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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  I love my Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chele4611 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is comfortable but yet not to big I have a 3 year old and it has great space. The ride is comfortable and I like the realtime AWD I dont have to worry about turning it on and off.

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  Ohh yea - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bahia108 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Honda really hit the spot here with a mix of power and comfort. No car exceeds the new accords in quality, and you will have plenty of fun mashing the gas.

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  HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By AMY HESLER - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I WAS PREVIOUSLY IN A V-6 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. I THOUGHT MY CAR DROVE ADEQUATELY UNTIL I GOT INTO THE 2004 HONDA ACCORD. THIS CAR HAS A LOT OF "GET UP" FOR A 4 CYLINDER AUTOMATIC!!! IT RIDES COMFORTABLY AND SMOOTH WITHOUT ALL THE ROAD NOISE. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THIS VEHICLE! WITH THE AWESOME AERODYNAMICS INTERIORLY AND THE SLEEKNESS OF THE EXTERIOR, YOU CANT BEAT IT FOR THE AFFORDABLE PRICE!!!!

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  $40k car for $27k - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jim Garfield - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Wow! Exceeds all expectations. Luxurious, moderately sporty, good fun level. Excellent fuel economy on reg.grade gas. No return to dealer needed in 14k miles.It feels like a 40 thousand dollar car and I paid 13k less than that.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By James & Krista - January 13 - 8:55 pm

  Very happy with purchased the Pilot. Went into the dealer thinking wed prefer a CRV, but after driving the Pilot, are extremely satisfied with our decision to upgrade. Did LOTS of research.

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  Love It! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Karen - January 13 - 5:10 pm

  Ive always driven a car with a manual transmission and it took some convincing to get me to even consider this car in automatic but once I drove it, I was hooked. It has plenty of punch and merges onto the interstate with ease. The interior is very roomy and the dash is layed out very well. The power driver seat lets you "tweak" the position until it is just right.

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  rock solid and they just keep on going - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Anthony - January 13 - 12:08 pm

  This is just my third car (all Honda Accords, all purchased used) since 1994. The previous two made it to 287K and 325K before an upgrade. Accords are great for the highway, as well as around town driving. And I was surprised my current 2006 EX handled a difficult back country "road" like a champ as well, in first gear going 2 mph over a rutted trail for the last couple of miles. The 06 never dips below 24 mpg, and that is mostly around town driving in the winter. Best mileage is in the summer with primarily highway driving, which will get you 35 mpg. I finally needed some significant brake work recently, and replaced the rotors and pads both front and back in the past few months (but not the calipers). You cant go wrong with these!

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  1 Drive and you will not want any other - 2007 Honda S2000
  By meintsm - January 13 - 10:47 am

  Just recently purchased the 2007 S2000 after nearly 6 months of car shopping. Reviewed all other cars in class, Z4, TT etc... Kept on coming back to the S2000. Its speed, handling and beautiful lines had me at Rev Rev.. It is truly a pleasure to drive. One drive and you will be hooked.

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  Fun ride! - 2007 Honda S2000
  By bbetts - January 13 - 8:20 am

  After driving my BMW convertible for 12 years,this car has made me realize what a true sports car convertible should be.

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  I Luv My Element! - 2006 Honda Element
  By EllieMint - January 12 - 9:30 pm

  I have an hour drive to work on a ridiculous highway. So, my husband and I decided to trade in my 2004 Honda Civic for a bigger and safer car. We chose the 2006 Honda Element in tangerine metallic (bright orange). It was by far the best car purchase weve ever made! Not only is it SO MUCH FUN to drive, but its SUPER roomy, sooooo easy to clean, it has a ton of compartments, and the sound system is great! Were shopping for a car for my husband now and we cant find anything that comes close to the Element for value and price.