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:

• 

  Honda Civic Si 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Fogttay - April 19 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Honda Civic Si on 12/23/2005. I was going to purchase an S2000, however, the Si is very comparable in performance, but about $15,000 less. Very fun to drive! Very comfortable! Great visibility! Great design of interior with many storage compartments! Stereo is superb! Handles as well as much more expensive sports cars at a fraction of the cost! Love it!

• 

  little white cloud - 1997 Honda Civic
  By mary - April 19 - 10:00 am

  The only problem is highway noise and ride. If your tires are not new, and the car isnt aligned recently, it will shake at 75 mph. Of course we should all be driving this little white cloud, to save what is left of the environment.

• 

  Yes, we love it! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By renoel - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We have owned it less than a week and are headed out for our first real trip today. I love the ride, the visibility, the many interior features, the power, and the handling. I find it very comfortable. My kids love the rear climate control, the entertainment system, and the view from the back seats.

• 

  Very Satisfied so far - 2002 Honda Civic
  By rick217 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  A very good car in its class. Engine and transmission are smooth and so far flawless on my car, power is quite good considering the car class. Ride is a little stiff,the road handling is excellent despite the mediocre stock firestone tires. My a/c works very well even on the hottest days. Interior finish and trim is also very good. Reliability to date is excellent unlike previous cars I,ve owned

• 

  Our First Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By martyz4 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  And definately not our last! We have had absolutely no problems with our Honda Accord. I love it so much we just purchased a second Honda. After numerous visits to the mechanic with our 1995 Ford Escort and way too much money on break downs we traded it in for a 2000 Honda Civic Coupe EX for our kids. I feel much safer with my daughter driving this dependable car. I will be thinking about a new 2003 Honda Accord EX for our future. Great car!

• 

  Sports car in disguise. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Stealth - April 19 - 3:56 am

  After months of wandering car lots, we finally got serious, drove cars, and talked prices. We liked the styling and performance of the Infiniti G35 Coupe, but the back seat was unbearable (crooked neck and head banging on the glass) and the price was intimidating. A test of the Acura TSX was quite pleasing, but it was a 4-door (less "sporty"), and was going to cost $2-3K more than the Accord Coupe. The 6-speed we loved in the TSX also comes in the Accord V6 Coupe, which offered more power and performance for less money. There is slightly less rear-seat headroom, but enough for us (511"). Cars we didnt drive: A4 V6, BMW 325 - too costly; RX8, Maxima, Subaru - styling; Camry - handling.

• 

  good buy for the money - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By bluhorse - April 18 - 10:36 pm

  Its a Honda. What more needs to be said? Its dependable, econonmic and fuel efficient. Its everything I wish the American builders would copy.

• 

  Just what I needed - 2004 Honda Element
  By scott - April 18 - 10:26 pm

  So far my Element has been a joy to own and drive. Zero mechanical problems ever. Extremely easy to keep clean. A work of art for the amount of room inside compared to its overall size. I like the brakes they work like I think brakes should work. Simply finding my element in a very large parking lot is no problem. There it is over there, the funny looking one. I love it!! Its been one of the best vehicles ever owned.

• 

  EXTREMELY RELIABLE!!! BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Joey Stern - April 18 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car used after totalling my 2002 toyota camry. Being a toyota guy most of my life I wanted to get a toyota again but i knew hondas are also comprable. I bought it in 2009 with 43k. Now, 8 years later at 219k I have only changed the battery and the starter. The rest has been regular maintenance (brakes, rotors, etc). Motor still runs very strong as well as the transmission. If you didnt look at the odometer you would think this car had 100k on it. If you can find a used one that was well taken care of, buy it, it doesnt have many fancy features but it wont let you down.

• 

  EXTREMELY RELIABLE!!! BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Joey Stern - April 18 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car used after totalling my 2002 toyota camry. Being a toyota guy most of my life I wanted to get a toyota again but i knew hondas are also comprable. I bought it in 2009 with 43k. Now, 8 years later at 219k I have only changed the battery and the starter. The rest has been regular maintenance (brakes, rotors, etc). Motor still runs very strong as well as the transmission. If you didnt look at the odometer you would think this car had 100k on it. If you can find a used one that was well taken care of, buy it, it doesnt have many fancy features but it wont let you down.