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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  great rebound - 2005 Honda Accord
  By accorddriver - December 6 - 1:14 am

  This car is amazing. Honda did it right with the EX-L coupes. This car has great performance and great comforts. The 6 disc cd changer with xm radio built in sounds amazing. The styling makes it aggressive looking. My last car was a lemon of a Jeep and this car is the total opposite being very reliable, amazing gas mileage for me 26/34.

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  Overrated Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By wrench48 - December 5 - 10:26 pm

  Honda has some serious quality problems with their Canadian built Hondas. The hood doesnt even line up right with the fenders. Numerous rattles in the dash area that the dealer cannot fix. The seats are not comfortable on a long trip. The redesigned dash is overrated. Gas mileage is terrible around town (22) On a freeway trip it gets 42 mpg which is good. Too much plastic in the interior which gives the car a cheap look. I just wish I had looked around longer before buying this car. My next car is going to be built in Japan by people who have pride in their workmanship-probably a Acura TSX. This will be my last Honda. For 20k it isnt worth it.

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  Best front wheel drive Sedan - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Alex - December 5 - 7:05 pm

  So far Ive owned this car for over 3 years, and still have no major problems. I guess its because i owned a troublesome 99 Ford Contour before this... good riddance! The Accord was number one in the FWD sedan category back in the days and can still be if modified correctly. Even though the stock engine makes almost no power, i managed to swap it with a 200hp DOHC prelude engine with a 5 speed, added a better sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and still didnt manage to break my bank account. Compared to the flabby ride it once was (still a lot better than other sedans back in its days) its now a quick, maneuverable sports sedan! Theres tons of after-market support for this car!

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  What were they driving? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Kevin - December 5 - 4:43 pm

  Im talking about most of those car experts who rated this car poorly based on ride and power. Ive used this car both around town (NYC) and on the highway. Considering its motor and transmission, it never left me waiting for the power to kick in. The assist needle will jump anytime you call for extra power. The ride is quiet and Im able to hold conversations at 70mph without yelling, unlike my Mazda3. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and potholes. It takes turns with minimal body lean. Dont attempt anything sporty in this car, though. Very little engine noise when youre up to speed, though you can hear it in the cabin during acceleration.

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  Excellent Vale - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - December 5 - 1:52 pm

  Second CRV I have owned. Traded 02 for 05 EX. Love the vehicle. Original Tires were crap. At 12k replaced with Cooper Tires--road noise disappeared and ride and traction improved. Good mileage 22/28-adequate power, easy to drive and park.Looked at several competitors--beat them all hands down. Fit and finish the best on the market. Resale cant be beat. One of the safest SUVs on the market.

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  2016 Honda Civic Sedan Touring - 2016 Honda Civic
  By ssaileanu - December 5 - 10:22 am

  Love the car: comfortable, big for a "small" car, good gas mileage (37 mpg combined), smooth riding. One big worry: navigation system has problems - either get stuck in a "searching" mode or it shows the car completely off the road. Wondering if anybody else has a similar issue - resetting the system didnt fix anything.

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  Really disappointed - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Billy - December 5 - 6:20 am

  We were very excited about our first Honda. Words cannot express how disappointed I am with the car and with the dealership. The rear windows in the car have not worked properly since the night we got it home, dealership has replaced everything except the window pane itself and we are still having problems with it. The car makes a loud whining noise when moving in reverse, dealer claims its just regular brake noise. Fuel economy is great, but the quality of this car is awful. As soon as my head is above water Im going back to Toyota. A lot of my friends love their Accords, I think I just got a bad apple, which unfortunately tarnishes my entire image of Honda. Will never buy another.

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  Gas miser - 2008 Honda Fit
  By GLEN - December 5 - 2:06 am

  I love my Honda Fit Sport. Drives like a golf cart. Brought home a washing machine in the back..no problem. Gas mileage 33 mpg. Stereo is great. Seats are a little stiff. My other car is a Mini Cooper. The Honda blows it away & is 4k cheaper

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  civic ex coupe - 2004 Honda Civic
  By keith - December 5 - 12:42 am

  The 04 civic is a basic Quality small sized car. Nothing dramatic about it, but fairly dependable. medium quiet ride. Good on gas!!!

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  Awesome - 2007 Honda Element
  By Carol Ramos - December 4 - 11:51 pm

  I wanted an auto that my husband would hate! When we went in to pick up My new Element. He fell in love with it. I selected the Metallic Root Beer SC. What is so great, it accommodates tall people really well. Hes 6 and my son is 64" and there is head room to spare. Now this is what is really awesome, the base part of the Honda Element is about the same size as an compact car but the box design allows for more interior room and it fits in my garage easily. It maneuvers very well.