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 Family Car! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NJMOM - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Honda has come through once again with a practical, family friendly, fun to drive vehicle. My three kids fit comfortably in the second row seat and we have room for their friends when we need to with the flip up third row. I am grateful to no longer drive a minivan. Just watch out for dealer mandatory accessory packages that are unneccessary and make it more costly than it should be. I have the EX with Leather and the DVD and its perfect as is without any accessories!

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  great car for the money! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By alem100 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2-door EX coupe, auto. w/side a-bags, metallic silver. Ive had no problems mechanically at all with the car. Ive noticied a couple of my fellow reviewers mention dashboard noise &/or rattling inside the cabin. I have never heard any noise up to this point; in fact, the cabin is very quiet. I like the convenience features that came standard like the sunroof, A/C, cruise control (HUGE help since I drive long distances frequently), power windows etc and ABS. Fuel efficiency is excellent, especially on the highway.

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  Very Nice Car all around - 2002 Honda Civic
  By si2002owner - May 24 - 10:00 am

  In over a month of owning this car, i cant tell you enough. Fast, powerfull, descent gas milleage, very well done interior details, etc.. Feels and handles like a real car, not a toy.

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  first time car owner!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By chickhien - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my accord! white; tan leather is soft and gorgeous; came with mudguards, sunroof visor, pinstripe,floor mats, 18 car washes in 3 years FREE! I got my baby for 21000 out the door. All the hagglin was worth it, good thing there is 5 honda dealership within 1.5 hrs of my home. This is my familys 3rd accord, we have a 93 and 00, but this one is solely MINE (b/c Im making all the payments for it)!!!

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  A true entry level sports car - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By lude329 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is great, thats the only way to put it. F1 engine tech, Honda reliability, seemless shifting and so much fun to drive. VTEC its like having a turbo but with no LAG! I have some aftermarket parts. I replaced the junk stock Bstone RE92s with Bstone RE750s, night and day difference. A Quaife limited slip, so its like ATTS only better, AEM Cold air intake. If your gripes about this car are the requirement for premium fuel, small trunk or too noisy ... you shouldnt drive this type of car. This is one car Honda never should have gotten rid of!

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  Bought Civic Ex SE - 2005 Honda Civic
  By JohnieReb - May 24 - 1:50 am

  Chose this vehicle for its economy over my Chevy Monte Carlo. Need a family friendly vehicle that got better gas milage as I travel sometimes 40 miles one way to work. Chose this vehicle over the Corolla because it is more comfortable.

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  Love6spd - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Keith - May 24 - 1:43 am

  Love the V6 and the 6spd, rpms like a bike. Great fun on curvy mountain roads. Love the wide low profile tires. Perfectly comfy on long trips. Most of my miles are 5 or 6 1000 mile trips a year and the rest as a grocery getter. I keep looking at higher end cars like the G35 coupe and the BMW 3 series, and keep making the decision to stick with this model. Ive heard the quality is better. Mileage is excellent out on the highway, and with regular gas too. Recently changed the air filter after 3 years and got an actual 10% increase in mpg. Passengers who get in are surprised how much room there is. The exterior styling seems to be timeless, especially from the rear corners.

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  Best CR-V Yet - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Gabriel Esquivel - May 23 - 10:54 pm

  Check the competition first then buy a CR-V

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  Great little commuter - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Richard Miller - May 23 - 8:56 am

  If you are looking for a smaller sized commuter, I found the Honda Fit to be the best value by a wide margin.

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  car review by CRH - 2003 Honda Accord
  By C.R. HENDRICKS - May 22 - 8:56 pm

  actual milage to date (15,100), excellent condition. Nighthawk black exterior. Automatic with many x-tras including power moon-roof, power windows and doors,6 disk in dash CD changer, 160hp, 4 cylinder engine, power steering, cruise control, heated seats (both), keyless entry. aVery smooth riding and comfortable.