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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  A Quirky but Loveable Little Car - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cbeck3 - December 23 - 2:11 pm

  Ill start off by saying that Im reviewing the Civic as an economy sedan, not a sports car. First, the Civic is fun to drive. Its actually a blast to drive - more so than my old Pontiac Grand Am GT was, with its 3.4L V6. Second, its laughably cheap. No, I dont mean that it didnt cost a lot, because it did - I mean that a fill-up generally costs somewhere around $30. A side note about the fuel: with spirited driving, I still get around 30mpg. Im anxious to take a long road trip in my Civic. Third, its quirky. That isnt necessarily a bad thing. The gas pedal is mounted in the floor, which will require a bit of a learning curve, but it isnt anything too serious. Also, the horn...

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  Best Car Owned - 2003 Honda Civic
  By crdavis - December 22 - 2:44 pm

  Bought new in 2003 and never had to replace a thing other that a couple headlights, main starting battery. Has 250K miles on it and finally the IMA has an issue, but still drives great without it! Someone rear ended me the other day, totaled his car, but only scratched my rear bumber.

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  Reliable, simple, no frills - 1997 Honda Civic
  By piercejs4 - December 21 - 6:36 pm

  My car now has 165000 miles on it without having any major difficulties. The car has never left me stranded.

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  1994 Accord EX 5sp coupe. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By ejohn1 - December 18 - 1:34 am

  Bought my EX 2 door in Feb 2012, it had 38k on it, was garaged and babied at the dealership so it was like new...and 9 months later I still love the thing. Mileage, comfort and ride/handling along with reliability and durability were why I choose this particular year and model and so far, 10k miles or so, the car does not disappoint. I thought it would be too small and slow for a 6+ 230 lb guy who prefers roomy musclecars but while its almost too small for me...its ok even on long trips and the acceleration isnt too bad either. I put on a set of Continental Pro Contact Eco Plus which gave it a confident feel plus a new stereo head so...Im happy as hell driving it. Id buy it again

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  Well Done Honda! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By deanwesterburg - December 17 - 10:35 pm

  I was looking for the most luxurious car with NAV that I could find for $25k or less. None of the other manufactures came close in features and quality. The interior quality is amazing at any cost level. The heated seats work great and the ride is very comfortable. The Bluetooth streaming works well. The steering is perfect. The acceleration is a little weak, but the MPG is great. To top off all the creature comforts, I am averaging 39.4 MPG (a lot of that is highway). I couldnt be happier. If youre looking for a sporty and fast car, look else ware. If your looking for a comfortable ride with lots of quality features at a low cost and great gas milage, this is the car!

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  Feels Just Right - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jcricket - December 15 - 8:20 am

  I am a big man. This car fits me. It is easy to enter and exit. The seats are wide and comfortable. The seating position and view of the road is higher than its competitors, a major factor in my town full of tall vehicles. The drive feel is responsive and a bit upscale. Gas mileage is good enough at this early stage of break-in. Some hwy trips have already gotten 33mpg. Averaging 26mpg combined. Still learning the electronics/phone. Handsfree phone is a nice plus. Cargo area is cavernous with rear seats easily dropped. Shortcomings - none of them deal killers: Headlights are a bit dim. I replaced them. AWD is just OK good enough for snow but not serious off-road capable. Overall: Civilized.

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  It speaks for itself - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jes2ag - December 12 - 9:12 am

  Hondas have always been known for their reliability, when you take care of it, it will take care of you... I love my Honda! This car has a great looking interior and exterior regardless of other opinions, people are just snobby! The gas milage is amazing, and the eco option makes it even better. The trunk is not small, unless those who are complaining want to fit a few bodies into it, lol. Everything about this car is wonderful. I would suggest it to anyone looking for a reliable car!

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  Everything you need and more - 2009 Honda Civic
  By boss95 - December 11 - 8:29 pm

  This thing is a blast. Engine is powerful, dont be deceived by the numbers. Itll drive very comfortably for the everyday driver, but push the pedal the slightest bit and youre off. Handles like a foreign sports car. Engine has an awesome note to it as well. I just got this as my first car, and every single day I look forward to getting in that car, I love it. Couldnt ask for anything better. Great on gas too. We got it used with about 51k miles on it. Runs, looks and smells like new. Overall an outstanding car, and a thrill to drive. Even comes standard with premium audio system which includes subwoofer. Has enough power to rattle the rear view mirrors, with a motor thats smooth as silk

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  A real sports car! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By 9000lover - December 7 - 11:32 pm

  I went to market to buy a real sports car. I test drove Porche, Audi, BMW, Lotus, Fiat and Mercedes. I was set to buy a Boxter when our Motoring writer for the newspaper I manage said to me "have you tested a S2000"? I tried one and was hooked. I guess everyone has a different take on what makes a great roadster but the S2000 ticked all the boxes compared to the others. Amazing engine and transmission was a great start nothing else compared to the driving experiance here. The handling is good but will catch inexperianced drivers out who push it to the limits compared to the Porsche which was idiot proof in this area. Overall though the combination of drive, reliability and sheer fun wins!

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  Best Honda Ive owned so far! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By hondaluv3r2006 - December 6 - 12:27 pm

  I bought my civic from a private party back in March of 2012 with 136,000 miles already on it. All I can say so far since Ive owned it is one word... Awsome! Even with so many miles on it Ive had zero major problems with it. Only minor problem so far was I had to replace the cowling along the base of the winshield due to the passenger side became unclipped and interfered with wiper arm operation. Bought and installed the part myself and problem gone. Also part of the plastic handle on the ebrake is coming lose but still works just fine. Its my first Civic, but Ive always driven Hondas cause of their long history of durability. Way to go Honda!! Keep bringing us the good cars we love!!