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:

• 

  Left GM for this! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tony I. - June 16 - 5:06 am

  I hesitated in trading in my 2001 Impala LS instead of buying the 2005 LS since I was unwilling to part with the room and features of the Impala. The Accord provides ample room for my family, has all the features of the Impala LS except OnStar, (never used) driver information center, (mileage/fuel/compass) and automatic door locks. The Accords features are comparable or better than the VW Passat. And Accord has the V6 instead of the 1.8 4 cylinder like the Passat. The cost after negotiations on the Accord was much less than the price of the VW Passat. Plus, Honda Finance offers 1.9% finance out for 60 months (if you want that route) whereas VW would not.

• 

  Great all around car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dave - June 16 - 4:56 am

  Bought the EX Sedan 1 1/2 months ago and have not regretted it. The car is very smooth and has great road handling ability. Gas mileage is very good. The quality of construction does not leave much if anything to be desired. When you shut the door you can feel you are in a solid car. Looked at the MX-3 and Corolla and the Civic won hands down. It is a nice car to take out onto the highway and and nice to zip around town in. The interior is roomier than expected for a small car.

• 

  Speedy but unsteady - 2007 Honda Civic
  By joe_prog - June 15 - 9:06 pm

  My SI sedan came with a leather interior. Yes, the car is noisy, it is designed to be that way. I got rid of a lot of the booming by lining the trunk, the doors and part of the floorboard with RAAMmat. The left front fender is designed to be an acoustic amplifier for the intake. This became apparent when the exhaust noise was dampened. My third gear was sticky. I replaced the oil with Royal Purple and it is perfect now. When I leave from a standing stop, sometimes, the steering wheel lurches to the right. Also, sometimes, I hear a popping noise from the left front wheel. All in all, a disappointing car.

• 

  2008 Civic Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Leon Gonnering - June 15 - 5:16 pm

  15,000 miles and no problem what so ever. Gas mileage is very good, at $4.00 per gallon its worth it. Handling is crisp but steering is a little too sensitive at highway speeds. Performance is all I expected, now if the front seats werent so hard and the road noise as loud I couldnt find anything to fault.

• 

  2006 Honda Civic SI - 2006 Honda Civic
  By GB - June 15 - 4:30 pm

  Bought the 2006 SI on Dec 10/05, and can say it has great value for $$, great handling, great power and good interior quality; would suggest it to anyone to buy.

• 

  Love the 6-speed ! Try one. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By dougn4 - June 15 - 11:39 am

  Locating a 6-spd LX was a frustrating experience. If you want one, be persistent, and check dealer inventories on line. I love the smooth manual and engine combination. Our Accord offers a nice balance of comfort, quiet, MPG, performance, and modest cost. The ride is jittery, but it might be a price we pay for its truly crisp handling. Such things as adjustable lumber support should not be held hostage to another 2 grand for a "package", such things as power seats, moonroofs, and a silly useless spoiler. A few ergonomic glitches, detailed below

• 

  First New Honda - 1996 Honda Civic
  By HondaOwnerJC - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I purhcased my 96 Honda Civic LX Oct 95. I use it everyday to commute to work. It is by far the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Runs and looks great. I bought it for the name and so far it has lived up to its name. No major service just regular fluid changes.

• 

  For those who were wondering.... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Mulligan - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Just got my S2000 and it has exceeded expectations. This vehicle takes getting used to.....its bumpy, loud, and a little tight inside (esp if youre 61). However, I wouldnt trade it for anything! The acceleration after 6000 rpm is incredible and it doesnt even break a sweat when cornering @ 45 mph. And for those who were wondering: 1. just enough room in trunk for 1 set of golf clubs (ping hoofer bag) 2. plenty of head/leg room for driver/passenger up to 62 3. great gas mileage 26-27 mpg ciy. 4. if youre self conscious then dont buy one b/c everyone STARES!

• 

  Best Accord Yet - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hondafan35 - June 14 - 3:36 pm

  This is the 3rd Honda Accord I have purchased. A 01 EX-L V6, 08 EX-L V6 Navi and now this EX-L Hybrid. When looking for a new vehicle I wanted something reliable and luxurious. While shopping for a new car my son told me that this new Hybrid was launching and that it got great mileage, which in my daily commute would be great. I test drove the car, and it was Quiet and Smooth. I was sold, I purchased the car right away because I knew this was a winner. I have now had the car since about November 7th and I can say that it does get 50 MPG and I dont miss the Navigation because when I bought my 08 and the end of 07, the iPhone had just come out, fast forward to 2014, the iPhone is a GPS.

• 

  BEST OF THE BEST - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By BEN P - June 14 - 10:00 am

  THEIR WILL NEVER BE ANY OTHER MINI VAN LIKE IT THIS VAN CAR LIKE WILL SIR PASS ANY FAMILYS EXPECTIONS EVERY TIME YOU GET INTO THIS EXPERIENCE