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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  2ndAccord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By willietwin - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I got a great deal on an LX Accord. I had a 97 EX and fell in love with that car. This one is even better in build quality, in comfort, in interior design, and in handling. More horsepower with 4cylinger a plus. I have almost 3,000 miles and have noticed noise from the drivers window.

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  best car out there - 2003 Honda Accord
  By babybesos - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving more than ever with this car! It has such a hot exterior look and the interior desigh tops it off. This car is a mixture of all the hott cars out there today, but has such an orginal look to it. I am so satisfied with my car, i 100% recommend it.

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  Love It - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rinaldo - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Drove car city and highway great mileage and good performance.Love to drive it any place a real headturner.

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  The Best Buy - A Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ??? - September 21 - 9:33 am

  I purchased our vehicle for my 16-year old daughter, a birthday surprise. I researched and shopped around for the safest vehicle I could put her in and still afford and that a 16-year old girl would be proud of, and we couldnt have done better. She absolutely loved her car. It was cool. More importantly to me, the gas mileage was super. She unfortunately was in a huge wreck. The car did exactly as it was supposed to, held up completely under pressure, frame never gave way, airbags deployed. The police and wreckers were amazed, and I was thankful. It is the only car I will put her back in.

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  awesome - 1993 Honda Civic
  By marcbobson - September 21 - 3:59 am

  this car is amazing. i bought it with about 100K miles on it, and have put 60K miles in just 2 years or so. The MPG is insane even though its rated at 39 MPG, i routinely obtain 42-45 MPG. The car is so reliable its amazing. I put 80 mi per day on it, and it hasnt broken down once. Just basic repairs like brakes. I would recommend this car to anyone. Only downside is it doesnt have a lot of pep/pick-up, especially on hills--but hey if you want 45 MPG from a car built 15 years ago, you have to accept the downside.

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  The Complete Package - 2007 Honda Accord
  By FugieNY - September 21 - 2:36 am

  I got the base model LX and it came with nice rims, CD and all of the basic options one would need in a car. The car has a great appearance. I love the clean and simple lines and it looks awesome in red. The handling and suspension is far better than any car in its class. It really feels very Lexus-like on the road. The 4cyl could use a touch more power but it has good pickup and its very quiet and smooth with the 5A. The only issue I have is the defroster - it takes a long time to defrost...

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  An honest review - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rafael - September 21 - 1:22 am

  One of my worst experience of owning a new vehicle. We purchased it at around 40K and in the first 1000 miles the alignment was off. It kept on pulling to the right. Our family left for a road trip to LA from Seattle, half way down the trip, my front wheel bearings went bad and made a loud noise. So, we get stranded in San Francisco. Its still under warranty, but it had 3 to 4 alignments in the first year of ownership and Honda could not fix it or figure it out. I test drove 06s, 07s Touring models and they too have alignment issue. My Touring Ody spent more time at the dealership than we could trips at it just sitting in my garage. It also, had rattles and loud wind noise, disappointing.

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  Accord Ex L - Navi - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Don Liu - September 20 - 11:56 pm

  I am very pleased by this vehicle for over fours year, I only replaced AC transistor unit ($150) due to I switch on and off AC too many times Honda paid for my wiper motor last year. Fuel economy is amazing for a V6. It says 18-27 mpg but my on-board computer tells it is 23+ in city and 32-34 mpg on high way if I cruise on 75 mph. I was considering trading in this babe for a 2008 Accord V6. After test driving, I still love mine. It is more responsive and fuel efficient.

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  Bad in Wisconsin Snow!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - September 20 - 10:40 pm

  I bought my Civic because I had always heard they were great cars. This car drives great unless there is snow. It is not good in the snow at all. It constantly fishtails and I do not feel safe at all. I think this would be a great car if I lived in FL but would not recommend for the northern states that get a lot of snow!!

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  Accord is #1 - 1993 Honda Accord
  By doofus - September 20 - 8:33 pm

  Ive had my Accord since I bought it new in 1993. It is ultra-reliable. Ive replaced only tires, brakes, and exhaust in 15 years of ownership. I plan to sell it in the next month or so. Having bought the car for $13,000 and considering its resale value of about $2000 there is no better value in the automotive industry. Cant wait to get my hands on the 2009!