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:

• 

  I Love my Accord V-6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lotustwo - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this V-6. It is my second..upgrade from 98 V-6 :The first model. This is a very smooth riding and quiet car. Has alot of power. Hardin Honda was great. Renaldo was my sales person. $400 under MSRP. I also had teflon coating. What an upgrade! the body just glows.

• 

  Two weeks old - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Magilla - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Altima, Passat and Accord. Im really happy I went with the Accord. Very soft leather and interior feel is excellent.

• 

  Love my honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By cyn - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Accord, and it is the best so far. I love the changes they have made to the new 2003 models.

• 

  Best Car I Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sniffydad - July 27 - 9:46 am

  Best car Ive ever owned - bar none! This is a jewel to drive and very luxurious. No better value out there. Heated leather seats, 6-disc CD, Navigation System that is VOICE ACTIVATED ... the list goes on and on. This is a $45,000 car for less than $27,000! I currently have over 28,000 miles on it and have never had any problems -- not one. If I ever trade it in, it will be for another 6-cyl Accord.

• 

  Best Decision - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Mcscotch - July 27 - 2:28 am

  I could not have purchased a better car. This was my first adult car purchase, and I debated buying a more powerful or stylish car, but I couldnt be happier. The 5 speed manual is good for 30-35 mpg highway, and the forgiving gear ratio makes acceleration easy. I have put 40000 miles on it, and needed a new clutch (due to an uphill parallel parking spot), new tires, and thats it. When I have the means to buy a new car, I plan to give this one to a family member, because it seems like a waste to sell it when it will run as long as virtually anything on the road.

• 

  Best Value Dollar For Dollar - 2004 Honda S2000
  By EJ - July 27 - 12:04 am

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. Reliable, beautifully engineered, a true joy to drive. The engine delivers all the power one really needs, the transmission gets the power to the low profiles tires with shift throws that are short and close together. The suspension is stiff, but not uncomfortable, the car really becomes an extension of the driver

• 

  $11.00 per month on Gas - 2000 Honda Insight
  By sharon wilson - July 26 - 11:08 pm

  I think I was one of the first to buy this car, I spent $11 per month on gas, one fill up. The only problem was people was always coming up to me asking about it. My top MPG was a 230 mile trip in which I got 93 miles per gallon. You wont get a speeding ticket with this car but you will save alot of money on gas, I would buy another one in a heartbeat. It is a great little car. I absolutely love it.

• 

  Dream van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By medic-34 - July 26 - 10:34 pm

  This van is everything that a Honda advertises. 240 Hp is more than adequate, very comfortable, all around excellence

• 

  What A Ride! - 2004 Honda Element
  By TomKat - July 26 - 8:29 pm

  The very best vehicle Ive ever purchased. Perfect for outdoor lifestyle or just driving to work! Great for larger travelling, pets, dogs, pigs, whatever :) Would highly recommend and plan to buy another if this one ever dies.

• 

  I Love My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ask Him - July 26 - 8:22 pm

  Fun to drive, easy to handle, great turning. I took my Element to the mountains last winter. No problems climbing those steep hilly roads with ice and wind.