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:

• 

  2001 honda civic ex - 2001 Honda Civic
  By thomas rose - March 19 - 9:03 pm

  This will be the fifth Honda I have owned, and the second auto. transmission. This model has yet to disappoint, although I dont expect it to. Reliability, fuel mileage are the main reasons I have kept Hondas in the garage, and also the ability to make upgrades performance wise, i.e. loud exhaust, rims, tires, etc.

• 

  My 5 Spd 2001 DX Civic: Mixed Reviews - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Peter - March 19 - 7:50 pm

  Ive owned my 01 DX Civic for over 4 yrs & 72k miles. Almost immediately the alt pulley came off & was fixed under warranty. At about 18k mi the brakes started grinding, i was told I needed new brakes ok. Still they were grinding. After 8 visits and 8 resurfacings they found that a badly adjusted control made the brake pedal hang down about 1/2 in, just like i described... I had a hill holder. At 30k mi they gave me a new set of pads and rotors and that was the last problem Ive had. Since then, no problem.

• 

  Just buy it - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kd - March 19 - 4:33 pm

  You will love ride bcauset it feels like a suv in a truck

• 

  Incredibly Disappointed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Former Civic Lover - March 19 - 4:20 pm

  I got this car when my 2001 Civic EX coupe was totaled- I loved that car. I hate the new one. Terrible visibility due to blind spots, both in back of car and front- cant merge, or see pedestrians trying to cross the street. I thought I would get used to it, but no- even large SUVs have been in my blind spot in the interstate. The interior of the car is cheap- tons of scratches and Im very careful. The paint is awful- tons of dings and scratches, and I live in the city- the car looks worse after 6 months than my 2001 Civic did after 6 years. Floor mats are the cheapest things ever- why the foam backing? I miss my old car so much, Im thinking of trading my 07 for an 01!

• 

  overall view - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jim Travers - March 19 - 1:26 pm

  Good looking car, excellent gas mileage, comfortable interior, quiet running/idle.Handles good on dry pavement, okay on wet. Not very good in snow conditions.

• 

  excellent car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jhon quevedo - March 19 - 12:33 pm

  This is my first Honda. Good car, excellent quality, good power, comfortable, great handling, refined

• 

  Wow! As usual, the Civic makes the grade! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Cathy W - March 18 - 10:17 am

  I owned an Accord for 11 years and then purchased a Toyota Corolla (kids had grown) and now Im back to Honda. I bought the LX because Im not into all the fancy high-tech auto-braking/sensing warnings features. I do love the rear backup camera and bluetooth features! I am so happy with the car especially the acceleration. I test-drove the Elantra and the Corolla and came back to the Civic. I have to say that I LOVE the new sporty design. I would highly recommend this car!

• 

  Saves $$$ on Gas - But Crappy Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Babu Bhai Patel - March 18 - 2:12 am

  The car is only good for its gas mileage. Otherwise it is a poorly manufactured vehicle. You have to crank the radio more than half way to hear anything since the car fails to block the road and engine noise. Speaking of engine noise, the engine is so loud even though the engine power is worse than my lawnmower. The car easily scratches internally and externally. The car is so compact and uncomfortable. Also, there is no door lock/unlock switch on the passenger side. What the hell was Honda thinking. It is common sense. It probably costs Honda only $2 to install that feature in the car. No space in the back seat.

• 

  Beware of the droning sound! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sm68 - March 18 - 12:13 am

  Deeply disappointed in this car. There is a loud droning sound at 2,100 RPM (sounds like a lawnmower). It is loud and gives a headache after a while. I have already taken the car to the dealership several times in 1 year - got the audio system replaced, brakepads replaced, fixed a whistling sound coming from the windshield at high speeds. Wonder what else is coming after the warranty runs out. Wouldnt buy it again!!

• 

  The Best Car I Have Ever Had..... - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dmk - March 17 - 10:03 pm

  I really like this car, I bought it because I never heard anything bad about hondas and the vehicle that I did have was in and out of the shop all the time, plus I wanted something really good on gas (which it is). I have had my car over a year and havent had a single problem with it. The interior is kinda cheap looking but I have seen my worse. I like the way it looks on the outside. They have solved the look issues on the 2006 model. I like all the safety features that come standard as well like the ability to lock everything so no one can get in to the trunk, gas tank without key. And the best part is you cant lock your keys in the car!!!!