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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  22,000 Mile update - 2002 Honda Civic
  By nycom92-1 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 22,000 miles since my last review. I Love this car. It has great pep, Im averaging 34 mil/gal. I just survived the winter with 4 Blizzaks (snow tires) without slipping once (even through 2-3 feet of snow). I agree that the insulation (noise) needs to be a little better, but otherwise, this is a great car.

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  My Canadian Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GBCOMP_DOT_COM - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I was not offered or even aware of driver side air bags. I already own a civic 2dr hatchback 96 and LOVE it for its reliability. I decided, why try and find a better car? The civic is the car!!!

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  One of the best values around - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ElKubo - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the car for 4 months. The mpg surprised me from the gitgo. The car delivers good power, although the low end torque is nothing to brag about. I found the ride to be a bit bumpier than expected, but that is what gives it the good handling.

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  Love the new accord! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Flash31 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before finally deciding on the Accord. I compared the Accord to just about every car in its class and price range (Camry, Altima, RSX, etc.) The Accord gave me the best bang for the bucks! With standard ABS, and a 5spd auto tranny! Ive had the Accord for about 2 months now, I have to say, Im very pleased with the car. The car gives me very decent performance (for a 4 banger). The interior is very roomy, and ride quality is excellent. The engine sounds very smooth, and acceleration is more than enough for regular use. Gas mileage is very good 23mpg(city) / 30mpg(hwy).

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  .my 99 civic ex. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By civic boi of kweenz - January 14 - 12:13 am

  yes this civic is an exceLLent car aLL in aLL... however the one probLem i wouLd say is that this car has no fueL economy wat sOo ever... if i put it in D2 or D3... i wouLd aLways see myseLf going to the amoco station... i dont kno if its just my specific car... but i this is the one thing i do not like about " my " car...

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  The Element - 2007 Honda Element
  By Mark - January 13 - 11:05 pm

  I was first concerned about the location of the stick shift lever. However, the location is in a suitable place and this is not an issue. The manual transmission aids the driver to control the vehicle and requires little effort to employ. Both the suspension and transmission handles very well. I preferred the manual over the automatic after test driving both vehicles. The ElementÂ’s large interior dwarfs my 1997 Grand Cherokee. Very large or older adults can enter and exit the rear seat of the Element with ease. The rear seats can be configured to carry various loads. This is important to both home owners and active individuals that participate in outdoor activities.

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  Honda Civic EX coupe - 1997 Honda Civic
  By JMP - January 13 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great car.

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  Great car - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By stacy - January 13 - 3:53 pm

  The car drives wonderfully. Very quiet and comfortable drive. Fuel economy is wonderful, especially for an SUV. Great pick up, and lots of room!

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  DEFECTIVE ENGINE - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Wincek - January 13 - 9:26 am

  Vehicle 4 weeks old, 678 miles, vehicle clonked out on the interstate. Towed to local dealership 76 miles from home. Computer scan indicated major engine problem. Advised it would take 2 to 3 days to determine what the problem is. Major engine problem in a new vehicle? No info upon contacting dealer for 4 days. Finally the 7th day of calling was advised that valve spring had broke. Working with Honda Tech Service to determine what caused the problem. Contacted Honda Customer Service to document problem. Told repairs would be made to our satisfaction based on warranty. Our stance: defective engine, defective vehicle. Asked for new engine or new vehicle, no way. Requested technical info from dealer to support diagnosis. Never have received. No contact for 3 additional days until I again called dealer. Stated that they had ordered new engine heads but were advised that was not available due to model still being produced?? Advised they were receiving parts to rebuild cylinder that had the broken spring! "Band-aid fix"!! Customer service confirmed heads were not available. Told that it would take a while as Tech Service was trying to determine in it was a defect in the spring. ANOTHER WARNING SIGN! 3 more days with no contact or information. Left message with Customer Service with no reply in 3 1/2 hours, called again. StronglY requested that a new vehicle be delivered and that Honda could take forever to research. Answer NO! They have had no contact with deal regarding update of issue, would follow up. Day has gone by, no response from either party. Into 3rd week since car breakdown and have no idea of solution. Cannot believe the complacent attitude of a company like Honda to deliver customer satisfaction. Did not purchase a $36,000 vehicle to get THIS!

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  Great Hybrid! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Black 2010 Insight - January 13 - 12:50 am

  Of the hybrids Ive driven (Prius, Camry, Highlander, Civic), this drives the most like a "standard" vehicle. You will notice when the engine shuts off when stopped, or the regenerative breaking, but its not nearly as obvious as in other vehicles. This car is smooth, handles great (compared to the Prius, which is a great car, but drives like a toaster- oven on wheels), and relatively quiet. It also has pretty good power for a hybid -- the pick-up is there when you need to accelerate quickly.