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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  Reliability and dependability - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pokeweed - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The high gas mileage (35-40 mostly highway) is the main reason I bought this Civic LX, also because of safety crash tests. This years ridiculously high gas prices make me laugh at Expeditions and other big SUVs. Reliability has been perfect, replacing only a few filters, at 99000 miles. I still have original brake pads! Ill need a new timing belt soon.

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  Excellent Vehicle for the price - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By I love the Hondas - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third honda purchase. I first bought a honda civic, then a honda accord, and now a honda cr-v. I wanted a suv without the extreme price and that is what I have with the CRV. The only suggestion I have is the center head rest needs to be removed because it blocks the rear view. However, the gas mileage is good, the vehicle is very comfortable and fun to drive, and overall I feel it is a good vehicle.

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  honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By basehead93955 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  i love my new honda civic ex 2004 its the best thing in the road and plus i love it its great for my familt bacause theres only 4 members in my family i love my 2004 civi ex!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BVARG04 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car. It runs well.

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  Good but square! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DCLOLLY - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Like the overall body styling but, the rear lights are ugly (sad face look). Would like better color choices, the blue is too flashy and other choices are not very appealing.

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  Terrific First Impression - 2008 Honda Accord
  By fosterphx - November 21 - 3:53 am

  Excellent redesign, a leading edge product in this price range. Ride quality is excellent and steering is precise. 5 speed transmission much improved compared to my 02 Accord. Wind and road noise well controlled. The exterior design is attractive and is a pleasant departure from previous conservative versions. So far my satisfaction is 10/10

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  Great mid-sized truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael Crebbin - November 21 - 3:11 am

  Drives like a great car, but is still a truck.

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  Best Honda in the World - 1990 Honda Civic
  By El Marero - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I think is the best car i have ever got nice strong engine. Fule economy. its just the best

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  Incessant seat belt rattle - 2008 Honda Civic
  By CMT - November 20 - 5:40 pm

  My husband and I purchased our second Civic about a week ago. Since the very first moment I drove it off the lot, I have heard incessant rattling. I tried various things to get it to stop like moving the headrests, slamming the back seat to make sure it was locked in. Nothing worked. I scheduled a service appt. this past Friday and was told, yes, they acknowledge the rattle and even went so far as to tell me it is coming from the seat belt tensioner, but that it cannot be fixed. Listening to the rattle takes all the fun out of driving the car. I want to be excited about my new car, but I cant. We own a 2007 civic also and that is very quiet - no rattles. Shouldnt they fix it?

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  Poor Acceleration on Steep Hills - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Khush Cheema - November 20 - 4:25 pm

  Looking and comparing between Honda Civic LX with CVT XMSN and Mazda 3. The engine of civic roared when climbing up a hill without increasing or maintaining the original speed. The engine rpm didnt go higher than about 3400 and the car slowed down while climbing small hills. I think this is an attribute of CVT. I also rode a Toyota Prius in Pennsylvania that has CVT as well and it reminded me of that. Also, Mazda 3 has much more technology features than civic. I found civic interior dull and flat as compared to Mazda 3. I think Im going with Mazda 3 since these two cars are very close with every other feature and Mazda 3 has traditional 6 speed automatic XMSN.