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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  bargin performance - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 1 nice si - January 11 - 11:13 pm

  This car is one performance bargin for the dollar. I got the car for 20,540 which was sticker. do not pay over sticker, these cars can be found for sticker. 197 hp from 2.0 liter engine, no turbo,no s/c, amazing.I have 8000 miles, no problems whatsoever. excellent build qualilty throughout.

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  Our second CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Iverson - January 11 - 2:43 pm

  Picked a CRV again because of interior space and our delight with our first six Hondas. Had a blowout at 70 mph on the left front wheel, and the car never swerved. All controls easy to reach and recognize by feel.

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  2nd Ridgeline, 11th Honda (own 5 currently) - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Shawn Wyss - January 11 - 9:22 am

  Obviously, a Honda fan (12 Odyssey, 17 Ridgeline, 06 CRV, 02 Shadow ACE, 10 Fury) This truck is perfect for the daily driver who needs the capabilities of a truck without owning a truck. My daily commute is only 3.5 miles, but on the weekend I have hauled 3/4 of a ton of minus rock, a few loads of dirt, several loads of retaining wall blocks, and countless plants. We also haul a camper trailer with a dry weight of 3,200. I like it way better than my 2006 RTL - reason being that they put all of the controls where they are supposed to be on a Honda. Worth the wait, I look forward to driving this truck until the wheels fall off. Only bad experience was the dealer - they will never see a plug nickel from me again, I wont let them touch any of my vehicles.

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  If only it were a hybrid - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dan L - January 11 - 1:33 am

  Replacing a 1993 Civic DX Hatchback, our new Fit is a joy. Spacious, comfortable, peppy as can be, its like an update of Hondas great Civic Wagon from the mid-1980s. Had to travel 50 miles to find a dealer with the color and manual transmission we wanted - theyre selling like hotcakes. Our only disappoinment is that the 93 Civic got better gas mileage (32/city, 38/hwy) while the Fit is averaging about 30 mpg combined in its first 600 miles.

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  A Nice Safe Ride - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TinkerBell - January 10 - 1:23 pm

  Overall, a very nice little care. Not getting the gas mileage predicted (about 28 mpg in city driving). Purchased for daughter because I wanted the safety features but my wife and I drive a lot because its fun to drive.

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  07 Civic Ex - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Lovin it - January 10 - 6:53 am

  I have owned my used 07 civic with 5800 miles on it for over a year. Apparently the previous owner traded it for a CR-V. Right now it has over 20K miles and I have no complains. It looks good, GREAT performance and GREAT reliability. I live just outside of Chicago so in winter it gives me about 29 mpg on average and the summer is around 32 mpg both mixed driving. EXTREMELY happy.

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  Best buy for thrifty people - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Fred - January 9 - 7:36 pm

  We are glad we went with the EX model because of all the extras we didnt need but are very happy to have after we used them. We like its Sporty look. Im 6 feet tall and was suprised of how much room this car has in the back and front seat area. We were surprised at how much get up and go this car has. We dont understand why we dont see more 2006 Civic models on the road. Being thrifty people we feel this car was the best choice out of all the cars out there today.

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  Love it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DanielC - January 9 - 8:13 am

  Fun to drive. Standard safety features. Very attractive design.

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  Honda Mini Van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By antonio12345 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I am glad that waited and bought the best.

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  What a nice SUV!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Fan - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Got this SUV early January 2003 (EX Model) and Im so glad I went for the CRV. This SUV drives and feels like a car. Got a good deal on the price too. I suggest you do your research BEFORE going to the dealership. Be prepared on how to deal with the "Sales Managers". They could be nasty, but its all part of selling.