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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  Great but need to meet technology - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Rachel Lynn - March 10 - 7:43 pm

  I loved my Honda. The only design problems I had with my honda was you could not charge a cell phone and your XM radio at the same time with only one socket. Like most cars now I think Honda should step into the 21st century and at least have 2 sockets. Also, the cup holder got in the way when you were charging your cell phone or had your xm radio plugged in. So, the designers should think of people that drive. Also, I would not recommend a Civic for people over 5 10". Not good on leg room!

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  Like the civic sedan a lot - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave - March 10 - 12:23 pm

  Bought an LX then added a moon roof. Have put 2200 miles on it already, commuting 50 miles a day & take on some business trips. Great little car! I am 63" and found this is one of very few small cars I fit in comfortably. Drives & handles great. Mileage is averaging 35-37 commuting, got 41 on a short interstate trip. Well built, have had no problems. For the money a well built, great driving vehicle. Expect to have for numerous years. Power is good for the size/price. Have hauled 4 adults comfortably

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  So far pretty good - 2008 Honda Civic
  By grk - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I wanted a small car. All small cars I test drove were only 128 hp. Upgrade to 140 hp for a marginal price increase and similar gas mileage was the main reason for us to buy this car. Milage was low intially but picked to 33 mpg for half freeway and half within city driving conditions. I wish they had remote trunk popup button on the key.

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  Honda Sis forever! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dave - March 10 - 2:06 am

  This is the third Civic Si and the 16th Honda (not including my Honda motorcycles) that I have owned. It may be viewed by some as a kids car, but I am not a kid. To others, the exterior design may seem a little "funky" but I love it. Best of all, I really like the performance for the price in combination with decent fuel economy and the complete relability of a Honda. My last Si had 180,000 miles on it when it was "retired" by a careless driver. Otherwise, I would still be driving it! Dollar for dollar, you cant beat them!

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  Nice Car though needs improvment - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Kaggsman - March 9 - 10:52 pm

  The car drives very well. It does very well in gas mileage. However when the gauge reaches quarter tank the needle almost judt drops to "E". I upgraded from the Dx model to th LX. I like the thicker tires and the new gauges.

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  Love my CRV but not the gas mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By PdxRose - March 9 - 6:40 pm

  Did not like previous CRV models so thought about a Rav4. After a few trips with a friend, chose the CRV; inside feels more upscale and spacious and the area is bigger. My only addition is something only Ford seems to use now; keyless number pad on the door. Only complaint is gas mileage. I avg 22 mpg at best when I combine 50% short trips (2 to 5) and a 50% hwy trips (20 each way). Even when I drove 120 miles each way on a trip, I barely got 25mpg (is it my luggage rack or me?) My last car, a Toyota Avalon V6, averaged 22 and 27. As for complaints about accelerating on to hwys and or passing; even w/5 adults the car was quick. Maybe other reviewers had > 850 lbs in car (weight max).

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  06 Civic EX 4 door auto: impressions - 2006 Honda Civic
  By `DickBrub - March 9 - 2:40 pm

  So far, 1st tank or two 35+mpg. Great handling. Trunk smallish as is rear seat fore and aft. If the LX had split seat and rear discs at $500 more I would have gotten one rather than EX. Oh, well. I have no need for sunroof. Just barely enough leg room for 61" me. Great handling, much better than CR-V that I traded in. Plastic dipstick painted orange - cant see the oil. Aftermarket replacement?

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  Love my Honda! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Trish - March 9 - 4:55 am

  I could NOT have asked for a better first car! I purchased this vehicle my freshman year of college with 220 k miles on it... It now has 251k on it! The only time I have ever broken down in the past two years was when the transmission went out... Which was what I believe to be my own fault! I was told by a friend that I was likely low or out of transmission fluid! Luckily for me my dad has a few mechanical skills so we bought a junk yard tranny for about $300 or 400... Besides that.. I have AMAZING gas mileage when I keep it tuned up. Ive had brake pads changed a couple of times, and headlights a few times few to a short... But this is in a two year span with high mileage so all in all I think its an amazing vehicle!

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  Best Accord yet! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By limaguy79 - March 8 - 6:00 pm

  Having owned quite a few Hondas (12 altogether) this is by far the best Honda Accord to date. Compared with the last gen. its MUCH quieter inside and has a more solid feel overall. I have the CVT 4 cyl. It rivals many other automakers V6 engines, however it still is not as refined as the V6 offered for the Accord. Design is all relative but the controls are relatively simple and straight forward. Honda lane watch sees gimicky but after using it for a month it def. has merritt. I rated build quality a "4" because lets face it, its a new design and under warranty, I have replaced both rear tail lights due to condensation inside them. Other Accords on dealer lot had the same problem.

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  excellent - 2004 Honda S2000
  By sfenx - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years...I have never driven a car that is so excellent. It just feels so much better when driving....than it does in other cars (boats), thats what most other cars feel like compaired to this accurate s2000.