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 Except Brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bham Honda - November 25 - 1:10 am

  We have owned Accords since 1983, all have been great cars. I have bought 9 Hondas since 2005. But like everyone else, the rear brakes are a real headache. Numerous problems with rotors and pads and dragging the parking brake. 97% of our miles are interstate, so we dont use brakes much, I cant imagine how many problems I would have if we urban commuted. Honda has been stonewalling the brake problem for months, if you are out of warranty, too bad. Even if you have had repairs under warranty that didnt fix the car right. They just dont care.

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  The tailgate machine - 2003 Honda Element
  By pennstate99 - November 23 - 9:54 pm

  fun to drive, get a lot of looks, lots of room for tailgating, and camping. thought was ugly at first, but it grows on you.

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  This Car iS The BeST!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By BiGDoG - November 23 - 5:10 pm

  Well I had no problems since I got this car. *Knocks on Wood* This car get excellent mileage. Its looks are apealing. I cant stop looking at it. Everyone should go out and buy one of these cars. I highly recommend it.

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  Transmission is faulty - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Never again. - November 23 - 4:45 pm

  The automatic transmissions in the 97- 03 hondas are defective. Honda has issued warnings and extended the warranty to 10 years or 100,000. And they dont tell you this on the front end.

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  A great value - 2016 Honda Fit
  By ladrondelanoche@gmail.com - November 23 - 4:09 am

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  2006 Honda Civic LX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brandon Vang - November 23 - 3:33 am

  Very nimble and smooth to drive. Needed more leg room, but this is expected out of any compact vehicle. Uses gas like a sparrow drinking water out of a bird bath. I can easily get 500 miles to a full tank of gas on the Highway. Im amazed....yeah!

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  Wow - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rjudge - November 23 - 2:23 am

  Purchased this vehicle after careful review of the Camry, Altima and Malibu. Uncomfortable in Camry, Had a Nissan before, rough ride. Test drove Honda and enjoyed the firm yet very comfortable ride. Fuel economy is great. Drove from Lafayette, LA to Orlando. Averaged 33.5 mi/gal. Same on trip to Houston. Overall averaging about 25-27 MPG. Handles very well, sure footed. If you like to drive and want great economy pass the other cars mentioned, this is the one youll enjoy.

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  a true believer - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Michael - November 23 - 1:23 am

  a truly fantastic car. I was going to purchase a volkswagen gti. after test drive and overall price civic does the trick. the fact the stability control was added this year sealed the deal.

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  Honda Fits the Bill! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Scott fisher - November 22 - 5:53 pm

  Get the EX for all the options that come with it. The only caveat is the lack of an aux input Jack on this model.

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  Civic Touring - 2016 Honda Civic
  By James Travis - November 22 - 5:35 pm