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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  Gutless Hybrid has Ups & Downs - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Hush - September 4 - 12:40 pm

  I purchased an 07 Civic Hybrid. Not only is it gutless, but fails to get the advertised mpg. I get about 32 around town. Now thats double from my last car and I actually dont mind filling it up. Ups & Downs.

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  One of the best! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rick - September 4 - 12:09 pm

  I purchased my accord after looking at much higher-priced vehicles such as the Acura RL etc. I found that the accord was the better value overall especially since it was over 7K less. The V6 engine provides enough power. Very comfortable interior. VERY spacious rear seating area. Smooth and quiet ride. One of the best integrated navigation systems available. I love the XM especially on long trips. Fuel management works great and allows you to constantly manage your instant fuel consumption. I was able to get over 30 mpg CITY using this feature (granted i drove much slower but at speed limits). Cant go wrong with this car!

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Had to Have a Honda - September 4 - 12:00 pm

  Daughter bought this car new and it now is just passing 30,000 miles. Drove it back and forth to college, and we are very comfortable in knowing that since its a Honda, it will give her years of dependable driving as she gets settled in her career. Had a problem with the cruise when she first got it, but was covered by warranty. Gas mileage is excellent! 40 city/45 highway. Had AC installed at the dealer. No complaints with the car at all. Put new tires on it recently, so shes good to go till she hits 100K. Dont see too many HX models on the road, but hers was reasonably priced and worth the investment.

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  Highly Reliable Honda Accord EX 4 Cyl - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Nova10s - September 4 - 11:03 am

  I love my 03 Honda Accord 2.4 cyl EX with leather. With 98,000 miles on it, this car continues to amaze me. The only non-standard repair involved the 6 CD changer/radios electronic screen going blank and the dealer replaced the radio at no charge, even though it was out of warranty (this is a common problem I was told). My car averages 27+ MPG combined and on the highway, it easily exceeds 30 MPG. On my car, the maintenance items like the disc brakes have to replaced every 24,000 miles and the rotors roughly 50,000 miles. The tires on the back were the original tires until recently when I replaced all four tires. This time Ill rotate them, to get even wear.

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  Happy camper - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JB - September 4 - 10:43 am

  Very happy with this vehicle. Just took long trip, loaded cab and m/c on back. Handling,power,comfort very good.Hoped for better gas mileage. 2700 Mile trip- only 16 mpg hwy. About 13 city.

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  best buy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By theresad - September 4 - 10:00 am

  this truck handles like a car..its a pleasure to drive

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  Whats Wrong With Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ernest Hill - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The Honda is absolutely fantastic automobile. However, their design colors (interiors) leave lot to be desired. Why cant you get a white car with a blue interior?

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  Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mikthemik - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on impulse. It was the best purchase ive ever made. It handles beautifully, it looks beautiful (especially in the graphite pearl color) and with the 240 horsepower v6 this thing moves. Not to mention the awesome 6cd in dash cd player and the heated leather seats. All in all these along with all the other features that excape me at the moment you cant go wrong getting this car.

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  Almost or Downhill - 2004 Honda Accord
  By leromero - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Honda Quality did not match previous cars, leather seats keep a lot of heat,plastic finishes are not quite good, the windshield distorts the view, I took it to the dealership, the manager was suprised to see it, we checked many cars in the lot and he acknowledged that the deffect was in every car even in the Oddiseys! He was truly surprised of not seen it before and that none saw that detail before. The car accelerates and breaks very well however the the quality almost there but did not matcht my other cars.

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  Little BIG Carl - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Raymond monette - September 4 - 8:00 am

  Nothing negative about this car..its the best car Ive ever owned. Owned American cars my whole life..bought this little beauty and Ill never go back.Ive done nothing to this civic except maintenance. Top..top.quality! !