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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  FIRST HONDA - 2003 Honda Accord
  By NO SMOKE - March 21 - 10:00 am

  GOOD FAMILY AUTO,IMPRESSIVE ACCELERATIONAND COMFORTABLE RIDE.BREAKING IS A LITTLE TO SENSITIVE BUT HANDELS LIKE A DEAMON.RADIO HAS A LITTLE TOO MUCH BASS AND ALMOST NO MIDRANGE.ENGINE IS ACCESSABLE AND OIL CHANGES A SNAP.THE AIRCONDITIONING IS THE COLDEST IVE EVER HAD IN AN AUTOMOBILE.THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER A LITTLE TO MUCH FOR ME WHEN THE AC COMPRESSOR KICKS ON

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  2001 honda civic ex - 2001 Honda Civic
  By thomas rose - March 19 - 9:03 pm

  This will be the fifth Honda I have owned, and the second auto. transmission. This model has yet to disappoint, although I dont expect it to. Reliability, fuel mileage are the main reasons I have kept Hondas in the garage, and also the ability to make upgrades performance wise, i.e. loud exhaust, rims, tires, etc.

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  My 5 Spd 2001 DX Civic: Mixed Reviews - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Peter - March 19 - 7:50 pm

  Ive owned my 01 DX Civic for over 4 yrs & 72k miles. Almost immediately the alt pulley came off & was fixed under warranty. At about 18k mi the brakes started grinding, i was told I needed new brakes ok. Still they were grinding. After 8 visits and 8 resurfacings they found that a badly adjusted control made the brake pedal hang down about 1/2 in, just like i described... I had a hill holder. At 30k mi they gave me a new set of pads and rotors and that was the last problem Ive had. Since then, no problem.

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  overall view - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jim Travers - March 19 - 1:26 pm

  Good looking car, excellent gas mileage, comfortable interior, quiet running/idle.Handles good on dry pavement, okay on wet. Not very good in snow conditions.

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  I love my civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Vic - March 16 - 9:21 pm

  Its size is perfect for a smaller person, I love the way the dash board looks, and I got it in vintage plum. Since then I have come to appreciate the reliability that Honda provides. Even though I live in the NE where we get winter 6 months a year it has always started. It is the perfect size for a small family or a college student, I practically live out of mine sometimes! Seats 4 adults comfortably, 5 at a squeeze (if they are small). A great car to learn to drive stick with, it is very forgiving.

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  Fun & fuel efficient - 2007 Honda Fit
  By carshow - March 16 - 9:10 am

  I drove a Mustang prior to this purchase, which was based on Hondas reputation and fuel economy. I didnt miss my Mustang like I thought I would. The Fit is fun to drive, easy to park, and gets great gas mileage. Back seats are horribly uncomfortable. The side airbags are nice too. Like a mini- SUV. However, my husband was just in an accident in his Fit and I must say while the airbags & seatbelt did a great job protecting him, the car is a total loss while the vehicle he hit was barely damaged. The damage was to the front driver-side part of the car, and the fender, dash, door, etc. were all shoved back, roof wrinkled. Like to see the metal strenghtened so its safer. Speed was 50-55 mph.

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  Suits my needs just fine - 2005 Honda Element
  By knitwit - March 15 - 10:00 pm

  I am pretty rough on cars & when i first looked at the elment i knew right away that its utilitarian style would definitely suit my needs. Im sort of short, so theres a LOT of headroom anywhere in the car for me...so im 99% sure a giant could fit. the only bummer is the gas mileage isnt ideal, its not HORRIBLE but still i feel slightly guilty about driving a car that gets under 30mpg.

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  Civic Hybrid 03 ... great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By P Humberson - March 15 - 9:46 pm

  40k miles on it now. If I drive it insanely hard I get 41 mpg. Normal around 48 mpg. If I pay attention, I can get 55 mpg (stay off the interstate to do this.) Acceleration is enough to merge well on freeways (okay, so its not a Viper...). Handles fairly well and comfortable enough (didnt buy it to be a limo...). Its a great car and looks just like a regular Civic (a plus for me).

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  Quality is down - 2001 Honda Accord
  By boas9 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Honda reliability is something of the past. I own two Hondas and one Acura and have experienced major mechnical problems with all. Transmission on the cars are awful and Traction control had to be replaced already. Add minor issues like dashboard bulbs having to be replaced, I believe it is time to look at another brand.

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  Solid car would buy it again - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Kevin S. - March 14 - 6:29 pm

  Bought this car, then put 1,000 miles on it in the first week. Extremely frugal on gas averaged 300 miles on a tank of gas in city driving 400 miles on highway. A/C quit at 150,000 miles repaired by dealer. Replaced brakes and thermostat a few tires, but no major work. Im a Honda driver for life.