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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  Dont believe the Hype - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Tacoboy - June 15 - 12:36 am

  The auto mags all bash this great car for not having 200hp and 17" summer rubber, but for real world city commuting this is one of best cars you could buy. Unlike many Hondas the Si engine is very flexible. You can round slow corners in 3rd gear and pull right up to speed with no fuss. The short gearing means that on the highway you can leave the car in 5th and still get great passing power. The engine is also willing to pull hard right up and through the 6875rpm redline for those times you are able to. In the handling department the Si remains very entertaining at 7 to 8/10ths. Turn in is sharp and the understeer limit is high enough to keep it fun in the twistys.

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  Watch out for the transmission!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Hondawoman - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Honda 1.5 years and I need a transmission already. The dealership said there was a glitch in this particular year of Honda Accords. I never got anything in the mail telling me that. Thank goodness I still have 2,000 miles left on my warranty. New transmission shipped in from Japan-$4,500, 2 or 3 days of a rental car and labor? Hmmm, sounds a little expensive, even for a Honda!!

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  Quiet and efficient - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Eric - June 13 - 5:56 am

  Comfort and performance comparable to other automatics in this class. Average gas mileage 48 mpg after 3300 miles. Cold starts and high speed driving bring mileage down towards 40 mpg. Medium speeds and warm weather can bring mpg average over 50 if you use a gentle touch on accelerator. High speed braking a little squirrely due mainly I think to high pressure tires which create a touchier ride than regular honda civic. Rides very nicely at high speed if you want to sacrifice a little fuel economy to get there. Overall happy with the car.

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  BRAKES!!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By KOFT - June 13 - 2:06 am

  Front brakes started rattling at 6000 miles and at 10,000 miles the rear brakes are metal to metal. Honda claims this is by design and it is not covered under warranty and it is not a safety issue hence no recall. I dont want to change rear brakes every few 6 months and this is unacceptable. Will not buy another Accord. Remote stopped working after 15 months.

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  The Little SUV that can - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By bill wegner - June 12 - 5:26 am

  Having stepped out of a 92 CaravanES- awd to my CRV has been quite an eye opener.Its not as big,as heavy,as clumsy,or as thirsty as my dodge was.It handles quite gracefully in dry,wet and snow.I feel very safe and planted while driving.My gas mileage, one of the reasons I bought it has gone from 14 city(Dodge) on a good tank to 20mpg like clockwork in the CRV.The highway mileage is about a draw at 23-25.I cant stuff 7 people in it but 5 will fit in a pinch and Ill actually have room in the back for luggage or groceries. With a full platoon in the Dodge there is no room left for anything else.(I guess thats why they had a grand) Quiet,reliable,easy in and out,and cute to boot! A keeper!

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  A True Value Packed Roadster - 2005 Honda S2000
  By C.G. Godlewski - June 10 - 10:26 pm

  I traded an 01 MR2 for the Honda S2000 after a test drive. In september 2004, I ran from hurricane Ivan, my first chance to drive the S2000 the distance between Fort Walton Beach Florida and Harrison Arkansas. I made the trip straight through in 20 hours stopping only for fuel, food and coffee lots of coffee. Highway 65, between Little Rock AR and Springfield MO, has all the Ozark mountain twisties anyone would ever want. The S2000 swooped and sang through the old highways curves at more than twice the posted limits and did it well enough to make this smilng sexagenarian glad I owned an S2000.

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  Honda Accord V6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By john earnest - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Great little car, fun to drive, very nice quality---but not fun to ride very far because of seat comfort.

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  58000 miles without a problem - 2001 Honda Civic
  By SV - June 7 - 1:27 pm

  I have had the car for almost 4 years now, with 58000 miles and nothing but oil changes and a 30000 mile check up. Car still has great acceleration and even the OEM tires. It is no sports car by any means, but a very reliable car with sporty aspirations.

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  Honda lover but Accord 2016 dissapointed me - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Rohit - June 6 - 7:18 pm

  I am a Honda lover but after buying Accord 2016 and using it for so many days, I feel Honda Accord CVT version is not worth money paid, specifically for ride comfort, noisier cabin and stereo. The stereo as Honda indicates a premium stereo with 360W is not equivalent to 30W stereo. On the ride comfort I can even feel the a small pot holes. I dont even get blind spot even after paying such a high amount for EX-L. I totally dissapointed with Accord 2016.

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  love everything but the power doors - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By clay_thrower - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My wife (410") wanted the power seat in the EX package. That forces you to take the power doors. We do a lot of pull up to the curb and drop the kids. There are a lot of times when the older kids try and open or close the door when the car is not in Park (car pool line). The doors beep and until they let you try again. The doors are a safety problem IMO. They are difficult to open in the case of an accident. (no power or car not in park and the kids cant get out) The doors are also difficult to open if the battery is dead. The doors cant be disabled because of motor drag. The simple climate system in the LX is more flexible in some situations.