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 Hybrid on the Market - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By A - September 7 - 1:13 am

  Im in love with my Accord Hybrid for one reason - It drives and feels like any other Honda Accord. I read a ton of reviews about this car prior to purchasing especially regarding the fuel economy. The fuel economy all comes down to how you drive. Im averaging 48.7 mpg after 17k miles on the car. The car does OK in true traffic, but it really shines in stop/go ish traffic on highways at low speeds. I live in DC and this car does exceedingly well in the traffic conditions here. With that said - it does not perform well on long highway trips (drove to FL and got 37mpg). Overall this is a car that drives like any other Honda Accord and I could not be happier with my purchase. Almost three years in, still the best bar Ive owned. Only issue is that they had to replace the audio unit at 30k miles.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Lori - September 6 - 1:36 pm

  This has been a fantastic vehicle. I am a single working mom with one child and this car has been GREAT. The price was perfect and the fuel economy helps my pocket book tramendously. Not to mention the style and comfort of the vehicle. I need room but I am also single and still want to have fun. I could not have made a better choice on a vehicle.

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  Excellent summer car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By kls - September 6 - 2:20 am

  Overall we love our Honda Civic. It has been a good durable car that is good on gas mileage. However, for those of you who live in frigid areas... buyer beware. From groggy starts to a slowly warming engine to poor traction on ice and snow... winter will be a bit of a challenge.

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  LX to EX - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civic17dude - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! I bought mine 3 days ago. After driving a 98 LX for a year, I finally decided to upgrade to a 2002 EX. I immediately noticed a major difference in performance, handling and interior/exterior styling and detail. 200 miles and not a single problem yet. Its a HONDA so I shouldnt be surprised, or expecting any soon. I absolutely love my civic!

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  Good vehicle to last a long time - 1994 Honda Accord
  By LovenHate - September 5 - 11:21 pm

  A good all around car with little improvement. A much better design than the 93 accord. Looks newer than it really is.

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  Very Happy - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Holly W. - September 5 - 11:01 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle. This is my first car purchase and I couldnt be happier. It is a 2000 but only has 38700 miles. I had the dealership print me our a car history report and it has only had one owner and was very taken care of. I am very lucky I think becuase I believe Hondas are very reliable cars and I have always loved the Accords. I am happy with the interior since I came from driving a Civic. (liked it but definetly not as nice as the EXV6 Accord!) I love the power and the features!

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  Nice car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Yablokov - September 5 - 4:47 am

  This car is amazing. I get great gas mileage. And now I get about 44mpg on the highway(80mph). I put a custom exhaust and a cold air intake now the car screams while giving me great gas mileage

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 1998 Honda Civic
  By p. m. dauria - September 4 - 11:55 pm

  I bought my Civic in 1997. It was an absolute joy to own. I always said that I would buy it all over again. Within the last week I sold it to my daughter per her request and purchased a 2005 Honda CRV. I never had any problems with the Civic - loved every minute of it - would still own it if my daughter didnt need it. And, so far, I have nothing bad to say about the CRV either.

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  Hope the surprises stop - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Nick - September 4 - 11:42 pm

  Bought brand new in Jan 2000, was very pleased with vehicle until first major service, had 30000k, thats when the problems began, (rear brakes) after this deglazing of the drums the problem began and stayed with them until 110000k loud vibration noises when braking from 110km, thats probable why 2001 got all 4 discs, sliding doors already replace motor and latching mechanism every two years, now noticing trans, clunking noise especially when backing out of driveway. Got to call Honda Canada to ask about transmission recall. Hopefully the 2005 and newer dont have to many bugs. Hope this helps

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  When will the Big 3 ever get a clue? - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dkwells1012 - September 4 - 10:13 pm

  The LX-SE has great features in an outstanding car for decent money. You cant go wrong if you drive tons of business miles. Good feel from the road without being harsh. Great acceleration for a 4 cyl. Excellent resale value down the road.