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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  Expecting a little more from Honda! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mike - January 28 - 6:51 pm

  This was my 1st Honda. Gas mileage is great. It was the reason I bought it. Dealership not very inspiring. Had 2 electronic issues. Gas gauge faulty. When that was fixed I found out thru a safety inspection the rear lights didnt work. My mech traced the problem to behind the dash. At 1st Honda confirmed that fact but then said it was at the transmission. Wrote owner of dealership to complain but was told he would stand behind his staff. $700 later it was fixed. What was I thinking. The consumer is right?? My mechanic traced the problem and stated that the cell on the transmission was ok. Problem was behind the dash. Who did the work behind the dash? Im getting the Mazda3 next week!

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  Alaskan Honda - 2005 Honda Civic
  By AlaskaHonda - January 28 - 4:38 pm

  I have put 14,000 miles on my 2005 Honda Civic EX, and I am glad that bought it. It has been very reliable, and the Honda dealership has had great customer service. No problems at all. I find that i get good enough traction with mud & snow tires that I dont even need to use studded tires for driving in the snow in Alaska. Despite sub-zero temperatures, it has always started reliably. Its not a sports car, but it is a sporty, well-made, polished and reliable car that saves money it saves money by needing less fuel, by needed little maintenance, by saving the hassle/money of being in the shop, and by maintaining good resale value when its time to sell. My next car in 10 years: Civic!

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  04 S2000 review - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Richard Rafter - January 28 - 2:45 pm

  Quick, fun to drive, never had a mechanical problem. More “nice car” comments from other people than I have had for any car I have ever owned.

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  More power than I expected - 2009 Honda Civic
  By edhil - January 28 - 2:30 am

  I only have the car for a week, this is my sixth Honda, first Hybrid. The car has ample acceleration and power, very quiet ride. Face it with the unstable oil market, its time to make the change. I only leased the car for three years, who knows what type of power will be available in the future. I dont think the extra cost will pay for itself in three years, but I leased it to save gas, not money.

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  2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By James - January 28 - 12:30 am

  Just got the new 2005 lx (base model)in December 04 and love it. Off the lot with all those extra fees and conveyance charges etc for just under 27K. So far so good. This is our first minivan and I am surprised at how well it handles and feels on the road. Super quite, super roomy,all the seats fold up easy etc. Did ALOT of research and test drove the Sienna and the Grand Caravan and we went with this one and love it.

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  You get what you expect - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Dexter - January 27 - 8:26 pm

  I sold my Wrangler (which I loved) because of a new long commute to work, and needed economy. Si wasnt my first choice, but only because I hadnt thought of it and was looking into more common cars. What I like about it is that it isnt so common. Ive noted it on the street before, and it seems so much nicer-designed than a base Civic. I feel small inside, considering it *looks* small on the outside. To me it is very quiet, smooth, adequately powerful. My beefs are with ergonomics and design. The big silver swath that is the center console is cheap/ugly compared to the nice materials used throughout the rest of the cabin-it looks like an afterthought. Its great overall.

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  Nice truck! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By RAY KULINSKI - January 27 - 6:27 pm

  THIS HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK SO FAR. No major problems. Oil, gas thats it!! I pull a 19 ft boat in the summer and this has plenty of power and is quiet and smooth.

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  the last great accord - 1992 Honda Accord
  By johnjapan - January 27 - 10:21 am

  my dad bought it new in 92 i bought it in 20001. it is a solid car, drivetrain is excellent. it just turned over 200,000. and i honestly believe ill get another 200,000 out of it. i change the oil every 3,000 miles try to use castrol the 92 and 93 accords (no power seatbelts) are the last great accords. hondas built after 1994 are becoming too mainstream( too many hondamatics) too upscale and the designs are ugly

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  Me and my red Fit. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By regretela - January 26 - 11:43 pm

  I ordered my red Fit in mid-April, got it at the end of May. I love the small size, the roominess, and the "cute" factor. The car is pretty comfortable, though it has a bit of a "hard" ride; but it handles well. I am getting around 28-29 MPG with 2000 miles on the car so far. I had a Geo Metro and this car is only 10" longer. I am less pleased by the very low front ground clearance. I almost tore the front bumper off yesterday on one of those invisible cement parking barriers at the local bookstore. The car will stall if I put it into gear too quickly upon starting in the morning. There are a couple of other minor issues I will have to deal with at the first oil change. Good car, though

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  Best car ever - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Charlynn - January 26 - 9:29 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Civic and its already the best vehicle Ive ever bought. It handles wonderfully and the gas mileage cant be beat. I am counting on having this car for at least 10-15 years because I know it will last!