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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  Rides like my E300 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By acirfa1 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Solid feel, and quiet - low road noise.This beats out the ML320, Discovery II, X5, Explorer and Pathfinder...and I tried ALL of them! I feel like I was in my MB E300 again. Unfortunately the dealer didnt give me a break on the price - for obvious reasons.

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  Would be perfect if I went V6. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bo - March 7 - 1:40 am

  Ive had this car for about 8 months now. I love everything about it. One thing I regret is not getting a manual tranny, since they were out of stock at the time. The V6 is awesome in terms of power, but I could not afford it at the time. And the look of it took time to grow on me, but I did get the OEM Aero-kit (HFP), which is just amazing. I think in the price range, there is no other car I would have gotten.

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  Pretty blue machine.. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Barbara - March 7 - 12:54 am

  This is a very nice small SUV. I really cant answer everything as I only have 300 miles on it. But so far, very nice.

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  2016 Honda Civic LX as compared to 2004 TSX - 2016 Honda Civic
  By JD & Company - March 7 - 12:00 am

  We leased this vehicle about 3-months ago after selling our 2004 TSX. In contrast to the TSX, the Civic uses regular gasoline, and has basic-sized steel belted tires that are H-rated. Stepping out of the Acura line to Honda was our best option to cut costs without giving up too many of the items that we enjoyed on our TSX. NOT having to buy premium gasoline, and change tires (V-rated sized) every 24-months is a godsend. The Civic is nimble enough around town, but lacks passing power at highway speeds. Our seats are cloth, and I do miss the leather seating with motorized seat adjustments. Fuel ecomomy is excellent at around 26 miles in stop and go driving to just under 40 on the highway. The Civic is a practical car, and has adequate trunk space. It is really designed for four passengers, not five as claimed in the drivers manuel. The A/C is cool. The car sits a little lower to the pavement than our Acura, but handles really well. Back-up camera, media jacks and cup holders. She starts up quick, and idles quiet as a mouse. In my business, I had previously rented Toyota Corollas, in fact I typically sought them out with National and Avis when they were available. I prefer the Civic handling over the Corolla. Both are about the same on fuel efficiency. The Honda Civic is a decent value and it is possible to purchase a really "dressed-up" Civic but that defeated the reason that we wanted it in the first place. BTW, the more add-on features and packages...the exponentially higher cost. It is possible to flirt with a $30,000 price tag if youre not careful. This is not a misprint....$30K. At that price, you should just look into a Honda Accord. Our Civic gets the job done adequately enough as equiped. I recommend the Civic to those seeking a more practical solution to their monthly and annual driving expenses.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Radcliffe1 - March 6 - 7:39 pm

  Having the money to pick from many cars did not stop me from buying this Honda. Its small, a little noisy, lacks some torque but its a gas to drive. Convertible is the only way it comes. Its not really my daily driver but the sun shines and the mountain and coastal roads beckon I know Im going to have a great time.

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  Last of the pure sports cars - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Chicane - March 6 - 3:32 pm

  With its few creature comforts and emphasis on the driving experience, the S2000 is probably the last of the modern "pure" sports cars. This is a car that is light and tossable like a Miata, but large enough to live with. Its as fast as the more expensive alternatives like the Porsche Boxster, but comes with Honda reliability and a smaller price tag. For me, it came down to the S and the Boxster, bat after driving the two, the Ss light, effortless abilities won me over. Truly a great car that you just dont see everywhere.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Tim J - March 6 - 2:56 pm

  Great car - has been pretty reliable, now at 135,000 miles. Have had to fix: Exhaust Manifold Muffler (both rust) Distributor/Rotor (wouldnt start) I would characterize the repairs to this car as minor, vs other cars I have owned or a similar age. From my own experience/other reviews it appears that exhaust rust is the only real fleet-wide problem with the 1996 civic. Fortunately these arent terribly expensive to replace, vs the repairs I have had on other older cars.

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  S2000 owners must smile a lot... - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Jay Mallison - March 6 - 2:27 pm

  What an incredible car. So much fun to drive and so easy on the eyes. This car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I have had no reliability issues with it. Fit and finish is top notch. Love every moment. The HID Headlights on this car are brighter and sharper than those coming on vehicles twice its price.

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  By Far the Best Design & Performance... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By m.yates - March 6 - 6:46 am

  This is my 5th Honda. Starting at purchase year 1987- Prelude - through Accord. I purchased a 2004 V6- Leather and I did not think Honda could do any better with design or performance. I can tell you their research with design and engine has really served the new 2008 Honda Accord well. This car handles like no other Honda I have driven. It is simply the best by far and Looks great. Very Classy, Sporty design. I definitely recommend a test drive. You will not be disappointed.

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  Fun and Innocent looking MONSTER - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Hovik Apcarian - March 5 - 7:00 pm

  Most fun car for the price