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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  Love the car, needs more "Sport" - 2013 Honda Accord
  By pablocruze2 - September 25 - 12:09 am

  After 3 months and 5,800 miles I am over all happy with my Accord Sport. The excellent manual transmission really gives this car some character, and it succeeds in its mission as a fun, affordable commuter car as well as a family hauler. I took a very close look at the new Mazda 6 Touring MT (an excellent car) but the Accord won out on virtue of superior head room (for my tall family), outward visibility, better shifter and the smoother, higher revving engine. I would have preferred to have had a bit more sport added from the factory (front seats, suspension, steering wheel feedback and small interior details) which would have transformed it into a front wheel drive quasi-sport sedan.

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  Fuel Economy - 2013 Honda Civic
  By debbie91 - September 24 - 6:39 pm

  I have never received good fuel economy with this car. It has never given me what was advertised as 28 in the city and 39 on highway. It has never gone past 23 miles to the gallon. I am very disappointed in this cars fuel economy. Im wondering if there is something wrong with the car and it is now only 1 month old.

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  Far Exceeded Expectations - 2013 Honda Insight
  By inrva - September 24 - 9:50 am

  I almost didnt buy it based on some of the professional reviews I read, but I decided to go by those written by real consumers, and I am glad I did. The car is flawless, fun to drive, and very will built. I has enough power to get up on the freeway and keeps up with traffic while getting over 45 mpg, and I drive it very hard. I have found the ride to be good, not harsh, and is similar to other small cars of similar weight. I am 63" and have plenty of room and comfort. It is not a Prius, and does not try to be. It is the original hybrid, predating the Prius. The unit is one of the few fully built in Japan, and the quality demonstrates that very well.

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  Things I wish I had Known .. - 2011 Honda Fit
  By thankfulgal2 - September 24 - 8:28 am

  Ive been a Honda owner since 1985. Ive had 5 Hondas in that time. I bought the Fit based on past experience with Hondas. But there are things I wish Id known. Like how the blower motor for the heater/AC is too high an ampage and blows resistors (and isnt covered under any warranty), and how the fog lights on the sport model can be easily cracked by road debris and allow water in (requiring a replacement at $361 each to pass inspection), and the tires are an odd size that they cost a fortune to buy (thats if you can find them). There are some obvious design flaws that need to be addressed.

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  Fun car! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By tedrox - September 23 - 2:01 pm

  I owned this car with the auto/man transmission. The car was great I had it lowered on springs. The car was really fun and sounded great with a small 12in sub. It was definitely one of the best cars Ive owned. The only complaint was the transmission. They dont last very long.

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  The Best of The Honda - 1995 Honda Accord
  By rrobles101 - September 22 - 10:01 pm

  The 1995 Honda Accord EX Sedan is the best car to have if you are a first time car owner. I actually own this and I am in love with this car mainly because it is excellent I gas, especially if you are a city driver with a billion things to do. My Honda Accord has great mileage. It has 190, 000 miles on it, and it is a great amount of miles for an almost 20 year car. It is an automatic vehicle with an engine of 4 cylinder, VTEC, 2.2 Liters . It holds about 11 gallons of unleaded gas so you don’t have to pay more for the other types of gas, because its engine is perfectly fine with the unleaded. Also, my car came in a red color. It has 4 doors with automatic windows. It comes in handy while dr

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  Much Better Than Expected - 2013 Honda Accord
  By craig106 - September 18 - 3:05 pm

  After a couple months, 5,000 miles and a road trip heres my take on the Accord. Fuel economy is outstanding, equal or better than the EPA estimates. 36+ on the highway typically cruising 5+ over the posted speed limit. 33 mpg combined since purchase but admittedly much of it was hwy miles. The car is designed around fuel efficiency. The Ambient meter is a brilliant but simple reminder giving instant feedback of your driving habits. The cabin is much quieter and improved over previous models. The CVT transmission takes a little getting used to but not a big deal. In fact the more I drive it the more I appreciate its smoothness. The stereo reads the media quickly and sounds good.

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  2013 Honda CrV-Do Not Purchase-Poor Exterior Lighting - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By pompom - September 18 - 1:40 pm

  We test drove this car during the day. We were dumbfounded at how the exterior lights on this car are not pointed toward the road. You can night drive at night unless you have your high beams on. Good luck with that. The dealer states nothing is wrong. You have got to be kidding. Only have 3,200 miles on it and this may be the first car that we dump that is less than 6 months old. An accident waiting to happen!

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  50K Miles Later - 2011 Honda Insight
  By spartan949 - September 18 - 12:55 pm

  I have owned my Insight since March 2011 and have driven 50,000 miles. I have averaged 41.3 MPG for the entire life of the car so far, which is what I expected and am very pleased. I have had to do nothing but 5 oil changes, air filter, cabin filter and one CVT trans fluid change as recommended. There have been no other issues with the vehicle. Tires are finally bald and will be replaced at 50K miles as well. Number dont lie though, I did the calculations and with the lower price and good fuel economy you would have to own the Prius for 7-8 years before it would start saving you money over the Insight.

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  Will keep you updated... - 2013 Honda Accord
  By spartan949 - September 18 - 12:34 pm

  Well I originally was looking at the EX-L however did not really like the touch screen below the main screen. I opted for the Sport mainly for the wheels and the control knob below the main info screen. I prefer knobs over touch screens. Personal preference. Car feel larger inside then it looks, and the ride is firm yet in control. Was never a fan of CVT trans however I can honestly say that you rarely feel any of the rubber band pulling that I have expierenced in my Honda Insight. They may have started to figure it out. I personally liked the Mazda 6 however the only positive I had to buying Mazda was that it had a automatic trans opposed to CVT. Otherwise the Accord wins in all areas.