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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  LOVE OUR CIVIC - 2001 Honda Civic
  By tanyaf - December 9 - 10:00 am

  We have nothing but great things to say about this car. It is reliable, sporty, quick and efficient.

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  Too Much For No Power - 2004 Honda Civic
  By car_man - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Civic just over a month ago and have put about 1600 miles on it already. Initially, I was impressed by the look of the car. Nice design, and you know Hondas are reliable. However, after I was able to really get into the car and drive it for a good bit, it became very disappointed. Honda could have done a lot more to make you feel like youre driving a top of the line Civic. There is nothing better about this than any other Civic. The VTEC is way over rated and under powered. I am disappointed in this car and will probably not buy another one ever again. It is good for a commute I would guess, but my job is only about a mile away.

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  Bragging rights - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Milton S - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The car drove like any other car except I saved LOTS of money.

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  Great car, except for the rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rtc - December 9 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car it was between the Accord and the Mazda 6. The deciding factor for me was the Accords interior, it is beautiful... BUT, it has a lot of rattles. Had the car for a week and a rattle developed directly over the drivers head between the grab handle and the sunroof (very annoying). There are multiple rattles in the dash. There are rattles in the headliner in the rear, the list goes on... Other than that the car is fantastic, great power, comfortable, OK gas mileage. All that being said, it may get traded in on a new Mazda 6 hatch or wagon.

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  A dream to Own - 2004 Honda Accord
  By alinki - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is by far the best car in this Midsize market.

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  Think Twice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Gil - December 9 - 5:23 am

  If you are thinking of buying a 2008 Honda Accord 6 cylinder, I would suggest you think twice and drive it more than just a test drive. The VCM is terrible. I would not buy the car again because of this "feature". The service department told me there was nothing they could do and to go back to sales. The surging (even at times on cruise) is terribly annoying. Otherwise, the car is outstanding.

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  My Co-Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By William Sinclair - December 9 - 2:03 am

  We love our new Pilot! Upgraded from a 2012 Ford Focus

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  Never believe how amazing this box is!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By TheCar - December 8 - 11:44 pm

  Most amazing car ever. I’m 5’0” and I fit perfectly. Best Friend is 6’6” and drives his in comfort, too! Im a mountain biker and I just throw my bike in the back, covered in mud, dripping with slime. Let the mud dry, sweep it out, and wipe with damp rage. Voila, like new. I can fit 2 mtn. bikes in the back by just folding up the seats, without removing any tires! I have a German Shepherd and the fur monster loves it, and I love sweeping out the dog fur. No more hours with an upholstery brush to get fur out. Perfect moonroof-Fold down the seats and gaze up at the stars while you doze off in full length comfort. It’s ugly, but I get envious looks when I fit a queen set in the back, no sweat.

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  Solid Economy Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Wxwzrd1 - December 8 - 11:44 pm

  Decided to try a Honda sedan after racking up over 235,000 miles on my 1993 Toyota pickup. Based on past performance and reliability, this looked like the perfect runner. I was not disappointed as the 1.7 is peppy when combined with the 5-speed--and gets about 30 mpg around town. All controls are easy to reach. Dash lights are great since you can adjust independently with and without the headlights on. Stereo is of excellent quality. Fold down seats are a bonus when extra room is needed for cargo. Suspension is solid and surprising-- doesnt feel like a typical subcompact. Front seats are slightly cramped but not uncomfortable. Seats have good support for long drives.

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  My 4 Year old picked it out! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather - December 8 - 3:56 pm

  My 4 yr old son picked out this van-- he liked the larger screen for the DVD- the comfy headphones-- I enjoyed the quieter road noise, the 8th seat (my son didnt like sitting all the way in the back)- easier to use fold down seats-- I love everything about this van!