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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  Hybrid for sale!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CRA - May 24 - 10:28 pm

  $4300!!!! Thats the price quoted by the dealership to replace the hybrid battery if it fails after the 80K warranty. 40.4!!!! Thats my average MPG since I purchased my hybrid. Not quite 50/49 MPG. Consider the negatives before you buy a hybrid. Go for the standard engine!!!!

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  Very pleased with this car. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Roland - May 24 - 9:00 pm

  This car is the Swiss Army Knife of cars. I have hauled more cargo than my truck has seen. The folding seats, great gas mileage, and the room inside makes this car a winner. My only complaint is that the windows need tint from the factory. Average mileage is 34 and I have gotten as high as 39. Handles great and rides good. Long trips are not uncomfortable. Would definitely buy another one. I use the car for commuting to work but now I use it for everything including the long trips. Large cargo space is very handy.

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  Still going Strong - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Pchattysi - May 24 - 2:47 pm

  I felt the need to leave a review again about this amazing never die car. I am the original owner of my 2000 civi Si which is has 89,000 miles now but it is so awesome that I get great gas mileage and can still run with other cars, the only thing i have done is lower it and a little mods here and there but other than that still runs beautiful and oh yeah no probs with it either. I change the oil every 3,000 and tune-up every 30,000 and it keeps going and going and going. If you are looking at this car to buy used and u pass it up u r a fool. going on 6 years now of owning it, dont plan on selling it. if I ever do, it will be real hard! Bring the new Si. Still wont stand a chance!

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  Still the best transmission - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jds - May 24 - 2:40 pm

  Got the dark gray color which meshes quite nicely with the Si wheels. The audio hookups are astounding - CD, XM, pc card, FM, AM, iPod, and USB key. The navigation graphics are dated (same or similar to those which debuted in 2006), but the system is integrated quite well and the information presented is all helpful. I have yet to get a single voice command to work, even after reading the manual. The engine is quite free revving and the transmission and clutch combo is sublime. It is not a particularly fast car, but the best version of a proven car with a fantastic stick.

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  High-End Look and Feel!!! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By DC - May 24 - 1:39 pm

  ** 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition ** First, shout out to Kean Thompson at Honda of Owings Mill for an easy way to buy a Honda! Now on with the review... I have owned 2 Accords (1 Sedan and 1 Coupe), 2 Pilots and 2 CVRs before purchasing this Accord Sport Special Edition; I am a fan of the value and quality with the Honda products. I have owned a few High-End Cars/SUVs (Audi, Range Rover and Volvo). This Sport SE might be the most finely appointed and ergonomically featured car I have driven!! At first glance, it might be mistaken for an Audi A4 or BMX 3 Series, nice clean, modern lines. The performance is really good for a 4 cylinder. The 19" rims give this car a nice added performance look; super sharp! The ride is pretty good, but I will recommend to any one looking for a smoother ride, go for touring edition. But if you want the look and feel of a German car, with better reliability, then the Sport SE is the way to go!!! I am very happy with the Sport SE, might rival my Pilot for my favorite vehicle!!

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  Wow Honda has hit a home run with 2016 re-design - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Paul Smith - May 24 - 11:52 am

  Car just looks great, rides smooth and sporty. Its bigger than any past Civic so it has a decent amount of space but can still handle like a compact. Great acceleration and braking. The amount of features in the Touring model is over the top. I think Honda has just out-classed all the larger compact vehicles. Very happy so far.

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  A Grand Slam!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael - May 24 - 4:00 am

  At 66 years old I was looking for some comfort,utility room, and some driving fun....got it with our "E". My wife and I live in Minnesota and took delivery in February after about 6 weeks of waiting. The heated seats and steering wheel are wonderful and very good control and feel in snow and ice. I have been pleasantly surprised now in the summer months when opening the sun roof and rear window at the nice ventilation and fresh air flow through the cabin. Recently did a 700 mile road trip much of which used the Ecco mode and averaged 28.5 MPG. The trips to the home and garden stores are much more pleasant now when hauling lumber and bags of mulch....hauling grandkids in back is much easier now as well. Much has been written about the information system...pro and con...Im enjoying getting out the manual...going on line and educating myself on the system....I do enjoy the large screen and the in bed speakers are fun for an old 60s rocker. I suspect Honda will address some of the grumbles that have been mentioned in these posts...yes the rear doors could open wider and yes some knobs on the radio would be nice as well but this old guy and his bride of 37 years are very pleased with our "E"

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  2nd honda & I LOVE IT - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Shana - May 24 - 3:23 am

  I love this car ~ i had a 94 accord before this one and i needed to get another one ~ ive had no problems with the car since i got it ~ great to drive ~ looks great to!

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  Grand Odyssey Touring! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By T & S Hill - May 23 - 11:53 pm

  Purchasing the Odyssey was the best thing since sliced bread! Its sporty, stylish, lots of space, and well worth the price. The Odyssey Touring makes sitting in traffic fun!

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  Great Little Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By B17Joker - May 23 - 9:00 pm

  Great look, ride, performance. Former Dodge minivan owner, Interior very nice, comfortable seats, good sound system. Road feel is solid, stable. Bought this one in Colorado and immediately drove it to Louisiana. I look forward to a pleasant ownership experience.