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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  Cross-country Gas Miser - 2004 Honda Civic
  By P. Arthur Smith - August 21 - 2:00 pm

  I recently took an 8,850 mile business trip. I carried about 200 pounds of luggage, and up to 300 pounds of boxed materials. I weigh about 210. I averaged 46.5 MPG, and had two tanks through at over 60 MPG. About 2/3 of the trip was on the freeway, and 1/3 in crowded two-lane traffic. There was absolutely no drama in the drive. I dodged aggressive drivers and dead animals. I drove in desert heat, Rocky Mountain cold and driving Okla-Texas rain. No problem. It is a lightweight and I had to constantly pay attention to keep it from jittering around. The acceleration is good and it maintains freeway speed. The Honda dealership is providing r

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  Happy New Civic Owner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By NewHondaOwner - August 21 - 10:26 am

  I test drove a number of cars, including the Prius, the Accord, a Mazda 3, a Camry, a MazdaSpeed 3, and a Ford Focus. For the price, it cant be beat. Just an amazing car for an amazing deal. It handled better than any of those cars. Not quite as comfortable as the Camry, but its a lot cheaper.

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  03 CIVIC Si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By NEEK - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I looked at many cars on the market. Honda has a reputation for reliability. Even though this car may have ~10HP less then some of its competitors, I belive that the car is a better overall package then the competition. You can easily make 10 more HP out of this motor with a few cheap mods. If you want fast straightline accelerating car, then this car is quick. But I have driven faster 4cyl. The overall package (interior, handling, performance, and reliability) plus the fun factor made this an easy choice for me. I have over 4,000 miles and am even happier with it then the day I bought it...

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  Great Engine, Horrible Quality - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jenny - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has a fabulous engine and transmission. It is very fun to drive. However, dont hit the turns quickly because the suspension is too high and the stock tires are awful. We bough the Accord because of the stellar reputation of Honda, but this one is a piece of junk. In 7 months weve had both window moldings replaced (no biggie), compartment door (below stereo) replaced TWICE and the sunglass holder replaced. The big item is that there is water leaking into the roof because the windshield is separating from the molding. The A-pillar, C- pillar and whole roof lining are all being replaced. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!

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  Worth for your money - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Chetan Motamarri - August 18 - 9:13 pm

  I brought new civic last month. My feeling is its worth for the money you paid.

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  Low City Mileage - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Areb - August 18 - 7:36 pm

  Only have 1900 mile on car, but my city MPG has never been over 25, Usually 22-24. Hwy has been good average 40 to 42 MPG. My car was built in japan, no problems so far. hard to get used to the hood sight line, not being able to see end of hood is annoying, but i guess ill get used to it. Overall very satisfied, except for the city MPG, which is not much of a factor since i am retired, The Great Hwy mileage comes in handy when we go to Arizona to see the kids.

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  Dont buy first model year - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By leroy - August 17 - 11:04 pm

  The Pilot is comfortable to drive and has good storage capacity. However we have had multiple problems that have ranged from a stress cracked windshied to electrical problems ..... our 3rd Honda product and most disappointing.

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  grammys car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By nancy thompson - August 16 - 1:12 pm

  Great auto for this grammy driving to teach in the Brown County schools for four years.

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  Good and reliable - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank De Risi - August 16 - 10:04 am

  Good family van. Quiet ride. No mechanical problems. Engine has a whistle noise . Honda says nothing can be done. Doors stick with no specific pattern. Had to replace cat converter at 50000 miles for $ 700.

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  Review - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Margaret Graham - August 15 - 10:51 pm

  I bought this vehicle brand new and I havent had any major problems. It drive about 85-90% as good as it did when I purchased it. I also give credit to an excellent mechanic who has been very conscientious about the care of my Honda.