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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  Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Vin/alphakhl1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great sedan with everything i need in it.

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  EXV6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kreweb - December 1 - 10:00 am

  All the power you want. Very comfortable on 4,000 mile road trip. Has rattles in both front doors that drive me nuts. Everything else is outstanding.

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  2018 Accord. Another Terrific Generation! - 2018 Honda Accord
  By VMK TX - December 1 - 8:19 am

  After owning a 2013, 2014 and 2016 Accord I was excited about the new generation. The first thing that stood out when I sat in the vehicle is improved his visibility. The dash is low and the pillars are thin giving you terrific visibility. Navigation and heads up display are now properly placed (high) on dash. I was a little troubled initially because there was no full-time tachometer visible on the display. The factory ships this in the off position. It can be turned on full-time in settings and all of your other information is displayed in the center of the tach (looks great). There is a lot of discussion regarding the 1.5 L turbo. I have always bought the four-cylinder in the past for gas mileage. I keep the vehicle in eco-mode and have not noticed a difference in power with this engine versus the previous 2.4 L Others have mentioned engine noise but it is not noticeable in the touring model due to the acoustic glass on the front and sides. Engine is not broken in yet and I have already achieved over 40 mpg on the highway on several trips

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  50+ MPG! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mochaman - December 1 - 3:20 am

  The car is excellent in build quality and design. I drive 46 highway mi round trip and average 52 mpg with 64 mpg being my best under ideal conditions. If you relearn how to drive, anticipate stops (so you do not have to), coast downhill starting just before the Crest, etc. You can really improve on your Miles. It took me about a month of a feather touch on the throttle but if I can maintain 45-50 in moderate traffic I can achieve 60 mpg. If I drive More city routes or drive it like a normal car than my mileage drops to an average 40-45. Great car, comfortable drivers seat, excellent ergonomics, navi is a plus.

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  the next best thing to a lexus IS300 - 2000 Honda Civic
  By michael jackson fan - December 1 - 2:31 am

  I just bought this car used, got a great deal on it. Im 16, just got my license, my dad bought it because he has to commute and his Tundra gets bad mpg. I share it with my dad because i normally drive a 94 camry, good car but really slow, the civic is just more fun to drive. reliability + performance + good mpg = honda civic. there is really no other car to get.

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  Let the snow come! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By new-englander - November 30 - 4:03 pm

  Accepting the fact that this is not a BMW in exterior design, a luxury car in sophistication, or a true off road suv, the Pilot comes very close to ideal. It has a smooth and powerful enough engine to manage tough and icy mountain slopes, maneuvers responsively through winding mountain roads or congested city streets. It handles great in inclement New England weather and it has an unbeatable safety record. Its only a little bit noisy (tire noise) but the engine is barely audible. Oh, and its handsome enough for the country club and a lot cheaper than that MDX!

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  FITastic! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Hilary - November 30 - 6:06 am

  I have had this car for only a mere 2 weeks now, but am absolutely in love. It handles like a dream and has enough get-up-and-go to excite most people (in spite of having a mere 109 horsies under the hood). Fabulous purchase for the the money--I was able to purchase an economy car without feeling like I was sacrificing. My boyfriend and I also own a Toyota RAV4 and have actually been quibbling about who gets to drive the Fit. Its suprisingly spacious. My boyfriend is 62" and has plenty of space, driving or otherwise.

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  Exceeding Expectations - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steelerfan - November 28 - 6:10 am

  I was able to drive 2 of the 1st Ridgelines received by my dealer and purchased my truck the next day. I had a CRV for 5 yrs and feel Honda has developed another winner. The ride and overall performance is not like any truck on the road today. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone. Everyone continues to ask me at work about the truck and I now have more friends wanting me to drive to lunch. The interior and sound system makes driving exciting. My wife loves driving it more than her Explorer! Overall storage capacity is very good.

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  Worth The Wait - 2006 Honda Accord
  By stoutrb - November 27 - 8:50 pm

  This car is incredible! The first time Honda has produced a six speed in a four door, what a pleasure to drive. Its quick, responsive, fun to drive, no comparison to anything remotely close in price range. I ordered a Carbon Bronze with Ivory interior, this car looks sharp. The close ratio six speed, what a trill to drive. Its like driving an S2000 with four doors! The clutch is alot easier than the previous coupe 6 speed manual transmission, not as touchy, much much smoother. My first tank of gas, I averaged 23.6 mpg, combination city and highway 50/50.

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  Honda Accord- Good Buy - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dene - November 27 - 2:15 pm

  Good engine power: "a lot of get up & go" classy interior excellent gas mileage nice size for traveling (room enough for 5 to travel) there have been a couple recalls i.e. driver seat adjusters passenger side door lock has been occasionally not working with the power locks (must lock/unlock it manually) well-built car, the body of the car held up well in a fairly bad wreck overall, I love the car and have very few complaints= excellent buy!