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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  2006 Honda Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Blake Atkins - May 20 - 8:57 am

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  Is this car really a Honda? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jesse - May 20 - 2:57 am

  Note to all looking for this car... it falls apart at 80k. Period. Ive had to replace the tranny ($2800), another timing belt/water pump/tensioner ($850), shocks ($880), resently. My opinion is that shocks and a tranny should last more than 80k especially on a honda. I almost have more money into this car than I could trade it in for in only the last month. I cant believe Honda would put thier name on this heap...and I maintained mine good too.

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  2009 Civic LX-Sport - 2009 Honda Civic
  By oconn11 - May 20 - 1:36 am

  Just got car so I only have 35 miles on it. Having driven 6cyl mini vans then SUVs for the past decade I am pleasantly surprised with the pep of this car. It is quite roomy, yet gives you a cockpit feel. Dealer experience was awesome and was mostly done via internet. So far I am quite happy.

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  Good family car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tim - May 20 - 12:26 am

  Traded in our 2000 Toyota Sienna for a sedan. Was able to get a 60 month 0% deal so that was a great savings. Car has blue tooth system which works well and dealer was great at helping us understand car features. Car overall feels sturdy, safe, and quiet. I like this Accord and believe if you are in the sedan market, this should be a car to look at.

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  A great car but could be quieter inside - 2001 Honda Accord
  By itsjen_again - May 19 - 11:36 pm

  Bought as "certified" used vehicle w/ 5000 miles in 2003. Most impressed w/ reliability-now at 35000 miles and not a single problem or repair. Reliable family (of 4) vehicle with good gas mileage (26 mpg around town--4 cyl). Not too zippy, but handles well. Expected it to be a quieter ride more wind/road noise than I like. Seats uncomfortable on long drives (>1 hr). Interior design no frills but well laid-out. Lots of trunk space and flexible cargo arrangement w/ the fold- down rear seat and rear seat port-hole (have used this feature many times). We need to move up to larger vehicle now (baby on way) so its good resale value is a plus. Overall satisfied with this car.

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  My First Accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By John Sumrall - May 19 - 10:56 pm

  I am delighted with the appearance, convenience, comfort and fun-to-drive qualities of the car.

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  Dont expect it to be a "Drivers" car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mclean1200 - May 19 - 10:23 pm

  After owning a Mazda RX-8 6spd,(my wife had problems driving a manual after breaking her foot last fall) the Civic was a major step down. Its a nice looking car, but its weak and handles terribly (very choppy ride at highway speed) compared to what I was used to driving. The speedometer placement is very unnatural and distracting especially at night. If all you need is a reliable high mileage commuter, this may work for you, but if I had another chance, Id more likely buy a Corolla.

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  Great used car to buy - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Cain - May 19 - 3:22 pm

  Obviously, fuel economy was a major factor when buying this car - 35mpg / 400+ miles on one tank!! The only dislikes I have are the location of the side-mirror controls (on the dash just left of the steering column - hard to get to without taking you eyes off the road) road noise all the time and driver seat needs a longer armrest. Other than those items, I am very pleased with this CIVIC. Great resale value if I decide to sell of trade-in too...

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  Love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan W - May 19 - 12:46 pm

  Maybe its just the new car allure, but so far I love my new CR-V. Ive owned Honda cars since 1983 and have enjoyed every one. I would still be driving my 2006 Honda Civic if it werent totaled in a fwy accident. I walked away because the car saved me. Honda engineering rocks! Thought my replacement car should be a little bigger and the CR-V fits the bill. New Accord looks nice but was just too big, too wide for what I need. Ive already bought about $600 in accessories to make my CR-V MINE!

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  I LUV my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MisterFurious - May 19 - 12:20 pm

  This has been the highest quality vehicle I have ever owned out of the dozen or so new vehicles I have purchased in my life. I have had no reliability issues, just a few annoying noises that probably cannot be fixed. They are very small things that do not affect the efficiency, effectivness, or safety of the vehicle. This vehicle rides so comfortably and smoothly and is wonderful in snowy Michigan with its AWD.