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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  Fun for $14,000 / Cheap to Own. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Blake - August 3 - 9:36 pm

  I think if you are looking at a compact car that gets great gas mileage, you have to check out the Civic. It is reliable, fun, and nice for the price. I think you will be surprised with what you get for what you pay. The LX has all the stuff you need. A/C, CC, PW, PD, CD, keyless entry.

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  Just sold it and now miss it! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Idahoaggie98 - August 3 - 3:47 pm

  We just bought a 2003 Honda Odyssey because we simply outgrew the smaller civic. Its been my wifes car for almost 7 years. We have never had any problems. The interior held up extremely well. I loved the way it handled. After 120,000 miles, everything worked and the car almost looked like new when we sold it.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Matt - August 3 - 3:26 pm

  We traded in an 04 Grand Am for the Civic and love it. Its a much more fun ride than I expected, gets great mileage, and is comfortable.

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  simpley awesome - 2003 Honda S2000
  By kingdog - August 3 - 10:00 am

  this car is awesome for the price iam a honda tech and we never see these cars in the shop

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  2003 Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bull - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Honda has a solid reputation. This is my second Honda. Bought the Accord years back and thought it was time to return.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Laura - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I adore this car. I traded in my Volvo wagon for it and would never look back. The main bone I need to pick is the difficulty in setting up the DVDs to play from the front seat- I need to climb into the back seat to use the menu feature and that is a major PITA. ;)

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  CRV 5 speed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mpgiv - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a month..5 speed ex model is hard to find..had to get one out of town..bought the car over the telephone..very happy with car except for one thing which all manufacturers seem to do...lousy standard equipment tires..comes with B, B rated tires..already got rid of the tires that came with the car..car averages 25 mpg with a/c..average speed of 70 on highway..mileage consists of 20% city and 80% highway..Excellent honda build quality.not one problem to date..this one came from england..not my first honda car..have owned several..thought this was better value for the money than the pilot..Recommend highly

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  Good Ride - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By d1310011 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Not the best gas mileage - BUT I find everything else about the Odyssey EXCELLENT. The ride is comfortable the view from the drivers seat is good and controls are convenient. I have not found any irritating squeaks or rattles. The dealership did an excellent job of follow up on questions and orientation of my new Odyssey.

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  Sporty Sophicticated Rice Rocket - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RacerDave - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Finally the hatch is back, with the added convinience of a beefy engine powerplant. This car likes to be reved up and kept up there, afterall thats when it all comes to live. Hit 5000rpm and the beauty of Hondas i-VTEC propels you to the end of the rpm red line. Nice little car, but a bit pricey for what it is, no wonder people opt to pay a couple of thou more and get the Acura RSX.

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  Impressive car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gmore - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a very solid, good driving car. I think the Accord is the best car in its class and better than some more expensive cars.