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:

• 

  Civic coupe manual - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Leon - June 29 - 12:53 am

  Had my LX coupe 5sp manual for a year now, 0 problems, its comfortable, pretty stiff though, but I like it. I do about 30 MPG and all of them are in the city, and very short drives. No real space in the back, kids will do fine. Front is very spacious, Im 64" and its fine, drives well, second gear sometimes wont go in.

• 

  Name says it all! Honda Civic EX Coupe! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By RichB - June 28 - 9:25 pm

  This car has been awesome. Owned it for almost 10 years. Just tripped 64k and still runs like a top. But times have changed and Ive gone from just me to a wife, 2 kids, and me. So, Im going from one extreme to another... trading it in on a 2007 Tundra CrewMax. Its hard to let go, but it must be done. I know someone else will enjoy it for another 10 years or more.

• 

  Fun Value - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Randy T - June 28 - 3:12 pm

  My first non US big 3 car and I love it. Fun to drive, very reliable. I have over 100,000 miles and Im still on my 1st set of brakes!

• 

  Cant beat the reliability statistics on a Honda - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Debora M. - June 28 - 2:52 pm

  I was looking for a Honda CR-V that would take me through the next 10 years and I think I found one. One owner, low mileage. Only hitch was a couple of door dings, which was OK by me. Chose not to buy Honda Certified Pre-owned because of the higher price for the certification and the Honda dealer wouldnt work with me on the price or my trade in.

• 

  I know this car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By matt judson - June 28 - 11:55 am

  I went thru this car, changed out stereo for hands free bluetooth, pandora, sirus, all apps and more bells whistles. Then I put remote starter, and tinted the windows. This car is below 74K and treated like a baby. Its still driving tight and brand new.

• 

  Who needs a Porshe for FUN! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By RonBhamAL - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I have driven mostly luxury cars (BMW 325, IS250) and after 3 months still cant believe how great this car is. I have to remind myself I am in a economy car. Well-mannered, fast, comfortable. I get more looks than I did in my lux cars. Yes, I opted for the loaded SI/NAV and added blk leather, tinted windows. Civic SI is bringing sexy back! And valet guys fight to park it.

• 

  The energizer bunny of the car world - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Nic Niebel - June 28 - 7:22 am

  This is my second Honda Accord. The first one I purchased was a 1998 4 cyl. which I drove for close to 200,000 miles without a problem. The most recent purchase is a 2000 v6 which gets decent mpg and seems to be just as reliable as my last one. I would recommend this car over any Audi A4, Volvo, or any other luxury car in its price range. Even though the styling and other peoples perception of the car is not as high, the dependabilty more than makes up for the thousands you will spend keeping the others on the road for more than 100,000 miles.

• 

  31,000 and amazed at the quality - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Weekend Warrior - June 28 - 12:29 am

  The navigation system is cool. The trim is polarizing, just like the body. Either you like it or not. But having never been a Honda owner before, I cannot believe that for a first try, Honda could have almost nailed it. At every turn, Im impressed. Driving impressions are superior, thoughtful storage and utility abound. The technology is Acura quality, and the safety is second to none. No, it wont haul a small country, but most people dont. When used for what most people use it for, it has enough command of the road or the trails to feel convicted about the build, the utility, and the quality to get you there and back, whether its work, camping, or snowboarding...it can do it very well

• 

  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Joy - June 27 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this car after my Honda was ruined in a wreck. I have NEVER liked the CR-V and yet, just off a chance, I decided to drive the new one. What an incredible difference over the older models. It does not feel "chintzy" or flimsy. Finally a solid feeling CRV with pep and pizzaz. I love the fact that the new design is more modern, streamlined and clean. Kudos Honda! Ive always been a fan of the Accord, now (if you keep this up) Im a fan of the CRV. Ive been "CRVed"

• 

  Wonderful car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nssn774 - June 27 - 9:10 pm

  This lovely new Civic is surprisingly roomy on the inside, with its cab- forward design. The drivers controls are very well designed and everything is within easy reach and control. I do about 70 city and 30 highway driving and Im getting an average of 36 mpg. I totally agree with Justin on those getting bad mileages--improve your driving skills and lower your speed! Case in point: Driving on country highways at the 55 mph speed limit, I have been getting a consistent 41 mpg on my Civic. Driving at 75 mpg on the interstate, it quickly drops to 37 mpg. Overall, it drives well, handles well, has enough power, and most importantly, looks great and is fun to drive.