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:

• 

  Speedy LX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By oscar cortes - April 12 - 7:35 am

  The 5 speed works wonders !!

• 

  Raucous in a good way - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Dave - April 12 - 3:26 am

  The Civic Si is a terrific car if you like the sound of a boomy exhaust, sharp handling, a high revving engine, and straight line quickness "on-tap." The dual personality of this vehicle is what sets it apart from other vehicles in its class (Mazda 3 speed, GTI, Mini S etc..). If you want a high mileage economy car, you can simply shift sooner (go slower) and get very good mileage (I get 24-25 in city). If you want to have some fun, just slam the gas and let the car rev. Once you hit 5000 rpm you start to grin (its unavoidable). Either way, this car is a lot of fun. On the other hand, if you like a soft, smooth and quiet auto, the SI is not for you.

• 

  Best Purchase Ever - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jenna - April 11 - 10:50 pm

  This car was the best investment I have ever made. I am a 19 year old, full time worker and college student, so this was a big choice for me to make, but Im glad I did. Little bit of a blind spot which I knew about before I made the purchase (its not that bad). People are so impressed with the interior from the gauges all the way to the space and comfort. I have no regrets. I always look at my car and smile, it really is a perfect car for me.

• 

  Great car for what it is. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Rob Johnson - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new-car purchase and first car out of High-school. My previous car was an 86 Accord that got me hooked on the Honda nameplate. This car is very well-built. I have 50k+ miles so far and I have not had even the slightest problem. It gets awesome gas milage as well. My only complaint is that the insurance is insanely high on this car. Even more so if your a single male under 25 like me. Performance is not the greatest, although not the worst either. (But then again, what do you expect from an economy car?) I would highly recomend the 5-speed manual for a car like this.

• 

  Just Love It. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By EdB - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and wouldnt trade them for my CR-V. For a little SUV, this vehicle has it all. Plus I like the fact that it seems not everybody owns one as well. After 3 months, no complaints whatsoever.

• 

  Perfect Size - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Lover - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Had been looking for a SUV that drives like a car. Found one in the Pilot. Has excellent power, but havent had it long enough to gauge fuel economy. Plenty of room inside and not to big outside. A/C works excellent. Feel lucky i guess, that I paid Only MSRP. Overall an excellent vehicle. Love it

• 

  Insight Fun to Drive - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Stephen Smith - April 11 - 2:00 am

  My Insight gets 68 mpg and its peppy and fun to drive. It has an enormous head turning quotient and many people who see the car express interest and highly positive feelings about it. Some people have even thanked me that I cared enough about the environment to buy it.

• 

  Strong Runner! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By eryk - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord from private seller in October of 1996. For a 4 year old car it had only 44000 miles and it was in priestine condition. From the day I bough it I felt in love.There was nothing that I didt like. Now my Honda has 134000 miles and still runs great, thou I want to sell it and buy a brand new model. And only reasone I am selling it is cause Im bored of this car after eight years of ownership.

• 

  As Good as Any Honda - 1997 Honda Civic
  By FinalHeven - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is just what youd expect in a Honda. It gets great gas mileage and plenty of power. There have been some minor annoyances with sounds and accessories, but nothing major. When I drove my car after a very cold night the thermostat broke and caused the car to overheat, but there was no damage besides the broken piece. I had the side panels repaired after someone hit me in a parking lot and now it looks better than it did before it was hit, though the doors creak a little. Overall a really good used car and one that is well worth the $4800 I paid for it.

• 

  Great Car! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By AndyinBalto - April 11 - 2:00 am

  First new car I have ever purchased. Grew up with Fords and Chevys and will never go back. This car has been trouble free. It is surprisingly comfortable and quiet for a small car. It is gets more than 35 mpg on the highway and is fun to drive. I only wish it had a liitle more low end torque.