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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  Great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sqrmax - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The feel I get from the 2 door Accords look is that of performance without bragging (I hate Mustangs for being the opposite). The controls couldnt be designed better. No other car even came close. The 4 cylinder engine has real climbing power at low rpms. The transmission is incredibly smooth, you can barely notice its switching gears. The seats are great, which helps when you are driving mildly fast in twisty roads. The handling and steering feel very nice, but I find it difficult to sense when the tires will finally give in.

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  Not for the die hard, but for the true. - 2006 Honda S2000
  By WhiteKnight - November 21 - 12:21 pm

  I was in the market for a Porsche Cayman or an exotic that was good as a everyday driver if needed. I somehow always wound up on a search path on the S2000 in forums. All I heard was good, but honestly the internet pics did the S2000 no justice. I decided to go see it in person at a Honda dealership. I was in the market for no nonsense sports car, structurally tight, no rattles, and had a very good dependable engine. When I test drove the car, it was the right fit. For the same price you can buy some others, but this car fit me for what I wanted. I dont like clutter. I like efficient, practical equipment on my cars that is sporty.

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  honda is forever - 1994 Honda Accord
  By miguel - November 20 - 8:55 pm

  i have 2 years with my honda and never had any problems with it. it has 169,840 miles and runs like new.

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  LOVE my Civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Susan Rowland - November 20 - 12:04 pm

  This Civic is a great little car. Reliable. fuel efficient, well mannered, and likable. I cant rate it highly enough.

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  New Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Holbrook - November 19 - 6:03 pm

  I couldnt be happier with my new Civic. It is a fun car to drive and am averaging a little over 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The cocpit ergonomics are superb. Everything is within reach and have good feel. The two tier instument panel works great. There is no need to take your eyes off the road to check your speed. Although much has been written about intrusive road noise, it is not a major problem nor a significant annoyance. There is practically no wind noise. As stated in the beginning, "I couldnt be happier."

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  Outstanding Mix of Sport & Luxury - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MaxG - November 19 - 1:20 pm

  Had an 06 Accord Hybrid on order but decided to cancel when it kept being delayed with no information from Honda. Really glad that I got the V6 6-speed instead! Mileage: 2622 miles driven at last fill-up (odometer, not navi miles); 93.502 gallons of regular=28.04 mpg average. Lowest 24.7 mpg on first tank. Highest 30.1 mpg. Mixed highway/city; no trips so far. Consistent 30+ mileage possible by avoiding full-throttle starts and limiting freeway speeds to 80 mph. I generally drive for mileage & let off the gas as soon as I see a light turn red. 6-speed is great. I like the shifter as well or better than my 04 S2000 (now sold). Combination of handling, ride & performance is perfect for me.

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  Great towable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Hondapuller - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the best available vehicle for RVers that tow a "dingy". Anybody towing anything else did not do their homework. Its a Honda, nothing else needs to be said.

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  Dream machine - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By sidekickjack - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Honda quality all around. Pleasand ride, slightly harsh and noisy on rough pavement, probably due to low profile tires, but no more than would be expected, and less exagerated than most vehicles.

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  Honda Ridgeline is as good as it gets! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By I bought one! - November 19 - 1:22 am

  The best competition to the Honda Ridgeline is the Toyota Tundra. The Tundra is great, but I selected the Ridgeline because it has a shorter length and thus easier to park, has the all important better safety ratings (5 star vs. 4 star) for driver and roll overs (4 star vs. 3 star), has better mpg, has a locking waterproof trunk, gives a more comfortable ride, and is a welcome departure to the boring look of the age old pickup truck. While the Tundra offers shorter braking distance, 500 lbs. increased weight, a super quasi Lexus designed V-8 engine, is reportedly stronger off road, and tows about 1,600 more lbs., on balance the Ridgeline is the best choice - it is "as good as it gets!

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  love my honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By taya - November 18 - 4:25 pm

  I owned an Oldsmobile Bravada prior to the Honda. I traded in the Olds for the Honda to gain better gas mileage...and what a difference it made, I was averaging 11 MPH in town and 19 on the highway in the Olds...with the Honda I average 22 in town and 25-29 on the highway depending on conditions.