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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  Love my car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Honda Civic - November 13 - 11:43 pm

  I just love my new Honda.It is quiet and very roomy.The gas mileage is great.40 miles per gallon. A real plus with the price of gas!It has a nice style that looks expensive, but really was reasonable.I`ll enjoy it for many years to come. The salesman was very straightforward and didn`t pressure me.I had done my homework and had a good idea of what I wanted. I`d recommend the Honda Civic to anyone who likes a great car that performs well for a reasonable price.

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  Drivers Wanted - 2007 Honda S2000
  By LARichard - November 13 - 7:54 pm

  The Honda S2000 has a nice design and a rather tight interior. The quality of the vehicle is outstanding and the engine, transmission and drive train are awesome. The latest models have a nice range of refined low RPM torque and driveability. The Honda is quiet and behaved on city streets until you decide to wind it up. Then the horses kick in with a rush of power that is best experienced descriptions dont do the experience justice. Handling is crisp,responsive and predictable. The S2000 goes around corners like it is on banked rails and it stops quickly with good pedal feedback and linear response. The transmission is a joy short throws silky gear shifts. Puts your mind in another place!

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  Made it to 183 K - 1996 Honda Civic
  By TDole - November 13 - 7:42 pm

  And it was still running strong though there was an ominous noise emanating from deep in the engine. Also the tires were low on tread. Otherwise everything was fine, original clutch, no rust, good suspension, working AC, shiny paint. It was a great car and I miss it already. Would have bought a new civic but I needed a sturdy roof to carry sea kayaks. Ended up buying a Subaru Forester.

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  Road noise - 2006 Honda Accord
  By johnnywalker - November 13 - 2:13 am

  Great car, easy to use navigation, more comfortable seats than my CTS cad. Handles well, corners well. The only gripe at all is road noise. Its been undercoated twice, but road noise is more than todays modern cars should have. I know that Honda, with all their technology, should be able to make this car quieter.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mic161 - November 12 - 9:19 pm

  tows two motorcycles on back w\21ft boat in-tow, worked for honda motorcycles, 25 years. and they build their vehicles as their motorcycles good QC

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  4 cylinder i-vtec Accord (Leather) - 2005 Honda Accord
  By scooter - November 12 - 9:10 pm

  After the first 500 miles I noticed a squeak in the dashboard. Im now at 1500 miles and the noise has ceased for about 450 miles. The only other negative thing with the 4 cylinder is its slightly (and I mean slightly) rough warming up in the morning. After its warm though its silky smooth. There was the Nissan Maximas 6 cylinders tradeoff for the 4 cylinder Accord.(We all know Gas Prices are outrageous). But so far Im very pleased.

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  Honda CRZ Navi - 2016 Honda CR-Z
  By Warren Bernau - November 12 - 3:04 pm

  Other than average acceleration, a quality Honda product.

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  Its a beautiful life - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Sidriver - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive and the motor can handle high revs much better than most cars. I put an aem cold air intake and once you hit 5500 rpms the vtec is deafining (its the most unbelievable thrill especially going through tunnels where it echoes). Very fast for 1.6 liters, handling is wonderful, and performance overall is unbeatable when you think about the gas mileage you get and the price of the car. and after 3 years, they are still selling for more than $14000, they really hold their value

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  My Dream Car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Joy L - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted a black Honda Accord Coupe and Ive finally got it! My 2002 SE has a smooth and flawless ride that is synonymous with Honda. The woodgrain accents are sleek and add a very elegant appearance to the vehicle. The exterior paint has a high gloss and the alloy wheels give it an even sportier look.

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  Learning to Love My EX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By mustache - November 11 - 10:20 pm

  Just got my new 2005 EX sedan this weekend. Had to get rid of my gas guzzler as I drive 45 miles to work. I like the car so far. Road noise is a bit excessive. But the car is tight and fun to drive. Build quality is great as I have not found a single defect. I need to drive this car about 200K miles to get my money out of it. So it better last! I live on a dirt road so we will see if it holds up.