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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  Well worth every penny - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Mrmatt85 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 92 Si and Im loving every minute of this car. Whenever Im not driving it Im waiting for the next time I can go out and cruise. I love the handling and the power is great for a four cylinder. The enterior design is very spacious in the front but horrible in the back. I love the electronic fuel and oil gauges. The sunroof is a great addition. I could go on forever about what a great car this is, buy one if your considering it, you wont be dissapointed.

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  Honda is good - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Johnny528 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Has gone through mom, sister, and me for 13 years. Ive seen other reviews of LX owners complaining about the lack of horsepower. With 108 on the EX, it is adequate but still lacking. On a brighter note, this cars engine sounds like the day we bought it and it looks to last another 10 years without a hitch. It has even gone through 4 pretty severe accidents but its still going. If you want reliability, dont pass this up.

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  A Very Nice Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Max Khan - February 14 - 11:43 pm

  I bought new Civic for my wife and she loves it along with our two kids. I get to drive it only over the weekends and wait for it. Yes, its a real cool- looking, fun-driving Civic. Press the gas - and it goes. Breaks are real good and body is solid. Honda has done a real good job. Thanks guys!

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  Pilot EX 2005 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ND Doc - February 14 - 11:26 pm

  Leased it in Oct 2004. Reliable, good in North Dakota snow, has high ground clearence. I am more satisfied with the build quality of my 98 Honda Accord than this. Hear some rattles inside, wind noice pronounced. Excellent customer service at Fisher Honda.

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  An amazing car at an amazing price! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Chris H - February 14 - 9:30 pm

  I owned a Ford Escort before buying my Civic Value Package in July of 2005. The car was brand new when I purchased it and I knew right away this was the car for me. I love the solid feel and the generous performance I get from this car. I usually get just under 300 miles per fill-up in town and about 350 if all the driving in interstate. I would HIGHLY recommend this vehicle to anyone looking to buy a reliable and cost effecient vehicle.

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  Good Simple Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By bdiddy - February 14 - 2:16 pm

  My new 05 Accord Sedan excels at nothing, and is defficient at nothing. It is a simple, reliable, quite car. It gets good gas mileage, is VERY safe, has plenty of room, is fast enough. It is not sporting to drive, nore is it boring. It is a car. A ---> B

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  In my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By mmurphy162 - February 14 - 12:20 pm

  I fell in love with these at the Car Show in San Diego. I went out the next day and bought one. The acceleration is impressive considering its only a 4 cylinder. After installing an after market intake from AEM it is down right scary. My wife and I love it for our dogs. On long trips we donÂ’t worry about them being in the back of a pick up truck.

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  Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ethan - February 14 - 9:23 am

  This car has lots of interior space, outstanding performance, and the reliability that Honda is known for. The 5-spd is fun to drive and is quite zippy. The standard safety features also offer great protection from all of the gas-guzzling SUVs out there.

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  Uhh, its pretty awesome - 2006 Honda Civic
  By chevster - February 14 - 9:10 am

  The car overall is excellent, great handling, awesome gas mileage, and decent power as long as you stay in the power band. The only problem I have with the car is the spongy clutch which feels like a video game, causing me at least, to grind a gear or two every once in a while.

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  Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By JimmyD - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had it about nine months. So far no problems. Bought it used with 115000 miles, had the timming belt changed and all maintenance done right after I bought it.