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 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By smiles498 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Id always been a fan of the 4th gen. coupes design. I bought my car used last year with 53,000 miles on it, which made me a little skeptical. But the car now has 71,000 miles and runs like a champ. It still looks great too on the inside and outside.

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  Superb - 1997 Honda Civic
  By gunner19 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive just passed the 100,000 mile marker and shes still as strong as ever. Ive never had a problem with this car.

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  So much fun! - 2003 Honda Element
  By NickyBlue - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4 Honda product weve owned. The make of the vehicle lives up to the standard of Honda and has been so much fun. We have two children and the doors and interior space are convenient. Everyone is looking to figure out what we are driving and we tell them its awesome.

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  Scrooges Review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pdozier - November 14 - 2:00 am

  First SUV and love it. Gas Mileage much better than most SUVs. Can think of 3-4 improvements (see below). Have a black Pilot..probably would do silver or white next time due to dirt issues. For a first year car, simply wonderful.

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  Havasu Blue Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By madabout - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This Minivan continues to distinguish itself from the rest,I managed to get the EX-L-RES at MSRP and the color I wanted,the road feel of this vehicle is inspiring and the amenities is what I expect from Honda

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  Moneysaver - 2003 Honda Civic
  By S Larson - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is an amazing combination of economy and comfort. It has a huge interior given its exterior dimensions. It is a good interstate cruiser (on a round trip from upstate New York to Orlando I got 40-42 mpg despite sustained 70-75mph speeds!) and the drivers seat is outstanding given the cars price. There is passenger space and luggage room enough for four people on a long trip. Overall I definitely recommend this car. Im originally from Sweden and have always driven German and French cars. This Civic beats them all, except the latest Peugeot 307 Diesel which is not offered here in the States.

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  Best In Class for The Money - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Joe McCain - November 13 - 8:52 pm

  This car is incredible. Bought it new in late 2004. 5 speed with 112,000 miles and I still get 36-39 mpg. Super stereo and rides good. Perfect for commuting. Will go 80 + mph easy on highway with no problems. Interior finishes are good and car can handles four (regular sized) adults. Have had NO problems at all. Its my fourth Honda and I am convinced, for the money, Honda is the leader in the value / mileage category. Reliable / quality... this small car has it all.

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  Good for trips - 2004 Honda Civic
  By sjc355VT - November 13 - 8:00 pm

  I love this car on trips, but I shouldve gotten a 5 speed! I live where we have 8% grade mountains that I sometimes have to go down in winter. Most economy cars even in automatic have a 1st gear option that you can manually put the car into. This does NOT! And the fact that there are no ABS brakes means pumping the brakes on straight-aways then hoping you dont slide across the corner off the mountain. Its scary. I love this car, but that is reason enough for me to get something with 1st gear as an option. Also on dry straight-aways I tried it in 2nd gear and it didnt stay where it should - it picked up speed! Hello!

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  I like my Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By larrysfixit - November 13 - 7:24 pm

  I have had the car for 10 years. never had a problem. Great minivan. 28 MPG All the power you will need. Loves to cruse at 80MPH

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  I Love My CRV! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By cindy4aa2 - November 13 - 3:23 pm

  I bought my CRV brand new in 1999. It has great gas mileage, low maintenance costs and has been extremely reliable. I havent even run out of gas! The only things I have done to it are regular maintenance items, oil, tires, belts etc. Just had to put part of new muffler on this week. I live in a snowy city and the salt finally ate through. And I didnt have to replace the battery until last year. I would love to get another newer model but they are too expensive for me now. I will definitely get another Honda. Itll be my third! I highly recommend them.