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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  Owner - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Anand Sukhlall - September 10 - 2:00 am

  It has been over two years now and still fun to drive. I have put almost $4,000 into the engine which gives it the edge I desire. Its a great car...very reliable and sporty. Maybe a lot of people drive one but it is very easy to make yours unique with the availability of after market parts. Where else could you find a car that will do 145mph + and handle like a charm!

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  Hey look, everyone has your car :( - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ido - September 10 - 2:00 am

  If you want a good, average car that will not let you down then buy the car. If, however, you dont want to drive something that everyone else is driving or want a little excitement in your daily commute, do not opt for the accord. The interior is extremely comfortable. Very spacious (I am 60 210 and fit very comfortbaly) Rear seat is surprisingly spacious as well as the trunk. Suspension is a bit taut makes for a bit of a rough ride. Also, the 4cyl. just aint gonna cut it, at least go for the 6cyl. for increased performance.

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  Honda for the youth - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ntbpaul - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicle that Honda has produce. It light with a strong engine. The Honda Civic Si is a superior vehicle compare to it competitor. This car has live up to what Honda known for performance and excellent handling. This car is fun to drive.

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  overpriced junk!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By john kim - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I am so upset with my Civic ex!! Bumper are loose and hanging down now. When i drive, its also a rattle box that drive me nut..!!. To make it worse,I paid top dollar for this overpriced junk... Honda? Not for me anymore.

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  Im amazed! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rivasmmm - September 10 - 2:00 am

  As a previous VW Passat owner, I cant get past the solid build quality of the Civic. Great gas mileage, fun to drive, very supportive seats, and attractive styling all make this car a great value. I wouldnt trade this for the Passat even if I could afford the maintenance. The clutch is easy to get used to and a joy to drive. The peppy engine is great for getting around in the city- not to mention, parking!

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  thanks to rex - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kathy and john - September 9 - 4:43 pm

  we were not impressed at first with the automatic transmission civic. it had no pep when trying to get on the highway. The service advisor told us to try one with manual. We are glad he did as we now have one thanks to him.

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  2016 touring crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By sherry gold - September 9 - 11:01 am

  Navigation is very poor. Dissapointed in it. It wont allow you to put specific addresses in at times... It picks what it thinks you want and then you loose control of it... Its very frustrating an d unreliable. More, just looks pretty than it is functional. Otherwise though, it handles great and love the drivers assist and acc.

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  Great SUV! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By wolfie57 - September 9 - 2:34 am

  This 2015 Touring AWD is a joy to drive. Traded a 2014 EXL to add AWD and better electronics, and it feels great. Having read of the vibration and whines bothering others, I watched for them. Once there was a audible whine and at stops an almost imperceptible wheel vibration. With radio and AC fan on neither was noticeable. If a fix comes along, good and if not, I am still enjoying a great new CRV. It does everything I need and a little more.

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  Hondas are super-reliable! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By JP9000 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling and comfort. I wish the interior were quieter at highway speeds (mostly wind noise from side mirrors and roof-rack, some engine noise). Next model year (1999) has 20 more horsepower than 1998, so mines not as peppy as it could be. 20-24mpg seems low - even for an SUV. Much more passenger elbow-room and leg-room than Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback. In general, a quality, fun, roomy vehicle.

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  The 2017 EX-T Manual is a fun to drive car! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Roger W. - September 8 - 10:34 pm

  This is a great car! I prefer a manual transmission, and I was happy to see that it was available in a middle of the line vehicle. I test drove a CVT version of EX-T and I liked it. I told the dealer Id prefer a manual and they located one for me. When I got to drive the manual version, it felt much lighter, and felt like it had a lot more power than the CVT version! It snowed in my area the day after I purchased the vehicle and this car did great in the snow and ice without traction devices! I think that the manual transmission gives me a lot more control and that with front wheel drive really helps in snow/ice conditions. I am impressed with the interior of the car, the controls, and the information/entertainment display. I use Andriod Auto and that allows me to use Google Maps on the cars display, use Pandora or other apps, take/make phone calls, get weather reports, and other information through my phone on the cars display, or with automated voice! I really like the camera mounted on the passenger side mirror, when I turn on the right turn signal the camera shows me whats on that side of the car eliminating any blind spot! I highly recommend this car, I think the EX-T is the best value in the Civic line, and I would buy it again! Accessories I got include All season floor mats, 2 cargo hooks, trunk tray, body side molding, wheel locks, illuminated interior, and rear bumper applique.