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 love my civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By SBIGGS - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had no major problems with my civic since I have owned it. I wish the front was more roomier, but other than that, great car!

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  Miata? - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Niwee - June 5 - 1:24 pm

  Doesnt anyone feel like they are looking at a Miata when they approach this car? Also, when sitting in the bucket seats for about an hour my back really starts to hurt. I love the ride--but not sure about all this hype.

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  Civics - 2001 Honda Civic
  By allie - June 4 - 6:19 pm

  I love my car. The only disappointment I have in the car that I have had for the past four years is the fact that it seems to dent very easily. The slightest tap will dent the car. But as far as reliability and performance, I love the car.

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  Update - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Helios - June 4 - 12:45 pm

  Ive had this car since February 2002, and it still puts a huge grin on my face. Even after three years of driving over potholed roads, the chassis is still tight - slight shaking of the passenger seat is the only tip-off that the cars not brand new. Engines stronger than ever shifters still a dream to operate. Ive installed a larger wind blocker for better top-down driving. I also removed the tray holding the tools for an extra cubic foot of trunk space. This cars therapy on wheels. It lacks the amenities of the competition, but its a quality piece of work that rewards a focused driver.

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  First Impressions - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Step - June 3 - 10:10 am

  This is my first non-performance driven car and I am impressed with this 1.8L engine.(To give some background, I have had a 305 V8 and turbos on a small V6) It can get the job done. I test drove many other cars in this class and most felt like they would fall apart in 2 years. The Civic feels solid but only time will tell. The only big problem I have with this car is the road noise! I can be aweful at times! Need a premium radio just to drown out the noise! I am looking at options like dynamat and quitcar to help with the noise.

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  Good little commuter/driving kids - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Vi Tang - June 2 - 10:45 am

  Well, I got such a good deal, cant complain. I bought at the end of the year and got it for $17,500. Then I negotiated lifetime powertrain warranty, 2 year maintenance, 0% financing, over blue book trade in. Klein Honda in Everett, WA is great. So, the car runs great, quiet, comfortable (minus the darn head restraints/rests). Quick to accelerate on freeways. Stops on a dime. Great on the snow (I have Michelin X-Ices for the winter). Im getting average of 30mpg, but I drive in the city most of the time. I did get 38 MPG on a road trip over the mountain pass. Mine came with big touch screen and lane watch (which I turned off). Nice thing is my wife has a 2014 Honda CRV and the controls are almost identical. We can jump into either cars, adjust the seats and mirrors and off we go. Compared to the CRV, this civic is quieter, quicker steering, and accelerates quicker. I love both of them, but the Civic has a much sportier feel. The CRV has its advantages too, like a lot more trunk space and really good traction in 2 feet of snow (CRV has Blizzaks for the winter). The engine was a little noisy first few hundred miles during startup, but went away after it broke in. The CVT transmission took a little getting used to, but if you dont look for the transmission to shift and dont worry about it, it is really seamless and smooth. I do wish it had more trunk space and better head rests. Darn head rests cant forward so much that if you like to sit up straight, you are looking at the steering wheel instead of the road. So I just recline a little, but it makes me feel like Im a gangster or something.

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  High Reving Fun - 2000 Honda Civic
  By prophet - June 2 - 8:15 am

  Ive had my Si for 2 years now and I still love the car. Overall, its a fun car to drive, has got a lot of spirit to it and has been unbelievably dependable. Havent any problems with it thus far. The driving experience is generally enjoyable, especially when reving up to and past vtec. The car handling is rather nimble and it corners well, particularly for a FWD car. Acceleration is nice through the lower gears and the fifth gear is responsive on highway driving.

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  Something to think about!! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Gen - June 1 - 3:03 pm

  just bought this 2017 accord exl-v6 in white. Mud guards were not in the picture when I bought it. So I have a white car with black mud guards. Noticed it right away and do not like the look. Changes the sleek look. When shifting into gears the only letters that light up in red are Park and Neutral. I have to double check on the dash to see if Im in drive or S mode. A simple thing thats very annoying. Not heres the biggest annoyance........when driving over 30 mph and then let up on the pedal because of a red light coming up ( or whatever) you can feel the car down shift into a lower gear. Dont like that feel. Will be taking it back to have checked. Maybe it needs to be tweaked !! Otherwise......was really wowed when I bought.

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  Great - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MMclaughlin - June 1 - 4:15 am

  I love my car. Its fun to drive, fun to cruise in on. I have done a lot of custom work to the car & have found it quite easy to work with. I dont care for the transmission. It likes to grind into 2nd gear on occasion. The garages can not figure it out.

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  My workhorse - 2001 Honda Civic
  By habuki - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 50,000 miles on my civic and other than changing the brakes and air filters, there has not been one mechanical issue. Not much power to show off, but its a nice relatively quiet ride that wont fail you.