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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  CRV is Perfect for Us - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By John Jet - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We have only owned the car 3 months, but it is a delight to drive, economical (28MPG highway), well- engineered and comfortable inside.

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  Honda Odyssey, not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By David Elliot - December 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a very good mini, my third mini van after Chrysler and Ford. The inside is great, especially I love folding in the third seat to the floor. The gas mileage is fair, with a very small gas tank. Ride and handling are good. air conditioning is good. Very quiet inside. When applying brakes sometimes there is a very annoying click, dealer said was standard. Desperately want a hybrid mini van, will corner the market. The best mini vans by far are Honda, and the brand new Toyota and Nissan, but far too few and prices are too high. Make a hybrid mini van in huge quantities and corner the market.

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  fun fun fun fun - 2003 Honda Civic
  By oldcargotstolen - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great car, everything is in its right place, sporty but streetable, great handling, decent power, great suede seats (recaro) :) , everything comes standard---------> Awsome car!

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  ITS A HONDA! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By T T - December 15 - 10:00 am

  LEFT HONDA FOR A WHILE DUE TO SOME HIGH PRICING. NOW IM BACK IN A HONDA CIVIC LX COUPE, AND THAT HONDA FEELING IS BACK! LOVE MY CAR. WILL START THE HONDA EVERY THREE YEARS ALL OVER AGAIN! CORAL SPRINGS HONDA, THANKS YOU!!! GREAT CAR, GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND A GREAT DEAL!

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  Bullet Proof - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mr. Honda - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2003 Accord EX V6 more than a year and have no complaints, only praise. Not one defect, nor problem through 13 months and nearly 16,000 miles. The car is comfortable, spirited and technically superb regards engine and associated tech. Intelligently designed and excellent workmanship. I wish the more powerful engine had been available in 2002, but thats the only negative thing I have to say.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RJones - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The Accord EX V-6 is a tremendous value. It is the perfect compliment of performance, safety, style and economy. Why anyone would spend more for less is beyond me.

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  My 5th, and best Honda yet! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tammi - December 15 - 5:20 am

  This is my 5th Honda. Who knew the next gen would be out of this world? This is my 2nd Civic EX, and this 2007 red car turns heads, my son says the car is too cool for me, (I think he just wants it pristine when he starts to drive) and it handles like a dream. The acceleration is so smooth, I cant believe I resisted ATs all these years. The corners are no problem, I stop on a dime, good thing cuz I dont want the cops to see me! I sit and gaze at this car when it is sitting in my driveway. And I am pleased.

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  6 months review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By 67 goat - December 15 - 3:53 am

  Had a ram 5.9 4x4 9mpg 28 service trips MY ridge has 9500 miles on it. Im using mobil one oil bp shell mobil gas.first trip of 2300 miles I got 23 mpg on highway. And this is with climate control on.I do have a cover on bed. This is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Last trip of 1450 miles using sunoco a blended gas I got 20 mpg. City driving 17 mpg. The navi on a trip is great just tell it where want to go and your there. Worth the extra bucks. This truck is not cheap but once you got some miles on it WOW. Dont need a truck that pulls 9500 pounds or climbs mountain. Thats why I own a ridge

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  I got stuck with a dawg! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nollaig - December 15 - 12:13 am

  This is a sad story! My heart is broken. Having just turned 50 without the resources to buy an Aston Martin, I traded in my ’02 Civic Sedan for a ’06 Coupe LX. It was love at first sight but destined for disaster. Within 2 weeks the airbag sensor failed. They fixed it. About the same time I started to experience a vibration from the front end. They diagnosed this as a torque converter problem that currently has no fix. And there’s more! The car is currently in the shop undergoing major surgery to repair an oil leak. All of this with less than 7000 miles. Apart from all that, this is a really fun car to drive and I only wish that Honda’s customer support were a little more responsive.

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  Impressive Compact - 2009 Honda Civic
  By David Harper - December 14 - 12:56 pm

  Ive only had my Civic LX sedan (automatic) one day but this is one impressive car. I love the way this car looks, handles, and rides. This generation of Civics reminds me of the Accords from years ago, and this is one thing that attracted me to the new Civic. I test drove an Accord LX this week and it was a great large car, but the Civics handling blew away the Accords. Overall, this car looks and drives like it should be far more expensive.