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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  FunCar - 2005 Honda S2000
  By KenO - March 22 - 8:06 pm

  Great classic look. Just plain fun sports car- no frills. Great handling and wonderful shifting.

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  Great for Dogs - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tara Harden - March 22 - 7:48 am

  My husband commutes to work and we have dogs, so we needed a vehicle that could handle all our requirements. The Honda Element is perfect. It gets great gas mileage, but is tough enough to handle having our two weimaraners in the back. Theres plenty of room for all of our "stuff" and the dogs when we go on long trips. Hondas been a great service and maintenance provider and the quality of their product is outstanding. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone--not just commuters and dog people.

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  Amazing car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By imovitz - March 22 - 5:52 am

  This car does everything well, and some things excellent. I have no problem driving in any kind of weather. It hauls all my music equipment and I have even towed a trailer with it. I will buy another when this wears out.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2000 Honda Accord
  By James - March 22 - 12:49 am

  I have owned my Honda for 6 years now. Have had NO problems with it and love the car.

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  Glad I Got One - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By liltaytay - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I am really glad that I got a Honda CRV. It has a great ride, lots of room and a lot of features that I could not get with my other vehicle...The best thing about this vehicle is that it fits my budget and I pay the same for insurance and gas...What a deal.

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  Sleek and silver - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kate twomey - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My third Honda Accord is the best yet in initial quality, performance and comfort. With the sunroof open or closed, on torn-up roads or highways, its a real pleasure to drive.

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  240 hp of fun - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TV MAN - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Honda EX V6 has it all! power, comfort, and style. very roomy. The trunk space is very good. The car rides very smooth on the freeways and great pick-up on the streets.

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  Formula red s2k - 2006 Honda S2000
  By marvin - March 21 - 1:12 am

  My overall ownership experience with this car is unbelievable. its one of the most funnest cars that I have driven. It handles very well and its very fast, especially when the vtec kicks in, its an incredible rush.

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  Dependable - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Single Lady - March 20 - 10:25 pm

  I brought my Honda Accord in 2002. This car has not let me down not once! The maintenance has been only oil changes, a set of tires and I just replaced the brakes at 95,000 miles. Its the car to all when you are a single lady.

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  second but not last civic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By otarakiwi - March 20 - 5:43 am

  I sold my 2001 Civic LX and purchased the EX Model because I wanted a sunroof. I am amazed about how big the interior it is and I keep reminding my friends that it is just a civic. I went from a manual to automatic and it feels so nice to drive and I love the steering wheel. I feel it is slow going up hills from start but it is a big car and only 140 horsepower so it is a small price to pay.