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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  A Classic in Its Own Time - 2006 Honda Civic
  By EdmundC - April 16 - 9:53 am

  This is a relatively luxurious car with almost the fuel economy of a subcompact. It has been problem free, and the build quality seems better than the `01 Civic it replaced. The extra width does add to the driving comfort. The headlights are better than the ones on a certain new GM car I recently drove. My big gripe is the poor visibility, due to the small windows and big posts. Hard to park it accurately. This car would be out of the question for someone very short. The inside of the windshield needs cleaning much more often than with any other car I have had. The drivers seat adjustments and the headrest position could be better. Not enough loudness for some MP3 players.

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  Driving Green - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bobbi - April 16 - 5:53 am

  Second month driving new hybrid. Wanted to do my part in less fuel consumption and have had Hondas for years. Am really pleased thus far with all aspects. Fuel economy continues to improve with miles added. Not worried about resale but rest of my cars has sold well!

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  A Marvel called the Accord - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Eapen - April 16 - 2:00 am

  An excellent car which gives value for money. Extremely reliable, smooth engine. The VTECH engine adds to the fun. Interiors are plush and carefully designed with an eye for detail and comfort. They say that the accord never leaves you stranded. The real test: I have driven this Car from Houston, TX to Ruston, Louisiana a 6 hour non stop drive, in the sweltering summer heat of 2003. The car was extremely dependable and I reached safe and sound. Thats reliability for you.

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  Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tom Gilbert - April 15 - 7:16 am

  We really like the handling of the car. It corners very nicely. For a 2 door it is very spacious in the back seat. Plenty of room in the trunk. We took it on a summer trip with our 2 boys and the drive was great. Good gas mileage. Nice features that makes it very comfortable. We love our car.

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  2016 Honda Pilot is a great choice! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Phil Joslyn - April 15 - 6:58 am

  CD player does not come standard - had to purchaser from dealer separately. All digital controls take some getting use to.

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  very happy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JB - April 15 - 6:26 am

  I was looking for fuel economy but got a great looking, fun to drive and comfortable car along with the economy. Compared the Civic to the Corolla and Mazda 3 but while the Mazda was close, neither offered as a complete package as the Honda. Getting 48.6 miles to the gallon on the highway which makes todays high gas prices a lot easier to take.

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  Dollar Value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Robert - April 15 - 4:34 am

  Great work car.

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  Dollar Value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Robert - April 15 - 4:34 am

  Great work car.

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  Fun to drive and very reliable. - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Dirtbikerprn1 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my civic. i have had it for almost three years and now it has 100000mi. The gas mileage is still great, i still get 37-39 mpg with only some highway miles. i am starting to have a problem with my speed sensor but thats about it.

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  New honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By paul gawin - April 14 - 7:18 pm

  I have a 2001 accord and love it. Looking forward to enjoying my new one for many years to come. Very sharp car.