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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  No Honda compares - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By 3rdPrelude - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Prelude and the best by far. My 80 was a bit roomier and a classic, my 89 4WS was quick and had superior turning radius, my 97 is almost a combination of both. I could stand for more leg room for my 511" frame. The sport shift is conveinient and works great, the auto position blows for pick up. Gas milage is great. I still get compliments on its looks even after having it for 3 years. Sux that Honda killed the model, it was the only cool model they had going until the S2000. ill never buy another honda, they look bland.

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  Superb Machine - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Steve T - November 29 - 8:10 pm

  I traded an F-150 Lariat. No regrets. This a great little car. Its tight, plenty of pep. The transmission is smooth. Fit and finish is top quality. The moon roof is great. Very fun to drive. Im 6 ft tall and there is plenty of room. The first tank of gas gave 30.27 MPG. 60% cty 40% hwy. My fuel consumption just got reduced by half. Ive only had this car for a week but it looks like fuel will just get better as it breaks in.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rich - November 29 - 5:56 pm

  Owned the car for 2 months and 2500 miles. Overall, it is a good car. The 5 speed auto is smooth, willing to kickdown and will hold a gear to readline. Like the styling and the digital speedo. The fuel economy is only good in a combined downtown/highway commute. However, I have several issues with it. First, the front seats are awful. No lumbar support and odd seatback shape induces lower back pain after a half hours drive. Other issues, bouncy front-end on the highway, drive window switches set too far back on armrest, loud wind noise at 70+ in crosswinds, odd shaped door locks.

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  Great value - quality - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By TimL - November 29 - 1:51 pm

  I recently puchased a used Certified 2013 Crosstour with 33000 miles. Honda made a big mistake when they decided to discontinue this one! First, 95% of the owner reviews are very positive. People come up and say what kind of Honda is it and theyve never seen it. Other owners tell you how happy they are with it when you bump into them. On top of all of that, it has Honda quality. Ive previously owned a Toyota Highlander, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes, and every type of high end American Car. I like the Honda Crosstour the best. Hidden storage area, easy parking, great ride, great economy. I am totally happy about everything except one thing. The 2013 didnt have the modern navigator and voice call recognition that I had with my 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited. Honda should come up with more modern after-market radios to upgrade the limited radio/telephone/navigation system. As far as existing sound quality, its already fabulous. Great purchase for anyone!

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  Good car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By KathyMD - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my civic. I am sad to have to trade it in, but this car just cant cut it in the snow, and I get a lot of snow where I live. But otherwise I have no complaints. It is reliable, considerably fast for a 127 hp, the stock stereo system is pretty good.

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  Honda LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Happy Thus Far - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Yes, its all been said. If you are looking for a realible, well built, humble looking car that is reasonably fun to drive, this is it. I have measured gag mileage at 44 on the highway. The shifter is silky smooth. The instrument panel is sharp looking. I have owned and driven other Civics, and the 2003 has the same solid dependable feel but with more refinement. Keep up the good work, Honda!

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  Love my new car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By baseball mom - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I went to the internet for information before buying our new Honda Civic. We were looking for three things - reliability, safety and great fuel mileage. We found all three in our new Civic. My family of 4 fit quite comfortably in our new car. With Hondas history of reliability, we are looking forward to passing our new Civic on to our daughter when she leaves for college in 4 years.

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  Reliability õ¿õ¬ Safety - 2002 Honda Accord
  By eeek - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Quick and responsive and safe 3 great qualities

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  2003 Accord 2 Dr 6 speed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lovinit - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a great car !! I just traded my Acura TL Type S for the 2003 2 door Accord 6 speed. The reason I got rid of the Acura was terrible seats for any drive over 30 min, (there must be plywood under the little foam used in the seats) and the clumsiness of the transmision. The TL has so many shift points it takes a while any time above 10 MPH from when you step on the gas until the car acualy starts accelerating. Not so with the Accord, it handles better, drives better, better sound system, better fuel economy ( on regular not premium ). All around great car, it is amazing how nimble and quick it is!!!!!

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  What more could you ask for - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Chicagoland - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my first non-American car after a horrible experience with a 98 Dodge Intrepid that needed an engine replacement. I think Im hooked. The engine is what sold me on this car. It is super-smooth, quiet, and very fast. The interior design is beautiful. The center radio/climate control screen looks nice and is easy to use. The styling of the back end of the coupe reminds me of Mercedes, only better.