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!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By steveo - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I love this car

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  Great Car!!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Steveo - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I love this car

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  This is a REAL Car! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By joe thompson - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2001 car new. For me it was a move up from a smaller Nissan, and I had been considering a Civic or a Corolla. A friend with me remembers my saying when I started out the lot, "THIS is a REAL car!" and she knew in 20 feet that I would buy it. Now, 20 months and 20K miles later, I feel I "know" the car and am as delighted as I was when new -- of course, it is still the same, so it might as well be new. No service work (besides oil change) has been necessary.

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  Honda Civic Hybrid has Flaws - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mwollman - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Honda Civic Hybrid because I thought it would be reliable and get outstanding fuel economy. I was sorely disappointed. Instead of getting the 48 MPG as advertized, I never get more than 38 MPG, even under gentle driving conditions. The undercarriage protective plate is made of cheap plastic, instead of steel as on conventional cars. This plate falls off under normal driving conditions at a cost of $65, which is not covered under the warranty. Dearler customer service is poor. I do not recommend this car.

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  Best little secret in sedans - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Aggord - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This 4 cyl LX is an amazing feat of engineering, economy (cost and fuel), and safety. Our test drives compared it to the Jetta Wagon, Mazda6, Forester, Camry, and Altima. The Accord was the clear winner in every consideration. Mazda6, Jetta, and Forester were close seconds, but were all at least $1K more. Perhaps I am biased (this is my 3rd Honda since 1989), but this car has been great.

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  Impressive - 2001 Honda Accord
  By TheKrispies - July 16 - 5:03 pm

  The best mechanic Ive ever known once told me that if I never wanted to see him again to buy a Honda. I am impressed with the interior room and comfort offered in this vehicle. It has become the car of choice for a night on the town with my husband or a long road trip to visit friends and relatives. Its simple the nicest car Ive ever owned.

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  Civic Hybrid w/Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By rshaw - July 16 - 1:46 pm

  Ive had the car just over 6 weeks and am very pleased. I mostly do freeway driving on my 52 mile round trip commute. I bought it for the mileage and have been getting about 46 on the freeway without doing anything extreme. The road noise is higher than I like and the radio could be better but generally Im very satisfied.

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  Trusty Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By marcusjd - July 16 - 11:16 am

  Weve had our Civic lx (4dr a/t) for a year and a half, 26,000 miles on it. The car is quiet with very little road noise. Gas mileage is not as advertised on the window sticker (30 city 40 hwy). Rather Im getting about 24 mpg combined city/hwy feathering the gas pedal. The gas mileage got better after 18 or 19,000 miles, averaging 28 mpg combined. After about 20,000 miles the bumps and holes feel harsher. As the car racks up miles the fuel economy gets better but ride quality doesnt. The drivers side sun visor split in half and, it didnt want to stay closed it was replaced under warranty. Overall the car is fun to drive with zippy handling and performance. Interior and exterior design is great.

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  DONT BELIEVE THE GAS MILEAGE HYPE! - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By benseay - July 16 - 9:30 am

  I was sold on the MPG numbers, but my Accord gets 34mpg hwy and 40 city. I took it back to Hendrick Honda and they gave me a lecture on potential poor driving habits. They said they checked everything and all was fine. This is my fifth Honda Accord so I have come to expect a certain degree of service and reliability. I FEEL BETRAYED BY HONDA. I dont know who these people who claim high MPG are. Hendrick Honda will not do a thing about mine though. ROY at Hendick Honda in Easley, SC was rude and condescending. For me its ZERO or HERO. I give the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid a "ZERO".

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  Jeannes Opinion - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jeanne - July 16 - 5:40 am

  I like a vehicle that is higher so you can see what is going on up ahead. Very roomy and comfortable.