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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  My First Honda.. made me to buy two more Hondas - 2000 Honda Accord
  By albertjohnn - September 6 - 4:48 pm

  I bought this baby in 2005 for $10K when it was on 35K miles. Never had any problem. Only regular oil changes and maintenance. Changed timing belt at 90K and now its ready for 120K servicing. Have been getting an average of 25MPG. This car made me to buy two more Honda cars. Very reliable beast to depend on.

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  Fun to drive Honda Accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By sherrilee - September 6 - 11:24 am

  This car is economical and fun to drive.

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  We love our CRV - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mcm0455 - September 5 - 11:04 pm

  We just completed our 2nd road trip, and averaged 32.5 mpg in 700 miles of average speeds between 70-80 mph. Very easy and relaxed to drive this small suv. My wife loves driving this compared to her Honda Pilot. It handles fine, soaks up bumps very well and has a very generous amount of interior room. I know its only is a 5 speed auto, but it downshifts smartly and very rarely do I feel it needs more power. Overall a very solid car!

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  I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU - 2004 Honda Element
  By guest2011 - September 5 - 8:52 pm

  04 EX was my first SUV, first Honda. I hated the seat discomfort, the cheap-feeling floors, scratches in interior plastic, exterior plastic, worn bushings, rear differential, some other minor things and annoyances. Thats until i bought 2014 CRV LX. I love my Element now!!! I miss it and i want it back!!! My second honda is my last, thats for sure.

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  Love this car! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rydog75 - September 4 - 12:07 am

  Two weeks, and 800 miles in, and I love this car. Despite my 60+ mile daily, roundtrip commute, my Prius was driving me crazy. No power, poor handling, and noisy! I wanted something that was going to be just as reliable, addressing all of my complaints about the Prius, still getting reasonably good mileage. I almost got the 4-cyl Accord, but Im so glad I went for the V6. Even though I keep it in eco mode most of the time, there is always plenty of power on tap. At highway speeds, its quiet, but you can still hear the engine growl when pressed. The fuel economy is within claimed range, and getting better with every tank. The infotainment system takes some getting used to.

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  Perfect fun Sports Sedan when I added two great upgrades.... - 2013 Honda Accord
  By lorenzo123 - September 2 - 7:25 pm

  This is my 6th Honda Accord (79/80/84/91/05/13), and Ive liked every one. BUT this one is in a completely different category. Best car Ive ever had - and in many ways. The Sport model was made for "ME" - large inside, handles great, 6 speed manual transmission is great, and very zippy and fun to drive. The 18" wheels really make a difference, as does whatever they did to stiffen the front suspension of the car. Hit 100 MPH driving uphill at 11,000 feet above sea level (5th gear).

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  5 days...love it so far! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Roger_in_PA - September 1 - 8:53 pm

  Our 5th Honda (97 Civic EX, 04 Accord EX-L, 08 Odyssey EX-L, 11 CR-V EX-L Navi. Took it out today on first highway outing--about 120 miles round trip. Best Honda weve owned to date. Sufficient power, comfortable ride (though still stiff suspension, excellent handling, smooth CVT (vs. my somewhat choppy CR-V tranny), and quietest cabin of all the Hondas weve owned. Still on first tank of gas, but it appears that mpg will blow away all previous Hondas except our 97 Civic (w/far less comfort/power). Will update this review once weve put more miles on the car.

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  Warped spare tire cover (interior) - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By bytor100 - September 1 - 7:01 pm

  Like the car but had to go back to the stealership because the spare tire cover over the iner well is warped after 1 month. It happened in the summer, I think it is the humidity. They gave me a new cover no problem but its the same thing another month later. So, its back to the stealership again.

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  Windows and Sunroof malfunction - 2013 Honda Accord
  By yesucan1 - September 1 - 12:15 am

  I have never encountered this problem in any of the cars I owned. Last week we went back to our car, and found all four windows and the sunroof wide open.It was not pleasant as it was pouring with rain.We thought it was something we did. Yesterday same thing.Today, someone came up to us and asked us if we had that problem, which we confirmed. It seems his windows and sunroof have been doing this for the last month. Once,only Sunroof partway, another time the windows of only one side of the car.He went to his dealer, and they blew him off every time, telling him it is his doing.None of us were in our car when this happened. Has anyone experienced this. Our car is four months old, his 3.

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  2014 CRV LX AWD - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By guest2011 - August 31 - 8:43 pm

  Just bought one today, less than 30 miles, computer reports 21.1mpg mostly highway driving with ECON button on. Maybe needs to be calibrated. I absolutely hate sunroofs and didnt want the more overpriced EX. My previous honda SUV was EX and it had both armrests in the front. This one doesnt have it on passenger side. What bothers me is drivers side armrest. Compared to EX its positioned higher, which makes driving very uncomfortable. The left arm cant reach the door arm rest and the right side is too high. When i tried the EX after i already paid for LX, EX seems to have both the door and right side arm rest at the same lever so i can rest both arms and still hold the steering wheel