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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  Going Greener Update - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 56rascal - May 19 - 11:53 am

  Updating previous review (see Greener with Style 4/05): City/Suburban driving 24.5 to 27.5 mpg and highway driving (55 to 65 mph in hilly Oregon) 33 to 34 mpg. Realistically we could have saved a lot more by buying a strong 4 cylinder Accord, but our reasons for buying the car were not driven by only the dollars spent. The car is a joy to drive. Again I would emphasize you need to test drive it fully warmed up in a variety of conditions. Some people may actually be annoyed by the engine shutdown on stops and cylinder shutdown/restart. Electronic steering feels like it hangs sometimes. My wife drives a Civic Hybrid with about 44 mpg but lacks the comfort and power of the Accord (lucky me).

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  Great car (1999 Honda Civic LX 4DR.) - 1999 Honda Civic
  By A. nonymous - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome. it is one of the best cars i have ever owned, even drove. I have the 99 model, so not only was it affordable when i bought it, but i have had no problems with it at all. It drives great and my buddies love it. It can be a young single persons car, a retired persons car, or even a family car. If you are on a low budjet for your next car but still want it to be very nice , I definitely recommend the 99 Honda civic Lx, esspecially the black one.

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  1999 Honda Civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jake Jake - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR

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  Excellent Form of City Transportation. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Kirill - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Civic. Although my first 98 DX model had some problems with (lots of cheap and fragile interior plastics), everything else outweighted all the negative aspects. My 2000 EX, which patched DX flaws with quality interior and added lots of nice power features including 127hp engine. Two years later, I CANNOT find a singe thing to complain about. Overall, Honda are ideal vehicles for those folks who like to spare their nervous system from factory recalls, getting stranded on the roadside and spending tons of money on parts and labor.

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  Excellent Experience - 1999 Honda Accord
  By MrMayr - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for 3+ years now, and it has been excellent. No repairs, rides like new, holding up very well.

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  First SUV experience.. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By reallive - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Hondas have always been known for producing some of the greatest daily driven cars ever. The new 2nd- generation CR-V proves that Honda is still the best in doing what they do best: producing a good car and then making it better. I used to drive a Honda Prelude, that was modified to be faster, and driving the CR-V around gives me more of a smile on my face than the Prelude did...its that much fun to drive, and that comfortable to ride in whether youre on the highway or on a gravel road.

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  The Best..... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dongon - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I had to wait three weeks for my CRV as it has become a hot selling SUV. Cant say enough about it, except Im glad I waited

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  Smart and Fun - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Craig - May 18 - 4:39 pm

  If you are confident enough to only need your vehicle define you are "smart" and "innovative" then this is the car for you. Its for people who like a sporty look as they tool around town and want to save on fuel as they do so. For those of you with fragile egos, there will always be SUVs. See you at the pumps!

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  A 10 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By YGWYPF - May 18 - 10:43 am

  You get what you pay for. One suggestion to people making negative comments is to "TEST DRIVE" the car first. It seems like people never even sat in the car once before buying it. Many people comment about lack of power... want more power, buy a car with a V6 or V8 not a 4-banger. I have owned this car for over 2 years now and have not had a single problem with it. I take it in for scheduled tune ups (based on the book not the dealer recommendations). I would not buy a 1000 sq ft house made of cardboard and then complain about it being made of cheap material and too small. Again "You Get What You Pay For". If you want a more powerful Honda, get an Accord.

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  Running Strong after All Theses Years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Wendy G - May 17 - 9:16 pm

  I have done all the required maintenance on time and this car has never broken down..ever. That is the best thing about Hondas. You take care of them, they will take care of you. After 178,000 miles, all I have done is replace batteries, wipers, tires, brakes and an alternator. Regular attention to the owners manual has kept me rolling along and safe. Love this car!!