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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  HONDA OR ISUZU - 1997 Honda Passport
  By CATHERINE - June 4 - 2:00 am

  EVEN THOUGH THIS SUV GOT ME OUT OF A HUGE WRECK, I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK. I DONT KNOW IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER DIDNT TAKE CARE OF THE TRUCK OR I AM JUST HAVING BAD LUCK. I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE PERFORMANCE. EVERY MONTH IT IS SOMETHING DIFFEENT AND THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM IS NO HELP EITHER. I THINK THAT IF HONDA MADE THERE OWN SUV, IT WOULD BE A LOT MORE RELIABLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR MADE FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER THAT HAS SOLD THE RIGHTS TO ANOTHER DEALER. MY TRUCK SAYS HONDA BUT ALL THE PARTS ARE ISUZU. THAT SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME SOMETHING RIGHT AWAY.

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  Travelling with the touring - 2016 Honda Civic
  By klm buckley - June 2 - 5:17 pm

  Check car out before taking home. My base speakers are cracked, Im stuck with it..

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  MY CUTE CAR - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Alisha - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my honda civic, its cute and fun to drive. VERY RELIABLE!!! I have never had to put any money into fixing anything, only the 70,000 mile tune up- $300. The interior of the car is great,nothing rattles and nothing is loose. Gets great gas mileage. Not much speed, or much room in the back seat, but thats ok.. My ONLY complaint is the exterior of the car dents VERY easily. You could take your finger and slightly push on it and it dents. When I first got my car there were no dents just a few, barley visible paint chips on one side. Now I have numerous dents, small but still frustrating to have. Overall a great car

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  Rattles like a snake - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MEMEMEMEME - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I had in mind Id buy a Camry, Chrysler, or Honda. I bought the Honda after driving all three. The 240 HP makes it pretty fun. I also bought the Honda because I hate rattles. Quiet performance! Unfortunately, I have some rattles in the interior which are driving me crazy! (no pun intended) I plan to get them fixed, but Im a bit disappointed.

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  DRIVE ON - 2001 Honda Civic
  By NASAGUY - May 28 - 3:20 pm

  Great fuel economy even for a lead foot. I drive 80 mph 195 mile round trip 5-6 days per week. The car has 207,000 miles. Just had second timing belt installed which included water pump, ouch $$$. The first time didnt include water pump. This vehicle still has the original brakes and clutch, so IÂ’ve saved $$$ there. Suspension has been repaired with aftermarket parts, as further adjustment wasnt available to maintain camber. This car loves tires, Michelins have held up the best over firestone and Goodyear, so thats what IÂ’ll put on next. At 65" 290 lbs I fit better than any other small car. A center armrest would have made this a luxury car for me.

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  Very Happy with Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Keith - May 27 - 2:53 pm

  My wife and I traded in our 2003 Audi A6 for an Odyssey after we were going to have our 2nd child. We have been exceptionally happy with the Odyssey. It is easy to get the kids in and out, storage is ample, the ride is very solid and visibility is outstanding. Weve had two recalls- noisy brake pads, and the seal on the front windshield.

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  Wont ever sell it - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Maxwell - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new when I was in college. Now, 10 years later and with a good job I still love it. Everyone I work with drives new SUVs, luxury sedans, or sport cars, but I enjoy driving my Civic. It has a solid feel, responsive handling, acceptable accelleration, and I like the styling (much less cheap looking than the new Civics). Plus, I dont feel nervous parking in D.C. or driving over potholes.

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  Good car but could be better - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Barry - May 26 - 12:20 pm

  Downsized from a Prius, payment too high. Leasing Civic for $199.00 per/mth. Civic an adequate replacement. Not the same mileage, but close. CivicsÂ’ sticker about $8,000 less than the Prius. Prius mpg 47-51 mpg. Civic is 29-41. CivicsÂ’ positives: great fuel economy 31-32 suburban, 38-41 on highway. Nice styling outside. Civic negatives: Roofline too low, hard to get in & out of and Im short. The seats are as hard as a park bench, most uncomfortable seats of any car I ever owned. Civic AC in Arizona summers sucks. AC cuts out by design during acceleration to save gas. Ride is too firm for my tastes.

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  review of 99 civic ex - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Tara Healy - May 26 - 10:10 am

  vehicle is fun to drive..reliable... roomy enough for me, would like backseat to be a little more roomy...more headroom is needed in backseat..there really isnt anything that I would like to change, just improve upon

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  The most reliable car ever! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By shannon - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 6 YEARS AND ONLY HAD A FEW MINOR PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT HAS 130000 MILES ON IT AND STILL RUNS GREAT. IT IS A VERY LOW MAINTENCE CAR. IT ONLY NEEDS GAS AND OIL CHANGES. PERFECT FOR HEAVY DAILY COMMUTING. MY FAVORITE LOOKING MODEL OF THE CIVIC INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SO FAR. WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT MY EX MODEL DID NOT COME WITH A/C. HONDAS AND TOYOTAS ARE THE BEST MADE AND LONGEST LASTING CARS.