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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  Bad Mileage Low Quality Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Armand Hesslegrave - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Very bad mileage in winter city driving. 14.9-18 mpg. Worse than many SUVs. Dealer says this is normal for winter. Paint quality is very poor and inconsistent. Interior and exterior rattles galore. Tire sidewalls gave out at 8k. Brakes howl on cold mornings, dealer says "civic brakes do not like the cold". AC fails sometimes. Engine hesitates at @2500 and 3500 rpm. Dealer says I am "driving it wrong" and that engine does not like "hard onramp acceleration" and that it is made for "careful use". Road noise is MUCH worse than other compacts, and suspension transmits even the smallest bump to the occupants. Front suspension creaks and moans.

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  fun car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By siguy - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. It is not a sports car, but handles well and is a lot of fun.

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  Why no manual tranny in 4 door V6? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JTS - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Rides beautifully. V6 delivers tons of power. No rattles. Put a Lexus badge on it and it would sell for $40K.

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  My 1st. Honda!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Addicted 2 Cars... - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this car for 300 miles. Very pleased with solid feel of vehicle. Love the expensive looking interior design. Pretty well thought out vehicle.

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  2003 honda accord ex 4 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ed - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought my accord 3 weeks ago. The new look and stlye and features are the car is best in its class.

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  The New CR-V Rocks! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Axe1969 - August 3 - 1:13 am

  This is the most efficient vehicle ive yet owned. Great MPG and requires only regular gas and is an SUV at that! Nice turning radius and maneuverablilty, but a little too much braking pressure is needed to stop. Pick up is adequate. Love the nitro gas tires. Wish the armrests were independently adjustible, as I recline more than most others do while driving (dont worry- not so much that Ill sleep). The armrest is stationary (so it rises to a more obtuse angle which means more awkward contact with the steering wheel, despite wheel telescoping and tilting). Love the car so far and my only wish other than the above is that the driver seat be multi-powered, the EX-L be powered.

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nick - August 3 - 12:40 am

  this car is a great buy. definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for performance and drivability. by far one of the most fun cars i have ever driven

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  Great little car! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By oregon girl - August 2 - 11:57 pm

  Very reliable little car! Excellent gas mileage, too. Oh, and its cute! We love it.

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  Awesome ride EX-L V6 5AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Fz6biker - August 2 - 11:03 pm

  This Car is a Pleasure to drive from day 1. I have the diamond white pearl which is awesome with the tan interior. I just love the VCM makes the car give great mileage. Its the roomiest Accord I have ever had. Its the most comfortable Accord I have had. I have only one complaint that is the Road noise that I get from this and all the accords I have owned since 1997.

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  thinks its a sports car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By stephen987 - August 2 - 8:50 pm

  So far I love my Fit. It has much better throttle response and better handling than the 1999 Civic it replaced in our household. In fact, it reminds me of how much fun Hondas used to be, before they went too mainstream. It has a very useful interior, with a lot more space than you might think. The view out the front is terrific, if a little unusual. It looks like a minivan, but it drives more like a sports car, or at least a "hot hatch." Only two gripes: the ride is a bit bouncier than the Civic over rough pavement and expansion strips, and the glove box door doesnt fit quite right.