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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  SFSG - 2003 Honda Accord
  By PrettyHuge - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I think the accessory outlets should be hot all the time instead of just when the key is on. I like to charge my cell phone when Im not in the car. The fog light accessory should be hot wired also. Right now it only works on low beam. Give me the option of when I want them on. Already mentioned by many is the lighted steering colum controls as well as the 17" wheels. The cup holder is a little deep for my small cream no sugar. I couldnt get the day/night mirror with the fog lights with the nav. too much on the elec system. Fix it! Fun to drive so far.

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  Surprisingly Great Value, Fun & Utility - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By albert88 - May 26 - 12:18 am

  Since 2000, Ive bought for my family Lexus GS-400, RX-300, Acura MDX, TL, 2 TSX, BMW X3, 2 Honda Accord, and 2 Toyota RAV-4. After a test drive, it became clear right away that Crosstour is refined, composed, quiet, and has plenty of space for us. The shape is modern and the diamond-white pearl color dresses it like a crouching rabbit ready to take off. My family mentioned that it rides like the Lincoln Towncar we used regularly for our airport service. My wife is now actually anxious to take a long road trip with it! By the way, the BMW 535ix GT has exactly the same dimensions except lower and $30K more. This car is an excellent combination of performance, space, refinement & value.

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  finally!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By si you later - May 25 - 10:20 pm

  i saw this car at the ny auto show a couple of years ago and was sold! it is so fun to drive and for my 30 mile mountain road commute this is a must! i have 13,500 miles on it right now and have had no trouble at all. i am extremely hard on it and bounce the tach off of 8200 rpms daily! you cant kill these things! and the shift light is the best. it lets you keep your eyes on the road.this is my 5th honda product and i have never had a problem with any of them! synthetic oil is a must in these cars. if you are not using it now, get it!

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  Love my new 2017 Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Matt Summers - May 25 - 1:03 am

  Feel the road a bit more than I would like, the internal touch screen panel is far from intuitive but is not as bad as some reviewers say, and the UBS port needs to be moved out of the center console to the main control area. These are all very minor complaints. Everything else about the car is excellent-- absolutely top notch-- and, as a repeat Honda buyer, reaffirms why I usually buy Honda products and why the Accord is always rated as one of the best cars. You simply cannot get a better all around car--- for more or less money-- than a Honda. Interior comfort is excellent, the 4 cylinder engine provides plenty of power- even with multiple passengers in the car, MPG is great, and everything was delivered in perfect working condition. Visibility from drivers seat is excellent. I love my new Accord so far.

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  Impressive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dan - May 24 - 9:46 am

  The Fit is so much fun to drive I can hardly wait for an excuse to use it. The 5 speed is a joy to use. Space inside is well beyond what you should expect by looking at the outside. The rear seat system makes it great for all my hauling needs. My first few tanks got between 37 and 39 mpg. My last tank got me 47.7. I am thrilled with that. I found a Scangauge very useful in getting the best mpg. The ride is sporty and the engine pulls well from bottom to top rpms.

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  Gas saving fun! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jbdnews - May 24 - 4:50 am

  This is the 5th Civic I have owned over the past 20 years and the best one yet! I started out looking for a 35 MPG car and found one almost as fun to drive as the Miata I once owned! The smooth, quite acceleration, handling, and futuristic interior combined with fuel economy make this a great choice for under $19,000. Some parts a bit flimsy... interior door panels, rear seat construction, hard plastic dash top. Otherwise a great commuter that will make want to take the back roads on the way home!

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  Very happy with the 2008 Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Bravesirrobin - May 23 - 2:06 pm

  I recently decided to get rid of my VW Passat and get something more reliable. I loved how the Passat handled, but the Honda Civic seems just as good. My Passat was sluggish to get going and stopping quickly. The Civic is much peppier and easier to come to a quick stop. Great car for the money.

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  attention to detail? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rupnok - May 23 - 10:56 am

  Overall Im impressed with this litte car. mileage and styling are impressive. as a commuter vehicle it works well, however there are some things that Im surprised Honda let slip by. The AT seems to upshift too soon, and often has to downshift almost immediately. I wonder how this is gonna hold up after 50-100K miles. The seats are uncomfortable for trips >2 hours. The interior plastic around the center console is so soft that it can be scratched with a fingernail. The rubberized plastic on the upper part of the doors picks up dirt constantly and the lower hard plastic scuffs easily. Lastly there are several different rattles in the dash depending on the temperature.

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  Everything I Wanted and More! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By RN - May 23 - 12:27 am

  I have always owned small , economy cars, mostly Toyota Corollas. In 2008 I purchased a Civic, which I was still driving until purchasing this new CR-V . I love technology and gadgets and I was interested in a car with more up to date features. I also needed something with a little more room, so I test drove and researched a variety of SUVs. I chose the CR-V based on the excellent reviews , resale values, reliability, safety and price. All I can say is that this vehicle is amazing. The first day I picked it up we had a severe storm. I drove on the highway for hours in a downpour and was alerted when someone tried to pass too closely. The beeping startled me but it also saved me from an accident. The side mirrors light up and alarms go off. I was also very happy with the way it held the road and felt sound. Last week as I was backing out of my driveway someone came around our nearby corner too quickly. Again the alarm went off as I was within a few inches it seemed of being hit. A few times after late nights at work I have forgotten a turn signal or drifted a bit. The steering wheel vibrates and more alarms. It is so smart and works hard to keep you safe. The camera view is excellent but I still have to do it the old fashioned way. I have driven it for a month now and have been getting 28-30 MPG in mixed traffic. It runs smoothly, quietly and is a pleasure to drive, even in the economy mode. I admit that I am not driving for performance and am happy to see the green light. I love everything about my new CR-V. I was going to keep the Civic as I love that too but this vehicle makes me want to sell the Civic. I am trying to figure out some day trips just so I can drive my new vehicle more! The only thing I can say is frustrating is that the lift gate adjustment keeps resetting back to full height. The seat also remembers my setting but when I get out I move the seat back because I am short and drive up close to the wheel. It moves the seat back up before I get in..so if I leave it back when I get out, I cant get back in because it pushes the seat up close to the wheel, before I am seated. Of course these are small things and could be my user error. Great Vehicle...you will not go wrong with a CR-V.

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  Ill Take Two! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By tikigod24 - May 22 - 7:08 pm

  If you are in the market for a 2-seat sports car, look no further. This car is the best bang for the buck EVER! At least daily people at the stoplights roll down the window and compliment the car, no kidding! The car not only has the straight line performance after 3000 RPM, it corners like no other car could! The only drawbacks are a rough ride over pot holes and I wish the fuel economy could be a tad better. Other then those two issues, this car makes me want to get up in the morning for the drive to work!