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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  Transmission Problems - 2005 Honda Civic
  By vlaz - January 16 - 11:33 pm

  The Hybrid is a terrific car. Its quiet, rides well and handles nimbly. I traded a Volvo 960 for this car and am very satisfied with its power and comfort under all road conditions.It is extremely well designed and engineered. Take it for a test drive and see for yourself.(The Prius is crude and clunky compared to the Civic.)I can cruise all day at highway speeds in comfort.

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  New CRV lacks power!!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By joe - January 15 - 8:46 pm

  My wife purchased this car and overall I would rate it as OK, but not outstanding. The big issue is no horsepower. The CRVs engine is horrible. Throwing a low powered 4 cylinder engine into a heavy SUV body really doesnt give the power it needs to move, especially on hills where it is very noticeable. As for safety Honda is forward thinking but many of the other Japanese SUVs out there have identical safety features. The new styling (interior and exterior) was a much needed change to bring the CRV in line with all the other crossover vehicle.

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  GOOD IN CLASS - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By O-MEGA36X - January 15 - 2:00 am

  For its class-prelude outperforms other cars like celica gt-s and eclipse GT and is less common than its competitors with a more original look--even the cheap model is not cheap compared to competition the competition. Good redline, good speed in top end, and nice look especially from the sides. Interior is comfortable and offers room for 4. Shifter is nice, quick, and quiet also and hydraulic clutch engages smoothly with little effort.

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  CANT HANDLE 9000 RPM - 2000 Honda S2000
  By O-MEGA36X - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Incredible car for a sports car-most amazing 4cyll and I beat 8cyll. ugly mustangs gts all the time--just like a nice car like this should. Should make it with a permanent non- convertible option which will also keep the weight down-its heavier than it looks. Engine sounds incredible. Car was once mistaken for an exotic car and not a honda. Supercharged option should be considered for rediculous speed. Nice controls and dash board-car is a little cramped but you can expect that.

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  Just Starting - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Orange Blossom - January 14 - 8:16 pm

  This is an excellent economical car with high quality features. Little engine that can, does the job. Excellent handling and braking characteristics with a firm ride on rough roads. Great head and legroom front and rear. Very good space with flexible interior for carrying wide variety of stuff. Interesting maintenance reminders via the screen which also tells you how well your oil and filter are performing.

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  Great Value with Style - 2007 Honda Fit
  By drkeeling - January 14 - 8:16 pm

  I drive this car nearly every day and I still cant get over how nice it looks inside and out and how it zips around in traffic. No problem keeping up even passing at 80+ mph highway speeds.

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  Bring back the good stuff - 2013 Honda Accord
  By patnams - January 13 - 4:14 am

  My previous car was 98 Accord LX, did 140k in LOT of conditions. I also get to ride lot of rental cars. With that background, I generally agree with all great reviews of 13 from others but will focus on some issues here. The ride is rough on imperfect roads - the noise & vibrations come right into your body. CVT is smooth but the 1st gear is missed greatly for initial 2 seconds. Compared to 98 LX, cabin quality is poor. Seats are hard, storage is less and dash looks cheap. The steering is hard, my hands ache on long drives when I am moving the steering only like half an inch most of the times. My elbows are missing some support on both sides as windows and storage are bit lower.

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  Just Got Another - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Very satisfied - January 12 - 8:43 am

  Got this one for the wife, who puts about 2000 miles/month on it. I liked it so much I got one too, but manual. Traded an 04 350Z so I could drive all year in Idaho. The stick version feels quite a bit quicker than the auto. A friend and I both have both trannys. The EPA lies, the manual gets 2-3 mpg more (30/35 vs 32/37) if it matters. Drove the Si w/ intent to buy it but this wonderful engine isnt special til over 6 grand up to 8500 rpm. This is not useful unless youre a wannabe racer. Id like the power in the midrange like my Z. So the Si is a great handling car with nothing to offer mature drivers.

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  Durable and Reliable - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Steve G - January 12 - 4:27 am

  I got this car in 08 with 120k on it. Its now at 180k and its still running without having done any major work on it. Just oil changes, a few batteries, and a new set of tires. Every year I spray the metal parts down with lube, and so far, Ive had some issues with the axle rusting, the muffler completely rusted off, and someone was able to use a crowbar to just pry off my passenger door handle to get into my car. Overall, its been a good first car, but Im excited to upgrade to a new Civic.

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  Durable and Reliable - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Steve G - January 12 - 4:27 am

  I got this car in 08 with 120k on it. Its now at 180k and its still running without having done any major work on it. Just oil changes, a few batteries, and a new set of tires. Every year I spray the metal parts down with lube, and so far, Ive had some issues with the axle rusting, the muffler completely rusted off, and someone was able to use a crowbar to just pry off my passenger door handle to get into my car. Overall, its been a good first car, but Im excited to upgrade to a new Civic.