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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  The Other Side of the New Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By FreddieKwok - January 29 - 10:00 am

  the alignment of the door and the window. It rattles . I especially HATE the rear suspension! I couldnt believe how soft and annoying it was ! But after a 22000mile abuse, I kind of improve this problem. The wind noise is terrible, you can even hear the rain drop from drivers window. Well, it is nature. I know. From time to time, I will push my car to nearly 90 or 100 miles in Pennsylvania. Get rid of the sluggish and jerky Firestone. I felt the change as soon as I replaced them with two pairs of Goodyear HP. But then, it costs me another 4 hundred something. This car is ok overall.Not that bad.

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  Why I LOVE My Honda - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Cassie Snow - January 27 - 2:00 am

  In the 6 years Ive owned this car, and with 2-3 oil changes a year, Ive never had to worry about it starting on cold/hot days or breaking down on side of road. I was recently in accident going 35-40 mph. Was VERY pleased with the lack of damage to front of body. Seat belt didnt hurt me and air-bags did NOT unnecessarily deploy. Very happy.

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  93 Honda Prelude - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By xtcboy - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The cars body is really a fine peice of work from the inside out, its almost brand new looking from the inside. One problem might be the engine when it comes to dependable, once it breaks down it can be quite a bit of a problem,. other than that handling just like a porsche targa, if you got good 16 or 17`wheels.

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  Hard to beat this car - 2 in our family - 1995 Honda Accord
  By V6 EX owner - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Even though we have very low miles on the car, it has been reliable in every way. The AC has never blown cold (only cool) The AC has a stink that I can barely describe when the car is idling and the AC is running. When the car gets hot in the summer, the fuel tank fume recovery canister under the hood squeals ever so slightly. Once the engine cools, or I remove the gas cap and the air rushes out, the squeal stops. I added the CD changer myself in 99 and was dismayed to discover that the premium stereo controller had CD capability, but no cable to run the changer pre installed.

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  2012 Civic EX 4door - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dickbrub1 - January 26 - 1:24 am

  Disappointed to hear CR wrote a poor review. I had an 06 same model, sold to grandson, bought 2012. Not a lot of difference. The dash display encourages thrifty driving; ECON setting really works. Good handling, etc., but perhaps it just "stayed the same" in many respects while competition improved. Get 40+ on highway, 30 in city. Seems quiet enough. Have to program door locks, sort of annoying the way they work. Hard to program radio. Recommend the car. Seems a bit roomier for the driver, seatls are better than 06.

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  Great value and great car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By marcus216 - January 25 - 7:43 pm

  Lease was up on 2010 Acura TL. I was amazed when looking at the Accord. It has nicer interior, more backseat and trunk room, better amenities, equal power and much better gas mileage than my 2010 TL. Accord EXL V6 has very capable handling, great power, and very comfortable, controlled ride. And I love the seats. I looked an Altima, Fusion, Optima, and Passat. The Accord outclassed them all. And for under $27,000 and 1.9% financing, I purchased the Accord and passed on leasing. It will be in my garage for a long time.

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  Critics Thoughts - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By crocksan - January 24 - 5:46 pm

  This is an all around great car. There are a few things missing that really surprised me coming from Honda. First the fuel economy around town is between 15 and 16 MPG rated 22 mpg. The car is driven mainly by my wife albeit on short trips but nothing exceptionally dramatic. The highway mileage is right on the rating, 25 mpg to 30 mpg. The lack of a center console and just a shelf is annoying. The arm rest on the front seats, useless, way to small. The telescoping and adjustable steering wheel no help for a long legged person trying to enter when the wife leaves the seat forward. The sun visors are to short turned to the side windows. I would recommend the car all in all a great car.

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  Great value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By highsoc42 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievably roomy - feels much bigger than it is. Plenty of cargo room and a very stable ride thanks to independent suspensions. Even on the LX, theres a few more bells & whistles than what youll really need. If Honda can keep the design and the weight balanced correctly for a CR-V Hybrid, without sacrificing its performance, bring it on!

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  visability - 2002 Honda Civic
  By b b mihuta - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Im considering a trade in. I am 56" and have to sit on a pillow to see out the back and then the visability is less than optimum. The front is so lowriding that you have to park farther back from the curb so you dont scrape the front bumper. Also the front windshield posts seem to be placed in such a position that they can block out vehicles coming from the 2 and 10 oclock positions. I only have 6600 miles on the car and really think I got better performance from my 1990 4Dr Civic.

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  Great - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Shellbe - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Its just absolutly fun.Also fits alot of people in it. I recomend it to anyone who loves to be with friends.