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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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Evar - July 29 - 2:30 pm

  I commute 70 miles a day for work. Average 35+ MPG. I have 65,000 miles on the car and have only had to do breaks once, tires once, and regular oil changes. Much larger interior than Civics have had in the past. Dash is easy to see while driving. I took a road trip and actually got 47 MPG for 3 tanks in a row.

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  An excellent minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By markr33 - July 29 - 11:53 am

  The new 2005 Odyssey is a wonderful vehicle. It is a delight to drive with ample power to handle just about everything you throw at it. Honda made a few decisions that are hard to understand, primarily the lack of HID headlamps. For a high end vehicle, this should be a must in 2005. The center console also only fits in the second row, it would have been much more useful in the first row.

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  Work horse - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Rick Franks - July 29 - 11:11 am

  Purchased my wagon when it had 57,000 miles on it, now has 140,000. The only "problem" was the antenna stopped working [repair estimate $425.00] so I went to a stereo shop and had a window antenna installed under the rear view mirror - works great.

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  Awesome...until I can get F360 Spider - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jeff - July 29 - 10:00 am

  If you want a torque monster, this aint it. If you are looking for rear end warmers, this aint it either. If you are looking for pure unadulterated driving fun for less than 60k. There arent too many other choices. The only other convertible I would consider to be similar would be Porche Boxter S. I like this one slightly more, so the 15k savings just gives me that extra incentive to keep the money in my pocket.

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  Best value out there, great vehicle. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By StingrayJG - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is priced GREAT for what you get. Edmunds TMV is more for Envoy, MDX, RX300, & Pathfinder. (and no nav. in Envoy or Pathfinder) Very smooth & quiet ride. Plenty of power. Cargo Tray & All-Season Floormats are key options for cleanliness. I love the truck but my gripe w/ Honda would be to offer heated seats in U.S. not just Canada. It gets cold here too, ya know! Driver seat memory & telescopic wheel needed. (Me=6ft, wife=52") Overall though, I love it, 110% glad I got it.

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  You cant go wrong in a Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By nycdriver - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This review may be biased since Ive always owned Hondas (Civic 90 Hatchback, Integra LX 93, CR-V EX 99). Regardless, the 2003 CIVIC EX is a remarkable car if you were to drive it yourself. Honda reputation is alive and well in the 2003 Civic: performance, refinement, reliability, and value. Improvements over 2002 model are: center storage console with built- in armrest. Slightly redesigned tail- lights.

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  Looks like they did it again... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bantaman - July 29 - 10:00 am

  What a wonderful car to own. Powerful, Comfortable...WOW. I just got 35 mpg on my first trip. How do they do it? The only thing I can comment on as far as a suggestion, it is a little soft in the suspension when you drive aggressively, while the ride seems a bit "busy" on rough roads. However, its all Honda quality!!!

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  Love it - 2016 Honda Civic
  By laura hauser - July 29 - 6:19 am

  Great value, sporty look, my son loves his vehicle! !!

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  Consumer Beware - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Deb - July 28 - 2:22 pm

  I bought this car for the long haul. What Honda fails to tell anyone is they installed a faulty rear differential and rear suspension and that is why the tires wear out by 20,000 miles. Dealerships and main office refuse to fix this problem and your complaints fall on deaf ears. Im sorry to say the problem still exists in the newer models as well! Im dumping this car asap and will NEVER own another Honda again.

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  Best car Ive had yet - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rafael - July 28 - 11:38 am

  Very clean inside and out cheap to maintain. I was going to get a brand new 2015 Hyundai Elantra and Im happy I didnt this Honda is %100 better, I bought about 1 month ago with 128,000 miles and its still like New. Ive driven a lot of cars and this one is my all time favorite and cant wait to have for years to come. Ill write more when I get close to 200,000 miles. Happy Honda Guy guesswho100k