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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  2002 Honda Odyssey EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jolli107 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  In short, if you need a minivan, why not drive one that doesnt make everyone think you are a dork. This is our sixth Honda, and we have been disappointed to some extent every time we stray away. This car drives like a sports car compared to the Toyota Sienna we used to drive. The 99-01 Odyssey was the best minivan available in the US/Canada; the 02 adds 35 horsepower, 5-speed aotomatic and disk brakes a

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  Not really xm ready - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By anthony - March 31 - 6:13 am

  I love my CR-V, I really do, but Honda left a bad taste in my mouth with the "xm ready" feature. The advertising as well as the OWNERS MANUAL make it seem like you just call up XM to activate your radio, the radio even has an xm button on it. You do have to call XM to activate it, but you cant call untill you have them install the $539 xm receiver.

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  So sorry - 2016 Honda Civic
  By lydia - March 31 - 4:46 am

  This is my 3rd honda, 2nd civic ex-l. i had a 2015 civic ex-l and traded in for 2016 civic ex-l. I am so sorry i did that and paying a lot more for no difference in upgrade. the trunk is small, no power seats on the drivers side. I think they cut the size a lot! I think in 3 years going to change to a different make car. I am so sorry i traded my 2015, : ( big big big mistake!!! only thing good it has 8 speakers and turbo and faster than the 2015 and has Sirrus! that is it. Dont waste your money.

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  Best Buy Ever - 1998 Honda Civic
  By 8AMAKTA - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car and its a blast the engine is strong and the interior design is flawless. 2dr feels like 4dr sedan plenty of room for the family.

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  Same old, same old - 2001 Honda Civic
  By mrf - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Same old, same old reliable Honda. Overall, I would have to rate this new Civic as excellent, as all Honda products tend to be. Maybe a bit bland in some areas, but fun to drive and very rliable. Some cost-cutting is evendent in the newer models however...but just go down to a GM dealership and sit in one of their POSs (any...Chevy to Cadillac) and youll think you just went to heaven.

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  Honda Accord. Great car with no problem - 2002 Honda Accord
  By moose - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my honda accord since July. I have put over 23,000.00 miles on it and thus far I have had no problems. I get 31 miles per gallon. It is easy to drive and to park. It is a great car. My prior car was a Dodge Intrepid. It was junk and gave me nothing but problems. I replaced every part on the engine and it continued to give me problems. Honday is the way to go.

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  Life is Hard Enough. Simplify! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mikey J - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Accord is one, if not the best built automobile on the road. Its reputation for quality and dependablity are undoubtably well known. They perform well, drive like a dream, with its tight well designed suspension and they retain their resale value. Ever try trading in a Chrysler with 100K miles, and expect the dealership not to laugh at you because they are only going to give you 10 cents? Honda. Its just an awesome piece of work!

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  much better handling than an altima - 2002 Honda Accord
  By mcd2000 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  the altima no contest has more power (but crappy handling), but to match accords standards, you would end up paying 28000 when you get an altima. plus it handles SO MUCH better than an altima, its engine is very responsive

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  Dependable - 1993 Honda Accord
  By 1989 Mark 7 - March 31 - 1:24 am

  Love my car. (Yes I do own a lot of cars) Very dependable, nearly 181,000 miles on the odometer. Over these past 12 years Ive replaced my timing-belt ($310 bucks!!!!!) Moonroof motor ($799.99!!!!) But shes running strong.

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  4-dr 2006 Honda Civic with Nav.system - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Al sav - March 30 - 7:40 pm

  Enjoyable car to drive. Outstanding characteristic is the absolute quiet inside the car. Your eye picks up the high level of interior quality. Seats are comfortable and supportive for my aching back. The more I view the new dash board with its two tier instrument panel, the more I appreciate the design. I find the voice-activated navigation system so useful that I use it even when not absolutely needed. The system and voice start your radio, change stations, give time as well as how long and how far to your destination. The exterior design is different and eye-catching for a Honda Civic,especially the unusually wide windshield. A minor bone of contention is the bounciness when going over bumps.