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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  Excellent small car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By j - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great all around small car, fun to drive, economical, zippy. The trunk is surprisingly spacious. The transmission is excellent - very smooth shifting. All in all, a class act. I looked at the VW Golf and the Mazda 3 before buying this car liked the Golf but found the seats too narrow, and had a similar problem with the Mazda.

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  Honda can do better - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Valmomof2 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  yeah, the gas mileage is good. Not in the hot summer though. If you sit at a red light too long the hybrid battery runs down and you have very little power to accelerate. No frills in the interior. No automatic headlights, no lighted vanity mirrors, no rear cup holders. It would not have cost Honda that much to add a few comforts to make the driving experience a little more pleasurable.

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  First and last Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mastermind - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 95 Camry for this brand new 08 Civic. Never owned a Honda product, but thought I had nothing to lose, given all the hype about Honda quality. Boy was that a mistake! Lousy gas mileage (never better than 25 mpg, but my much bigger Camry got 23), mechanical problems - worn out strut mounts, A/C quit working, 3 out of 4 electric door locks went bad, and the list goes on. Rented a Nissan Sentra last time my Civic was in the shop, and was astonished at how quiet it was on the highway compared to my Civic. This is my first AND LAST Honda product. Trading it in ASAP for a Toyota.

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  Easy to own - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Big Al - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I like the car, it is fast and low slung. Brakes seem good and the ride is decent. The radio is very good. Only two problems so far the brake discs are pitted from road salt, and the seats are not smooth when moving back and forth. The brakes work well and the seats still work its just not something I like. I am not getting anywhere near 30mpg more like 20mpg BUT it is only driven in the metropolis of DC. Anyway it is a great car the V6 is good too I love it when I push the loud button and it lifts the front end, real old school feel. I can put a car seat in the middle of the back seat and my other two kids on either side. It works great, not something for long family road trip but it works

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  I thought Hondas were reliable? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dina972 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Few weeks after buying it- I had started to regret it- the exhaust was oily black soot. I took it in to be inspected and they said everything is fine because it passed emissions testing. LOL! Later, when I did casual inspection of the oil level, I noticed that it was dropping- but wasnt certain because I wasnt strict about it. I had attributed it to careless oil change-out. Long story short- Im undergoing an oil consumption test because it consumed 1.5 qt in 7k mi. Car has 32k mi. I have little faith in them because they showed me Hondas acceptable consumption: 1 qt per 1000 miles.Hows that for reliability? You think the car will pass ULEV that it claims drinking that much oil?

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  Great Sedan - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Ozzy - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 97 accord over a 2000 civic by the looks and I do no regret it. Ive had the timing belt snap on me but because we had no idea of the history and did not take enough caution to change it while it was still good. Previous owner was horrible. With the timing belt change we redid the heads gaskets, radiator, water and etc. Window motors are horribly slow at the front and nice on the back. Ignition assembly had to be changed. Starter changed. OEM speakers are really amazing for their year. Although a lot of work had to be done it was mostly because of previous owner with horrible habits. This car really is great A to B in comfort, speed, and style.

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  First Hybrid, I will never go back. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By waypeter - September 29 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Insight for a month, I am in love it it. My old car was a 99 Lexus ES300. Although going from Lexus to Honda is a step down in brand, the technology in Insight is more advance then my old Lexus. Im 59" and I dont feel the car is small in the front or rear. However, I do wish the electronic system do more job, so it will get more MPG. So far, Im doing 41 MPG combined.

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  Like no other - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Nico - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought the accord 2004 EX with 33,000 miles with light hail damage. Never had any problem so far. I love the handling of this car, very comfortable and good fuel economy for a mid-size sedan. upgraded from my old car 1998 accord.

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  Our Experience - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dick M - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Our 1st SUV- most pleased with the comfort, great vision and workmanship of this CR-V the sales and management staff at Cramers is on the level of the luxury car staffs that we have been dealing with for over 15 years.

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  Cheap - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Bernie - September 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a follow up from my review of one month ago. I have since downgraded the build quality from a 9 to a 4 and the comfort from an 8 to a 7. Im not sure how I missed it on my road test or first week or so of driving but this car is NOISY, especially road noise. The AC is a joke. If you are driving for any period of time (for me 20-30 minutes) your leg may fall asleep as the seat does not go back very far which can cause you to arch your foot. I am 6 ft. even. I wish I had read the reviews more closely. Shame on me.