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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  the last great accord - 1992 Honda Accord
  By johnjapan - January 27 - 10:21 am

  my dad bought it new in 92 i bought it in 20001. it is a solid car, drivetrain is excellent. it just turned over 200,000. and i honestly believe ill get another 200,000 out of it. i change the oil every 3,000 miles try to use castrol the 92 and 93 accords (no power seatbelts) are the last great accords. hondas built after 1994 are becoming too mainstream( too many hondamatics) too upscale and the designs are ugly

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  Best car ever - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Charlynn - January 26 - 9:29 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Civic and its already the best vehicle Ive ever bought. It handles wonderfully and the gas mileage cant be beat. I am counting on having this car for at least 10-15 years because I know it will last!

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  No MiniVan! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Clay_A - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Im 34 with a one child, however, I couldnt bring myself to get a mini- van. I wanted something cool, with space to haul things and safe too. I got the 4WD EX Manual - the stick is on the dash - rally style! Its design is defiant - and I love it. It reminds me of the saying "loved or hated - never ignored". The 270W stereo and MP3 jack is finally what sold it to me. The marketing was off on this one. Most 20 somethings cant afford this just out of school. Young parents are going to love it though. Get one - youll love it. If you hate it. I dont care. Cheers from Richmond, VA. Clay

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  Honda does it again - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DO Ridgefield - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Forget all your preconceived notions of Honda and test drive the Pilot before you buy any other midsize SUV. The ride, interior finish and cabin space are tops. Do your homework and youll find that no other car company offers anything close to what Hondas offering at this price. Add Hondas reputation for reliability and its a no brainer. We have two kids so we added the DVD system and its worth every penny. Honda had families in mind when they developed this SUV and they nailed it.

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  Best car on the market. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dkully - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Honda makes great cars, and this is the best Honda Ive ever driven. Fun to drive, no loss of speed because it is a Hybrid. I turned in an SUV and save about $50 a month is fuel. Great car.

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  the little car that could! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By civic-fan - January 26 - 10:00 am

  well, its no race car, not a luxury car either. but i still love driving it; because i know where ever i take it, it will get me home. im looking forward to many years of painless ownership. its the best in its class in my opinion.

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  Yabba Dabba Doooooo!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ani4aneye - January 26 - 10:00 am

  i have the 2003 Accord v-6 coupe. (graphite pearl)I love this car, its my first car and Im more than happy with it. Its so quick and fast off the line and the engine is so quiet. The steering wheel audio controls are paying off and making it so much easier while driving. The interior is strong and beautiful, and i cant stop the compliments for the bright lights on the speedometer. I love the heads that turn as i drive down the street. my girlfriend thinks its sexy too. Theres too many things good with this car to even look at the negatives.

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  A must buy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By din - January 26 - 10:00 am

  If you are debating on what 4 door sedan is best, I recommend the 03 Honda Accord. This is my 2nd Accord and I wouldnt think of getting any other vehicle in this class. You not only get the best bang for the buck but one very dependable car.

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  head turner - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Eric - January 26 - 4:00 am

  First off, I owned a 2012 Accord LX-P, it was a great car. We liked it so much that we just traded it in for an upgrade, a 2016 Accord Sport. It was a huge upgrade from our previous model, very sporty looking, drives and handles amazing and lots of goodies on the inside as well. Youll be happy with this car

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  best kept coupe secret........... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ezshift5 - January 25 - 9:40 am

  Clutch, 6MT and steering work surprisingly well together. White reflects the hot sun enabling the dual zone ac to perform extremely well. This car was $600 more than the 2000 Toyota Solara SE-V6 5-speed stick new 5/2000. Plus this car has moonroof, TCS, EBD, tilt/telecope, leather, map lites, 6- disc in-dash + XM Satellite Radio. Even has remote entry, seatback map pockets and 215/50 series 17-inch alloys. First fillup (after dealer "full tank of fuel" corrected by author) in mixed city/highway = 27.7. I went from a Supra Turbo to the Solara and never stopped grousing about the difference in the performance envelope. The Honda 6MT has better all arounds numbers than the 1989 Supra Turbo.