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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  first car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By jrm - October 18 - 3:11 pm

  This was my first car, got it in high school (DX hatch, 5-spd). Not problem-free but I drove it hard, and it was a blast to drive (I now have an LS1 Camaro which is infinitely faster and more powerful but this Civic was so light it was just a lot of fun). Unfortunately this car was totaled by my sister about 7 years ago. Sometimes I wish I still had it. Gas mileage was an honest 27 city / 32 highway - real numbers not EPA.

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  2016 Civic, Will the test of time give it 5 stars - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Matt Kean - October 18 - 3:51 am

  After looking at a few makers of cars I chose the Civic. The three main reasons were, previous experience with Honda product, Honda service experience, and I liked the new model. The four star rating I gave it was because the fifth star is earned threw the test of time. If it does as well as my other Honda products, it will earn one more star. Update. Great gas mileage (35.2 combined). Quieter than previous Civic but still highway speeds a little loud. You seam to sit lower in the cockpit than previous model which is good for taller driver. My wife and I are shorter drivers so I wish both front seats could be adjusted higher. You can det used to it but it would be on my wishlist.

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  2016 Civic, Will the test of time give it 5 stars - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Matt Kean - October 18 - 3:51 am

  After looking at a few makers of cars I chose the Civic. The three main reasons were, previous experience with Honda product, Honda service experience, and I liked the new model. The four star rating I gave it was because the fifth star is earned threw the test of time. If it does as well as my other Honda products, it will earn one more star. Update. Great gas mileage (35.2 combined). Quieter than previous Civic but still highway speeds a little loud. You seam to sit lower in the cockpit than previous model which is good for taller driver. My wife and I are shorter drivers so I wish both front seats could be adjusted higher. You can det used to it but it would be on my wishlist.

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  Solid All Around - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RyanGag - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great all around performer. It is quick off the line and handles pretty well. It cruises at high speeds with ease and is very quiet on the highway. Interior is laid out well and is very attractive. Cant beat the bang for the buck, heated seats, strong V-6, dual climate, sunroof, soft leather, 6 disc...the list goes on and on.

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  Nice coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jmurigu - October 17 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice coupe, improved many features lacking in the previous model. More power, smooth quiet ride and standard keyless entry with engine immobilizer

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  wonderful little civic - 1992 Honda Civic
  By samcivic - October 17 - 2:57 am

  Brought the cute Civic for good gas mileage, reliability and low cost to operate and it delivers. I had a fast prelude, the Civic has little performance, but is fun to drive and light weight very good on the snow. The Civic look small, but very roomy and comfortable even for tall a person like myself. The Civic is the best bargain I can think of. Very happy to own a cute little Civic.

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  Not living up to the Honda reputation - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe - October 16 - 3:33 pm

  Own a 2005 EXL. After three years we have gone through many tires, two dvd players, and two motor mounts. Currently the brakes make a whistling noise when turning. The battery does not hold charge and now I have an issue with the VCM. Oh, the paint scratches too easily and the road noise is ridiculous. Dont hit a bump too fast because the whole car feels like it hit a crater. Whats with the glove box not lining up with the dashboard leaving a gap? Oh, one more thing, drivers side seat (leather) is wearing our already and I condition it several times a year (garage kept too). I bought a Honda to last me 200K plus but Im thinking of trying a Yota soon. It couldnt be any worse.

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  Most versatile SUV available - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bob - October 16 - 12:48 pm

  If you want a luxury sedan, its close. If you want a work truck, its close. If you want a tow vehicle, its good there too. I just towed a 4200 lb. trailer over 4,000 miles with my Ridgeline, and encountered no problems. Going over the Rockies sometimes required full power for several minutes, but the temp. gauge barely moved. Very stable, even when semis. passed by. The cab is roomy, and it is fun to drive. I average 19.3 MPG commuting 80 miles, but the mileage dropped to 11.2 towing. The Ridgeline is, in my opinion, the most versatile, high quality vehicle available.

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  Far from excellent - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rrratch - October 16 - 4:03 am

  What a let down for Hondas top model! The engine performance is excellent and fuel economy very good for a V6 but the rest of the package is less than outstanding. The leather interior is not very comfortable, seats slippery not soft, like the vinyl in dads old Chrysler. Interior heats up quickly in the sun the AC cant cool it down fast enough. Windows squeak and rattle in the tracks and the dash & console are full of annoying squeaks (made worse in the cold). Thank God for the stereo to drown it all out but forget about talking to anyone. ABS chatters over the smallest bumps and road noise is prominent, even with the factory undercoat. Too many blind spots from big pillars.

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  06 civic Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 06sicoupe - October 16 - 2:33 am

  Over all Im very satisfied with my purchase. Performance, fuel, economy and looks are all up to par on this car. I sold my 04 RSX type S for this and i believe it was a good choice.