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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  Perfect for me - 2007 Honda Civic
  By preciousTS - December 25 - 2:00 pm

  I needed a vehicle with great gas mileage, yet big enough to hold luggage, two keyboards, stands, an amp, a large box of equipment, a large dog crate and a bicycle. I can fit all of this and more into my little Civic Hybrid. While shopping I actually had salespeople attempt to load my music equipment into a Prius but it would not fit. This little Civic is a joy to drive, looks great, is quiet and comfy and has all of the safety features I have come to love and trust about Hondas. I get anywhere between 43 to 57 miles per gallon, and find this to be a zippy little machine. I previously drove a Chevy Malibu and loved it, but for the savings in gas the Civic wins the day. Sweet little car!

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  2004 EX-L V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mike - December 25 - 12:06 pm

  This has been the best automobile I have ever owned. It has an abundance of power and still gets great gas mileage. The engine is bullet proof, and I will replace this one with another.

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  "Honda".... What is there to think about!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By natalie ewing - December 25 - 11:53 am

  I love my new car!! It has such a quiet interior. It just handles so effortlessly. The turning radius is amazing! It feels good to purchase a Honda knowing it has an amazing resale value as well.

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  The real deal - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Diehard - December 25 - 7:56 am

  With a bit of reluctance I decided to test drive the 6 speed Accord. What a car!!! This is a fast car and fun to drive. The gear box is as soft as butter and the interior is impeccably finished. No bells and whistles. The XM radio is a must and the sound system that comes with the 6MT is fantastic. Only the 6MT has 180w. The leather seat are very comfortable and the rear seat have plenty of room. Handling is superb and the redesign tail light looks great.

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  I love this car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By MarkV - December 25 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome, go and buy it!

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  Reliable Jewel - 1996 Honda Accord
  By felix mark down - December 25 - 2:00 am

  My third accord, still as reliable as ever, still as well designed as ever. Only things that ever failed were normal wear items: tires, battery. Nevery worry when you have one of these.

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  The Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By ladalang - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Very reliable. zippy when it needs to be. I really like it and its great to drive on short trips. Long trips the left arm rest very uncomfortable.

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  I bought a piece of trash - 2002 Honda Civic
  By John Thompson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Evidently I was fooled by the claim that Japanese cars are reliable. I bought this piece of junk last month and have had nothing but problems with it. When I pulled out of the dealership, the car died. They dragged it into the repair shop and told me the next day that the fuel line was clogged. I figured that it was a fluke and drove off. Before I got home, the thing stalled again. This time, I found out that an engine module had malfunctioned. I have had it for two weeks since and have had two pieces of trim come loose and fall off somewhere on the highway. Needless to say, I would warn all against buying a Honda, especially the Civic.

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  Honest Assessment - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JoeBlowConsumer - December 24 - 2:43 pm

  I really like this car; however, there are aspects that I dont like. Perhaps this will be helpful to others. *Remote doesnt open trunk *Much plastic on this car. Looks good in most places but feels cheap in some. ex. inside door lever, hand break,etc *Dont like fabric on the door handles and console. Waiting to get dirty and stained. * body materials very thin and some plastic. Lightly press or rub roof and it flexes. Doors sound cheap and hollow when closed. * Road noise if that is of concern to you. * cannot use DVD media in stereo to play mp3 and dvds. Only CD media Good car but always room for improvement

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  Money Well Spent - 1999 Honda Civic
  By unkqty - December 24 - 2:11 pm

  Second satisfied owner - purchased 4 years ago w/upgraded suspension, stereo, & intake. I really like the car and will drive it until the wheels fall off. Although its first and foremost an economy car, its a really good one. Gets 25-35mpg on 32mi suburban commute and >36 on long trips (more w/synthetic oil). Although it gasps (35mph) over Colorados I70 mountain passes, it otherwise offers surprising performance. Requires only routine maintenance, much of which can be performed by owner. Unfortunately, arrogant attitude at several dealerships is that Hondas sell themselves, so they dont have to work as hard or appreciate the customer as much - a real turn-off for me.