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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  1995 Honda Prelude VTEC-Coupe (Black) - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By VTEC-R - July 11 - 2:00 am

  One of the Best Performance cars I have ever driven!!!

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  "My Baby" - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Eccentricity84 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I am a junior in college and my parents bought this car in 2002 as a high school graduation present. I LUV my car! I will drive this car until it wont move and the way it runs at 123,000 miles, that may be a long time from now. It gets regular services and the only thing extra Ive had to do was to replace a CV axle last year. It cost about five hundred dollars and on average, including services, i spend about $600 a year on upkeep. Better than $600/month on a piece of junk. Dont sit there, go buy one now!

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  It runs so well, that I may be bored! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By martin189 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EX new in 96 and have had no problems -- just usual maintenance -- new battery, oil change and brakes. I just assume that this car is going to run and it does. Now that Im 50, I feel like I need something more expensive and a bit more comportable --but its really hard to give this car up. Ive even detailed it last year and it looks amazing -- the black paint has held up really well. I keep looking at Mercedes, but when I hear the problems that my friends have with theirs -- I realize that I got a great deal by buying this car. It still looks and acts new.

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  My Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By GDN - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall this has been a reliable yet sporty car. Problems: engine light came on at 60,000 miles, which turned into a faulty chip in the engine (under warranty). Power Windows have stopped working in the past but started again VERY slow. Dashboard light that circles the "D" when in drive has just gone out. No other problems.

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  Gas milage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lou - July 10 - 10:03 am

  The car is well built and fit and finish is very good. The figure I provided for miles driven is from past experience. This Honda has 800 miles on the odometer. I am not pleased with the gas mileage. I did not check the first fill up, but I got 31 MPG on the second and 26 MPG on the third. The little booklet that is provided for fast reference indicates I can check average fuel mileage, but this feature is not available on my car. I am a retiree who drives very reasonably.

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  Sporty - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Michael - July 10 - 9:39 am

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  Life saver gift - 2004 Honda Civic
  By John Thatcher - July 10 - 4:49 am

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  Best Civic EVER - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AJBJOB - July 10 - 3:36 am

  This generation of civic is so much better. The exterior is sleek, interior is superb, handling is tighter for a front wheel drive, standard features are abundant and the fuel economy is unbelievable. The 350 watts stereo system is a big bonus. I love driving this car! Way to go Honda.

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  May 93 Accord - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Irishdude - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Honda vehicles for some 20 years. I have had very few issues which would make me consider changing brands. The only issue I consistently had to address is the air conditioner compresor failures which required an approximate $1000 replacement cost. My 1993 Accord LX has had 3 replacements since I purchased the car.

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  Name??? - 1996 Honda Accord
  By bullmoose - July 10 - 2:00 am

  A quality vehicle ovrall. No major repairs in the 8 yrs that we have owned it. All regular required maintenance was done and the car has operated to our greatest expectations. It has not once failed us. It was our second Honda, the first being a 1986 which we had for 10 years. Our third will no doubt also be a Honda.