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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  My Second Skin - 1990 Honda Civic
  By bonifacio - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Except for a couple of years during which I traveled long distance between LA and Chicago, I mainly drive around in circles on a little island. This car behaves like its a part of me -- just point it and go! Unfortunately, after seeing an increasing number of truck and SUV tires breathing down my face at stoplights, Im also beginning to imagine one of these automotive Neanderthals losing control and squashing me and my SI like a bug.

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  Great Factory Stereo , Great 1st Car!!! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Chad C - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in Plano, TX of April 2001. I bought it off this guy who said a customer of his had abandoned it. 1993 Accord EX Sedan, Black w/ Beige Leather, Sunroof, Factory Alarm, Factory Alloys, Factory AM/FM/CD/Cass Stereo. When I bought the car, the radio had to be programmed because the battery had been disconnected. So for about 8 months, i used nothing but the CD player, and it has just recently began to skip and deteriorate. Oh well, it has a very, very nice sound system for factory speckers. The leather on the door panels is slowly coming loose, showing the original beige cloth in the door insert.

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  Uh, Hello Mr. Eddie Pryor... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Helios - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Its nice that you like your S2000, but you might want to know just why the car is so exceptional. Honda built the S2000 as a 50th anniversary present to itself to commemorate its Formula One racing heritage. Theyve always been the best at squeezing maximum performance from small (i.e. light) engines -- so no, a "supercharged V6 or V8" was never part of the plan. Believe me, Honda knew what it wanted: theyre the worlds largest manufacturer of engines. P.S.: if you cant drive it fast, give it to me!

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  After the newness wears off... - 2003 Honda Element
  By kosheral - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After the newness wears off, you being to realize how many little features are lacking in this vehicle. I got the EX because I imagined it to be factory "loaded" like the other Honda models. Not having keyless entry is a big drawback with kids. Also, the lack of passenger lock/unlock is crazy! I like the look of the SUV, but there arent enough everyday conveniences to keep me happy. My Honda Civic was my favorite car ever, and I guess this just doesnt live up to the Civic.

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  Quality lacking - 2008 Honda Accord
  By pauhum - October 15 - 3:46 pm

  too complicated to figure out all features; a/c fan control inconvenient for driver; road noise; paint on bumpers dont match color of paint on body--evidence of poor quality control!

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  Insightful - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Mithril - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for just over a year and am mostly happy with it though it doesnt make for a good winter car as it is too light. Road noise is a bit harsh also.

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  sporty, fun to drive, but annoying controls - 2017 Honda Civic
  By David - October 15 - 1:37 am

  Fun car to drive. We have gotten many compliments on its looks. Stock tires suck in the snow. I dont like the center console and I wish there was a light in the glove box. The touch screen interface is horrendous. The nav system socks. It often looses location. I still use it, but also have use my phone because I dont trust the nav. And there are other annoying things about the touch screen that make me realize Honda knows nothing about usability.

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  Noisy Rear Suspension - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Thaddeus - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nice, with the exception of a noisy rear suspension. I love the exterior styling and motor is very strong for a 2.2L. However, whenever I hit bumps, or leave a driveway, or do anything to move the rear suspension much, it squeaks and grinds. This has been fixed twice by the dealer, only to return. I am ready to take it in for a third time, before my warranty ends. I may end up trading the vehicle in since it seems to be a design flaw, rather than a repairable issue. This isnt what I expected from Honda.

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  Poor milage, expensive but satisfied - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Niket - October 13 - 11:30 pm

  Mileage on the sticker is a pure lie and cheating. In growing family, the gas expense is burden now. When asked dealer, they said 16 for city and highway combined is good. Per dealer, can get sticker mileage if driven without A/C, heater, radio, navigation, DVD and at smooth 55mph. Sure, why do they have these feature than? Why are they selling in cold Chicago? If DVD has to be off, why put it in? Minor touch of metal or so creates dent due to thin paint coat. No MP3 format player, no iPod outlet for such an expensive vehicles. Does not have mileage calculator built into Nav system. Same software used in Acura and others, should have throwns into this.

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  Spend lots of time test driving - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Swede78 - October 12 - 11:00 pm

  My wife, mom, brother, and friend all have Civics. They all praise how great they are. So, after almost 10 years of driving my Dodge Neon (which had been great, but didnt want to push my luck and needed a change), I decided to get a Civic. I love the styling inside and out. So, my heart was set on a Civic, but I wish I test drove the one I bought a little more. Overall, I still like it, but Ive had it in the shop a couple times due to strong pulling to the right. Its better, but still seems very sensitive to the road. Neon went straight forever. Also, theres a slight throttle hesitation when you take off from an (almost) stop. Otherwise, drive is smooth, avg 35 mpg, now @ 2000 mi.