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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  Reviewer from Pennsylvania - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Obsessed Car Buyer - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I just cannot stop driving this car. I looked carefully at Infiniti G-35, Subaru Legecy Ltd. 2005, Acura TL, and BMW 330 and decided to buy the Accord and do not regret it. At $23,000+ and 4.25% for sixty months, I got a lot of car for my money. The V6 is powerful and acceleration is effortless. The interior feels like entry-level luxeries at 30K+. There was a small scratch on the body and a faded spot on the glovebox door that the dealership took care of them very efficiently. As far as reliability is concerned, the jury is still out there. This is my first Honda so I cannot say much in that area but Others who have had Accords for years are very reassuring.

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  Sporty + Practical + Reliable Sedan A+++ - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jugno - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very sporty and at the same time it is a practical sedan. 240 HP is good enough to blast this thing 0- 60 in 6.5s. TSC, ABS, 8 Airbags, 6 CD all came standard. I just love it and did i mention gas mileage. 25/30 MPG is what I get and its far better than many rivals especially Germans in this class !!! I loved its ABS & TCS cause it has saved me a couple of times from some ruthless physical forces ...... !!!

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  Excellent choice - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Wyatt - September 28 - 8:30 am

  I looked at several small SUVs, including the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, and Suzuki XL-7. The CR-V offers the most fun for the money, and the manual tranny is a blast to drive! It is quicker than my last car, a Ford Explorer V-8! It gives great mileage, is a cinch to park, and has as much room as the Explorer ever did (usable room, anyway). The interior cubbies are the best, I have room for Kleenex packets, loads of CDs, my parking deck gate card, and any other small items I ever have, all with its own place!

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  Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By P - September 28 - 5:42 am

  Excellent vehicle with no problems so far. Everytime I fill the tank, someone asks me about it. Ive had people take a look and say they were heading right to the dealership to buy one. So versatile. Nothing else like it with Honda reliability.

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  Theft Magnet - 2007 Honda S2000
  By TMAC - September 27 - 5:00 pm

  I owned a 2005 S200 for about a year before it was stolen. The car is awesome, but have now learned that the S2000 is a hot target for parts. My car was stolen and found a few days later completely stripped (wheels, headlights, taillights, seats, steering wheel, airbags, door panels, stereo, etc.). This was my second theft incident with the same car and have heard plenty of similar stories. I would absolutely recommend the car, but only if you can keep it safe in a garage.

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  Loves It! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RoxyChick - September 27 - 3:00 pm

  Okay, so I bought my new Civic a couple months ago. Had to order it b/c I couldnt find a white LX Coupe anywhere. I waited for about a month and when it came in off that truck, it was definately worth the wait. The styling on this car is great. From just the lines of the body to the futuristic look of the dash; its impressing. The ride is so smooth and it feels like a car that should cost over $20,000. Ive always been a little weird w/ the Civics b/c I didnt want to buy a "cheap" car, but w/ this new design, Im sorry I ever felt that way. I love my new Civic and I cant wait to drive it for years to come (especially to the beach this summer!)

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  Love my car - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Fernando Moralez - September 26 - 5:48 pm

  Driving the S2000 for the first time took my breath away. Its handling is superior and the power was out of this world.

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  Hondas outdone itself - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By honda man - September 26 - 5:10 pm

  Excellent redesign safer 6 airbags stage 2 electronic stability control for rollover more comfortable seats Smart electronics like wiper control by speed of car ,outside temp reading on ex ,wiper on rear goes on by itself if you back up while the front is on ,door locks can be programmed to unlock only the driver whnen you take the key out

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  The Ultimate driving machine - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Kaio - September 26 - 2:17 pm

  I have owned this Accord for 7 years and I loved it so much that when I needed another car, I bought the exact same one brand new (Accord SE). It has given me absolutely no trouble at all and looks and drives like brand new. I still have the original rear brakes. I have replaced the front brakes once. 2 sets of tyres, a muffler and an expensive 105K mile service ($1000) which included air-conditioner and timing belt. Other than that it is oil change. On top of that it is soooo fun to drive. I wonder why people buy any other car.

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  Honda Element is a great family, fun car - 2003 Honda Element
  By Dana - September 26 - 9:53 am

  Love this vehicle and would buy another. With no carpeting, tons of space, and fold up seats, we can fit the kids and all their stuff, or appliances. Gas mileage is okay - around 21 in the city and I drive 100 miles a day. Its real comfortable on long trips, though I wish a passenger front armrest was standard. MP3 compatible, and outlets everywhere. And the best is no carpet to get smelly from wet or dirty shoes just vacuum it out, and were ready to go. Truly fun to drive, though the back seats sit up high and adults usually think its weird but I love it! Already looking to see what the new ones have, and might trade it in for another. Great family vehicle.