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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  You have to do the speed limit. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gregory - October 29 - 1:10 am

  I love driving this car. It feels great in the drivers seat. If I drive the speed limit, I get a average of 48mpg. I love the mp3 player. My family sings every time we take a trip. It lacks on the pick-up, but I did not buy a sports car (It just looks like one). I sold my old car that was great on gas (A Toyota Echo), and I have no regrets after 5 months! My only complaint is the view from the rear window is blocked by the hatchback design. Its hard to see cars behind you, and it takes a while to get used to.

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  Luv this car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Francis Hall - October 28 - 5:15 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. Comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

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  My 5th Honda Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jon - October 27 - 12:40 pm

  This is my 7th truck. The interior is almost as nice as my wifes MDX and is bigger inside than my F150 Supercrew was. Have been waiting for Honda to build a truck and so far am very pleased. Have checked the mileage in town and it has been between 17-18 on short drives. Have not checked on the hwy yet but expect it to be 20-23. That is just lower than what the MDX gets with the same engine. Ford Ranger only got 19 hwy. Ford F-150 got 17 hwy.

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  Rating 2006 Honda Civic Coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Julie - October 27 - 8:13 am

  One thing I have noticed is that the seat belt rubs against the side of the cloth seats to cause tears w continued usage. Other than that, which I intend to report to Honda shortly, the car is a "jewel"!

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  I will keep this car forever - 1999 Honda Civic
  By David N. - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic as a used "certified" car with 41,000 miles on it. The car was bought new from the dealer I purchased it from, serviced there, and then traded on another (same color even!) The car is a blast to drive, and looks good getting great mileage. I took it on a trip recently and even with a lot of secondary road travel, I got 41 mpg. I have the taller spoiler and have been asked what kind of car it is (it has been mistaken for a prelude by some) I just had it painted at a cost of 4,982 dollars due to a gravel hauler incident (no body work, just paint) and plan to pull it off the road for the winters now. When I pay it off, Ill buy a little larger Accord and have fun with this one

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  My baby! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By kmcphail - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Civic! Reliable, quite comfortable, and just the right size. This is the first Honda Ive ever owned I definitely would purchase another one. The 100,000 mile extended warranty ($850) purchased and financed when the vehicle was new proved to be about even in payback. The first repair occurring at 80K (rear seal leak) and a split manifold at 92K were both covered by the extended warranty, including car rental. The only other repairs were brakework at 90K and 106K plus a timing belt and water pump that I elected to replace at 105K as a preventative measure. The muffler is the original. Although I have 111,000 miles on the vehicle, it appears to be mechanically sound.

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  Great Buy! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By MANUK - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I got the last of the 04 Odessey EX- RES for $25K_tax and title. Unbeleivable price for the bay area. $3.5K less than MSRP. The vehicle rides great and everything works perfect. Mine was built in August 2004, must be one of the last to roll of the line in Lincoln, Alabama before the new 2005s models took over. I think Honds has had time to fix every little design and build issue in the 6 years they built this truck, becuse I have not had a single problem or even a minor irritant with more than 2500 miles on the van already. I drive over 80 miles a day in long freeway stretches and the great hight visibility of the van is good, without a major sacrifice on

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  Eight is NOT enough - 2003 Honda Civic
  By warnerjm - October 25 - 10:00 am

  There are 8 Hondas (from Del Sols to Accord V6s with leather in our (extended) family and were all very pleased.

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  2012 Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - October 25 - 12:24 am

  Bought my 4 door 2012 Civic used a year and a half ago. When the dealership prepped it and changed the oil they forgot to put the oil cap back on and oil spilled. That was more of an individual dealership thing and has not effected the car. My only complaint is that for some reason when I turn it on and idle on a cold engine there is a loud humming noise from the back of the car that increases then goes away. I have brought it to 3 mechanics and none of them can figure out what is wrong. Gas mileage is great. Its gone down lately because of the winter but Im still getting 33.6 mpgs. Summer I got 34.5. Love this car!

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  Love It - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Scott - October 24 - 5:33 am

  I am 62 185, fit in the car perfect no problem with leg or head room the seats hug you firmly which is nice. No sliding when turning or leaning. The dash is perfect placement and dims nicely at night when you turn on the lights. Got 45 miles to the gallon highway to Missouri from Connecticut doing 60 with a full trunk back seat and a passenger and is extremely quiet. AC perfect in 90 degree weather and the heat is fantastic now, a very insulated car, is still warm after an hour of sitting. Only complaint is the placement of the hand brake pressing against my knee, other than that the car is perfect..