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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  I love my Civic!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By mp - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my Civic! I had to say good bye to my 1993 HOnda Civic DX hatchback, because it was getting old. When it was time to buy a new car, I went straight to the Honda dealer and tested the Civics, fell in love with it and got one!!! The 2002 Civic is a great car! I love my Civic!

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  solid family sedan - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ChrisZ - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I sold my 92 LX Coupe for the 02 four door before my son was born and it was a great decision. The car has a very roomy interior and ample cargo space. It drives very smoothly and the engine noise gives you a good feel of the car when you rev it up. Very quiet on the highway. Even though its not the EX the stereo is plenty loud and clear. The nose of the car sits so low and visibility while driving is excellent. I still own an 89 Lxi and that car is a dream. 120k in NYC and the engine is still purring.

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  Not bad for the money - 2005 Honda Civic
  By HondaMan - June 24 - 8:00 am

  This is my second Honda Civic, theyre great for the money. The car is overall okay, gas mileage is like a hybrid (well almost). I have been extremely disappointed with the dealer, but I hear a lot of dealers are like that. Theres no sunshade at the top of the windshield, very annoying on a sunny day. The car is also difficult to start on an extremely cold morning, I think it should be much easier to start for a new car. The heat is inadequate at the floor so if you live in a cold climate and own this car expect cold feet. Stereo is lame; but again its an inexpensive car.

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  Wanted to love it - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By mario - June 24 - 5:48 am

  Been waiting to get an HRV from the moment I hard it was coming out. Test drove one and loved it until about 3 weeks into it. I am seriously feeling vibrations from the gas pedal as well as the brake pedal. Seems to be worse on bad roads as well as freeway driving. I have taken it to the dealer as well as service where they tell me they dont feel it. I have owned a Civic and never had this problem. Now every time I get into the car I dread it. I expected my new car to be perfect.

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  Honda Eval - 1994 Honda Passport
  By Hazel - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Versatile car. Had a number of repairs after I first got it. Good reliability since then.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Honda S2000
  By JefnLra - June 24 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fun car with lots of stares - this is the one!! It has great pick up speed but not too much torque so you can drive fast without feeling your heading for light-speed. Handles well around corners. Easy to use automatic convertible system. Not a lot of extras in the inside- its simple. just a great driving car!!

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  My CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Zepolpa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  We love the car, wish it had more power and more room..........maybe I should have waited for the 2002 crv....

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  You wont regret it - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tyetrumpet84 - June 24 - 12:20 am

  This is an excellent car. I am a single mom with 2 young kids in car seats and I love my CR-V. I had a 98 2- door Honda civic and I needed to get a more "Family Friendly" car with 4 doors for my kiddos. I dont regret it one bit. My civic had 205,000 miles and I never had a problem with it so of course I would want to go with another Honda. This is made for moms. I looking at a used Chevy Equinox due to the fact I didnt think I could afford this car but the dealership was great. It is fun to drive and I get excellent gas mileage.

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  Not what I hoped for - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hammock246 - June 23 - 11:13 pm

  Bought in FL and a trip to Illinois has this thing squeaking in the front end like its falling apart on semi rough roads (most of Illinois). Very hard ride on economy minded tires. Handles very good and comfortable to drive on our 1,200 mile jaunt here. Gas mileage OK at first but now very good at 26.2 mpg for the trip average. A bit noisier then Toyota or Nissan vans Ive had but acceptable. Everything works as advertised if one can read the manual. Lots of toys on this thing. Lots of room and main thing is wife likes it. Easy to get in and out of.

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  FUN - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By joeengineer - June 23 - 2:43 am

  Great handling, huge interior (compared), powerful and quiet engine, somewhat frugal, great engineering details, somewhat shabby assembly... Really a great minivan, leaps and bounds above the US manufacturers and I think better the whyne engined Toyota.