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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  4 Cylinders should be banned - 2005 Honda Civic
  By KLS - January 4 - 4:46 am

  Well, what can I say kids? Its definitely not an Accord, not in its/my wildest dreams. I drove an Accord EX for 6 years and never thought I liked the car all that much. As a matter of fact, I used to refer to it as the most boring car on the road. What I wouldnt give for an Accord EX now! The Civic EX is a fine car; but after driving a V6, I just cant get used to feeling like Im driving the little engine that keeps telling itself, "I think I can, I think I can," at the slightest incline, during merging on to the highway, or changing lanes. Ive put 5000 miles on my Civic since I bought it 2 months ago. I will not be driving this car 6 years from now like I did my 98 Accord EX.

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  Nice Ride - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Cbone - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this vehicle......but so far so good. An excellent choice for someone looking.

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  Soccer Family Tranquilizer Gun - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By familyvanman - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The EX/L model with the DVD entertainment system is like shooting the kids with a tranquilizer gun. Total silence!! We purchased 2 extra sets of headphones for the back (4 total) and I can listen to country music in front and the kids can either put in a DVD or some crappy Rap CD that I dont have to listen to and theyre happy...and so am I!!! Whoever thought up the ntertainment system was a genius. The fold down rear seat gets used all the time at the soccer fields. When it rains, the back hatch serves as a perfect cover. The only problem since buying the Odyssey is that we had to replace the climate control system.

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  Best for the price - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kperf - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Comparing mini-suvs on the road today I would have to say the the EX, which comes loaded with options, is probably the best mini sport utility on the market. The price starts higher than most but the top price is less than all others. This is on a loaded vehicle with more options than my Accord EX. This vehicle rides smooth and turns on a dime. Our CRV has been all over and still runs smooth after 15000 miles in the first year. What more do you expect its a Honda.

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  Love My Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Sunny - January 3 - 9:06 pm

  I traded in my 1998 Chevy Cavalier for a gently used 2004 Civic. My husband is all about Hondas (he currently drives a 2000 Honda Accord) so it wasnt hard to convince him that the Civic would be a safe and reliable purchase. It is easy to handle and is great on gas. I drive the highway a lot and there is minimal road noise inside the passenger compartment.

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  The First Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BOH - January 3 - 8:33 pm

  Just purchased the vehicle and decided to break it fast (fast at startups, etc.)in order to get a faster car. It worked fine with all the Toyotas I owned, and appears to do the same with this one. This is contrary to what is being recommended by Honda, s-l-o-w starts and no acceleration the first few hundred miles. I like the the stiff suspension and very tight steering feel. The car came with 27 lbs. of pressure in the Michelins, which was raised to 32 and 30 respectively to improve the handling. Pretty solid all around handling car. Time will tell if I decide to keep it for a longer haul.

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  Review from a full time pizza delivery driver - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Daniel Steinmetz - January 3 - 10:57 am

  I spend a lot of time in my car. City, highway, residential, road trips, rain, snow, sun (duh), heavy traffic and late night when the roads are empty. Sometimes all in the same day. Ill keep it succinct: -The car handles all of these conditions amazingly well. -It gets incredible gas mileage in spite of what I put it through. -Its comfortable (although front seat positioning leaves something to be desired). -Im still relatively low miles, so reliability hasnt been a factor, but no real problems to report. -Android Auto is working great for me (with a Nexus 5X and a Nexus 6). -The engine is sublime. Docile, but not strained, and a beast when you need it. Maybe a bit rumbly, but I hear all direct-injection engines are like that. -CVTs will always be a little wonky by nature, but the benefits outweigh.

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  Civic Ex SE - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Civic Ex SE - January 3 - 3:03 am

  I like the gas mileage, although I wonder if I shouldnt have purchased a hybrid since the gas prices are soaring. The car has an appealing design and its comfortable and dependable.

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  great affordable wagon - 1995 Honda Accord
  By mtbeech - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has been an excellent vehicle, the only reason for upgrading this vehicle is to get the new off set collision safety after 1997. Also side-airbag safety in newer vehicles. this car is great for hauling items, since the seats fold down for easy access. the car is more suitable for women drivers or people under 510. Visablility is great and this is a very reliable and affordable car to keep.

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  Died in the middle of the street! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By first honda - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I drove a CRV automatic for about 50K miles. It died in the middle of the street when I was attempting to accelerate repeatedly. The warranty was still in place but I was told the warranty was voided because we could not show documentation of the oil change schedule. Then the service technicians told us that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle despite the fact that it died repeatedly. I traded it and wont buy another Honda.