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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  1993 Honda Civic Sedan - 1993 Honda Civic
  By burbs - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car. I purchased it for just under three thousand dollars. After some mechanical work it was as good as new. The only thing that really bugs me is the rust around the wheel wells.

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  A perfect little car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By dyoes2000 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Honda does most things very well, and this car is no exception. Its built as well as cars that cost twice as much, and has held its value remarkably well. In almost four years of ownership and 38,000 miles, I have had no problems at all! It consistently gets 37 mpg on the highway and only slightly less than that in town. Its not fast, but its plenty capable, and youll never feel like youre going to be stranded.

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  Best Purchase Ever - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jenna - April 11 - 10:50 pm

  This car was the best investment I have ever made. I am a 19 year old, full time worker and college student, so this was a big choice for me to make, but Im glad I did. Little bit of a blind spot which I knew about before I made the purchase (its not that bad). People are so impressed with the interior from the gauges all the way to the space and comfort. I have no regrets. I always look at my car and smile, it really is a perfect car for me.

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  Cant beat the mileage - 1995 Honda Civic
  By gjbook - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I drive 25000 miles/yr and I love that my car isnt a gas hog. I need it to be reliable and not have too many maintenance needs. This car is great on tires and has been generally maintenance free. But lately, the maintenance has started to build up. I have 126000 or so miles on it. My speed sensor has been dying. Ive had trouble with CV boots, bearings and a upper control arm. I guess all are acceptable for the miles Ive put on it.

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  Great car for what it is. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Rob Johnson - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new-car purchase and first car out of High-school. My previous car was an 86 Accord that got me hooked on the Honda nameplate. This car is very well-built. I have 50k+ miles so far and I have not had even the slightest problem. It gets awesome gas milage as well. My only complaint is that the insurance is insanely high on this car. Even more so if your a single male under 25 like me. Performance is not the greatest, although not the worst either. (But then again, what do you expect from an economy car?) I would highly recomend the 5-speed manual for a car like this.

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  Just Love It. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By EdB - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and wouldnt trade them for my CR-V. For a little SUV, this vehicle has it all. Plus I like the fact that it seems not everybody owns one as well. After 3 months, no complaints whatsoever.

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  Perfect Size - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Lover - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Had been looking for a SUV that drives like a car. Found one in the Pilot. Has excellent power, but havent had it long enough to gauge fuel economy. Plenty of room inside and not to big outside. A/C works excellent. Feel lucky i guess, that I paid Only MSRP. Overall an excellent vehicle. Love it

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  2002 2dr EX manual - 2002 Honda Civic
  By brend - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda civic. I keep buying them because they have great resale values and they are reliable. This 2002 model is giving me 40 mpg nearly every tank and it feels like it has more power than the 99 I traded in for it, despite identical horsepower ratings.

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  Insight Fun to Drive - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Stephen Smith - April 11 - 2:00 am

  My Insight gets 68 mpg and its peppy and fun to drive. It has an enormous head turning quotient and many people who see the car express interest and highly positive feelings about it. Some people have even thanked me that I cared enough about the environment to buy it.

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  Strong Runner! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By eryk - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord from private seller in October of 1996. For a 4 year old car it had only 44000 miles and it was in priestine condition. From the day I bough it I felt in love.There was nothing that I didt like. Now my Honda has 134000 miles and still runs great, thou I want to sell it and buy a brand new model. And only reasone I am selling it is cause Im bored of this car after eight years of ownership.