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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  Most car for the money - 2009 Honda Civic
  By sflpilot - November 10 - 9:03 am

  This is my third Honda, and all have been amazingly reliable. Not all of them have been fun to drive, however. My new Si takes the fun level off the scale compared to most other Hondas. Are there faster cars? Yes. Are there better handling cars? Yes. Can you get any of these other cars for under $19,200? No chance. The closest car that I found would have been almost $6000 more than the Civic. Its an amazing car for the money. Be careful when reading other reviews, as most of the people driving the Civic Si are younger drivers. The one reviewer complaining about a vibration in the brakes is describing the activation of the ABS system. Without it he would have been in a skid.

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  Great car for the price - 1995 Honda Accord
  By motac23 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this 95 with a 5-speed and I have no regrets. I did have to replace items in the car, but they are simple maintenance items, except for the timing belt. The gas gauge however was the only non-normal fix I had to repair. And be prepared to pay premium prices for parts, they are not cheap. Suggest learning diy-maintenance to avoid dealership costs of repair.

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  Happy With Long-Term Ownership - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By cincyracer - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall, our Ody has been everything wed come to expect from Honda. Reliable transportation that doesnt "overwhelm" in any one area, but is above average in all.

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  Bills 99 Honda Accord Review - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Billryan1111 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Other than a new set of tires, changing the oil and adding gasoline to the tank, this car is the most reliable Ive owned. Always starts - never fails.

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  Some quick thoughts - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ritchie - November 10 - 1:16 am

  Overall, this is an awesome car, although I have to agree with the other reviews saying that the shifting is temperamental and probably not the best for the stick beginner (me). That aside, the styling inside and out is fantastic. The judicious use of carbon fiber panels on the interior is just right. I also like the voice activation responds well to my commands. The visibility from the drivers seat is also great because the hood slopes in such a way that its completely out of sight.

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  does your dash rattle too? - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mollybegoode - November 9 - 10:30 pm

  I am/always have been a Honda die hard. This is my 7th honda purchase. No better car on the road. but Ive had one consistent gripe with the defrost system, inadequate. In the dead of winter you have to turn the a/c to get the windows to clear. I had read a review on the 2004 coupe models where someone complained of a dash rattle....well guess what? I have got a dash rattle.. you pay 25 thousand dollars for a car and the dash rattles??? sonds like the window isnt in tight or something is lose in the dash...unacceptible

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  The Honda Civic Si is a great car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tiff_c - November 9 - 12:16 pm

  Initially I looked at a lot of cars. This one was at the bottom of my list. I compared it to the Mazda Speed 3 and a Subaru WRX. The engine revs very smoothly in this car but the power when it reached 6,000 rpms is really amazing. The shifter on the Si is buttery smooth. It drives very well even in the snow. I put Nokian tires on it for winter and it goes just great in snow. My wife really likes driving this car so with all that we bought it.

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  Phenomenal Car -- Especially for the $$$ - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ken - November 9 - 4:26 am

  The 7th gen accord is by far the best bang for the buck. The fit and finish, performance, and ride quality are all top notch. I really cant think of anything negative about the car unless I really nitpick.

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Never Too Old - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We love the sportiness, appearance and how fast the vehicle is. It seems just about every time we drive it, we get a thumbs up or comments from people admiring the car.

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  reviews r right on - 2003 Honda S2000
  By hot chile - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive own this car for a year now .Bought it after seeing a friends but never drove it till a saleman let me take his out for a test drive.WOW!! Never again concidered the BMW or the Porsche I had test driven.Now after all this time I just read all your reviews, again WOW!,they are right on.I LOVE THIS CAR. Still excite me to go driving!