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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  eleven months of civics - 2006 Honda Civic
  By norman crawford - January 30 - 1:06 pm

  The 2006 civic hybrid has exceeded all my expectations. I average between 46 and 51 mpg. I took the car on a 2500 mile trip to the west coast from Denver and was surprised that it was more comfortable than I thought. I started the trip around 69 mph and soon was cruising at 75 plus mph on the interstates. My worst mileage was from san diego to green river Utah ( all uphill) mileage was about 37 mpg for that segment. The gas engine does really rev up climbing grades in cruise control, but it goes along fine. Probably if you had 4 people on board, you would some more horsepower (I was alone) For what it is , I give it a high rating and like its look much more than the prius.

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  Best of both - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HappyHX - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my HX Civic for a year now and I thank Honda for making such a great car for people who want to be environmentally friendly without sacrifice. The lean-burn V-tech engine is amazing in that it produces good power and the best gas mileage of any non-hybrid car in the U.S. You have to rev it up to get it to go, but it happily revs to redline and spins the front wheel in second gear. The transmission is silky smooth and I love the styling inside and out. And I saved $6k by not getting the hybrid. Smart car.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Tim - January 28 - 8:40 pm

  First off, do your research. While this is a great car for us, it may not be what you are looking for, as all hybrids are not created equal. Also, dont be afraid to take your research and whip it out during the negotiation. With that being said, this car has met or exceeded everything we were looking for in a vehicle. My wife drives 92 miles round trip to and from work daily, so our number one priority was excellent mileage wrapped in a comfortable, entertaining, package. We had a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and my wife really tried to like that car, but after the last repair; replacing a $28 A/C sensor which was located behind the dash, so $925 in labor, she cried uncle. She has been driving the car for a month now and she actually looks forward to her daily commute. We looked at the Mazda 6, which is also a great car, plus has the looks, but the hybrids mileage made this a no-brainer. The seats are comfortable, the interior is well put together, and for us trunk space is fine. On short trips around town, this thing gets 48 mpg easy, and just checking the odometer my wife is averaging 43.5 mpg, and between us, she is what you would call an aggressive driver(wink, wink). Get this car, you will never regret it.

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  Very good car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By steve - January 28 - 4:13 am

  I have only had this car for about a month and overall I am happy with it. It drives really smoothly but lacks the sporty fun to drive feel. I had a Camry for my first car and happily the sound system is so much better in the civic.

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  Reliable fun, affordable price. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Livingkennedy - January 28 - 2:30 am

  Love my car. It does have some issues, however. Unfortunately the real power is mostly limited to the v-tech 6000- 8000rpm range, which goes by very quickly. Steering wheel feels cheap, small, light. Feedback through steering wheel is subpar, brakes need tuning when used on uneven surfaces, handling is subpar on uneven surfaces and sudden changes in direction at high speeds - it feels as if the car is swaying in corners. Lint/dirt sticks to suede seats, but they are comfortable. Excellent gearbox, stereo system. Plastic on doors, center console is not put together well - feels cheap. Gas mileage is not too great considering the high octane fuel that is required and the low power(0-60 is slow).

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  97 honda civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By civic_racer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car from a family member and it was well taken care of. Fun to drive and "cruise" in. A good car for long trips or short drives. Extremely dependable. However, it needs to be because it is expensive to bring to a shop. Easy to modify and parts are everywhere. LOVE THE MOONROOF!

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  Stay away from Honda of Princeton!!!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Bruciep07 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a very good car. Its come with its share of problems, though. #1-Bought the car spring time. I didnt use the AC for any extended period of time until mid summer. The first time I really got to use it, about an hour into the trip, i notice that my foot was wet, and that the AC drain hose was pinched in the AC box, and had totally flooded my car via the heater vents. The dealership fixed the drain problem, but did nothing about my rotting, falling apart carpet! #2-Trans was grinding in fifth gear at 300 miles, dealer told me to "let it break in". Went back next week, no more 5th gear, and almost no reverse. 2 1/2 weeks later, and a new trans.

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  The Real Review - 2007 Honda Civic
  By doug527 - January 26 - 5:13 am

  Seats provide no lumbar support, very uncomfortable on drives over 30 minutes. A $200 cushion fixed this for me. Am radio can barely pull in stations, my 95 nissan truck had no problems with this. Road noise seems to be greater than most cars, but you seem to get conditioned to this. The pick up is good and the ride is smooth. Biggest complaint is car handles like crap at highway speeds. Body seems to roll, sway. If you follow another Civic it will look as if they are on ice when they change lanes. This is not due to the tires or their inflated psi. Have read on other forums that others are having the same problem and the heavier sway bars from the Si coup,Si sedan, will help greatly.

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  Drives like a truck! - 2003 Honda Element
  By JPT - January 25 - 12:00 pm

  Poor visibility and big blind spots but very reliable and dependable!

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  The perfect commuter car?? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Wayne Lynn - January 24 - 11:03 pm

  If you need a car that is going to give you excellent gas mileage, is functional and surprisingly peppy, this would be worth looking at. With folding seats in the front and back, the entire inside seems to open up allowing one to transport large items with little difficulty. I purchased to extended warranty and feel good knowing that I have bumper to bumper protection for the first 120,000 miles or 6 years. The only drawback thus far is how the vehicle manages bumps and pavement breakups. On those occasions, the ride can be somewhat primitive - hold on to your fillings! Power locks, windows and remote mirrors as standard accessories are nice touches. Overall, for around 15 grand, a terrific deal!!