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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  good daily driver - 1997 Honda Civic
  By islanderfan - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had no trouble with anything except driver side power window comes out of track when lowerted when raining. Other than that, this car has had no problems since the day we bought it.

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  One enjoyable car! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By rageous - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed every minute of the last five years with my 97 Accord. Its fun to drive and very reliable. Only routine maintenance has been needed in the last 80,000 miles. This is also a very easy car to customize with thousands of available accessories on the market.

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  Gotta Love Them Civics - 1998 Honda Civic
  By justin0485 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my 1998 Honda Civic, so far it has been a really good car. It is a big difference from my last car which was a 1995 Ford Contour with about 10 recalls on it. The only little problem with my car which has the automatic transmission, it shifts really hard, but maybe thats like Honda. Other than that I love it, it has great build quality and a lot of safety features. I love the valet key idea and autolock which was not on any Ford, the crash tests are much better, sunroof is great, and the keyless entry is another plus (why doesnt it have a trunk opener button). Oh well, Im very satisfied with this car and would recommend it to anyone.

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  WHATS NOT TO LOVE? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kigasman - September 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife talked me into getting a practical car. I was very sceptical being used to BMW or AUDI--but I just grow to love it more and more. Great power, decent handling, supurb layout of gages and controls. To be fair I only have 400 miles on it but there is NOTHING I wish was different yet, exccpt maybe a stiffer suspension. My son cant rave enough about the DVD and rear stereo options. We used to never take my BMW 750il as a family, we always took the surburban--now we only use this thing!! Thanks Honda!!

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  Honda seats - 2001 Honda Accord
  By tennisjanice - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car, however for trips longer than about 2 hours, the seats can be very hard and painful.

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  Best Car in America - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sprocket - September 7 - 6:46 am

  45-48 mpg in all driving, consistently. Plenty of room for normal people, and quick handling. The best car available in America, hands down. No more necessary.

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  Disappointed in gas mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By kshoshy - September 6 - 11:19 pm

  I purchased this vehicle because all the reports said Honda and Toyota have the best crash rating and best gas mileage. I am very disappointed. I do all city driving and Im getting between 17 and 19 in the city. The service dept. ran a test for me but, their road test was a combo of city and highway. The test gave me a rating of 20.5. All the reports said I would get 21-23 in the city and 31 on the highway. I got better gas mileage on my 6 cylinder Nissan. In addition to the gas problem the car tires are louder than usual. I had it checked out and apparently thats just how they are. I am an unhappy consumer.

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  Happy as a Lark - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff - September 6 - 7:46 pm

  Everybody complains about the power. Well the later year CR-Vs, you got what you asked for, and the MPG dropped right along with it. Now the gas prices are out of sight and the most fuel efficient SUV of its time now gets a lot less than the 25 MPG it got in 2000. Ill never get rid of my 2000. It goes anywhere that any SUV can go. Great in snow. Roomy. Great on gas, and looks good. What do you want?

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rich - September 6 - 6:56 pm

  What can I say? Its a Honda. The American car builders should have been shadowing these guys 15 years ago. Ive never felt so secure and safe in a relatively small car. I bought the V6 for the extra sprint power which makes the car safer, but knocks down the MPG to 24 or so.

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  My 3003 Honda EX V6 experience - 2003 Honda Accord
  By O.R.C - September 6 - 5:44 pm

  Purchased my Honda in December of 2002. My family has had six Hondas, and they have all been good reliable vehicles. I probably will wont live long enough to wear it out