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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  Squeaks and rattles - 2002 Honda Accord
  By SC1 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  2.5 year old EX-L with 29000 miles. The good: love the engine – doesn’t make a lot of power but riding single or with one passenger you don’t really notice. Really nice 5-speed transmission. The bad: too many squeaks and rattles. The dealer has been cooperative, but a good dealer can’t make up for a poorly put together interior. Gas mileage of 16/23. Front rotors warped at 15,000 miles. Seats feel uncomfortable on long rides and the low beam headlights are a joke. Overall, this could have been a really nice car, but falls short because of poor quality control. After 2.5 years of trying I’ve decided to sell it and buy something else

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  Its a Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By texarkanam4m - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is an exceptional automobile. Honda has always been a dependable car. It has great handling and lots of take off power for a four cylinder car. 50000 miles and still not a problem with it at all. remember routine maintaince is important to a long live of the honda.

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  Hybird reality - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Gary Scalzo - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The Honda civic hybrid fule fact for my civic is city and highway combined 37mpg. I have driven the car less than 200 miles and probably very close to 50- 50 city vrs. highway miles. It takes a bit of getting use to the hybird technology as the car shuts down at most stops. The Civic is remarkably quiet. also it has a great standard packsage, A.C., cruse control, CD am fm sterio. Some folks may like the lighted dash information stystem that includes a tac, odomitor, battery status and other things. I find it a bit distracting with all the flashing and moving lights. It is a great car for those that have concerned about consumption and enviormental issues.

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  Very happy owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Poyre - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 15 months. The only problems I have had are that my daughter gets it dirty, my wife keeps torquing her foot and taking off the rubber brake pedal pad, and my battery for remote entry wore out. It runs like a dream, the shifting is smooth and easy, and it has a well-built feeling. The doors shut well, all the movable parts have a smooth firm action. This was the very first brand new car I ever purchased and other than my sales rep not knowing any more about the car then I did, the whole experience was a pleasure.

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  2nd Honda, no stopping in sight - 2004 Honda Civic
  By flwr6pwr9 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  My first Honda was a 5speed CRX, which I bought used and owned for 12 years. Had I not had to stop driving stick shift Id still be driving it. Unfortunately, I had to give up a lifetime of little sports cars and grinding gears, so I found the next best thing--the CIVIC EX Coupe. What a fantastic car. I still havent used all of the bells and whistles, but when it came down to having a car with bells and whistles or a barebones Accord, Id pick the former. I dont know that Ill ever own a car other than a Honda again!

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  MY REVIEW - 2004 Honda Civic
  By carrie rogers - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my new civic, it drives great. Its reliable.Its wonderful thanks!!!!!!!!! great job!!!!!!!!!!

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  NOT IMPRESSED - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MADR - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This car has been back to a dealership several times for problems in less than 8 months of purchase. The brakes went bad- had to cut the rotor and replace the pads. The catalistic converter had to be replaced. What appears to the struts are making a rattling noise when driving over ruff terain...and in regards to the silky smooth gear box...hmmm, not in this car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dave - September 1 - 9:53 am

  Have own the Accord for 9 months and I have put approx. 18,000 trouble free miles on so far. No squeaks, no rattles and fablous drive train (4 cyclinder 5 manual). All the power and performance I need and gas mileage is pretty good. Sporty handling as well.

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  the best - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By chris harris - September 1 - 2:00 am

  i have had nothing wrong with the car and it is the nices thing on the raid

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  Great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By shelton - September 1 - 2:00 am

  97 model but bought new in 3/98. great milage and good looks. slighly underpowered but plenty good enough for around town driving which is what this car has done for the past 65 months. Has not been any problem with car at all and replaced tires at 65,000. Recommend this car to anyone because it is on the Civic chassis so drives like a car.