterra, Frontier Crew Cab, to Lexus RX300. In the end, I still come to decide on the EX V6 Coupe and I cant be happier with my decision. The closest second runner was the Altima 3.5 which I like the smooth acceleration, but once you add up all the options you are looking at $3000 or more, plus 1st year "novelty tax". At $23,500 you have the best of all worlds: loaded safty features, luxury, style, performance and the most of all, Honda reputation and high resale value on this car.

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  Super Car and Very Crashworthy - 2002 Honda Accord
  By M*A*S*H4ever - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 02 Accord since 1/5/02 and have loved every minute of owning it! (I previously had a Prelude for 11 years.) The ride is very smooth and comfortable on long trips. As a V-6 EX, fuel economy on the long trip was very good & about average for city driving with the "MAX AUTO" heating/cooling setting. My Accord was also the victim of an accident in January (a panel truck ran a red light and hit an oncoming car head on. This collision caused the back end of the panel truck to go airborne and land on the hood of my 2 week old car! The only damage to my Accord was a crumpled hood on the left side where the truck was resting.

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  New 2008 Honda Civic EX-L With NAV Auto - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Scott - March 4 - 9:43 am

  Honda has really made a great car in all aspects. First, it drives like a champ. There is no noise at high speeds on the highway. Second, the Nav and EM radio is by far the best. However, Honda needs to make the voice recognition better. It sometimes does not execute the right command. We love the EM radio. I dont know how I lived without it for all of these years. The only complaint that I have is when were turned on the Air for the first Time we smelled rotten egg smell. I spoke with Honda and they said that it could be the catalytic converter. And maybe it might be they gas that the dealer put in. I also googled this problem. I found a wealth of information concerning this smell

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  best mid-size sedan - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Joe from San Diego - March 4 - 6:50 am

  This is my second Accord (had a 92 Accord LX sedan w/ over 120k miles & have had no problems with it). It is amazing how Honda can improve on a car that is already great & very reliable. Improvements in technology (VTEC engine, safety, etc.), styling, & ergonomics are some of the things that I like about this car. What a joy it is to drive this car...it makes me realize how smart I am when I bought it.

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  Solid vehicle - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BradB - March 3 - 9:02 pm

  I bought my Accord new and am still enjoying it. The car has aged gracefully and still looks great with zero mechanical problems. Powerwise, the 240 hp V6 is smooth and strong. Fuel economy is a little disappointing at 19 mpg city, but at least it uses regular. I like the ride just fine, but the handling is a little tepid. I think the biggest problem is the terrible stock tires that are hard as a rock and downright dangerous in the rain. The seats are not the greatest, but not terrible interior materials are first rate. The 5 spd automatic is superb-- best I have driven. Resale value is phenomenal.

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  Redheaded Stepchild - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Paul Beetz - March 3 - 8:43 pm

  I bought a new 2009 Honda Accord in Omaha NE. Gave it to my daughter for her birthday and She took it to college in San Antonio. The seat will not lock in 2 oclock position well and sometimes just drops back while driving; and the brakes squeal, all before 2,000 miles. She took to Gunn Honda in San Antonio and they said the brake noise was from vibration (duh) and wouldnt fix it. The seat wouldnt misbehave at that time. I dont blame the original dealer. Honda Customer Service was not helpful and tried to tell me the seat dropping back was a feature. My initial impression is that the car is of poor quality and that Honda will not fix it. All this in under 2,000 miles.

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  Give Me A Brake - 2004 Honda Accord
  By frogman - March 3 - 6:30 pm

  Loved the car until they told me my driving habits attributed to the rear brake pads needing replacing after 15k. Additionally, front rotors turned due to pulsation. Ive had several cars that I drive the same, so why are my habits or city driving an issue when it comes to replacing pads already. I think thats a product fault or defect. My odyssey or corolla didnt suffer from my bad driving.

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  Nice little ride - 2007 Honda Fit
  By carfanatic - March 3 - 3:56 pm

  The MT Fit Sport is a nice little ride. It handles superbly, like a sports car. Pick-up is good for a 1.5 litre engine. Build quality is excellent. This is a great little car.