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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  Hot buy si - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mibrego - February 24 - 8:33 am

  Thrilled every time Im behind the wheel of my redline orange si. Nowadays, I look for every opportunity to run errands. Not only is driving a manual again after a decades hiatus great fun, but doing so in this pocket rocket is even more exhilarating. Still under the 600 mile break in period, so I rarely take the rpm above 6000 rpm, yet still, this machine shows tremendous spunk off the starting block. Was close to getting a Civic EX coupe but am so relieved I followed my heart (instead of pocket- book) to settle for this Si coupe. For three grand more, I know I got a car that stirs excitement and delivers both reliability and fun.

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  It just keeps going and going and going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By mnltdevil - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought it right off lease in 97 with only 11k. Now 165K on it an it drives just as good as that day i bought it. Best car Ive ever owned...so good I feel guilty just thinking about getting another car. Consistent gas mileage in the 30s. Good looks are just as fresh as they were in 95 (IMO looks better than the 03s and 04s). Tons of aftermarket stuff allow you to really make your civic unique. Only real complaint is the weak A/C.

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  A Blemish on Hondas Record - 1997 Honda Civic
  By NoMoreHonda - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 97 Honda Civic CX hatchback with only 37,000 miles on it. Within the first week, a sensor and ignition coil both failed and the car left me sit. The engine is terribly underpowered. I spent $600 on new shocks/struts only to find that the terrible ride quality had not improved. The doors rattled and interior noise was plentiful. NO extras, not even lights in the glove box or rear hatch. There are Hyundais out there which look, feel, and run better than that car did! I sold it within a year and bought an 86 Subaru which actually feels BETTER!

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  2006 LX - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By DanC - February 23 - 4:10 pm

  Weve had our 2006 for about a month. Overall we find it to be a solid and easy to drive vehicle. It has all of the features that we need and plenty of room. A rattle in the suspension and an annoying vibration during acceleration detract from our enjoyment of the vehicle. Hopefully these can be corrected on the first service visit.

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  Pretty Good - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gachar - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my 96 Toyota 4Runner with the Pilot EX. The interior design is pretty cool. The metallic finish makes it look smart. It rides pretty well but handling is not as great as the 4Runner since the vehicle rolls too much. Seat comfort is also not too great. But I liked the automatic AC and stereo. The fold down third row is nice too since it folds down into the floor. Climbing into the vehicle is pretty easy as compared to the 4Runner and short people do not need s side step.

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  Its my baby... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By aisha221 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely satisfied!

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  Excellent Family Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By MerrySong - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Well designed and well built car. Powerful but wasteful engine (considering that it is a HONDA). Silk smooth transmission. The low rev torque is kind of inadequate. My old ford taurus has more low rev torque. Quiet ride on even road. Getting nosier on rough road. The toyota camry I test driven do not have this problem. The body is kind of dent prone. You should be very careful even when you are washing you car. One of the best value for family car. No wonder, it was the best selling passenger vehicle in 2001.

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  1 major problem - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Wxguru - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, great car. Smooth engine, shifts nicely. 1 huge problem, that has been apparent since I bought it, and am now finally having fixed....no adjustable camber! My tires are wearing every 11 months, and techs said, it is due to no allowable camber adjustments. To get it to align properly, have to put aftermarket camber kits on it to fix the problem. Honda should have known better! Besides this, everything is kosher. Recommend adding camber adjustments for future models.

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  Great car...a few techy issues but nothing big. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Brian - February 22 - 3:20 pm

  This is my first Honda in 10 years after having them for many years before. Had them all from Accords, Civics, and even a 4-wheel steering Prelude...(sweet). This is definitely the Honda of old. Great driving, great gas mileage, and just plain fun to take a long road trip in. The Touring model has great tech for a car of its price. My only issue is with the subwoofer. It did rattle, but doesnt take much to realize you need to have sound proof the brake light in back window better. That is where the rattle come from. 5 minutes and $2 later....no rattle. The touchscreen can be slow to respond and go into stupid mode but seriously its a computer....reboot it and its fine. You have won me back Honda....congrats on a great little car.

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  Great car...a few techy issues but nothing big. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Brian - February 22 - 3:20 pm

  This is my first Honda in 10 years after having them for many years before. Had them all from Accords, Civics, and even a 4-wheel steering Prelude...(sweet). This is definitely the Honda of old. Great driving, great gas mileage, and just plain fun to take a long road trip in. The Touring model has great tech for a car of its price. My only issue is with the subwoofer. It did rattle, but doesnt take much to realize you need to have sound proof the brake light in back window better. That is where the rattle come from. 5 minutes and $2 later....no rattle. The touchscreen can be slow to respond and go into stupid mode but seriously its a computer....reboot it and its fine. You have won me back Honda....congrats on a great little car.