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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  I highly recommend Hondas - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Sealgyr - November 13 - 11:57 am

  I bought it from a friend of mine, who only used it for long trips on the east coast. It had no rust and under 100 thousand miles on it. A year later it has 150 thousand miles, and still runs strong. its fun, sporty, can carry heavy loads and has never broken down on me. I had the oil changed at Walmart, they never put new oil in it. I ran it unwittingly for 2 months before I realized the problem, and its never suffered or seized. My mother had a 1986 Honda Prelude, spun it, rolled it and still drove it home. that car died out at 300 thousand miles! theyre easy to fix, parts are easy to find and they are exceptionally cheap to maintain. Ive done most of the work on mine, myself.

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  tows great - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By me - November 13 - 12:40 am

  We pull a small travel trailer (about 3000 lbs) and I dont even notice that it is there. We love the "trunk". Wish the seats were more comfortable for long rides. Wish it was 2WD not continuous 4WD for better gas mileage. ME

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  Civic Si (K20a3) - 2002 Honda Civic
  By 93Octane - November 12 - 6:48 pm

  People may bash it for its styling, but over all the civic si is a great car. Its very comfortable, has a very good sound system, does great gas mileage (if you drive it nice) and it was a extremely powerful heater! Mine is the "mustard" gold color and man does it turn some heads. People think that the "Dash Shifter" is ridiculous but it is honestly very comfortable to use when driving. Its got more than enough power for you to have fun with. Although it doesnt have "True Vtec" its i-vtec design is very good giving the car good power in all gears. No need to down-shift from 5th on the highway to pass someone, it still pulls like a train giving you easily enough power to pass something.

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  Internet Sales Are the WAY! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jay W - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but difficult to buy, until we found the internet department of the place we went... got in and out within 2 days... we did not haggle at all... and were given a great price.... Anyhow... great car for those looking for the best all-around mini-ute... handles great... engine smooth... ride is firm, but not jarring... Best value for the money in sport-utes though!

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  good car for the money - 2002 Honda Civic
  By pat - November 11 - 3:38 pm

  This car is a perfect station car. Good fuel , good reliability, good comfort.The one bad thing is I do not feel safe in this car , because it is so small.I know it got great crash tests but I still dont feel safe.

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  Paint chips too easily - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dan - November 11 - 7:33 am

  Hondas look good but the paint chips very easily -- not good when parking in a city, where I live. But excellent to be in this car - nice interior, much more impressive than you would think with a Honda - very quiet, good AC, and nav and satellite make the ride fun.

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  My CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By patter - November 11 - 7:25 am

  Love the confidence I have in this company and vehicle. Downsides: cruise control not as smooth as it could be. Larger tires--need to keep inflated to 45-55 PSI. Leads to less than smooth ride. I LOVE the rear window feature. Nice console. Everything easily in reach. Comfortable on long drives. Mileage good--very consistent.

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  REALLLY Good Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ariel10655 - November 10 - 8:26 pm

  Nothing is better than getting a Hybrid V-6 with quality, reliability, comfort, and performance as the Honda. Especially, since I got it with less than 2000 Mi.and several thousands dollars below a regular V-6 and an 7 year extra warranty (I dont need to justify anymore the price of the car with the gas savings as every reviewer does when testing the car). Just the perfect combination. Starting it is like starting an electric car, no sound. Driving is much more precise than my Camry v-6 my wifes drives. I couldnt believe driving 224 highway Miles trip, in such comfort, and powerful machine would take just 5.2 gallon of reg.gas. The car Is a year old but I can still smell the new car smell when driving

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  Honda road noise - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JAMES - November 9 - 12:10 pm

  The car rides well and handles well. Honda still does ride as well as most American cars and the suspension is a little too stiff.

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  Beautiful face lift from older generations! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Stacey Nguyen - November 9 - 5:05 am

  I was contemplating between Toyota Corolla Sport and Honda Civic for awhile. I finally decided to purchase the Honda Civic due to its great design and well-known reliability and performance. The test drive was impressive. With that said, after a few weeks of driving the car, it has its hiccups. For example, the drivers seat is a bit uncomfortable because of the angle and cheap fabric. The USB feature doesnt recognize my android phone or a USB media device, while the bluetooth capability stutters frequently. Noise cancellation is zero. I can hear the tires going over speed bumps, grooves on the roads, and uneven pavement. The radio does help mask the noise a bit but nothing impressive. Pros: all the entertainment features, phenomenal braking system, and acceleration. Overall, the new Civic offers more than enough for money. Hopefully it will lasts through graduate school and then some.