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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  Excellent Transportation, DONT RACE!!! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By FrugalCommuter - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle at an auction in February of 2002 for $775. The car was rammed into a curb, then left to die. I replaced the front passenger side suspension.Hondas are so easy to work on, didnt take more then a weekend to get that replaced. I have driven the car for 20,000 miles since, so far I have only replaced the axels. Handels well for the liberal suspension setup. Easily take corners at 90. Brakes have been acceptable, but not great due to the rear drum configuration. Trunk is well sized for the car. Tank is too small. Blow motor doesnt blow enough air. Car just needs about 30 more horsepower.

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  Nice but gas mileage better on my 1999! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jules - September 14 - 8:10 pm

  This car is nice looking, it is comfortable and the interior is a lot of bang for the buck considering the price. However, I do feel the engine is lacking a big, at only 2,500 miles I already feel a little idle rumble when I start the car and its not nearly as good on gas as my 99 Civic EX which I also still have. Thats a big disappointment to me. The brakes also seem like they are working super hard all the time and they make an awful noise when breaking on any type of hill. I dont believe they are going to last too long. Those are my only gripes, its a nice little car.

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  Civic EX - 2009 Honda Civic
  By amber - September 14 - 12:13 pm

  First Honda. Had a Matrix before this. Love the look of this car and the way it drives. Antilock brakes occasionally feel "crunchy." Auto transmission doesnt always shift smoothly. Axle nut loose after 6000 miles. Do not like the auto up windows or the seat belt alarm that takes forever to go off. (I know, I know, its illegal to not wear a seatbelt!) 35 mpg hwy is great. Not so good city driving. About 24 mpg. Combo driving is still good. Ride is hard but will try the lower tire pressure.

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  redesigned Honda Odyssey is nice but.... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By david4784 - September 14 - 1:10 am

  We have owned this van for about a month and we have taken several trips. We love everything about the van but the seats. They have to be the worst seats I have even been in. They are very unconformable. Friends of ours have a Dodge caravan and its seats are 1000 times better, but dont get me wrong I wouldnt buy anything but a Honda. We test drove every mini van out there and we decided to buy the best overall value and thatÂ’s a Honda Odyssey.

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  Good but not great - 1998 Honda Accord
  By hondolay - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 3 recalls and six additional items go wrong with this car in five years/50,000 miles - since it was new - a record for any car Ive owned in the last 35 years. Service never could get the sunroof to quit rattling (not one of the items I refer to above). Im tired of camping out at the Dealers. The seats are too hard and my butt hurts after a couple of hours of driving - sometimes after 1/2 hour. Insurance it surprisingly pricey for this car. Rock solid engine. Rock solid suspension. Decent handling but its no sportscar - see S2000. Good fuel economy. Why do headlights need to fail after five years?

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  mcknights honda civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Charles Mcknight - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Hello I love my honda civic I just wish the interior was more of a factor while the design of this car was being made,although the comfirtability is great. In the near future I would like to see better quality as far as the material used when designing these interior products goes . Thanks Honda , Charles MCknight.

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  Time will tell - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Not so happy - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Great van for conveience with infants and toddlers. Power sliding doors a plus.Great power.Need improvement on driver and passenger arm rest comfort. Transmission is begining to make a high pich noise at certain speeds. Honda coustomer service is no help either. For this reason probaly will not buy another Honda.

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  City Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By bordsource - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The Civics an excellent city car- for short distances and especially for city driving, the car really is the best out there. If your driving habits include long distances, high speeds, or long commutes, then forget it. The noise levels above 75mph are ridiculous, the car is easily deflected at highway speeds by trucks and crosswinds, and the seats arent that comfortable (no lumbar support). For short hops, though, none of these problems are large enough to be noticeable. Spend some quality time with the car, however, and you notice those things plus the fact that the suspension (on 01s at least) is too soft for optimal control.

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  Dependable car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By xmhy003x - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I got this civic by tradigin it in with my two door 02 civic. I like the new design of the vehicle, its not as lop sided as the 01 body style, and the inside is essentially the same. Its a car I can depend on having for the next decade of my life.

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  Fun Drive, great on fuel economy - 1995 Honda Civic
  By SIU Salukis - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I checked out virtually all compacts available on market when I purchased. Civic sub-compact faster than all compacts! Great in comfort, no-brainer purchase at time. Only one major repair done, they say it was dirty gas, not sure, valve stuck open. Otherwise, no problems. Gas mileage is great, hardly ever hit the pumps. Get this, battery is original going on 9 years! It doesnt take much to start a sewing machine! I recommend 96 and above, because by then you have side- impact beams for safety. That was my only hesitation on original purchase.