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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  I love this car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kelseylynne - February 19 - 5:23 am

  Ever want a car that you cant stop looking at in the parking lot? This is the car. I cant wait to take it out on the road, either! Cars literally have been pulling up beside me to check out the digital dash which is so perfect! They are stunned by the awesome blue digital dash and navigation system offered in this SWEET little car! This is the best car ever!! I just wanted a car with good gas mileage that could last for ten years. I was able to purchase this car and know that it will last due to Hondas reputation. I will have fun in this car for a very long time and I will be making a lot of drivers very jealous they didnt wait for the release of the 07 coupe! Two thumbs up!!

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  Cant complain - 1993 Honda Accord
  By RandyZ - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Ex, 4 door with 67,000 miles on it in 97. gas milage 25-26 mpg around Houston, Ive got 227,000 miles on it now, nice road feel, better cloth interior than the 2003 accord. 300,000 miles? no prob. change the timing belt ever 90,000, oil every 4,000, use mobil one synthetic.

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  My Baby - 1992 Honda Accord
  By leslie - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 5 speed 1992 EX 2 door Accord with 14,000 miles on it in 1993. It now has 185,000 miles, been to canada several times, 2 accidents and still runs like a charm. I loved this car the day I bought it and still do. So much fun to drive. I wish I didnt have to sell it.

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  First Honda since 82 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave in VA - February 18 - 9:20 pm

  I only got my new Civic last night but Im already very impressed. I currently own two Nissans (99 Sentra SE and 01 Frontier) and the Honda is a very well-built vehicle. With gas over $2/g and a 50 mile roundtrip commute each day I wanted something more econimical and comfortable than my truck (16mpg) that would last forever so I naturally went to the Honda dealer. The handling is top-notch, WAY better than I would expect out of a compact sedan, acceleration is more than sufficient, the safety features are plentiful. The Civic is smooth and quiet even at highway speeds and takes very little effort to maneuver. Tons of headroom (Im 61") and legroom.

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  My second Honda purchase - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Matyas - February 18 - 4:53 pm

  I love the interior/exterior looks. I expect good reliability - I drove a 98 Civic until now. I bought 17" wheels, unfortunately that means I will have to sell the 16" set myself. I wish this was a dealer/manufacturer option. The road noise is pronounced on some low quality pavements, but not bothersome in general. In fact I test drove an upscale sedan for comparison and that was just slightly less quiet. I get 32-36 mpg city/highway milage in warm/hot weather with 95% AC use. (Also the odometer undermeasures by 3-4%, this will change with tire wear.)

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  Best van ever - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Russ - February 18 - 8:40 am

  I purchased this van with about 75,000 miles on around 10 yrs ago. It now has almost 365,000 miles. Ive done regular maintenance on it, no engine or transmission problems. My wife asked me if I wanted to get rid of it. I said "Why, its been one of the most dependable cars we ever had!" I met someone that had 600,000 on their Prelude and his brother had 800,000 on his Accord. It s paid for, low maintenance and hope to keep it a long time to come.

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  !!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Sandra Hardman - February 18 - 7:17 am

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  Wonderful Car - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By LTS - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Practical solution to the many demands of life. 2.3 litre VTEC engine is a must for performance (165 hp)

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  this car is super cool - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Ken4238 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the best car around, good looking, acceptable price, long lasting engine, i like it.

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  The best car Ive ever owned. - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By grb - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My 99 CRV is the best car Ive ever owned. It is by far the most reliable (84,000 miles and nothing has broken yet--Ive never been back to the dealer). The gas mileage is a consistent 23/24 and it even handles well in snow. Ill probably buy another one soon.