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:

• 

  Mixed Review - 2013 Honda Accord
  By brymil2 - November 14 - 1:18 pm

  I have a fairly long commute and after narrowing down mid size cars by gas mileage, the 2013 Accord was one of few choices. After drive tests and seeing what the car offered for the price, I thought is was a great bargain. Its sharp looking and has a great interior and lots of features for the price. And, the gas mileage has been phenomenal! I am averaging around 35mpg in approximately 65/35% highway/city driving. There is one issue that is ruining my new car experience. The CVT transmission is jerky at low speeds. It is quite noticeable and irritating in my stop and go commuting. I recommend test driving the car quite a bit before making your choice to see if the trans is jerky.

• 

  Civic is best among all Sedans - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Harsha - November 14 - 12:32 pm

  I have owned Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry and Honda Civic. Civic is the best in terms of reliability, maintenance, gas mileage etc. I get 36 miles per gallon in city and 40 miles per gallon on highways. Very happy to own Civic in this high gas prices era. My next car would be Honda Civic Hybrid. Period

• 

  Honda CRV rolls on - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Don h - November 14 - 10:54 am

  No 8 off the production line for year 2000. Got it in Dec 1999. We had our first repair at 145,000, the hydraulic shifter, its a stick shift. Runs great and we are at 155,000+ now. Seat fits my wife fine but a little small for me though we both can drive despite the difference in height. It is noisy, but the best vehicle We have ever had. The all wheel drive is a big plus. typically get 24-25 miles to the gallon.

• 

  Think twice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Regretful - November 14 - 10:08 am

  Well, all the rave about the Pilot is over rated. Its a 6 cylinder...then a 4 cylinder! I needed a 6 cyl...as told repeated to the salesman...to tow heavy handicap equipment for my mother. I am disappointed in the road noise, but mostly Honda itself. Why tell people this is a great car? Maybe it is for most. But when you need specifics, Chapman Tucson should have directed me to something more to my needs. 30 days later, I am trading it in!

• 

  My 6th Accord - Best Yet - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nealb0853 - November 14 - 7:40 am

  This is my 6th Accord. The difference between the 08 and the 05 that I had was the biggest improvement yet. The 4 banger is quieter and delivers more horses then before. I could not see spending $2k more on the 6. I sell Acuras for a living. No way can I justify the Acura is worth the $9K difference.

• 

  Love It - 1996 Honda Accord
  By LR - November 13 - 11:18 pm

  I bought this car new, and have had it for 11 years and 147000 miles. Weve never had a day of trouble. Its required just basic maintenance. It still drives great and I dont worry about commuting in it.

• 

  It Fits - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Paul McCandless - November 13 - 10:24 pm

• 

  Perfect SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - November 13 - 10:13 pm

  Given the price, everything is amazing. Honda has a tradition of reliability and value; this is clearly evident in the CR-V. The only problem I have is the fuel mileage. Im a little confused how the other critics on this page are getting over 20 mpg. I mostly drive in NYC and have never broke the 15.3 mpg average. Maybe when EPA tests out the fuel mileage, they are conducted in very spaced out suburbs? Anyways, I recommend this car to everyone, ranging from that cliche fast and furious 18 year old to the neutered family man.

• 

  Too much hype - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By C Chiscrub - November 13 - 7:12 pm

  What was really disappointing for this vehicle was the mechanicals. Shifting, powering down and starting up is very rough.

• 

  One of the worlds most reliable cars - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - November 13 - 3:48 pm

  1999 4i 5MT Accord LX manufactured in Japan (Saitama, IIRC). The only thing thats broken in 9 years is the windshield. Its for all intents as- new, and gets 32ish mpg in mixed driving, which makes it tough to trade in for something "better". As a used vehicle, a well-maintained Accord is about as good as it gets.