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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  2001 civic ex coupe - 2001 Honda Civic
  By blackthree4me - February 24 - 10:00 am

  good car a litle pricy but fun to drive and keeps up good in trafic

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jaykay - February 24 - 2:13 am

  I traded in a 2003 Accord for the Civic Hybrid because of mileage and safety. I had a Civic as my starter car 25 years ago and how it has changed! Very comfortable (leather would have been OK but I guess treehuggers dont want animal skins). Rides great and I am having fun learning gas saving techniques. So far 44 mpg. Handles great, nice suspension, I still giggle when the engine just shuts off at a stop.

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  New Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ScottC - February 24 - 1:23 am

  Took my New Accord V6 sedan on its first road trip. Seats were comfortable, unlike some reviews I have read, and the V6 delivered the pep that you wont find in a smaller engine. 300 mile round trip and temperature was in the mid 90s and it delivered 23.9 mpg with the air on and mountain driving. It has all the bells and whistles, Navi system that will take getting use to and XM radio which I have never had. Only complaint is an occasional sqeak when brakes are applied. Used the "cash for clunkers" deal so -$3500, Figured the car I traded a 1988 Jeep Pioneer with 168k was worth maybe $1000 so the rest was the sales tax. This is my first Honda and so far am very pleased.

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  2004 Plot EX-L NAV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 3rd Honda - February 23 - 2:26 pm

  So far, this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I love it! Its comfortable on long drives. The mileage is reasonable for the size and power. There is plenty of people room with the 3rd row--Honda says it seats 8, but 7 adults are comfortable. If a child is the eighth passenger, youd be okay. The only problem with the 3rd row seat, is that eats up 85% of the luggage space. You wouldnt want to subject anyone to the 3rd row for a road trip anyway.

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  2002 Accord LX - 2002 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Accord - February 23 - 2:05 pm

  We bought this car in 2004 with 30K miles. It is moderately equipped (all pwr, auto, 4cyl.). Three years later, it has only needed gas, oil, some new rubber, and a brake switch. The seats are a touch firm for my taste, but I only drive it on road trips (wifes car). Great gas mileage. Acceptably quick (typical 4cyl sluggishness off the line, but great passing power). This has been a fantastic car for us. Few complaints.

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  I love it!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By goldberg - February 23 - 12:03 pm

  I really love this car! Im having a blast about its fuel economy! Those who are saying bad things about its battery? THOSE ARE NOT TRUE!!!

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  Civic VP - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Nate - February 22 - 10:53 pm

  this "family" car looks and feels more like a sports car. Although, the 6600 rpm redlines and 106 hp doesnt appeal much to the street racers, with a few mods, this has the potential to be a speed demon. the comfort is exquisite for a sedan priced just under 16000. With smooth suspension, and great handeling, the civic vp is a perfect choice for those who seek comfort, looks, and safety.

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  Great reliability - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rob - February 22 - 10:14 pm

  Other than some road noise, all positives on this vehicle.

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  I am in love - 2013 Honda Accord
  By famsert - February 22 - 9:18 pm

  After doing months of research, I finally settled on the 2013 Accord Sport and I dont regret it one bit. I got the metallic grey colour and I must say it is extremely sexy. To me the design is the perfect mix of being not too conservative but not too trendy. The interior quality is great. Soft touch all around. Couldnt be happier with it. The ride is firm and steering as natural (hydraulic) as possible for EPS. Also, this car is SOLID in turns yet it feels very lightweight. Its weird. I can see the firmness being mistaken for being too harsh though since this feels more german than most mainstream midsize cars. I personally love it and it feels like a drivers car.

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  Ex_Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By tx_Honda - February 22 - 9:09 pm

  I am a living testament about the reliability of this car. Bought in 2000 and lost this car in 2006 in a wreck, not at fault. I put 134k in 6 years in extreme winter conditions. This car did not give a single issue in any weather, summer, winter below 0, conditions. With out an issue, I drove 180 miles daily on this for 6 months – icy, snowy conditions of WI. Only thing I did was regular oil change and scheduled maintenance. Most of all, impact at around 35 mph, Accord’s front and Malibu 06 rear right, my young son in the back seat (WEARING SEAT BELTs) – we walked away from the scene without a single scratch. If this car has factory suggested maintenance history, I will suggest buying it.