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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  Ok, but not great - 2016 Honda Civic
  By KC - June 24 - 9:42 am

  THE BAD: no classic volume control knob; ugly 90s style dashboard back light control stick that doesnt work during the day anyway; climate options slow response up to few seconds; you cant access on-screen controls (audio, climate, etc) once you are on driving Reserve or have right turn signal on (this should be available to override); terrible mirrors - feels like you are drunk when you look at them - pick interiors reflections easily which adds extra distractions, curved left edge on drivers mirror adds more confusion than help; plays mp3 from USB flash drive but only if USB port between seats is used, from one give you error message about music files being invalid format; no control over the way mp3 folders are listed (looks like they are listed by date created rather than alphabetically), also random in folder function doesnt work correctly (occasionally jumps to other folders too - very annoying); no option to create playlist or fav list; interface not exactly intuitive, no theme preview etc.; mirror and rear cameras quality not good as expected (early 00s quality); super ugly and oversized passenger airbag status light; not much space under the radio/display console; plenty of space between; transmissions shifts weird when try to accelerate quickly; some weird bumps on the floor (driver and passenger, looks like something, but designed that way) THE GOOD: very quiet comparing to previous editions; nice seats; sticks to the road pretty good; nice rims; remote engine start option; occasionally feels like you drive hybrid; good overall, probably best buy for such budget

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  1994 ACCORD EX, Bigger Bang For The Buck - 1994 Honda Accord
  By charles jr - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with about 100 thousand miles on it. I do quite a bit of driving and over the last year I have put 30 thousand miles on the car and have had no major repair costs. This car is great on fuel and obviously very reliable. If you plan on getting a used car more than 5 years old with high mileage, then there is no safer bet than an accord.

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  Good, but not the best - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kenny Pomalis - June 23 - 4:33 pm

  Hondas are known for their reliability and build quality, but I beg to differ with the later. Dont get me wrong, my 240hp MT 6spd Accord is more than the average grocery getter. I was surprised by the get up and go. This car is a definite sleeper especially when that VTEC kicks in....look out automatics with less than 290HP. OK, here is the downside, inferior leather seats that crack too soon even with the use of high quality leather care products. Paint is chipping down to bare metal due to only one coat of paint. The dash rattles and creaks around the driver side "A" pillar. had a few problems with the car being hard to start on the first try. Spring in trunk stopped working. The G35 is a better car.

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  Civic Re-designed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bob - June 23 - 2:53 pm

  In search for a reliable and sporty commuter car the new Civic came up on my list for consideration. Price and performance (40 mpg) were factors for a tie breaker, this is were the Civic coupe won us over. From the unique instrumentation layout to the ergonomics of driver position and controls it was evident that a conciderable amount of thought and design went into the Civic. To that end there are hundreds of sensors and electronics in this vehicle that can cause havoic. We have had a problem with the "check gas cap" since we drove the vehicle off the lot. Dealers response was check the cap.... Fit, form and function... great!!

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  Civic Si on steroids - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By speedbird - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Most of the problems I had were really my fault (like trying to roll down the window when it was frozen) My biggest complains are a couple of noises from the engine that the Honda dealer says not to worry about. The clutch sometimes slips and makes a griding noise. The clutch is kind of hard to press. I keep getting check engine light, dealer says everything is ok. So far the only money I have put in the car is for oil changes and I have 51000 miles. The interior looks like a 1980s Honda Accord, but its built strong. Forget about the 2 seats in the back. Dont buy it if you are more than 6 feet tall. Its a Honda, but its not indestructible.

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  Enjoying my cute lil Honda Civic Coupe! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kristen from MS - June 22 - 5:53 pm

  I just traded my 2006 Honda Civic SI coupe in for something that was cheaper, less to insure, and something I didnt have to put premium gas in. So I decided to get a new Coupe LX civic. I got it in an automatic, I was getting a little tired of driving a stick anyways. Very nice for the price. I got mine at less than invoice price, thanks to my helpful Honda dealership. Love the tan interior, although I think it will get dirty fast. Only thing I dont like is when I put the car in park my door unlocks itself. I mean what if I was shopping and someone came up and mugged me as soon as I parked? Just dont think its a great feature, since I would think most people who buy this car are female.

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  2007 honda fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sophie - June 22 - 12:23 pm

  This little car has lots of interior room. Gets great gas mileage. But I am giving it a poor review. The paddles that are position behind the steering wheel (used for standard transmission) will engage if you are driving in automatic at lets say 70 miles per hour. I accidentally tapped it when I used the turn signal and the car down shifted and went into standard mode. The car immedialty slowed while the engine reved up. I was terrified! It goes back into automatic after a few seconds but that long enough to cause an accident.

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  More than met expectations - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Indolawson - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Hondas in the past and currently own two. This 94 Accord is what I expected--enough power, acceptable comfort, good styling, and extremely reliable.

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  Quality Head to Toe - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dannomite - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This screams top quality. From head to toe you notice the spit and polish put into this vehicle. From the higher set roof for headroom and large windows all throughout for greater visiblity, to the incredible cornering and turning. This is a mini-van replacer for sure. Do yourself a favor and test drive this vehicle, youll thank me later. :-)

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  Good Car a Work Horse - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By David Benjamin - June 18 - 2:28 pm

  If youre looking for a sporty car look somewhere else. If youre looking for a great all around this is the car.