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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  Honda Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Serina - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I absoulutly love it the gas mileage is awesome I can fill it up with 18 dollars and it will last me 2 weeks the interior is very nice and its very fun to drive I really like the face gauges they light up blue at night its pretty cool looking only bad thing is the insurence skyrockets when you get one but a honda will last you a lifetime

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  Dont believe the hype - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jumpnjoe - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Everyone says the Accord is a bland automobile because there are so many on the road. Take it for a spin and youll change your mind. Its fast, responsive and smooth. Its fun to drive, the interior is very nice. The exterior is a matter of taste. I think it will age better than many of the trendy designs which is important for a car that I plan on keeping for a while.

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  MORE FOR THE MONEY - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TMILLPENS - July 15 - 2:00 am

  WOW, I LOVE MY HONDA ACCORD MORE EVERY DAY, MORE HORSE POWER THEN I CAN USE AND I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE SPENT MUCH MORE ON IT. GOOD JOB HONDA !!

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  BEST VALUE!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Watty - July 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I looked long and hard and decided to buy the Honda due to resale value and dependibility.

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  GREAT - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Willin - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks like an expensive vehicle but performs better!!!!

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  2004 LX sedan and why I chose it - 2004 Honda Accord
  By civic_cx_92 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a sports sedan and thought of getting a Mazda 3s sedan, but after pricing it with the options I wanted and not getting price breaks... I bought a 04 Honda Accord LX sedan with 5MT. $18,500 including destination, financed 48 months at 2.9%. 26 MPG in the city and 34 MPG in the highway. 17.1 gallon fuel tank lets me zoom-zoom by gas stations. The 2.4 i-VTEC motor is under rated, 0- 60 in mid 7 seconds and 1/4 around high 15s. Will run with Focus SVT, Civic Si, Tiburon GT V6, SE-R Spec V, and 3s...after the break in period. No buyers remorse, you can have a high quality life with a Honda.

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  Nice family vehicle and it is quite&comfort - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Colin Yu - July 15 - 1:34 am

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  Best in Class - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By teddyjackson - July 14 - 4:56 pm

  This is a great vehicle that is fun to drive on both city roads and the highway. For its class, it offers the most interior room and cargo space. The CR-V is the best bang for the buck. Its standard features far outweigh any other SUV in its class. What is standard on the CR-V is optional on a lot of others. Cant beat Honda engines, reliability and style. MPG is better than what is stated on the window sticker.

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  Toms opinion - 2006 Honda Element
  By Tom Whaley - July 14 - 10:08 am

  Car is new. Drove it on a vacation trip of over 3000 miles without any problems and enjoyed the experience. Fuel consumption was better than manufactures estimates. This is the first small care that I have ever owned and the only thing that I have a problem with is the steering wheel hides the gauges.

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  Hondas Homerun - 2008 Honda Accord
  By PharmD - July 14 - 6:56 am

  Styling in and out is fantastic, and the v-6 performance is all one would hope for and more. Can get close to epa with cruise on highway. Handles brilliantly on all surfaces without any complaints. Had to emergency pass on freeway, went from 65 to 90 in a flash with superior handling without as much as a shake or rattle.