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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  Fun - 1998 Honda Civic
  By idk - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Despite the lack of power this car is still fun to drive. The sound of the engine as well as the acceleration when VTEC kicks in accentuate the fun feeling. Under hard driving, though, the car has no power to get up and go if you lose any traction or shift at the wrong time. The interior is plain and simple with no rattling parts. The exterior looks very nice and sporty but it dents and the paint chips off easily. The suspension is rather loose but very smooth and I feel in control the whole time. Road noise is minimal and the stock tires grip incredibly well. The fuel economy is great as well as the reliability. 85,000 miles on it and it still looks and feels like new.

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  Reliable but could improve - 1998 Honda Civic
  By CivicOwner - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought it at 4 yrs. old, 21kmi, one owner. Very good car for driving around town--especially since it is an automatic, not that great on the highway. The base model is really basic, wish it had some more features (power locks, cruise control, ABS, A/C). Maintenance-free so far, 20 months and 27 kmiles later. Shift program problem: when accelerating after slowing down to about 20mph it shifts a lower gear and revvs the engine like crazy, sending shocks through the drivetrain. The windshield wipers have a weird pattern, leaving big portions un-wiped. Passenger-side wiper needs to grow to driver-side wiper size.

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  GReat RiDe - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Ludeboy75 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I Bought this car in 2/01 with 110K Miles on the clock. It now has 138k and is still going strong. Very easy to do maintain and repair as long as youre a little mechanically inclined. Responds well to modifications. It rides even better with 16" rims/low profile tires. The D15B7 plant needs at least another 20 HP and it would be perfect.

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  No remote trunk access on LX? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Juan - January 13 - 10:26 pm

  I bought my Civic LX two weeks ago and am generally very pleased with it. BUT, I am disappointed that Honda has not entered the 21st century along with Saturn and other cars by providing remote trunk access with their Civic LX. The apparent reason: to provide a disincentive to buy the LX, and push you to buy an EX for $2000 more. So, if you have kids, if you shop and appreciate easy trunk access as you lug items to the car, buy another car. Is remote trunk access worth $2000? Not in my book. Next car will be a Toyota.

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  Home Run - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Matthew - January 13 - 3:36 pm

  I was a former owner of a 2004 EX V6, which was totaled in February with minimal damage to myself and passengers. I took delivery of my EX-L in March and I can safely say that I will keep this car for at least 7 years. I like the pep of the big 4-cylinder engine, the smooth ride balanced with good handling, upscale interior and exterior, and the steadily improving gas mileage.

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  my baby hummer! - 2004 Honda Element
  By glennf - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i purchesed the gallopagose green for its conservative appeal. the paint has held up well through ice, mud and shopping carts! the fuel economy is good with out the a/c on but is poor when on. the inside is well suited for on the go people, like my two shepherds a bike and me! overall i could not have asked for a more versatile mini-suv for the price. thanks honda! glenn houton, tx

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  Not as well built - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pcwizard - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had a few Hondas and now have 2. This 2001 Civic has more wind noise than any other. The doors dont fit as well as in the past so more wind noise is generated. The dealer has not been able to do anything in all the times Ive returned it.

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  Great Car, more power? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Damaster - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great city economy car for just all around driving. It lacks the HP that it should have to keep up hondas reputation, this car probally has the slowest acceleration i have ever seen, this little 1.7 tries but dont get very far, lol. good car tho i reccomend not gettin the VP but gettin the HX for the extra HP

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  Satisfied Overall - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Ather - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car just for the Honda reputation used with 24k miles. Great long distance runner, people mover and multipurpose vehicle. It drives smooth and quiet. I have put over 55k miles on the car and have had to change the battery, brakes, tires (a few times) and rear side window which slipped out of its frame. It has a Honda recall on the tranny which I havent had problems yet with but am starting to feel it a bit now. Tire balancing has been a problem with all the new tires. Overall, quite satisfied. I would also look at the Toyota Sienna. It is smaller but has a tighter feel to it.

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  Good - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Jaxy - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Good, economical SUV... Good gas milage for a SUV, Dependible Honda enginering, High functionality, Not a lot of wasted space... Its not a bus. Easy access to fluid chambers under hood.