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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  Family Van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Tyler Harms - August 13 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to own.

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  Awesomeness in Mini Hummer - 2003 Honda Element
  By Dan289 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Love my Element. I had a Toyota Tundra limited and traded it in for this baby. My expierience has been great. Comfort, roominess and convenience. Fits all my needs. I got it green and I think its the best color. I have not enjoyed driving until the Element came along, but now. I just cant seem to get out of my Element!

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  civic2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mannych - August 13 - 2:00 am

  a great car in all aspects.gives excellent fuel mileage and superb handling.nice interiors and styling. gives you value for money.

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  World Class all the way - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Al - August 12 - 5:28 pm

  Years ago I owned a 1976 Triumph tr6 and I really missed that car. It was a true classic. This is a modern day tr6 classic. The dimensions are identical with the exception that the s2k is 10 inches wider. The car is world class. The 6 speed transmission is the best that I,ve ever experienced. It corners incredibly. The car is very civil below six grand. Above it and the excitement begins. The vtec kits in and you are a happy camper. The high reving motor sounds great. A great driving experience at a fraction of the cost of owning a Porsche boxter, Z4,or even the 350z. What a bargain. This car turns as many heads as the more expensive brands.

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  Honda owner for life! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Lynda Alsup - August 12 - 4:27 pm

  Mine is a Honda Civic EX - 5speed manual. I drive 85% highway and average 33mpg. Previous car was a V6 2000 GrandAM (automatic) and I am VERY impressed with the pick up & acceleration onto the highway with my Civic. I call it my poor mans BMW but thats a compliment because it has the classic exterior styling of a BMW without the outrageous price tag. Ive always been a GM buyer - especially Pontiac but after owning a Civic - Im Honda forever!

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  great auto - 2000 Honda Civic
  By bob - August 12 - 6:43 am

  my wife bought this car new. it has never been back to the dealership for anything. not even a loose screw. no maintenance at all except change the oil every 3k miles. great gas mileage.

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  Better Than Expected - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Joe - August 11 - 6:23 pm

  I bought my 06 Honda Accord mostly for the fuel economy. This car has turned out to be more than I expected. The ride is smooth and the 4 cylinder engine has more get up and go than I would have believed. I have gotten nothing but compliments on my purchace. This is my first Honda but I will be buying Honda again in the future.

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  This vehicle is fun to drive! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By sotexphan - August 11 - 2:59 pm

  I have owned Hondas for the past 6 years. I just trader my 3rd Accord for my Green CRV. Now, dont get me wrong, the Accord is the Grand-daddy for sure but I just love my CRV! It is fun to drive, I can fit a lot of stuff in there (especially my bike). We recently went on a trip and could fit everything in the back w/o any problems. It rides great and has a smooth transmission. I like the driving position and there is a lot of interior room especially in the back seat.

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  Fun but.... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Si dave - August 11 - 8:00 am

  My honda civic is fun, fast and can handle the road like it was on railroad tracks! The only complaints i have with the car is rattling in the engine above 6,000 rpms in which i was told was the heat sheild. Also, on the inside of the car the two panels that run parallel with the windshield vibrate. Although the car is everything i wanted and expected i wish the dealer could fix these two minor problems( but they drive me insane). If anyone could give me an alternate reason to the rattling in the engine it would greatly appreciated.

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  Nice upgrade! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By chanchu1 - August 11 - 12:48 am

  Owned a 2009 Camry and was extremely happy with the car. Drove it 200 miles to and from work daily without a flaw. Car had 178,000 miles and drove like new. Decided to trade in search of better MPG. considered the 2013 Nissan Altima, Ford fusion & Toyota Camry. Glanced at the Kia and Hyundai but just cant get passed the silly looking logo on both korean vehicles. Bottom line, the honda Accord comes with more standard features than all mentioned for about the same price. The Accord handles a bit sportier than the Camry and is not as plush but way out performs the Camry in handling. Only small complaint is a bit of wind and road noise which was similar to the Camry a coworker of mine ownes.