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!! GET ONE!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By honeyb - February 8 - 2:00 am

  great car!! excellent review

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  excellent fun and great gas milage - 2004 Honda Civic
  By solracr - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I dive about 3000 miles a month due to my 4 year old sons illness and we bought the civic because the gas milage on my 03 jeep is only 17 miles to the gallon and our civic geats 40 miles to the gallon (wow) this is a great car for a limited income family or someone who just wants a fun car and a great starter car and has lots of safty features.

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  Excellence in Design - 2003 Honda Accord
  By HondaLover38 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  When I first encountered a Honda vehicle I was not aware of the reputation for reliability. I was purchasing a stylish and affordable vehicle. After having the vehicle for over four years, I was convinced there was no other vehicle for me. I went and selected a new Honda. This newer model has features my 92 model did not have. I really appreciate the larger cabin and the soundness of the structure. The car is built better than my in-laws vehicle and I will mention they also bought a foreign made vehicle. I would not buy anything except a Honda vehicle.

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  A great ride !!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Elizvi94 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is so smooth to drive. It has tons of room inside to easily fit 4 people. The XM radio is so clear. The V6 really moves and the steering is tight. I really enjoy getting into this car everyday :O) They have great lease rates.

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  My fourth Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Phillip Root - February 8 - 2:00 am

  My new Honda like the 3 other Hondas I have owned has been very reliable. The car is well designed and is fun to drive.

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  Ideal Commuters Car Thats Also Stylish - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Atomic Blue Civic - February 7 - 7:53 pm

  I was looking for a compact car with great mpg, enough room for 4 other passengers, lots of features, reliability, low-maintenance, and good resale value. Civic was the perfect fit. Just bought it a month ago. Many people complimented on nice atomic blue color. Im somewhat disappointed by the mpg. I realized that the advertised 30/40 mpg is unrealistic, but I still expected it to be better than what Im getting. I got only 21 mpg on the first tank, then average 28 mpg after that (combined city/highway). It doesnt seem to get any better, but Ill see. MP3/WMA player is nice. Audio control on the steering wheel is great. Must get used to not being able to see the front of the car.

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  Great Car for the Money - 1998 Honda Civic
  By JRHoyt - February 7 - 3:35 pm

  After 177,000 miles, The only repairs have been a new catalytic converter ($550) and an A/C compressor ($1300). This is a great car for a do-it-yourself mechanic. I now do 99% of the maintenance myself and I expect to keep this car until it reaches 300,000 miles. I bought it new in Jan. 1999. I havent even had to replace a head light or signal light bulb. I get 36.5 MPG at highway speeds, even after 9 years of use. Around town I get 29 MPG. I wish that was higher.

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  Fabulous Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kristie - February 7 - 8:23 am

  We have only owned this car for 3 weeks. This is my husbands car to commute back and forth( 60 miles round trip) to work. Lots of room- husband is 64 and is able to comfortably drive yet it has good fuel economy. We can put all three kids in the back with ample room. Rear center seat position has head restraint and seatbelt system with a flat floor-no more whining about having to sit over the "hump". The Toyota Matrix did not have the roominess or a true rear center seat position. We chose the LX 4WD CR-V and were impressed by the standard equipment such as ABS with stability assist, MP3 player and side curtain airbags. Hubby now likes to go to work because its so fun to drive it.

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  Third Pilot is the Charm! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By KK - February 7 - 3:15 am

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  Bet mini van ever owned !!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Camille - February 6 - 8:23 pm

  Nothing about this mini van we dont like !! Had Chrysler town and country and others, no comparision! Gas mileage just as claimed, brakes smooth and quiet.Love the roll down back windows with sun shades.Rear camera a real bonus. Easy Nav system compared with others.{touch screen}Front and back warning system a real help. Most only have rear.Tires could be quieter but run flat option out ways the noise. {its not that bad, at all !} Just cant say enough great things about the van. and we have bought and sold a lot of vehicles. We plan on keeping this van a long time !!