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:

• 

  Not bad! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ninad51983 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Everything about the car is awesome, the only complaint I would have is the pickup on the highway. The car does not accelerate very quickly.

• 

  my baby - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ashley rochelle - March 26 - 2:00 am

  coming from a 95 Geo, Prizm my honda civic is a dream. I got it for my senior year of high school and i know itll be around long after a graduate from college. It has great gas mileage and its fun to drive. It the perfect starter care for a 17 year old because Honda a great reputation for reliability.

• 

  2003 Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jiffypop - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The car has been great. Consitently 31- 34 mpg and it rides smooth. We have a new son who was 2 months when we got the car it has been safe and a good car for children.

• 

  Best Civic Since 2000 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Brandon - March 25 - 3:59 pm

  I grew up in the 90s. Saw lots of Civics during that time and to date, my best car was my standard transmission 94 Civic EX coupe. I love that car. drove it up to 200k miles, but needed something more reliable. However, by time I got rid of it, it was during Hondas "I dont care what the civics look like" era. Yes, the civic has always been reliable and efficient car, but I am not just about efficiency. I dont want a bland looking car. I want something that actually looks great. So that being said, I have not bought nor even considered a Civic for over 15 years. Then I saw a teaser picture for the 2016 Civic and thought it was too good to be true. I mean, how many concept cars actually look like the care on the lot. But to my surprise, It looked amazing. I waited no time nor asked my wife to buy one. I bought an EX-T because I wanted the 1.5 turbo. The pick up is strong. It handles great. I like to drive in s mode for the acceleration and since gas is cheap right now, why not? Its very spacious. Almost as big as the 07 accord models. I dont care for leather, but even my cloth seats have heated seats. Navigation has never been a huge selling point for me. I have a iphone. And now with apple car play, I have navigation on my display, so why pay the extra for it. the only thing it did not have that I wanted was LED headlights, but I had those installed asap and matching fog lights. My only two complaints are 1) road noise and 2) the climate controls. I dont like having to have to hit a separate display for climate on my touch screen. Id rather have separate knobs. As for road noise, Honda has never had the best luck with that. They all have seemed loud. I never really cared until I got married because I had my radio up so loud that I never heard it. But now, since I have to talk with my wife on road trips, I notice it greatly.

• 

  Best yet - 2005 Honda Accord
  By s.a. - March 25 - 3:20 pm

  I have owned quite a few cars and until now, with the exception of a VW beetle in the 70s (forgive me; it was the time) I had always bought American made, and always had issues before long. When my son was eighteen and bought his first car, he bought a four door, four cylinder Accord. While nice looking, reliable and easy on insurance esp with a teenager at the wheel, it didnt seem to have that extra kick. So last year when I needed to decide something about a vehicle, I saw an ad for the 2dr coupe and well, it is sitting in my garage now. Black with black leather and maxed out with the 6 cylinder engine, I havent had so much fun driving ever. I LOVE THIS CAR. and so will you.

• 

  a great little wagon - 1991 Honda Accord
  By mica - March 25 - 2:00 am

  this is my second Accord Wagon EX Ive owned. The car is amazingly nimble for its size. With the EX power package, it feels extremely confortable to travel in. The trunk size makes it an excellent little wagon to carry lots of stuff in, while car size is still small enough to navigate the city and park it

• 

  A super little car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By karymay - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car. Its sporty, fun to drive and has been very reliable. For fuel economy, its wonderful. Although mpg varies with season, temperatures and type of driving, I have very consistently gotten approximately 32mpg as an average of city and highway. Sometimes more, occasionally less. Its a sharp little car, especially in red!

• 

  No longer the "mommy mobile!" - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Burke - March 24 - 12:30 pm

  The odyssey is a sporty minivan that helps alleviate the "Im a typical mom" syndrome! I can fit my three boys and all of their gear comfortably. The DVD system with wireless headphones is wonderful, especially when waiting at rainy baseball practices! Very reliable and comfortable. I like the maintenance reminder and the removable middle seat is a plus!

• 

  best minivan ever - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pspk - March 24 - 5:13 am

  contrary to what i read from edmunds tmv price i got the van 1250 dollars cheaper than the MSRP price.the key is shopping around.try all the dealers. dealer price is 2% to 3% less than the invoice price.for any new vehicle ask for a 4% to 8% above the invoice and walk out if you dont get it.but for odyssey it is going to be really tough but worth trying to go up from the invoice price. the van is worth every cent. excellent handling.i feel the control is much better than the corolla i have.

• 

  Fabulous New Civic-- MUST BUY - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kevin James - March 24 - 4:00 am

  This is my third and by far most favorite Civic that I have ever owned. I owned a 97, and 04 and my current 06. There is absolutely no comparison to the previous models. Honda has really outdone themselves with the 2006 Civic Coupe. This car is packed with features and a fit and finish that puts competition in the same class to shame! I have had so much attention from people at the car wash, gas station, and drivers on the road wondering what my car is. This is definitely not like its stodgy predecessor!