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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  Best Car Ever!!! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By mike gee - April 1 - 12:23 am

  I had this car since I was 16 yrs old bought it for about $9,000 out the door. It was only a standard but really love it for the reliability because I never replace the starter yet and all my parts for the most part is lifetime. It finally seized up on my on 03-21-08 now put a ZC in engine from Japan and runs excellent will keep this car forever. This car was worth buying and Honda should make a newer model with the same engine because the price on gas is just going up and if I didnt have this Civic I will be broke. I put si seats from the junkyard and got it upholstered and now its leather and hugs my body while I am driving so if you want a reliable car this car is the best ever...

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  Great Little Car, Cheap to Own - 1998 Honda Civic
  By PSUEng - March 31 - 9:54 pm

  I bought my 98 EX last Sept. from my old roommate in college--he bought it new and at 79,300 miles, runs great. He maintained it very well and soon after I got it, the battery died (original), and the muffler rusted out. Other than that, no problems--AC is cold and heater is hot and everything works. I consistently get about 33 mpg highway and around 30-31 combined in my driving cycle. While its not a sports car, it is cheap to maintain and easy to work on. The engine will outlast the rest of it.

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  Loving my new Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jgsw - March 31 - 9:23 pm

  After 4 months of research and looking at the Fit, Yaris, Prius, Corolla, Elantra and Sentra. This was our best financial decision when factoring safety, cost to own, and fuel economy. I love the fact that oil changes are at 10,000 mile intervals. I considered a hybrid, but an oil change for that in Austin is about $50. Factoring the extra $8k, this was more economical, yet still providing excellent fuel economy. I really enjoy my new civic. I only wish I had purchased it sooner.

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  An award winning, second to no other, awesome SUV! - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By J.M. - March 31 - 9:09 pm

  Do your research. Youll see that the Honda CR-Vs are the best in every category!

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  Sonic Grey Pearl is the best Color EVER! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By J. R. Haskell - March 31 - 7:47 pm

  Bought used Sport Touring from Mass and had it shipped out to Oregon. Took delivery about a month ago and am in love with this car!

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  Sonic Grey Pearl is the best Color EVER! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By J. R. Haskell - March 31 - 7:47 pm

  Bought used Sport Touring from Mass and had it shipped out to Oregon. Took delivery about a month ago and am in love with this car!

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  My 2nd Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve F - March 31 - 10:50 am

  Drove in with my 02 just to see what I could get for a trade. 3 hours later I was driving home in an 06. Got an excellent deal and love the feel of the car. More powerful and sporty feeling than my 02.

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  MPG happy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By formermarine - March 31 - 4:33 am

  We bought this car after driving everything under 20K. It was by far the best driving car and priced perfect. My son is 62" and we had buy something that would fit him in the backseat. The car turns on a dime, doesnt sway when you get passed by a tractor-trailer on the interstate and has plenty of get up and go!

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  Best car for us. - 2008 Honda Element
  By Blaine - March 31 - 3:01 am

  The best car for 2 adults and 2 adult size kids. We could configure the interior in many ways to hold what we need.

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  great car and affordable - 2016 Honda Civic
  By David Werho - March 31 - 2:30 am

  I really like the Civic from this year. The car drives great and has a ton of trunk space. The entertainment system mostly works all the time, but theres a few glitches with the OS sometimes and the volume button is annoying, but easy to get used to.