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:

• 

  4dr DX - will get you to 200K miles - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Dave S. - Durham, NC - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I am about to trade in my 93 4-dr DX, and it is sad that I am only going to get around $1000, due to 174K miles and a bunch of cosmetic blemishes that Ive never bothered to fix. Its said because the car is still driving quite well after all of these years, and I think its worth a bit more (Im not going to bother to try to get more however). Ride is still smooth between 70 and 80 MPH, handles well in all weather despite puny 13" wheels. Fuel economy still excellent (30 city/40 hwy).

• 

  Love The Ride - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Howie B. - July 20 - 1:00 am

  I have owned the Touring model for one month and use it for a weekly commute of 145 miles each way. I have enjoyed every mile. Great car to own and I have been driving for over 42 years. Owned a lot of different sport and luxury cars over the years and this is a nice combo of both. The Touring model is a few thousand more, but if I would not have purchased the Touring model, I would have always regretted it later. So far averaging 42 miles per gallon (as advertised), with a bit of a heavy foot... fun to take to the mountains (I live an hour west of Lake Tahoe) in Sport mode, but for my commute I use the Econ setting. Highly Recommend. Enjoy......

• 

  my husband loves it but its ugly - 2003 Honda Element
  By elliotnine - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the vehicle drives, but it is still a little strange looking to me! I had a Toyota 4-runner for the last 8 years, and when we had a baby a few months ago, it was aggravating to get the car seat in and out of it so we had to get something different. My husband really liked these and we went and test drove one, I love the roominess, and the fact that you can wash it out, and the car seat fits in it wonderfully. . The 2nd day we had it we tried to use a bootle warmer in the 12 volt accessory plug and it was way to tight and it tore up and they tried to charge us to fix it!

• 

  Can carry Computers - 2003 Honda Element
  By scottmoulton - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Got this car to carry work equipment in because the floor and sides were so durrable. I can carry the kids one minute and switch the cargo to carry equipment the next. Great so far.

• 

  EX with leather - 2003 Honda Accord
  By fernst2937 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  4 handles better than V6 very comfortable seats

• 

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Erin, Greenville NC - July 19 - 10:00 am

  From the moment I set my eyes on this car, it was love at first sight!! And that was before I even sat in the thing and drove it!!! It is completely loaded except for the Nav. system and V-6 engine, but who needs a V-6 when the 4-Cyl. gets up and goes just as well?? AND has better gas mileage!!!

• 

  great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tomc - July 19 - 10:00 am

  love it, one of the nicest cars Ive ever owned. Tight and fun to drive.

• 

  Honda Odyssey 96 - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By sacooper - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I am finding it hard to want a replacement. So reliable and the seating it simply wonderful.

• 

  Will keep for a long time - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By HONDA 4EVER - July 18 - 11:10 pm

  I have owned a "traditional" American pickup and they are okay. If you want value and a vehicle that exceeds your expectations then this it. The thought and engineering that was put in this truck should make the big three truck makers wonder why didnt we think of that long ago. This truck is definitely more than an Accord on steroids!

• 

  Driver seat is so uncomfortable - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dkalck - July 18 - 7:16 pm

  I didnt notice it when I did the test drive but after driving the car I realized I really made a big mistake here. The seat is extremely uncomfortable. My back is in pain each time I get out of the car. I have no complaints about anything else. In fact, I love the car just wish Honda wouldnt have made such horrible seats. Seriously, there is a metal plan that will stick right into your back. I called Honda and they said it was there for safety. I think it is just really bad design. Just make sure to take a really long test drive.