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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  2002 Van is the best! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BJK - October 15 - 10:00 am

  No problems at all and does everything as advertised. Large interior and very comfortable. Great travel van, especially with kids. Plenty of power from the engine. Rear seat could be a bit wider to make it ideal. Disappearing rear seat a big plus.

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  Great Car - but a worse car than pre 01 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By gchike - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 1999 Honda Civic, Im frustated by two things that are extreme pit-peeves of my new 2002 Civic. One, the material SUCKS! It acts like a lint brush, and just as hard to clean. Change the material honda. Second, get rid of the 140MPH Speedodometer!!! That kind of sports- oriented guage belongs in a real sports car e.g. SIs. My daughter is trying to learn to drive, and its difficult for her to tell where the 5mph increments are. Lastly, the new 2002 Civics suspension is too harsh. My teeth chatter everytime I hit a small bump in the road.

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  hi tech cost for a low price car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By msongs - October 15 - 10:00 am

  lots of loose pieces and parts that vibrate and rattle (poor construction). xtremely uncomfy seat that a $4 pillow wouldnt fix. all the cheaper regular civics have better seats (we have found out too late). My right leg/knee gets very sore after 30 miles. we selling this car. Honda answered all our questions with "I dont know" and no offer to find out.

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  Not as good as previous models - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Alberto Azula - October 14 - 10:13 am

  Handling not as good as 2002 Accord I had before. Doors are hard to close. Controls for air condidtioning, defrost, etc. poorly located, which makes it necessary to take your eyes of the road. Hood cannot be opened unless you get out of car. Dashboard lights go on when you open the door, then get brighter when you put on the key, then go off, then go on again when you turn on the key. All these games with the dashboard lights are very annoying and serve no purpose. I like the gas gauge and I appreciate the excellent gas mileage, but all in all, I am disappointed with this car. Not as good as the previous Accords I owned.

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  I miss my "03" - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Andrew - October 13 - 1:23 pm

  This is my 3rd Accord since 1997. Aesthetically the car is fabulous inside and out. Bigger, more luxurious and a little more power. I think the seats are very comfortable contrary to other reviews. Unfortunately, my brakes do squeal after 5K miles and a persistent vibration does emanate from the rear, interior deck. The transmission is weak, gas mileage is poor 19 mpg city/mixed where my "03" got around 22 to 24 with the same "spirited" driving style. Worst of all...I feel 40+ years old when I drive this thing whereas my "03" was much sportier, quicker and agile. Overall, a very good car but I probably should have bought the GT Mustang instead!

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  Almost All Good Feelings - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mielejd - October 11 - 1:00 am

  I.m writing this with about 500 miles on it. Feels solid, well built, yet nimble enough for point-and-shoot driving. You dont drive this car, you wear it. It fits very well! Love the intelligent automatic that holds a higher gear when running downhill. Engine and trans are well-mated. Shifts are seamless and go unoticed. Even when revving hard, motor doesnt sound strained. All-wheel disc brakes work very well, but are difficult to modulate. They bite hard with the slightest touch. Knobs and buttons well located, easy to use with a rich feel. Im 510", 170lbs and I can sit comfortably and well-positioned relative to steering, pedals, and other controls. My teenager and I love this car!

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  Its a little buzz box - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Bob Howland - October 10 - 9:06 am

  Pro: Great space utilization. Quick and direct handling. Incredibly good gear shift linkage. Good interior controls. Fairly economical (33MPH in northern winter). Adequate horsepower for my purposes. Con: Very short wheelbase yields a somewhat choppy ride. VERY firm suspension doesnt help. Lots of wind and tire noise at 75 MPH, so high that I wont use the radio above 65MPH. Geared short - 20MPH/1kRPM, which makes noise worse. Wanted to buy a set of snow tires the the tire pressure sensors double the per wheel cost. My 1997 Honda Civic got better gas mileage. I just wish I hadnt totaled it.

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  Easy to tune - 1991 Honda Civic
  By 4th Gen Modifier - October 9 - 6:38 pm

  Bought this thing after it was beat on to crap. Very easy to fix up and modify. Great entry level auto-x ride. Wishbone suspension by far beats the econo macpherson setup of the newer gen. Stock sohc engine is worthless, but again, easy to replace and swap out. Prone to lots of rust with its age. Very little maintanence needed if its just transportation that you need. Very light, with an engine swap and an adjustable suspension and you have yourself a good sporty car. Parts are interchangeable with integras which adds to the availability of parts. A lot can be done to the car despite its age.

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  Never Again - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Angelica - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 98 Honda Accord LX a couple of years ago, had regular service to it and it was great up until recently. The air conditioning knobs on the dash break off easily, and also the catalytic converter went out. All before it even reached 100K on the odometer! When I had to take the car in to have the catalytic converter replaced, there were FOUR other Honda owners there, ALL of them were 1998 Accord LX models, and they all had the same problem w/ the catalytic converter. As a result, Im having to spend yet MORE money in repairs that should have otherwise not been an issue in such a reportedly reliable car. Will NOT buy a Honda Accord again.

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  ReadyToMoveUp - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SJY - October 9 - 10:00 am

  There is no true power in this car unless you add your own, and thus void the warranty. I have had this car for over a year, with no technical problems. The panels are thin and you can expect many dings and paint scratches. There are many little irritants i have with this car, such as the ugliest interior fabric, the air conditioner stinks and blows warm air when on medium-high, the seats will easily "click" out of place. I am rumbling about the little things but swear by the Honda name. I want to move up to a Honda Accord EX in the very near future, Im just plain bored with the Civic. I just hope i dont put the money into something just like the Civic.