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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  happy ower - 2002 Honda S2000
  By maeco - August 7 - 10:00 am

  most bang for buck

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  Best Car Most Features for Price - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Edward - August 7 - 10:00 am

  No blind spots! Like the power, esp. like that both front seats adjust automatically. Dash is easy to read & all functions are at your finger tips. Back seat is roomier than friends Lexus. Like ability to lock trunk, fuel, back seat & pass-thru when leaving car with valet key.

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  3rd Honda and loving it! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By sg101 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Our first two Hondas were civics - reliable cars with great gas mileage. We decided to trade one in to upgrade to the Accord - needed more passenger room and desperately wanted an automatic after 8 yrs with a manual in southern california traffic. Our Accord is very roomy, good on gas mileage (our civics were better, but cant complain), and great pick-up for a 4 cylinder automatic. It actually has more power than our friends Accord DX manual. We absolutely love Honda and cant wait till they come out with the Honda Pilot. Thinking of trading in last civic for Hondas new SUV.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jeff Ohmer - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded my Civic in for this car and it has been a great purchase. The car runs great, it has great pick-up and a very smooth ride. The features on the SE are perfect for me. Great for the highway and in the city. A+ in my book!

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  WOW - 2006 Honda Civic
  By OZ - August 7 - 12:03 am

  5 speed stick is sure to satisfy. 40 miles a gallon on the highway, are you kidding me, you dont even need a hybrid car anymore. This is an ultra low emission vehicle (environment friendly too) my friend. 1800 cc engine SOHC hooked up to 16 valve. WOW and it has a timing chain not a belt. So if you regularly maintain this thing it wont need a tune up till it comes to 110,000 miles. EX comes with 350 watts of beautiful sound system with sub, 60/40 split seat, mp3 input jack, XM ready, abs with ebd (electronic brake distribution) 6 airbags all around man. Ladies and gentlemen, go see this thing. You will fall in love with it just like I did. 2 tier dash board. It is NICE. SAFETY POWER COMFORT.

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  First time Minivan owner - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeffrey Zaleski - August 6 - 4:30 pm

  Great Vehicle, drives like a car, but you know your in a van. I own the EX with 8 passenger seating. It has lots of power to pass. I live in Buffalo, New York area, the traction control is great for driving in the snow, but learned quickly why you to shut it off if you are stuck in deep snow. Cant wait to take it on a long drive. And if you have little ones, like me, Car seats are easy in and out and the remote rear sliding doors are helpful.

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  excellent car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mark - August 6 - 2:18 pm

  Honda is an amazing automobile. I will only buy Honda vehicles. I have owned and had American made cars and none outperformed Honda. I used to be a Nissan mechanic and always said a car is a car and as long as you give regular maintenance the car will perform like any other. I was wrong! After owning 10 american and foreign made cars and trucks and bought my 11th car (Honda Civic) I knew I had a great car. After driving almost seven years I can say besides normal wear and tear like brakes, oil change, coolant, timing belt, wiper blades, tires, etc... I have never had any other problems except for 02 sensor.

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  No more American cars 4 me! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Pigeon - August 6 - 1:50 pm

  4 cyl with all power. I have not had any mechanical problems with this car. Just hit 50K. The ride is nice and all the controls are laid out good. Gas mileage is ok for a 4 banger. The only thing that was replaced was the clock light bulb (not bad for 5 years) and normal wear/tear items (oil,brakes, tires). I would definitely buy another one if they had not changed the rear trunk design. I will have to step up to its big brother and get a Acura TL if I decide to trade it. The only cars I will buy now that are American made will be the muscle cars from the 60s & 70s.

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  I LOVE my car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kaitlin Conley - August 6 - 9:40 am

  This lucky girl was given my new Honda Civic EX-T by my fabulous husband. I have always been a fan of everything Honda. My first car was a 2009 Honda Civic and I loved it, but the switch to this new car has been breathe taking. First off, I love the little turbo in my car. The first time I drove it the torque actually caught me off guard. I always kind of believed that Honda civics were reliable, yet gutless little cars, but with this new car that is not the case. Next, everything about this car is beautiful. The interior seat material is nice and does not look cheap. Everything about the inside of this car feels luxury. Now, yesterday was the first day that I was truly able to test how my car would do in the snow. It had snowed before sun down and then froze over as it was about 18 degrees at night. Needless to say, my car did fantastic! I did not slide once, mind you, I am a pretty cautious driver in the snow, but in comparison to other front wheel drive vehiclesi have driven in the snow, this car did so great, which is a major perk for me with the crazy Utah weather I have to deal with. The only downfalls I have had with this car are the climate control and the touch screen steep system. My climate control has had issues cooling when I am idling, and not just a small amount. When I took it in to see what was wrong, when the dealer tested it, it was blowing 80 degree air when I had it set to the coolest setting. It would blow cold and hot on and off. They ordered my parts but I have yet to hear another word from the dealer, Im sure though, aside from whatever is wrong specifically with my car, the climate control would be great. As for the touch screen stereo, it can be a little slow and has some glitches here and there but nothing that bothers me too much. Overall, I am so in love with this car. There are so many perks to this car that I use for my 40 mile daily commute.

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  "Rhonda" (Red Honda) - 2005 Honda S2000
  By TNT - August 5 - 9:52 pm

  Bought Rhonda 1 month ago after a test drive. Was looking at several other vehicles but this is the best bang for the buck i could find. Shes red with the factory wheels chromed and shes a beauty. I live in SoCal like Denn (see "Whoa Nelly")and the top never goes up. What an awesome car :) My wife didnt care much for the 5 spd manual in my last 2 Mustang GTs but she absolutely loves to shift this one, in fact, its getting more difficult to get the car away from her. Looks like i found a "keeper". BTW, im 63" and 225 lbs and do not have a problem with my seating assignment.