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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  Very Good car for less money - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Shouvik - October 9 - 7:36 am

  Bought 2006 Honda Civic EX, 4dr, Auto on 11/10/2005. It has very futuristic interior and a very gorgeous aerodynamic body. It definitely stands out in the traffic. However, 2006 Toyota Corolla has optional vehicle stability control and traction control features.I also compared it with 2006 Mazda 3 and civic has less hp than 2.3 LT Mazda 3.Ride is bumpier than Chevy Cobalt or Toyota Camry. Remote Keyless entry system started malfunctioning within 2/3 Weeks. Dealer lubed the locks but the problem again surfaced today -Am I unfortunate or a genuine problem ?!

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  Loved this car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jubilee - October 9 - 1:42 am

  Got this car brand new on 07/2007 with 8 mi on it and it drove strong for another 160000 miles until it got stolen and dumped in a river (broke my heart). I loved this car. It was the cheapest car on the lot, but it treated me well. Changed the oil every 4 to 5000 miles. Paint still looked new. Here are the things that went wrong: cracked exhaust manifold after 2 yrs, A/C compressor went out after 6 yrs, drivers side window went off track after 7 yrs. Otherwise, absolutely no other problems. Very reliable, and Im going to stick with Honda. This car has a lot of character. Other imports always wanted to race my stock Civic, and I cant tell you how many times people asked to buy my car.

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  Does everything you need!!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jr. - October 9 - 12:50 am

  Without expecting the world of features from one car, this vehicle does what its designed to do which is provide a great ride, lots of storage, great mpg and an awesome design all at a reasonable price.

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  Fun to Drive Civic Coupe - 2016 Honda Civic
  By JR - October 8 - 3:34 pm

  Sporty, fun to drive, economic, excellent fuel efficiency, looks great!

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  Perfection - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Andy - October 8 - 1:35 pm

  I bought this car new and have owned it almost three years. Its hard to express my satisfaction! My last three tanks of gas got 37, 39, and 41 mpg, which is normal. The car has more than adequate power, the ride is smooth, the road noise is about right for this class of car. So far the car has worked perfectly, only routine maintenance, which is easy to do yourself. This quality of this car feels better than the new Civic.

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  Im Loving It! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sunflower - October 6 - 5:19 pm

  Ive had my car for 8 months, and its been great. Its zippy and fresh. I had a 2005 and I upgraded when the new 2007s came out. I do not regret it. The leather seats are more luxurious, and the inside finishes give the car a luxury feel. Would definitely recommend it.

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  Accord Leather is cheap! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By GHaris - October 6 - 2:11 pm

  I have a 2006 Accord EX/Leather and the leather on the Accord is cheap! I wear dress pants to work and now the leather on the driver seat has little white marks (or holes) where it lost its black color. I drive the car for about 30 minutes each day. My office pants rubbing against the leather should not cause it to lose its color! The other issue I had is the AC condenser was damaged by road debris because it is made of soft material and there is no mesh or grille in front to prevent debris from flying in.

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  2005 Touring R&N - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Christopher Compson - October 5 - 9:09 pm

  A good value overall - almost a luxury vehicle for less money with far more versatility. Never have gotten less than 20 mpg to any tank although, admittedly, most miles have been over the road. Will get 28 (or better) when driven at 65 mph - mileage will drop markedly if driven faster. Power is adequate. Ride is almost too harsh with just a driver aboard but much better when fully loaded. Road noise is excessive on concrete surfaces. Vehicle has not had any reliability issues or exhibited any quirky behavior. PAX tires are wearing fine at 36,000 miles and are an attractive safety feature. Lack of telescopic steering wheel has been addressed on 07 and newer models.

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  Equalizer - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Bob - October 4 - 4:23 pm

  I put on over 100 miles a day, 70 on the hwy and 30 in town. Since I bought my Honda Civic (5 speed stick) 2 months ago I have a cumulative average of 48 mpg. This has made our move out to the country make much more sense. I named the car the Equalizer.

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  Little bugs and small problems - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jon M - October 3 - 12:16 pm

  This is a great car,i really like the two tier dash design of both digital and analog readouts. I had this car since November 2005. I replaced the SRS side airbag passenger side indicator,there are some slight rattles,i needed a new glovebox side airbag covers on the seats started to pop out/off. The Drive by wire throttle system really hinders drivability its like BMWs idrive system it makes the car jerk around. These problems are expected to be on a first model year car,it happens and i know now not to buy another first year model car only after its been released for 8 months to a year so the manufacturer can address the problems and fix them.