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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  Rodeo in Disguise - 2000 Honda Passport
  By SAFIRI - November 13 - 2:00 am

  So far, Ive loved this truck. Got a good deal on a used one from Car Max. Its size is big enough to seat 5 comfortably but not too big to fit in the garage. It is an Isuzu Rodeo so I dont understand how this could rate so poorly when the Rodeo rates better than average. Gas mileage could improve but that can also be worked out with minor upgrades to your engine oil, spark plugs and air filter (and a "Tornado"). Pick up is not apparent until you really need it and then it gets up and goes. Overall a very nice truck.

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  True Cost of Ownership - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Umi - November 12 - 3:30 pm

  Honda Civic 2008 EX 4 door sedan - Bought on 04/30/2008. Right now has 21800 miles on it. As of today spent $857. Brakes changed on 21000 miles and cost me $507. The tires are fine and I have a plan to drive until 37000 miles at least. No mechanic failure as of today. Drove from DC to NH and GOT 41 MPG. I was surprised really. The real cost of ownership is higher than Edmunds wrote. Lets see: At 18500 miles air filter changed=$230; Plus regular oil&oil filter changes as of today I spent $120; Plus brakes (4 brakes, Plus rotor cleaning) changed at 21000 miles and it cost me $507. Take a look for the numbers if you know how to count and save your money. Honda is practical and economy car.

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  do not get the LX - 2017 Honda Civic
  By tango1 - November 12 - 7:36 am

  for those who dont care about interior options this is it BUT they are all basic in fact theres a lot of things missing on this car rear cup holder,charging port, etc seats are a lot worst then the impala i used to drive i mean why not power seats?? why not LED headlight REMOTE START! why not a bigger touch screen radio? why stupid hub caps on a 20grand car!!! on this HONDA civic lx gone more RETRO the FUTURE like. if you decide to lease and want to buy it at the end and dont mind customizing it then its good to go other wise choose the better ACCORDS!

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  do not get the LX - 2017 Honda Civic
  By tango1 - November 12 - 7:36 am

  for those who dont care about interior options this is it BUT they are all basic in fact theres a lot of things missing on this car rear cup holder,charging port, etc seats are a lot worst then the impala i used to drive i mean why not power seats?? why not LED headlight REMOTE START! why not a bigger touch screen radio? why stupid hub caps on a 20grand car!!! on this HONDA civic lx gone more RETRO the FUTURE like. if you decide to lease and want to buy it at the end and dont mind customizing it then its good to go other wise choose the better ACCORDS!

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  do not get the LX - 2017 Honda Civic
  By tango1 - November 12 - 7:36 am

  for those who dont care about interior options this is it BUT they are all basic in fact theres a lot of things missing on this car rear cup holder,charging port, etc seats are a lot worst then the impala i used to drive i mean why not power seats?? why not LED headlight REMOTE START! why not a bigger touch screen radio? why stupid hub caps on a 20grand car!!! on this HONDA civic lx gone more RETRO the FUTURE like. if you decide to lease and want to buy it at the end and dont mind customizing it then its good to go other wise choose the better ACCORDS!

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  Highly Unsatisfied - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Shawn - November 12 - 6:01 am

  Bought this car used a few years ago it ran fine for a little while, then I started having all kinds of problems from the ignition distributor, and now the transmission is slipping cant afford to put any more money into it as I have over $7000.00 into it now.My advice dont buy this year model

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  Love My Honda - 1990 Honda Accord
  By dmoney - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This Honda was my first car. I have always heard that Hondas are dependable, but now I know for myself. People who have brand new cars say that my car is to fancy, it just says money.

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  What it lacks - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By hondadriver101 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the 2001 Honda CR-V is a good compact SUV. It rides comfortably on the highways, and its gas milage in the City couldnt be better. It could come with a more aggressive suspension system and with larger tires to make it more fun off road. But overall its worth the money.

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  jh Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jhoback - November 11 - 11:03 pm

  Have had the vehicle 3 mos. Great styling. Wonderful service dept. Makes long trips fun. Pulled a trailer to help kids move - didnt even notice it was there. The hidden trunk under the bed is very cool - nice secure storage while shopping. Also have used this trunk as an ice cooler for one of our family outings (filled it with ice and emptied the water when done). Decent gas mileage (21 on the road, 14- 16 in town). Tough purchase to beat.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By char - November 11 - 9:53 pm

  ive had honda accords for the past 6 years, and ill buy another when im in the market for a NEW car! My accord is a pleasure to drive, and i feel as proud of it today as I did when i bought my first one. No better car for the money!