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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  Graet car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By MarkA - April 30 - 9:06 am

  I just got this car less than a week ago. This car is sweet, love to rev it over 6000 rpm where the vtec kicks in. Great interior and very roomy for a car of its size. My wife really wants to learn to drive stick now that I have this. My 6 month olds car seat fits easliy in the back where as in the coupe it was a hassle.

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  Disliking this car each day even more !! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By yajaira Jaquez - April 30 - 4:33 am

  This car seems very nice and comfortable at your eyes, but the truth is that it has many things that do not work properly. The oil gets bad fast and i have to change it too often. I can`t stand the brakes on this vehicle, very poor acceleration, I feel the transmission on this car is no good at all. Ac does not cool enough, the car gets hot in minutes. The brakes make a strange sound and i can feel as if it hit my foot as I press the brakes. I don`t feel safe at all. Also the interior looks very nice but I only have this vehicle for ten months and the seats look like a five year old car. The sound from the outside, inside the vehicle is too loud. When I am driving I feel like if the windows are open when they are all close. If I am park any sound from outside is heard clear inside the vehicle, sometimes people close their vehicle doors park behind me and I can hear like if someone hit my car with something. I definitely want to give this car back and get my money. I paid around $35,000.00 for this car and is not worth half of it.

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Steve - April 29 - 1:36 pm

  Picked up the 08 LX-P auto. Overall real happy with purchase. Few complaints: active headrest is annoying as it keeps creeping up touching my head (have to do something about that, hopefully fix is on the way), no seat memory and rain pours in on the door armrest switches when window is slightly open while driving (door visors should help). Very stylish inside and out, lots of room (Im 64" with plenty of room all around including rear seat). Confident handling and rides very nice.

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  The one you want - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Tim - April 29 - 12:26 am

  If you want to get the most bang for your buck, look no further. It is quality inside and out. No problems, except the factory bridgestone tires do wear out pretty quickly. For long drives, I actually perfer to take this car as opposed to my wifes SUV. And with good packing, you can fit a lot into its trunk. But if you were really concerned about trunk space, you wouldnt be looking at roadster. To sum it all up, this has been the best car I ever bought.

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  Good for the money - 2000 Honda Accord
  By meleto - April 28 - 7:15 pm

  2000 EX 4 cycl w/ leather purchased new for $20k. 88k miles & running strong. To date, only had to replace oil/air filter (normal sched), light bulb in clock (at 20k), brake pads & tires (at 60k), battery (at 84k), and transmission (at 84k, covered by warranty - known issue for this model). Also had dealer clean out sticking throttle body (at 84k). Just replaced windshield wiper blade inserts (at 86k). Thats everything to date. The drivers side window squeals sometimes (probably due to tint install) and the cupholder lid doesnt close properly (appears to be a broken hinge) can live with all that. Overall a very good car for the price very reliable good exterior/interior design/quality.

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  To Good to Be True - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Kenneth Sparks - April 28 - 6:35 pm

  This car is comfy, sleek, nimble and fast.

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  The Awesomeness - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jen - April 28 - 5:00 pm

  My car is amazing there is so much you can do with hondas thats part of what makes them fun I have never had a problem and it has 85000 miles on it

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  Awesome! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kelly - April 28 - 3:23 pm

  I love this car! My last car was a 91 Accord which was awesome, but this thing rocks! Its a great family car and has all around versatility. I love that it can comfortable seat 5 adults!

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  Best sedan for the money! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By PDI - April 28 - 3:00 pm

  The Honda civic ex is absolutely the nicest car out there for the money. I test drove all of them and this hands down is the best. I was a proud owner of a 2003 Mazda protege, so when I wanted to upgrade I thought for sure I was going to get the Mazda3. It didnt match up. Smoother ride, better standard features, and innovative look. A great choice.

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  My 4th S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Ken - April 28 - 1:59 pm

  Cant beat this car for bang for the buck. Will outrun anything on 4 wheels in the canyons and most bikes, too. Plus doubles as a daily drive. Great gas mileage, low maintenance costs.