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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  Riding on egg shells - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mark - September 4 - 11:13 pm

  When I got the car I was so excited being my first car. When I got it home I started to notice how fragile the interior was. There were already scratches on some parts of the dash like some one took a pen and scrape it. The plastic on the door felt so cheap to the point where it was scratched by a card board box that left permanent marks one the door. There were scuff marks from my shoes on the driver side floor panel that could not be taken out. The floor mats were also poor quality the mats are foam backed! There was a wear mark on where my foot would rest for the clutch. My passenger seat would rattle when driving. Paint on the car cheap. this is all after 6 months what happened honda?

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Sculptor - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The preformance of this car is amazing. It handles like the cars in the $60,000 range. The handling on the curves are its better features, it tuck into the curve, like there is a groove in the road made for it. The more you challenge the engine the more it likes it. The high red line makes for a different drive then any other vehicle I have owned before. It has two personalities, one is a well built nice driving little two seat with a sweet look, then your get it into the 6.5 RPMs and it is a monster. It can scream through curves. red lines at 9000 RPMs. it is a car you have to "REALLY Drive" to understand and appreciate!

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  Pros and Cons - 2001 Honda S2000
  By G.Brown - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car but, DO NOT try to make it something its not. A Detroit muscle car. Expensive mistake. Driven properly its the most fun car Ive owned. Tops Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra and Pontiac Trans Am. Will definitely purchase again.

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  Honda Civics Are Great Cars - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Deidra V. - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Honda Civics and have loved them all. They are a very reliable car, fun to drive and great gas mileage. Only one compliant is the paint doesnt hold up well. Overall its an excellent car.

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  brenda - 1994 Honda Civic
  By brendaf - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with 77,000 miles and drove 500-1000miles a week. I now have 270,000 miles and it just goes on ticking. I have had few repairs one head gasket, thermostat and other minor repairs. It is a reliable car when you are a person that knows little about repairs. I dont think I would ever want to buy any other can then a Honda.

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  Truly is fun to drive. - 1995 Honda Civic
  By New Civic lover - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 95 Civic DX coupe. I have read reviews like these ones, with such great reviews and good reports. I did my research before purchasing and I was NOT dissapointed what so ever. Consumer Reports rates Civics as being fun to drive and reliable, being one of the most appealing reasons why I bought it. The car seems like the gas gauge never even moves after hours of city driving. The car is very zippy and handles great. The styling is a nice plus. Dont like the fact civics are everywhere??? Well think about this, everyone has civics because they really are great cars.

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  best suv for 8 seats - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By karen jenkins - September 3 - 10:53 pm

  For an 8 seater, leather seats, sun roof, awsome sound system, step boards, very nice floor carpets, cup holders, second row seat tilt back, leg room in third row( unlike Jeep Commander)xm radio, great handling, eco into 4 cylinders, cruise, radio control in thge stearing, heated front seats, second and third row fold down different ways, excellent horse power, great driving visabilty, nice car.

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  Torture Chamber - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - September 3 - 7:35 pm

  This is the tenth Honda weve owned, so you know we WERE loyal! Traded in a 2007 CR-V that we loved. Our 2015 CR-V was the most uncomfortable car weve ever owned or ridden in. Couldnt stand to be in it for a trip longer than 45 minutes. The seats were awful, and the front passenger legroom was terribly restricted compared to our 2007. It was so uncomfortable that we traded it in after nine months on a 2016 Ford Escape Titanium. We love the Escape! Its better in every way than the Honda: comfort, power, quiet, handling, technology. We havent missed anything about our Honda once since the day we drove away from it.

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  CRV LX 2WD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By wandawoman - September 3 - 4:50 pm

  Just got my CRV 4 days ago. So far I love the zippiness (even for 4 cylinders) - it certainly beats the 98 Civic I just traded in. There is tons of cargo room which is deceiving from the outside. There is plenty of room inside for my family of four. Gas mileage is pretty good so far but Im hoping it increases a bit more as I break the car in. I only have 125 miles on it thus far.

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By S. Levine - September 3 - 4:06 pm

  Great car- so practical and utilitarian. Im still super-happy every time I get in. Hope to drive it for many years to come!