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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  Probably the best sedan in class currently - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Matt - May 9 - 10:48 am

  Not the best in all areas, but very good in most. Car would be near perfect if it had the automatic from the Mazda3 instead of a CVT. Body panel gaps are too wide, reminiscent of a 1990s Saturn S series. Some materials are cheap, i.e. rear seat, rear door interior panels. Sheet metal is incredibly thin, hood oil cans when you gently wash the car. Thats the bad. On the good side, 40mpg is easily attainable. Very good visibility from the drivers seat--thank you Honda for not following the high beltline, bathtub seating position trend these days. Full safety suite is available at modest cost on most trims. Turbo engine has just enough power to never feel too strained--decently quick in most situations. Quiet, road and wind noise are very well controlled. Modern interior design. Great gauge cluster. Decent stereo for a stock system. Car feels more expensive than it is, with a few notable exceptions such as the aforementioned body gaps. Mid level EX-T trim is the value play of the lineup in my opinion. You get heated seats, dual zone climate control, remote start, moonroof, decent alloy wheels, the turbo engine, electronic gauges, and a decent stereo for roughly $21k at the time of this review. The base car is well equipped for a few grand less. Add a grand for Honda Sensing active safety system if you want it. The CVT is less obtrusive than in our 2014 Civic, by far, and works better with the turbo than the NA engine. Best value in the compact car class as of May, 2016 in my opinion. The upcoming Subaru Impreza may give the Civic a run for the money, we shall see. But as of today, the Jetta, Sentra, Corolla, etc, all seem cheap and dated compared to the Honda. The Mazda3 is my second place in segment, but doesnt match the Honda in value for the dollar. Civic feels a lot roomier inside, especially in back. Also, the 3 is really noisy in comparison, and feels less refined than the Civic. Focus isnt bad, but is getting long in the tooth and rear seat space stinks. The new Cruze is promising, but probably wont have the same reliability and resale value of a Honda, unfortunately. I havent driven the Cruze yet to comment otherwise.

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  Reliable, basic transport - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Hondaowner - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Our Accord has had very minor repairs done other than regular maintenance. We are very happy with that. You can always be sure that when you turn the key, the engine will start and the car will move. AT 75K miles it shows no signs of trouble. The engine, however, is too weak for a car this size. If you have the AC on, forget about any acceleration even with a manual tranny. Performance and cornering are total afterthoughts.

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  Honda civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By sexymechelle - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The perfect car for first time buyers, and Single people.

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  Fun to drive and comfortable - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By st_pu - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We got Odyssey because we loved it, good price and car-like-drive. Also we needed it for our growing family. Funny, every family in our party have minivans. For some reason there only 2 groups: 3 families with Toyota Siennas, and 2 families with Odyssey. We tested Toyota Sienna 2004, and Odyssey 2003. I loved Odyssey more. Why? It was more "car-like drive" for me. And I was able to buy Odyssey EX(dual power doors, power seat, security, immobilaiser, keyless entry, 4 disc breakes...) for 2500$ less than Sienna 2004 LE #7 with about comparible features.

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  Honda sold Civics soul - 2003 Honda Civic
  By scannon - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 LX is NO FUN at all to drive. The steering is firm but vague, and it refuses to recenter properly. Brake feel is appalling. On the plus side, it is very roomy, its cleanly designed (if boring), and its fine on the highway. Material quality is typical for Honda - first rate, lightyears ahead of anything built by the US manufacturers. This car has qained a full quarter-ton of weight since 1996. Its safer than the previous generation, but the weight increase - absent a commensurate power increase - means that the car is slooooowww off the line. Cornering is uninspired, and as I said, braking is poor.

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  So far, so good! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bellasmomma - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a used 2003 with 9500 miles and couldnt be more pleased. This car is fun to drive, has lots of options, is beautiful, esp. on the inside (we have the black leather interior, so classy!) and if this car acts like a Honda, well be driving it for years to come.

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  Honda Accord is NUMBER 1 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By KIng - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The car use very less fuel on highway. The acceleration is excellent. The interior is very roomy. The music system is pretty good too.

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  Silver Bullet - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wrigley01 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The car has been excellent. No problems whatsoever. Love the V6 and highway driving. Nice road trip vehicle.

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  Practical - 2003 Honda Element
  By Kendo - May 9 - 9:24 am

  This car has been perfect for me. I am an outdoorsman and it has been with me through the mountains and to the sea.

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  Its a Honda, of course it is great - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By J - May 9 - 1:50 am

  Just bought it a couple of weeks ago. And so far it is a really nice ride. We traded in our Civic for it. One thing I did notice and always gave low marks to is cabin noise in a Honda. This one has really low cabin noise and is peppy to boot. The overall design is appealing to the eye and that is why we chose it over the large Pilot.