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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  Wonderful car - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By wsad - June 3 - 10:19 pm

  Very fun to drive, the seats hold you nicely in place and offer enough support for long drives. Great leg and arm room in the front, but the back seats are somewhat lacking. The dashboard is very unique with energy meters representing the fuel level and engine temperature. All of the controls are in the right spots and you naturally seem to find them. The car sits pretty low to the ground but has large windows so visibility is still good. Pretty quick for a non- turbo 4-banger but still looks faster than it is. The Car does get good gas mileage (usually averages around 25) for its performance though. Front wheel drive is great, especially during winter (Chicagoland area).

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  Best Midsize - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kayla - June 3 - 9:43 pm

  This is my second Accord. First was a 2001 that had no problems (except a sqeaky brake pedal). This 05 has reduced wind noise, a smoother ride, and excellent safety ratings. My gas mileage has also improved. I get 28- 30 of mixed city/highway driving. Interior is excellent. Im not crazy about the exterior styling, but it is growing on me. The added spoiler improves its looks.

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  First Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dawn - June 3 - 7:43 pm

  First Honda I have ever owned. Excellent car, spacious inside, excellent fuel economy, gauges and other interior features are well laid out. Smooth driving and handles well. Starts and stops smoothly. This is my first experience with a navigation system and I really like it. It gives concise and accurate directions and it follows my voice commands accurately. Trunk space is considerable given the size of the car. I traded a Chevrolet Silverado to this car, so the change was considerable, but at this time Im thinking I may not want to own anything else. Considerable consideration has been given to owner comfort and safety. You cannot ask for much more than that.

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  Honda S2000 after 19,000 miles - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Rever - June 3 - 5:54 pm

  Actually, I bought the early 2000 model. After 19,000 miles, its been totally reliable, just like any other Honda, but the performance surprises everyone who rides in it. What a sound and feel once the revs pass 6,200 RPM!!

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  Too new to say, but satisfied so far - 2007 Honda Civic
  By DARMAR - June 3 - 4:56 pm

  We traded in my 02 Maxima for this car. We needed less payments and more fuel economy and thats exactly what we got. Does it have the power to blow past people like the maxima, no but it has good pick up and I guess if you wanted to add some mods it would be able to do that. Its fun, very roomy for a sub compact and the side airbags make me feel like my wife is better protected. Good car for the cost, we only have 300 miles on it so reliabbility still stands to be seen but Honda has a good reputation.

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  Surprise in a little package! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By 2000 Honda S2000 - June 3 - 1:46 pm

  I traded a corvette for this Honda S2000 when it first came on the market. I have never regretted one minute of being the owner of one. It corners like a dream, drives with the power of any sport car I have ever had and I dont have to worry about the market being saturated with them. I feel unique. My dream car.

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  First Impressions - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Step - June 3 - 10:10 am

  This is my first non-performance driven car and I am impressed with this 1.8L engine.(To give some background, I have had a 305 V8 and turbos on a small V6) It can get the job done. I test drove many other cars in this class and most felt like they would fall apart in 2 years. The Civic feels solid but only time will tell. The only big problem I have with this car is the road noise! I can be aweful at times! Need a premium radio just to drown out the noise! I am looking at options like dynamat and quitcar to help with the noise.

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  Good little commuter/driving kids - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Vi Tang - June 2 - 10:45 am

  Well, I got such a good deal, cant complain. I bought at the end of the year and got it for $17,500. Then I negotiated lifetime powertrain warranty, 2 year maintenance, 0% financing, over blue book trade in. Klein Honda in Everett, WA is great. So, the car runs great, quiet, comfortable (minus the darn head restraints/rests). Quick to accelerate on freeways. Stops on a dime. Great on the snow (I have Michelin X-Ices for the winter). Im getting average of 30mpg, but I drive in the city most of the time. I did get 38 MPG on a road trip over the mountain pass. Mine came with big touch screen and lane watch (which I turned off). Nice thing is my wife has a 2014 Honda CRV and the controls are almost identical. We can jump into either cars, adjust the seats and mirrors and off we go. Compared to the CRV, this civic is quieter, quicker steering, and accelerates quicker. I love both of them, but the Civic has a much sportier feel. The CRV has its advantages too, like a lot more trunk space and really good traction in 2 feet of snow (CRV has Blizzaks for the winter). The engine was a little noisy first few hundred miles during startup, but went away after it broke in. The CVT transmission took a little getting used to, but if you dont look for the transmission to shift and dont worry about it, it is really seamless and smooth. I do wish it had more trunk space and better head rests. Darn head rests cant forward so much that if you like to sit up straight, you are looking at the steering wheel instead of the road. So I just recline a little, but it makes me feel like Im a gangster or something.

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  High Reving Fun - 2000 Honda Civic
  By prophet - June 2 - 8:15 am

  Ive had my Si for 2 years now and I still love the car. Overall, its a fun car to drive, has got a lot of spirit to it and has been unbelievably dependable. Havent any problems with it thus far. The driving experience is generally enjoyable, especially when reving up to and past vtec. The car handling is rather nimble and it corners well, particularly for a FWD car. Acceleration is nice through the lower gears and the fifth gear is responsive on highway driving.

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  Cool. - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Jun - June 2 - 6:46 am

  Cool.