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 Little Engine That Could - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By J. R. Todd - December 3 - 1:35 pm

  Its rather amazing...the power that Honda gets from its six cylinder CRV engine. Ive been a Honda fan for decades, but this cross-over SUV is one of the finest cars I think they have ever made. As expected, it runs flawlessly, but what amazed me was when I put in four passengers and ran it through the mountains of western NC. Its had the power needed to zip us along at 65MPH...VERY comfortably, so much so that my passengers commented on how much bang that 4 cylinder engine actually has. Power to spare. I love the vehicle...but have no use for the dealership..so I get the car serviced elsewhere. Theres nothing about this car that isnt quality. JRT

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  Suzis Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By suz - December 3 - 2:20 am

  I have only owned my Civic Hybrid for abaout a week. I am very impressed with the comfort and the ride that it gives for a compact car. The drive is smooth and the interior room is quite surprising. The layout of the instrument panel is effortless when driving. The stereo/sound system is above average. The visual appeal of the car is very pleasing...it is simply fun to drive! I have been extremely impressed with the mileage so far...averaging 45.25 mpg on my first tank and I anticipate this to go up as the engine is broken-in. I am in my care on average of about 3-4 hours a day. I couldnt be more pleased.

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  Awesome Coupe! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By trogers8 - December 2 - 6:10 pm

  I just bought my Rallye Red EX Coupe today. I LOVE it. Awesome handling, great pickup for four cylinder, awesome stereo system, feels solid and secure. I know many complain about the handbrake, but Im 510 and it doesnt bother me at all really.

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  GREAT Car! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Buck - December 2 - 11:42 am

  picked it up 60,000 mi ago. never once been back to the dealership. 4WD is awesome.

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  Happy buyer - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By rswanby - December 2 - 9:13 am

  The trunk on the ridgeline is the best idea for a pickup. Larger bed would have helped. Made to drive on long trips in comfort. Backseat fold up gives more room for backseat storage. Good service at Atlantic Honda, keeps me informed of needed maintenance.

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  love this car!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By pinkldy728 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  bought this car 2 weeks ago & have had people pull me over to see it... beautiful exterior body style & fun to drive... interior has everything at your fingertips... start button is really neat!!

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  2003element - 2003 Honda Element
  By ELEMENTMAN - December 2 - 2:00 am

  FANSTASTIC!!!GREAT ULTILIY VALUE!GREAT HANDLING AND PERFOMANCE!!GREAT GAS MILEAGE!FUNKY STYLING!NICE SOUND SYSTEM! PROBLEM FREE AND GRAT RESALE!

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  Long-time Caravan switched to Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By OregonOdyssey - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Happy with 96 Dodge Caravan, but time to get new van. IMHO not enough engineering solidity in Caravan compared to foreign vans. Did serious comparison of Kia/Toyota/Nissan/Honda. Kia not fuel efficient enough, reliability/future of Kia in general questionable - worst quality ratings of any car maker. New Toyota nice, but not worth $7K more than Odyssey and availability extremely limited ("none on the ground"). Nissan has nice style, but not worth $5K more than Odyssey.

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  The two door coupe - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jhale1933 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride and handling. Very good acceleration. Rear seating OK for kids, but cramped for adults.

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  a great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lil one - December 2 - 2:00 am

  a great car for the money i got the dealer down to invoice price for a 2003 honda accord ex auto for 20,620