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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  Unmatched Reliability - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Syed - October 30 - 9:52 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever bought it has over 100,000 miles and it still drives like new! It requires minimum maintenance while at the same time giving the driver excellent fuel economy and performance! And oh yeah it was also rated the best looking car in its class!

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  Best Car for Today - 2005 Honda Insight
  By AChoiredTaste - October 30 - 1:17 pm

  Absolutely the best value for today: Fun to drive, outstanding mileage: averaging 60 -70 mpg mostly freeway driving. In town not as good. Power is great as long as you rev it no low end torque. Great Climate Control. Lots of people stop you to ask you about it great for conversation. Able to use carpool lane and also get $2000 back from IRS. The savings in gasoline between this and my other car makes the payment (for 60months) on this car so its essentially free! Now want to get more options to trick it out! You can afford this and your "week-end only" gas hog with the fuel savings!

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  You Have Got To Love This Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By LoveMyCivic - October 30 - 12:52 am

  I love my Civic. It has had absolutely no problems and has run flawlessly. Love the style and the amenities that come in the EX model, like the moonroof and the A/C buttons. It has a powerful A/C that gets really cold and a super powerful heater. Tons of trunk room and is definitely built for 2, not 4 people. You can do it, but I wouldnt advise it.

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  Nice ride - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Chuckie - October 30 - 12:29 am

  You will like this vehicle.

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  Reliable - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Corey - October 29 - 11:03 pm

  Purchased new in 2007. Have had 130k miles of reliability. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  2015 Accord Red - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Luke Teteault - October 29 - 9:56 pm

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  Good buy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By csicko - October 29 - 6:10 pm

  This car is great. There isnt too much I would change about the car, well maybe more the style of Acura TL. This car is great for the money and now I know why I see more and more Hondas on the road. They are a great car no matter what model or trim level you buy. Only thing I didnt want leather seats

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  Jims - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim Kirkman - October 29 - 11:27 am

  Great vehicle. Everything I wanted and more. Honda quality!

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  The Black E - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kraiwut - October 28 - 4:57 pm

  I have my Element for about 3 months and I love it. Very roomy, smooth drive, and I feel very protected inside.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By jwsmiths - October 28 - 3:00 pm

  I just traded in my 02 Civic EX for something a little nicer. Its not that the Civic was a bad car, but if you do a LOT of highway driving then you understand how much of a nuisance excessive road noise becomes. The Accord EXL offers an excellent, smooth ride with adequate power even in the 4cyl version. The body is well insulated and provides much less road noise than my previous Honda without feeling overly "heavy" as some sedans do. The interior feels every bit as nice as our 01 3-Series and offers many of the same amenities, but at a much lower price tag. The transmission is very smooth and the dashboard is a work of art in and of itself. I highly recommend this car to anyone.