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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  serious fun in a roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By hirev - June 15 - 2:00 am

  so far after 8000 miles and 6 months this car is near perfect. just oil changes. no oil use. dont beleive what others say about no low end torque. this car goes, and handles, and has a great ride, even for distances. the build quality is excellent. lows:crappy stereo, cramped interior room, twitchy oversteering at limit takes time to master...highs, performance, build quality, features, a/c, gearbox, brakes, engine, rigid mid/front engine designed chassis is second to none. and when you vetc it just screams from 6,0000 to 8200 rpm. this car is not for everyone, just serious roadster carnuts who can appreciate this limited production hand built honda.

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  daughters first car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By djm - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Id seen this car in the neighborhood. My wife and daughter were looking for Jeeps. This car went on the market in the morning and I knew this was the perfect car. Reliable and low maintenance. Fun but practical. I think Ill drive it around town for the economy

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  Ill only get a honda from now on. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By ludakrishna - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a great car. Fun toi drive with smooth engine and have had no problems. Its worth every penny. The shape is awesome. I recommend that you not add body kits because it looks great the way it is. Adding a "complete" exhaust system works. I added it five days ago, and i can definately see the difference. Especially when the VTEC engages.

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  In my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By twistedpair - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 98 Explorer, havent missed it yet. More cargo room,more fun to drive,and I can pass gas stations. Average 26mpg on hwy at or above speed limit. Highly recommend for people with animals or kids, can easily wipe up interior.

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  2nd honda and still best car ever - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jonah stjernegaard - June 14 - 5:26 pm

  7 months ago I bought a 2009 Honda fit with 5 speed manual, I decided to sell it and get a faster Honda civic coupe dx. I cant believe how much faster the civic coupe is with manual transmission than the fit and it handles so much better and looks better. I will never ever buy any other car than a Honda civic coupe. It feels like you are driving the fastest car on the road all while using no gas. Honda makes best cars in the world PERIOD.

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  Overpriced - 2005 Honda Element
  By Joseph Noriega - June 14 - 5:10 am

  My car was overpriced for what it is!It rides comfortable for the two front passangers but for those who ride in the back, it rides rough. Pick up speed is slow.The outside look of the car draws attention. I put my car through many tests and here are the results per each senario.For moving and shopping with my truck was nice,the car was useful with the spacious back space. When used for long distance rides the car rated fair for me. My passangers was missing comfort especially now that we have a new baby in the family my car is not baby friendly. Overall my car rates fair but its definitely not a car for everyone. Take a test drive before you decide on this model, I know I should of.

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  My 5th Honda since 1991(V4s) - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Accord V6 Coupe - June 14 - 2:16 am

  This is the Honda I always wanted. A divorce helped me in buying what I wanted. The car is on the BMW scale (I owned a 520 in Germany). The handling in not as balanced but all other categories it is the better of the two, an money is the driver here, 10K dollars worth. The car is a 10, Better mattes, these are not so good. The interior is A+ leather fits well and the XM is an added feature. The V6, dont care what they say about the V4, buy the six it purrs at 3.5K RPM doing 80 MPH and have fun its what lifes all about. Drive it like a stick, you wont need the manual, I drove it, buy the Auto.

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  Been A Great Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ryan329 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car over the years. I have never had to fix anything major on it. The styling still looks good when compared to other sedans at the time. The steering and handling is great. The car could use some more power for passing, but for a four cylinder vehicle it does a good job.

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  love it! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jevans - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car and I love it! I agree with the other review about road noise... but thats about the only flaw. My next purchase will probably be an Accord or Acura. So durable, I drive it like a pickup. And for such a "small" car, it has a ton of cargo space... moved to and from college in it. love it, love it, love it!!!

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  2nd Honda Civic in 15 months - 2007 Honda Civic
  By TCIDRP - June 13 - 4:13 pm

  I have just taken delivery of my 2007 EX with Navi/XM radio. My trade was a 2006 LX with 38,400 miles. The EX is the same as the EX except for the Navigation system, XM radio, sunroof, auto lock with put in drive, ability to electronically open the truck, center arm rest in the back seat, etc. This is a great improvement in terms of amenities, the car itself is absolutely outstanding. I have had highway mileage as high as 46 and routinely get 41 and 42 miles per gallon. This has been documented with my dealer. I have used synthetic oil and have run with premium gas. The premium gas gives me 5-6 miles gallon. I am looking forward to breaking in my new EX.