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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  Quick and tight, but needs refinement - 2003 Honda Civic
  By redly1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 01 Civic EX sedan 20 months ago and it is my daily driver. It took some getting used to, coming from a car with almost 100 more horsepower, but it is a very spirited little car. Its got great road feel and a great suspension. Interior design is sofisticated, but the exterior, specifically the rear view, needs some work. Seats are adequate, but dont plan on taking this car on long trips. The stereo is above average for factory. The Automatic transmission is sloppy, especially going into second.

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  fun to drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Debbie - April 18 - 1:33 am

  I just got the car and it is a fun car to drive

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  in the shop already - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ross from texas - April 17 - 5:53 pm

  the reat strut is blown at 1100 miles, never towed, no loads, dealer told me 3- 5 days for part, and no loaner car. honda is a joke on customer satisfaction, he said the part had to be made, how do they make ridgelines on the assembly line? whats next, will the engine lock up? gas mileage is over stated, i bought it for the mileage, what a joke!

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  Good commuter - 2001 Honda Civic
  By HXowner - April 16 - 9:53 pm

  Although I rarely get advertised 39/44 city/h-way mileage, it consistently provides more than 30 mpg without noticible lack of power. Going to the hills is another subject though... Handles nice and very nimble. Havent had any mechanical failures yet, but been having problems with warping rotors. Dealer insists that it is my driving, but when it consistently happens in less than 8,000 mile interval on the same wheel, I suspect the otherwise. But there isnt a sure way to prove it... Overall, a great performer for what its worth. So far it only consumes gas, oil, air and break lining.

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  Suzuka Blue - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Mnakano4 - April 15 - 6:29 pm

  This car is sick and poised at the same time. The limited slip rear provides much fun on tight corners. And with each day I become more impressed by her abilities to carve the curves. This is a car you wear but as the scenery flies by, you forget about the compact size. And once you hit 6,500 rpm... she hits power-band much like a CR 250. When will Honda provide us with an eight cylinder monster?

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  Honda Accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Lindsay700 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The last four cars I have had were Hondas. You can not beat their reliability. Their interiors could be made a little more comfortable for those long trips. Overall there are a great car and they hold their value.

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  Door Rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Davmar - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in Dec 2002 and it now has 6K miles on it. In the past two months it has developed several interior ratttles where the windows and door frame meet the body of the car. I have brought the car in to the dealer twice to have them repair the problem. Both times the rattles have reappeared after a few hundred miles of use. This problem is very annoying and I suspect there is some kind of design flaw with the car.

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  Solid Family Sedan With a Little Fun - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bman1 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Solid construction. Decent handling (maybe a little heavy), smooth engine and tranny. Fantastic interior - almost perfect.

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  Baby Blue 2012 - 2012 Honda Civic
  By babyblue2012 - April 14 - 2:32 am

  My new 2012 Civic replaces a beloved 1995 Camry and it immediately felt as comfortable and solid as the Camry. It handles well, is easy to drive, and gets 32 mpg in the city. On a recent road trip, we fit in three adults with luggage, camping gear, and extras. We got 38 mpg on the trip, and it was quiet enough to easily have conversations with our back seat passenger.

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  Great SUV absolutely loving it - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Pramod Rao - April 13 - 6:13 pm