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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  2016 redesigned civic is big improvement - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ric - April 19 - 6:50 pm

  Great new exterior/ interior styling. The interior feels big for a compact size car. The 2.0 L engine has enough power for normal use and delivers excellent fuel economy. No problems so far and the overall build quality seems excellent.

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  Appreciation of quality - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ottmar Egger - April 19 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased my Honda Civic Hybrid in March of 2004. Since then I have put 50000 km on this vehicle. I have not had one problem to report. I get about 800 km on a tank of gas , the tank holds about 50 liters. I would like to see better fuel economy for this type of vehicle. I do mostly City driving since I do Courier work. On a daily basis, I put about 300 km on this car a day. All in all no complaints, and I am very pleased with the quality of this vehicle. Keep up the good engineering work. Sincerely Ottmar Egger.

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  Best Car on the Planet! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Cole Pizzingrilli - April 19 - 6:14 am

  I LOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVE my 1996 Honda Prelude! It has always been my dream car, and ever since I bought it it has exceeded my expectations. I have never seen an inside dash as cool as the 92-96 Preludes. I just wish I had VTEC though. They are way to hard to get ahold of.

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  Baby G Class - 2003 Honda Element
  By DonnyDew - April 19 - 2:00 am

  If you dont have the right job to drive a Mercedes G500 this will be the most cheapest way to have the replica look of one!

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  Getting to like it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tpc - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle over the phone after calling 5 dealerships and getting the price on an EX-L down $2200. We are paying $398 a month for a 36 months lease-12k miles a year. We put down $1598. The buyout at the end of the lease is $18,200. Very happy so far with the vehicle. Its our 5th Honda. Never any problems. I have a 98 F150 pickup and use it for work. Piece of American crap. Would never consider an Explorer for the family.

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  SHOULD HAVE RECALL ON FRONT BRAKES - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CHIVAS - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASE MY CR-V EX LAST OCT.2002 THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT I HAVE SO FAR IS THE FRONT BRAKE PAD BANGING WHEN REVERSING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE FIRST TIME.

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  Annoying items - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By alexb - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our 1st Honda and so far its lived up to what we expected. No regrets or second thoughts. Compared to our previous Explorer there really is not a lot of difference in cargo capacity. The Honda has a deeper cargo area. Large enough to haul just about anything you need from the Garden Center.

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  So far, so good - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By redly1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my 02 Odyssey EX-L for 17 months now. I love the power and the very attractive interior. No major problems thus far, though we are only at 13000 miles. My only complaints would be that the drivers side heated seat barely heats, the side doors are starting to rattle a little, and it was way to easy for me to crack the front bumper cover on a curb.

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  Probably the best compact car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By alexi - April 19 - 2:00 am

  No problems with this car. Drives well and one of the most spacious interiors in a compact car. It handles well both in the city and on highway. Excelent turning and decent hill climbing. The seats are comportable and there is enough head and feet room both in front and in the back. I like the new design (looks a little bit like the VW passat). The trunk is very large for such a small car. I was able to squeeze in my daughters crib without opening the original box. Lowest cost of ownership.

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  Quick and tight, but needs refinement - 2003 Honda Civic
  By redly1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 01 Civic EX sedan 20 months ago and it is my daily driver. It took some getting used to, coming from a car with almost 100 more horsepower, but it is a very spirited little car. Its got great road feel and a great suspension. Interior design is sofisticated, but the exterior, specifically the rear view, needs some work. Seats are adequate, but dont plan on taking this car on long trips. The stereo is above average for factory. The Automatic transmission is sloppy, especially going into second.