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 accord experience - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - July 31 - 12:56 pm

  I bought an EX-V6 before this one and find the hybrid much better in quality. My EX-V6 squeaked and rattled loudly after 1K miles, well see how this one does (hybrid feels better put together). The ride feels much better and i like the electric steering. Gas mileage is *HIGHLY* variable -- 10 to 20 in rush hour traffic but 25-40 while moving around town. 35-45 mpg on highway where vcm really helps out. overall better acceleration than EX-V6, but accelerating keeps the car in V6 mode and thus you wont realize gas savings. Therefore, you can save on gas, but you have to work @ it -- dont be a lead foot and drive @ off peak hours. Other features it shares with EX-V6 work just as well.

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  poor interior Design,a lot other problems - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By david 67 - July 31 - 9:07 am

  8 month after i saw mold under sunroof and dealer guys not found any problems,each month i have problems with the car

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  Great little car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By LaurenceB - July 31 - 9:03 am

  I have been very pleased with my Honda Fit. My basic manual version gets 37 mpg regularly, which is about equal to the goverment estimates. It is the first car that I have had to come even close to the expected fuel economy. I am particularly pleased with the extremely low rolling resistance. It gives a sense of frugality and adds to the engines performance.

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  I Love My 00 Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By lovemyhonda - July 31 - 7:20 am

  I purchased my first Honda Accord 3 years ago. I was going through a divorce and told my salesperson that I needed a vehicle that would be dependable, low maintenance, safe and have good gas mileage. He recommended a 92 Honda Accord that was on his lot. I kept it for the weekend to test drive it, and I loved it! I was so impressed with the car, that when my son got his drivers license and I passed my car to him, I knew that I definitely wanted my new car to be another Honda Accord. It has everything you could want in a car. I have 100,000 miles on my car and I just got back from a 3,000 mile road trip. Not once did I ever doubt my cars reliability or safety. I love It!

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  Cheap, quick and certainly not dead! - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Lars Carlsen - July 31 - 3:24 am

  This car is all about function over form, it looks like a guppy, albeit a cute one, and the cockpit is spaceship like, but the materials are more functional than luxurious. It is definitely not a powerhouse but it is Peppy in stop and go traffic.

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  Excellent Used Car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By williamssd - July 30 - 2:09 pm

  I purchased my Civic EX 2dr 5sp used at the end of April, 2002, after graduating from college and getting my first full-time job. I drive a lot (had 22,000 on it from original owner, I now have 144,000). I have not had a single problem with it. I change my own oil/filter/spark plugs/MT fluid, but other than that I only go by what the manual says for maintenance -- astounding reliability. The engine still does not burn oil (none that I can tell with regular checks). My fuel economy during the summer stays near 36 mpg with a mix of city/hwy driving. Since relocating to Bullhead City, AZ, I have noticed that at its age the extreme heat does decrease acceleration and the AC.

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  2002 Honda Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By skeezicks - July 30 - 8:56 am

  I bought my Civic new. This car gets the best gas mileage ever. On trips Im averaging 42 mpg! At $3.09 per gallon who could complain. Minor problems, stereo system died at 35,800 miles (under warranty), needed new battery at 50,000 miles. I have 53,000 miles now and will be trading in for a new 2007 Civic. Great car for the money. Gets better gas mileage than the Honda Fit!!!

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  Flawed But Fun - 2005 Honda Element
  By steve - July 30 - 4:43 am

  Overall concept is a winner but a few problems keep this from being a "10" for me. Visibility is sometimes tricky due to the thick pillars. Sun roof would be much better in the front than the back. Gas mileage should be higher for such a small vehicle. But these are minor complaints, this car is a ton of fun to drive--especially when you consider its boxy shape and weight. Acceleration is decent, handling for a four-wheeled box is reasonable and the amount of roominess inside is amazing. Its also very comfortable on a long road trip. On the whole, this is a lot of car for the money.

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  Hdt - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Gaye browm - July 29 - 10:09 pm

  Shop around

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  2016 Honda Accord. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Kevin Benson - July 29 - 10:43 am

  Great vehicle