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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  Dependable car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By xmhy003x - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I got this civic by tradigin it in with my two door 02 civic. I like the new design of the vehicle, its not as lop sided as the 01 body style, and the inside is essentially the same. Its a car I can depend on having for the next decade of my life.

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  UNDECIDED? GET 2004 MANUAL! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FRANKIE OF CHICAGO - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Folks, I have 65 miles on my Accord LX, stick. Shifts are precise, acceleration exciting, suspension hugs like a leech. I hear no rattles from windshield, doors, front.

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  Big machine - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Faulk - September 12 - 9:32 pm

  Is this SUV too wide for your garage? It is hard to get into the back seats unless you buy running boards. Remarkably quiet and smooth riding. Good acceleration.

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  Uncomfortable - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Danica7 - September 12 - 7:13 pm

  There is much to recommend the 2009 CRV, including a well-built car with many fancy features for a reasonable price. But after only two months, the horribly uncomfortable driving position - and the neck and shoulder pain I am experiencing - is causing me to sell it back to the dealer. I am 57" - and would not recommend this car to anyone my size or smaller. When seated a comfortable distance from the steering wheel (which telescopes only minimally), my knees hit the steering column. In addition, the active restraint headrests are horrendous, and there is nothing to be done about to modify their angle, which pushes the head forward.

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  The only sport hybrid in the world - 2016 Honda CR-Z
  By chris pantaleon - September 12 - 8:23 am

  The CRZ is the only hybrid that comes with a manual 6-speed transmission. It has gears!!! Compared to other hybrids that have CVTs that kill hp, torque and driving fun.

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  NICE SUPER POWER CAR - 2003 Honda S2000
  By hrv - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is a bomb.. best manual car i have ever drive.. i love this car

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  Fun Drive, great on fuel economy - 1995 Honda Civic
  By SIU Salukis - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I checked out virtually all compacts available on market when I purchased. Civic sub-compact faster than all compacts! Great in comfort, no-brainer purchase at time. Only one major repair done, they say it was dirty gas, not sure, valve stuck open. Otherwise, no problems. Gas mileage is great, hardly ever hit the pumps. Get this, battery is original going on 9 years! It doesnt take much to start a sewing machine! I recommend 96 and above, because by then you have side- impact beams for safety. That was my only hesitation on original purchase.

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  Overrated - 2015 Honda Civic
  By par4brad - September 11 - 8:16 pm

  Let me start by saying; of all the cars I test drove, the 2015 Civic LX had the most comfortable interior in the affordable small car class, so thats why I leased it. Heres the things I do not like about the car: The transmission or the CVT as it is called. If you enjoy the driving experience, youll hate this transmission like I do. Hit the gas, nothing happens, and then the rpms go up and you start to move. Its called the motorboat effect. This transmission is continually shifting and its very annoying. Who wants a car that is shifting from 70mph to 72? I was having a hard time driving it. I thought something was wrong with the transmission so I took it back to Honda dealer. Mechanic just laughed and said, "thats the way they made it". The other mechanic said, "next time, get the 6-speed". All the frustration is magnified, when running the A/C. I read online that this transmission will get one more mile to the gallon. 1 more mpg? Ridiculous. Around 2,000 miles, the engine developed a loud ticking noise, so back to the Honda Dealer. Was told it is noisy valves and "thats the way Honda makes it". Inside door panel pops in and out when raising and lowering door windows. Has to be a design or manufacturing flaw. Back up camera pretty useless. Cant see much when the sun is out and does not make a noise or visual warning before you back into something. No matter how high you lift the seat, you cant see the front of the car. Cant even see the hood for that matter so be prepared to hit some curbs, especially when parking. Suspension pretty weak and soft brake pedal takes too long to stop the car. Taking car in to get the dim lights adjusted. Would like to see more than 100 feet when driving at night. Interior is cool and car looks nice, but the lack of response on the road makes this car a not so fun driver and will be trading it in soon.

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  2006 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AntiOil Joe - September 11 - 7:13 pm

  I like this car more now that Ive driven about 2000 miles. Ive figured out that driving 55mph saves 15% more gas(thats 40cents/gal). It may enrage other drivers but on top of the high mileage with this car, it makes sense to drive 55. Have gotten a few key gouges on my car. I dont think people like the special treatment hybrid owners get.

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  Reliable Car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Jirkman - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my "top of the line" Honda (Accord SE) for about half year. I purchased it with 125K and its been allright. I had to replace front suspention springs and struts, but other than that, its very reliable car. I also enjoy the gas mileage on the highways. Its significantly worse in town though! Id recomend the Accord to all of you who want relatively cheap but reliable car that will last :-)