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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  Good compact car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By patrick99 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was a Dodge Neon coupe, which is quicker than my new Honda civic coupe but the civic is a lot more refined, much better built and looks great. It can easly hold 4 adults with baggage and gives better fuel economy than the Neon. This car is also very reliable.

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  major problem - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Davis Atkins - April 15 - 10:00 am

  the engine turns off when the car is still, so when you are parallel parking on a hill the car stalls and rolls.

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  Good functional car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By TN Boy - April 15 - 2:00 am

  The care is good overall. The car is very functional. It runs & is fairly reliable (especially versus my previous car an Oldsmobile) Problems experienced thus far: 1. Engine gasket seal blew out before the issue was recalled by Honda (at about 50K miles) 2. Driver power window regulator broke (at 115K miles) 3. Oil pan began to leak due to another weak gasket (116K miles) 4. Radio goes in & out, dealer cant figure out why (112K miles) Over all satisfied with the car, held up well despite a lot of miles & years on the car

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sharon - April 14 - 12:36 pm

  This is the 5th Honda Ive owned, and the 15th one for my family. Like the others, this one is well built, reliable, comfortable, attractive and I know itll hold its value when its time for another one.

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  Someone said youd got to be brain dead - 1996 Honda Civic
  By hlteo - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 157k miles 98 LX from the 2nd owner who doesnt know what car maintenance means. She paid for all the quickie oil changes but the original timing belt is still there after 157k miles. Goes to tell you how amazing the car is built. Anyway, I bought it cheap and spent $800 on a major service including new timing belt, fan belt, water pump, etc... The transmission also did not get a fluid change in the last 135k miles!!! With a little TLC, this car will drive beyond 200k miles.

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  pretty nice - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Fisher - April 12 - 2:00 am

  i just got the civic hx. so far its been fun to drive, responds well, and is super smooth.

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  Very disappointing - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RepoMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My first purchase of an Accord and its been very disappointing so far. The car drifts to the right and its very irritating. There are wind noises on the driver side and the tires make a small noise. The fuel efficiency is not as good as advertised (18-19 Miles/Gallon). A weird thing that happens is a clunking noise after pulling out of the driveway.

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  My new 2016 CRV-EX - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Antonucci - April 10 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great vehicle....my only negatives....there is no auto garage door opener or trunk release button. This should be standard on this model. The bluetooth, radio, phone system is just ok and a little confusing. Much better on my 2016 Altima.

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  Fun but expensive, and truck like - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By patmac - April 10 - 2:43 am

  Just bought 2010 Pilot EXL 4x4 found my old 2004 Pilot EXL built better and more miles per gallon. Their 22/18 is way off this time. I drive 90% on eco drive to save gas and get nowhere near mileage advertised. Should give you roof rack bars why an extra? Drive and handles bumps like a truck wish I had my 2004 Pilot, pulls to right thought it was just me but everyone is complaining of this. Cheaper mats and extras but I paid $5,000.00 more than 2004. Inflation i guess? But test drive and shop for best price dont pay sticker and buy no extras. I found cheaper online and mailed to me in 2-3 days saved over 50% from dealers price. Cross bars, bumper guards, floor mats, dual head rest dvd 75% saved.

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  A real eye-opener - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By topher619420 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  After doing months of research in picking out my first vehicle, I choose the Honda Prelude. And let me be the one to say this car has been extremely reliable. It has never left me on the side of the road. It may be lacking features that some of us cannot live without, but for those of you who enjoy a real sporty four-banger, this is an option for you. I recently had a new VTEC engine installed, and are now pushing 220 with intake/headers/sport clutch.