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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  great car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By bamagirl - February 7 - 4:04 pm

  I bought my civic new and have no regrets. I love it. It is fun to drive, sporty, and reliable. It also gets great gas mileage - 36 mpg in the city. I couldnt ask for more.

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  Some Issues - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Felt32 - February 7 - 7:14 am

  I really like the look of the older Honda Accords. I am concerned that after I purchased this certified vehicle that a part of the brake stuck,which caused the rear tire to smoke, badly.

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  Disappointed with my first Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Felt32 - February 7 - 7:09 am

  I am highly disappointed in this CR- V. I had heard about Honda being the most reliable and for me that was not the case. My 2008 Honda CR-V ran hot on me damaging an engine head gasket, temp control device, and etc. The battery also died on me, even though it was my fault for not closing the trunk all of the way it should of warned me that the trunk was not closed. Very disappointed with my purchase so I traded it in after 1.5 years.

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  A Great Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Millers - February 6 - 11:58 am

  We ordered it in late July and it came in late Sept. We love it . I do have to watch me head getting as I am tall ,but it is very comfortable it has good pickup in traffic .we get great mileage in mid 40s a gallon consistent and better depending on circumstances. I love the way it keeps track of how you are doing for fuel usage.It also does great in the snow. in short WE LOVE IT .

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  I. LOVE. THIS. CAR. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By teajai - February 6 - 12:12 am

  Prior to my Civic Coupe EX, I owned two Accords and two CR-Vs. I got a little tired of all the money I was putting out in gas and on a whim I purchased my current 2004 Civic Coupe EX and began my journey. This is an excellent car! I was really scared when I was faced with driving it in the snow after being in a CR-V for 11 years...but the car is amazing. She plows through anything and climbs hills that have left other cars in the ditch. Ive owned this car for just shy of 2 years now and I love it more and more each day. I get an average of 36-38 mpg--no matter the driving conditions. I cant praise this car enough. Get yourself one and begin your own inexpensively reliable journey!

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  5 yr. ownership - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Linas - February 5 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car used with 128,000 miles on it. I am very satisfied with it and like the performance and handling of the car. It is a manual transmission and the shifts are smooth. I have not made any major repairs on it. I have taken 1000 mile road trips with this car. I am looking forward to buying a Civic Si soon.

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  How do ya spell reliability? H-O-N-D-A! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Happy Honda Owner - February 4 - 6:54 pm

  I bought my 1990 Accord about two weeks ago and so far its been nothing short of what Honda stands for: reliability. Only thing that annoys me is it seems to suck up oil? Filled the gas tank and drove from Atlanta to outside Athens and back. 175 miles roundtrip. Fuel gauge was closer to full than it was to halfway when I got back to Atlanta. My next car will be a newer Honda Accord. 189k miles and still going.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Dave - February 4 - 9:35 am

  Traded in a Jeep on a cash for clunkers deal. I wanted the most efficient and reliable car I could get. I think that I may have found it. Great mileage, fun to drive and comfortable. Great car for around town driving. Have taken a few 400 mile road trips and it can cruise all day long. Keep in mind that it is a small car and dont try to overload it and all will be fine. A great car for the money.

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  Awesome Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By NPW - February 4 - 8:26 am

  Had no major issues. Had to replace the AC compressor at about 130K. It was a great drive. This was my first new car. I used it till someone else decided that they needed it more than I did and stole it!

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  Great car! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By boating - February 3 - 9:12 am

  Chose this car over a Mazda3. Handles very well in turns and over suburban streets. Very comfortable. I thought that the dash layout and speedometer would be a problem, but that is not the case. Bit noisy on highway at 50- 65.