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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  Not happy with my civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By masdolphin - June 25 - 3:13 am

  After a lot of research on many cars of this size we decided to spend the extra money to buy the civic mainly for the gas mileage. We were way wrong in this purchase, the car gets only 19 to 23 miles per gallon, 85 percent highway miles, 15 percent stop and go traffic, the dealer says thats normal and will get better when the car gets 20,000 miles or more on it. That will take us almost 2 yrs to get decent mileage! If we knew we were going to be getting this poor of mileage we would have bought an SUV. The automatic transmission makes weird sounds, when you are slowing down then speed up the car almost dies, the dealer says nothing wrong with it.

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  Love my car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Happy Peanut - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. It is fuel efficient, comfy, looks nice, heat and AC work well. My ex bought on the same day and his is the sedan. I wouldnt drive anything else.

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  like no other - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2000whiz - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Zs and have driven practically every other kind of sports car while making up my mind what to buy. My decision was based upon the pure visceral enjoyment of speed and the ability to control it.

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  THE BEST CAR EVER!! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By george p. - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a Honda Civic 93 LX Sedan for almost 11 years now, and I have to say that this is the best economy car Ive ever driven. Its reliable, fun to drive, has a big interior and low-cost.

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  BUY ONE - 2008 Honda Civic
  By WashingtonDCDriver - June 24 - 11:20 pm

  I have had a Pontiac Formula, Chevy Cavalier, Acura 3.0 CL and now the royal blue Honda Civic! Beats all of the others. I test drove others but was SO impressed with it I had to take it. I got the car out the door for 20k. Although I miss a v6, the engine is peppy. Drove it from DC to SC within the first week! 37 MPG averaging 70+ mph and sunroof/windows open most of the way. Handled great and study. reliability cannot be beat. Get the leather...seat heaters are great and the car comes with a bunch of standard features...stereo isnt bad either. I would highly suggest! Car shifts with ease too...really an all around great car. Actually roomy too...size of older accords.

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  Honda Civic LXSE - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Brioninn - June 24 - 7:30 pm

  I traded in my Accord for this. And enjoy it so much more. Despite the loss of horsepower between the two, its a much smoother, more enjoyable ride. And the SE package is enough to make it sporty while allowing me the motherly benefits that are a necessity. Its the best of both worlds for me.

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  Accord aint what it once was - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Brad Till - June 24 - 3:40 pm

  This is the 2nd Accord Ive owned. The first was bought new in 1993. Drove it for 15 years and never missed a beat. Fantastic car. But the 2009 has been a huge disappointment. Heres a laundry list of its shortcomings: Rear brakes have been replaced twice. (97000 miles on car) 1st time under warranty (partially) 2nd time on me. rotors pads and calipers. Rear deck rattles along with various rattles from the dash. Carpet on passenger side wont stay put. Keyfobs (yes both) are inoperable. At 90,000 it began burning oil. Now burns a quart of oil every 1500-1700 miles, but Honda says thats normal (BS). Road noise is rather high. Fan for the heater/AC is squeaky on low. So its high or tear your hair out with aggravation. Drivers seat is good for about an hour of driving before back ache sets in. I kept the car cause it was paid for, but the oil burning is the final straw for me. Getting rid of it soon. Wont ever get another Honda.

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  Easy Decision - 1998 Honda Accord
  By hanleybc - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Hanles exceptionally well in the snow, we have two of these and we have never had any difficulty. Interior design is exceptional, large knobs and buttons are all at arms reach. Gas mileage is excellent, gets about 27 around town. The 4 cylinder is enough because this is a very light vehicle. Highly recommend.

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  Ichiban! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Gino - June 24 - 2:00 am

  It was time to replace our modified 63 Alfa Spider show car/club racer Id owned since new--an Italian classic. We drove a few possibilities and then, the latest iteration of the S2000. Simply put, the Honda is the new classic--an agressively quick, superb handling, extremely handsome, fun to drive, all- out performance tourer that others can only hope to equal anywhere near the price. Ive driven and raced many cars over the years, some costing substantially more, but have never been so enamored of a vehicle that offers so much for such a modest sum. An absolutely stunning package and a new classic, indeed.

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  ditch it - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ditch it - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and within 6mos the sliding doors were sticking and by 38000mi the brakes weremaking a grinding noise. the tires only lasted 27000mi. Now at 44000mi the crusecontrol quit working and the transmission lever is stuck and will be a major repair. thats right, you cant drive it if you cant get it out of park. i wont buy another one.