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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  SuperCivic! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CLJ - June 18 - 3:50 am

  I absolutely could not be happier with this purchase. Bought the car sight unseen since Hybrids are in short supply (and having never owned a Honda before). Much roomier than I had expected and fit/finish of interior and exterior are phenomenal! Quality materials used throughout cabin. Love the split-level dash; very easy to read at a glance and keep an eye on my instantaneous MPGs. The new Civic body style is beautiful. I probably would not have purchased a Civic hybrid if they were still producing the last generation model. In the warmer months I averaged 48-55 MPG, but now that the weather has cooled, I get around 42- 46 MPG. Not bad anyway you look at it, and double the MPG of my old car!

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  EXL-Man w/nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Arun R - June 18 - 1:20 am

  I purchased this about car a couple of weeks ago an I just love the fact it gets good gas mileage, but still is nicely appointed. I was looking at other cars like the a used TSX and the new Accord. I opted for this car because of its great gas mileage and good looks. I have to be honest I live in Chicago and dont drive that much, but when I do I want to know that Im driving something that gets decent gas mileage. I know I could have probably gotten a used car, but their arent a lot of used Hondas out there with Nav. Im very happy that I got this car. The nav has come in handy numerous times. I dont know how I got along without it.

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  Very Cool! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Rebecca D. - June 17 - 8:25 pm

  This is the coolest car! It felt as though I had been driving it always from when I first got it. It takes a little time to get used to the passenger doors. Very quite, road noise wise. We compared the CR-V to this and this won in so many ways!

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  Awesome care with great improvements!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By krish017 - June 17 - 2:06 pm

  This is my very first honda accord and i love to drive this car. It has all the feature i was looking for in any other mid-size economy car. The interior is roomy, exterior is definitely better than BMW 3 series. I just filled my gas at 350 miles with little left in it. I drive both on highways/locals. The heated leather seat is very comfortable and audio system is rocking. In my opinion, Honda accord 08 EX-L (4I) model is definitely better than toyota XLE (4 cylinder) top line model. I would highly recommand this car to people not only for look but also for fuel economy since this gas pricing are booming!!

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  great - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jared - June 17 - 12:03 am

  great i love this car, its perfect for just about anything, it is very reliable and applicable to just about any type of person.

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  Reliable commuter - 2000 Honda Civic
  By gulabjamun - June 16 - 10:34 pm

  I bought this car new in December 1999. This was the best car buying decision ever... still going strong after 6 and 1/2 years and 129200 miles.

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  S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Chris - June 15 - 2:43 pm

  This is an exceptional car. It handles like a true sports car should. The build quality is flawless.

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  Gods Gift - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tampico25 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I searched for 1 yr. for a 2nd car.Then we found the civic.Were in the Army and we do a lot of driving. The milage has been great! My first car was an 82 Civic, so now Im "Hooked on Honda." We even had a rash of blow outs and rough tire hits and the things still ticking!Its just road huggin fun.The stopping distance is poor, but I made up for that by putting it into neutral when I need to stop or slow down abruptly.The driver is in control! My wife and I "fight" over who gets to drive it to work. Buy this car!

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  I love my Honda! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By girlfish - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Honda --its so comfortable, and the sales people at Sussex Honda were such a pleasant group of people. They were very fair, and gave me a respectable price.

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  Spring for the EX it is worth it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JohnV - June 15 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, I just purchased my vehicle on the 25th of Sep 03. I have driven it loaded down from Illinois to Denver and will continue on to San Diego. Even though I had three people in the car and tons of clothing etc the civic performed admirably. The seats are extrememly comfortable on long rides.