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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  Give and take - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Vivi Nguyen - March 2 - 5:50 am

  I only driven the twice since I bought the car(1 wk). When I saw the car able to open the trunk from inside the car, I was happy. Right now, I am very disappointed because I found out I couldnt open the trunk with the key! So inconvenient!

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  Give and take - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Vivi Nguyen - March 2 - 5:50 am

  I only driven the twice since I bought the car(1 wk). When I saw the car able to open the trunk from inside the car, I was happy. Right now, I am very disappointed because I found out I couldnt open the trunk with the key! So inconvenient!

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  Give and take - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Vivi Nguyen - March 2 - 5:50 am

  I only driven the twice since I bought the car(1 wk). When I saw the car able to open the trunk from inside the car, I was happy. Right now, I am very disappointed because I found out I couldnt open the trunk with the key! So inconvenient!

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  Will run Forever. - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Ben Frink - March 1 - 10:39 pm

  Have had this car for years and its still in good shape. With only a few major repairs (brakes, exhaust) it hasnt missed a beat and it gets great gas mileage too. Coming on 160k miles now and it looks like Ill be able to keep this for years to come.

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  55,000 mile review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Overall gret car! - March 1 - 8:49 pm

  The V6 has plenty of power and is fun to drive. There is problem with the transmission slipping that the dealers dont seem to be able to figure out. I have had the exterior window trim replaced 4 times since new and it needs to be done again. There are lot of interior squeaks that seem to be getting worse. The quality in finish work seems to be lacking. The metal and paint is very thin and chips/dings easy.

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  65k miles and Im still lovin it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jack - March 1 - 2:17 pm

  Im reading that people have had issues with their A/C but mine works as good now as it did when I first bought it. The engine still purrs and the transmission is as smooth as silk. I put a heavy-duty hitch on it and haul approx. 1700lbs on occasion without any hesitation from the engine. Routine maintenance, good mpg and decent fit and finish continues to make my CR-V a winner for me. Just to add, mine was assembled in England and the engine/transmission were manufactured in Japan. Maybe this makes a difference.

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  A fun car to drive - 2010 Honda Accord
  By memphisguy1967 - March 1 - 6:03 am

  this is a great car. I have owned Hondas in the past and this has to be the best one. My only gripe is the lack of horsepower from the basic 4 cyl..but on the other hand I went from a truck getting 15 mpg to this car getting 23 mpg..so not complaining. the ride is great and very comfortable. Love the features this car has for a base model. Steering is light and cornering is fantastic. the back seat is large. My son who is over 6 ft was very comfortable and had plenty of knee/leg room. Everything within reach behind the wheel. the radio controls are different.

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  Forget the Jones - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Fronteeer - February 27 - 7:24 am

  Why did they stop making cars like this? Underpowered fuel-sippers with lots of passenger and trunk space. Who cares if you cant take off fast? Im getting 38mpg. This Honda is 13 years old and its better than any car Ive ever owned. Sure, its got a few dings and scratches, and theres a little surface rust on the fenders, but thats to be expected when salt is sprayed on the roads all winter. The transmissions still tight and smooth, everything works, and its the most reliable vehicle in my driveway. On a few occasions this winter its been used to jumpstart two much newer vehicles on really cold mornings. This is definitely not my last Honda. It has 125,000 miles on it and runs great.

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  Has all I need - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By cro - February 27 - 2:56 am

  Very nice vehicle, extremely comfortable and has great amount of room in 2nd row seat, enough room for my giant Britax Marathon rear facing child seat, smooth, plenty of bells and whistles.

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  Honda Quality - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Honda - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for 5 months and am having lots of issues. Breaks have been resurfaced twice. Steering column and rack have been replaced. Car steering wanders and is difficult to stabilize. Plus some other minor hassles. Honda and the dealer are very reluctant to resolve any issues. I have just filed car under "lemon" law and hopefully will get my money back. My advice. Look for something else. Honda is not the car it used to be. They are cutting corners on quality and customer service