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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  great car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By A - July 19 - 2:11 am

  i just sold my honda civic and i have been looking at new cars and i cant find anything i like as much as my honda. The car worked great even after falling asleep at the wheel and driving off into a field. i owned the car for 9 years and drive almost an hour everywhere i go. this is a great car my only complaint in the air, which i never got checked out but would randomly quit working during long drives in the last year of having my car.

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  I love this car - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By LUDEacris - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This car handles well, looks great, and is fast what more can u ask for in a sports car?

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  Just for fun, fits the bill - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Esteban - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought for a third car, for fun. Have had no problems, just fun and many people asking, what is it? 2 liter engine and this thing stays up with a base 911 (with a six) @70K entry price, a deal!

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  great little car! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By DENNIS J. THORNE - July 19 - 2:00 am

  my honda has had zero mechanical problems. besides replacing tires, the muffler, and the battery (just last month) this car has been a dream. living through the harsh winters of michigan (with the ever-present road salt) i expect some rust, but this car has none. this is not an exotic sports car or a luxury sedan but for a small economy car this honda cant be beat.

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  Depends what you will use it for. - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By EH - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves it, i think its okay. "Its cute" and has a tight turning radius. Great for short runs to the grocery store. Definitely NOT a highway car. Seats are uncomfortable, road noises way too loud. Steering wheel set at an ackward angle. No problems with it yet.

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  best little 4 cylinder ever - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Carolyn - July 18 - 8:36 pm

  best performance 4 cylinder automatic ever driven. 5 speed transmission is so smooth you do not hear anything. I had a 98 6 cylinder accord because my 92 4 cylinder accord did not have the passing power. What a difference. If you want 0 to 60 in so many seconds, get the v6 but if you want to go approx 40 and than need to pass or pick up speed, it flies fast enough for me without any engine noise. Only a slight, really minor shake at idle when air conditioner is going. When it is off, their is no idle shake at all. Also, I think it manuevers better than the 98 model. No road noise or wind noise. Best in braking ever. Hyundai had problem in brakes. Felt like ABS were on but road was smooth.

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  3rd Civic - 1st love - 2006 Honda Civic
  By J - July 18 - 9:26 am

  Rides a little more stiffly than my 1997 Civic EX 2 door. Its like driving a high performance living room couch around. Friends and family all love the extra room, and since hardly anyone else has it, it is a conversation piece. Am still getting used to it, but can tell you I love it already. The engineering and design on this new model are breathtaking.

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  97 HONDA PRELUDE - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By DAVID - July 18 - 2:00 am

  MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW. IT HAS BEEN A OK CAR. WE HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH IT. SINCE NEW WE HAVE PUT 2 RACK AND PINIONS,TRANSMISSION,AND HAVE HAD SERVICE LOOK AT THE SUN ROOF MANY TIMES FOR SLOW OPENING.

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  Civic in Crisis - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Atlanta Zach - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as my first car, my Civic may have to be retired pretty soon. Purchased at 92k miles, currently 150k , it seems pretty young, esp. for a Honda. Ive had radiator flushed, and checked (along with hoses) for leaks, had the thermostat replaced three times in two months, no coolant leakage, overheats regularly. Due to nearly non-existent residual value Im going to buy a replacement and tear it down to attempt a ressurection. It HADnt given me many problems the entire time I owned the car even with sometimes inconsistent maintenance. I would recommend the model to a potential buyer but beware overheating issues.

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  True Machine - 1991 Honda Accord
  By SilvaCelicaGTS - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is very impressive. I mean as far as reliability. It has 182K miles and runs as good as some brand new cars i have driven. Change the Oil every 3K and watch the transmission fluid and this car will last you forever!!