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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  Good Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Maurice - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am fairly pleased with this vehicle. Although this car started with averaging around 40-44 mile per gallon, after 11,000 miles driven it is consistently getting around 34-36 miles per gallon.

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  Rattles in My Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Garfy1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Accord has numerous interior rattles. One is from the front passenger door, one from the steering column and one from the drivers side seat belt assembly. I hate this.

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  Nice surprise - 2003 Honda Accord
  By The car guy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We were looking to upgrade from the 1995 Honda Civic. We looke dat several different makes and models. We checked out everything from the Audi A4 to the BMW 3 series. Even checked out the Mercedes C class. The Accord EX V6 has all of the features of the others at a better price, 240 hp, leather and all the bells and whistles. This is no average Accord. The V6 engine makes this a whole different car. Plenty of power and very smoothe. It handles well and the fit and finish is outstanding. The Nissan Altima 3.5 has 245 hp but the Accords resale value and reputation for reliability is somthing to consider. A lot of car for the money.

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  my 2003 honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mocha - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the navi system. It works like a dream.

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  My car named "ZIPPY" - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MARLYN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  WORST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS A BURNT OUT BRAKE LIGHT BULB

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  best car ever - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jackiecu - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this is my first brand new car. i chose this car because of its past credibility and reliability.

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  I have a bad feeling about this - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Atman - September 24 - 11:40 pm

  Ever do something then get the feeling you just did something really bad? This is a basic LX, Ive only had it 3 weeks so far, but am finding things out I hate. When you open the rear windows it creates a horrible loud noise that almost caused me to wreck. It hurts our ears so badly. I asked my dealer about it and 7 people jumped up really working me over saying ALL Hondas do it and so do all other vehicles. They are aware of the defect and have a bulletin about the buffeting noise. Im telling you, the Sonata didnt do it and neither did my 626. The interior is cheap. If you get scratches youre just out of luck. Mine came with them on the steering column. Really poor stereo.

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  Very nice Si! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Ed - September 24 - 9:06 am

  In 20,000 miles I havent had any problems save for third gear being notchy. Will let dealer see before warranty expires. Small gas tank only allows about 320 miles to the gallon on premium fuel only. Si also requires synthetic oil. I wish the windshield wasnt so huge because the sun glare is bad. Overall, if gas wasnt so high I would buy again. I think I will trade down to a regular civic for better fuel economy. Cant complain about the reliability though, its been awesome. Dont spend for the factory navi as Garmin makes better units for WAY less money.

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  Solid Buy - 2001 Honda Civic
  By header - September 24 - 12:09 am

  My Civic has been an extremely reliable car with excellent gas mileage. The performance is more than acceptable considering the cost and efficiency.

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  Solid Car for the Money - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tony - September 23 - 12:46 pm

  Traded in my 95 Accord EX w/ 218k miles for another Accord. Why? I drive 100 miles daily and need safe and reliable transportation. I figure Ill drive 25k miles annually. Looked at VW and Toyota but found Toyota bland and was scared off by the ever present electrical issues found with VW (as with most German made cars - go figure!). I can confidently drive my Honda knowing Ive bought a solid, safe and reliable vehicle. Its not a sexy pick, but you dont buy an Accord for sexiness and sporting appeal rather you buy it for its solid reliability and resale value. Have 15k miles on it and so far no problems. All this car needs is regular maintenance and youre good to go!