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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  WE LOVE OUR HONDA - 2003 Honda Civic
  By BURKMAN - November 9 - 10:00 am

  WE JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR FIRST HONDA AND ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. IT IS EXTREMELY FUN TO DRIVE. IT HAS UNEXPECTED PEP AND HANDLES BEAUTIFULLY. I AM 60 TALL AND HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE INTERIOR COMFORT. WE LOVE THE CAR SO MUCH THAT WE WILL BE PURCHASING ANOTHER ONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THANK YOU HONDA!!!!!

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  I LOVE IT, please FIX the lock HORN!!1 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By volkracing99 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  THe best interior, nice exterior... and big trunk.... thats the one that make me bought the car....

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  Nothing Better at this price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By qclimer - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I put 40k per year on for my job and buy a new car every two years. You CANNOT buy more car than the EX-V6 with NAVI, for the money. Build quality is top notch, quiet interior, great highway cruiser (2500 rpm @ 85mph), and good looking. The V6 is powerful enough to leave most cars in your slip stream, fuel efficient (Im avg 30mpg) and smooth. I would buy another one of these in a second!

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  Wonderful car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By M - November 9 - 4:10 am

  First time Honda owner. Through all my research, reading and test driving. This car is hard to beat. My V6 runs silky smooth and quiet. It speaks softly but carries a big stick. Fit and finish both inside and out is above average. My major gripe is the sales personnel. I felt like a carcass among predators. The car sells itself; why do they act like vultures?

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Harold Williams - November 9 - 1:20 am

  I am retiring in 3 months, and decided to combine my car and truck needs. This vehicle could be named "car of the year" as well as "truck of the year". We could not be happier with a vehicle.

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  One of the first Pilots built - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bill - November 8 - 1:50 pm

  I own a 2003 honda Pilot. Its been a very good driving crossover vehicle. The front plows a little when turning. The cabin is noisy but I crank up the 155w stereo. Under 45mph it whistles and all of the window regulators have been replaced. Never buy a first year model - lessons learned. The vehicle goes great in the snow and its fun to goose it when starting out in wet conditions. This vehicle has a wide stance, not too tall, front wheel drive and would handle better in emergency manuvers where 4x4s would probably flip - very important, ask my neighbor. I bought this because I was tired of being beaten up by my previous SUVs and needed a better ride. Overall - smart vehicle.

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  Good Car - Terrible Seats - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Zzzooom - November 8 - 1:21 pm

  Had the car a year: Loved the economical operation, the room, the dash layout and the BEST navigation system on the market. HOWEVER, the drivers seat was terribly uncomfortable on the upper back and the leather seats were hard. I actually hated to drive the car because of the seat comfort. Resisted selling the car, but when the front brake rotors has to be resurfaces three times due to warping (under warranty) i decided to sell it. Very mixed emotions when selling however, in retrospect, it was the only choice. I HATED the seats!

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  Wonderful car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - November 8 - 3:56 am

  This is my 3rd Honda CR-V and I dont think Ill ever change to another SUV! The Honda CR-V LX 2008 is a great car, better mileage than my CR-V 2004 and it is really good to drive. I am so excited about my new purchase and I congratulate the Honda Co. for putting such good product out in the market!

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  Performance - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 8 - 2:13 am

  This import is very fun to drive, especially at high speeds. It handles just like a sport car and feels like one. It is highly economical in terms of gas mileage.

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  Life Saver - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 7FAMILYTRUCKSTR - November 8 - 1:46 am

  I hit a deer on the right front side on the interstate doing 70 mph. It hardly felt like I hit anything. The kids were to busy watching the dvd in back to notice. Its a credit to how the van was designed. The front bumper, hood, right headlight, and right passenger door had to be replaced with a pull to the unibody frame by the headlight. 9k bill to the insurance company.