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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  About my Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By civical - April 2 - 11:31 pm

  To be honest, I purchased this car from a private party with 15,000 miles on it. It was 3 years old at the time and it had a salvage title... At first, I was concerned, but I have had no problems with this car. I am very pleased with my purchase. I paid $7,500. I go to the dealer to get my oil changed regularly, but besides that and brakes, that is all it has needed. I absolutely LOVE it.

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  Comfortable / Reliable cruiser - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ed - April 2 - 7:01 pm

  Bought this car from my father in law with 80k miles on it. For the most part it has not failed to meet my high expectations for a Honda . I have had brake work and wheel bearings replaced, but that is expected in NY after 7 winters. Only other problem was a burned out alternator at 120k. Other than that, has never has a problem during the past 3 years, and I am hard on my cars. The odometer currently reads 132,000 and my goal is to hit 200k. I also own a 2004 accord, same model, and that is the only reason my ratings for this car are not higher. The newest model is a huge step forward in overall refinement. Either way, I dont think you can go wrong purchasing a honda.

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  this car doesnt mess around - 1991 Honda Civic
  By chris_E - April 2 - 6:06 pm

  Coming from a person who has been disappointed from previous cars, this is the best purchase you can make if your budget can only afford used cars. Its very responsive in a good way. The steering control is intense. It has started every time without hesitation. The engine bay is so basic, any procedures can be serviced by yourself, time consumingly. I paid $600 and the car had 135k and Ive driven it out to165k and its still going great. Thats 30k for $600, a lease for that kinda mileage would be at least triple. This car will amaze you.

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  2016 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L - 2016 Honda Accord
  By C. Bianchi - April 2 - 3:56 pm

  This car is awesome. It has great handling, great acceleration & braking, too. It is comfy inside & stylish, both inside and out. The only problems that I have with it is that it does not read newly received text messages out loud via the Bluetooth connectivity. Also, the doors occasionally rattle; it isnt too loud and it comes and goes. It does not happen every car ride.

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  My Cute Honda Civic Hatchback - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Arline Wulfekotter - April 2 - 10:44 am

  I always loved the look of the Honda Civic Hatchback and had to buy one. Never any problems with it and always dependable. Only problem was that this style did not come with a sunroof so I had one installed which gives it even a sportier feel. Comfortable to drive and great on gas. Seven years old and still looking great. Hope to pass it on to my daughter soon who also loves to drive it. Only problem I have now is the speedometer quit working. Need to get it repaired soon.

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  My 1st Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 1st Civic - April 2 - 5:56 am

  I purchased my first Civic in 2007 after a handful of people suggested to do so. Overall, I am very happy with the vehicle; I have had no performance problems. For fuel economy, I can get approx. 330 miles per tank driving both on the highway and in the city. It held up well during our horrible winter here in the Northeast; however the car can sway easily in the wind.

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  1998 Honda Accord LX 4cyl - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Ken Johnston - April 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought our car right after the early 1998 Automatic transmission recall. We have had no non-maintenance issues with the car outside of some correction needed for the window door seals. Gas milage has been good but the new Accord model is even better. The 4 cylinder is perfectly adequate for most situations and the car has a better weight ratio.

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  NJ Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By NJ Element - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Sealine Mist colored E 3 weeks ago. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. What more can I say. Practical and Affordable, and oh yeah, has the same engine as the Accord and CR-V... for 19,300.00 !!!

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  Pat is in her Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Pat Clark - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Very nice, roomy powerful, egress very nice.

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  Not Bad For End Of Its Generation - 2000 Honda Civic
  By PinchBuyer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used (with only 27k on it!). Drivers seat tends to get a little uncomfortable on long drives, starting out isnt exactly up to par (stalls occasionally), high end acceleration isnt the greatest (not sure if thats factory tuning or whether the previous owner didnt know his stuff). However, these are all minor annoyances. The car gets decent gas mileage (not as great as my Neon got, for sure, but its good enough), and its a blast once you get it out on the open road. Can take hills without complaining too much, and the ABS is a God-send.