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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  Its a workhorse - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Frank - May 19 - 11:39 pm

  This car has been great for us. Im sorry to be giving it up as we bought a minivan. Its great for getting around town. But, in the land of the mondo-sized SUV, I dont feel that its safe driving this car with the kids in it. But, Im thinking Ill keep driving it to work as it still gets 30+mpg even after all these years.

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  Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jfont - May 19 - 9:32 pm

  Car is so versatile we use it for everything. Floor and durable plastic make it ideal for home projects and pets (dogs especially).

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  Love my civic hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mg - May 19 - 7:03 pm

  I have over 1,500 miles and I am now getting 50 to 53 MPG. I am also not using the air conditioner. The first several tanks of gas averaged 42 MPG while breaking in. During the recent heat wave my mileage dropped to 37 MPG because the "auto stop" would not function most of the time. I also used the air conditioner constantly. I stopped in at my Honda service desk and was told as soon as the heat improved my car would resume "auto stop". This was true. I still love my hybrid anyway.

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  Civic 2016, Finally back to a good ride! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Gene - May 19 - 3:00 pm

  The wife has a 2013 Civic LX which she likes, but I never, ever found it to be appealing. It looked boring and cheap to me, but it has been reliable and is quite frugal on fuel, but a bit noisey. For myself Ive been looking for a new car for a year and had the 2015 Mazda 3 as my number one choice. But kept hoping that there would be something to compete with it. With the 2016 Civic EX, well, it has happened. The Mazda 3 is still to me the best looking compact, but the new Civic went from ugly to just two steps behind the Mazda. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, I feel very comfortable with the headroom space of the my new Civic. Also being over 60 year old, I find it to be easy to get into. The interior design makes me feel I have more width as well in the front compact. The seats are okay, but they need thigh support, no compacts seems to address this. Driving it around curves is so much fun, the Mazda 3 handles even tighter, but when I test drove it, I found the ride a little too firm. I chose the 2.0 L 4 cylinder engine, because my old 1990 Accords (my favorite car of all times) had a 2.2 L 4 cylinder engine that lasted over 307,000 miles. Theres only a inch difference between the 90 Accord and my new Civc, yeah! Didnt see a reason for a turbo 1.5 L, with it extra components, which could have problems later. Oh yes, I love the Android Auto features that work with the EX head unit. The only shortcoming is the honda sensing safety suite. I almost chose the Mazda 3 because it had blindside monitoring and cross traffic alert. I find the passenger side camera distracting. Had it only a week, so this is just an instant impression review. Oh yes, the price is kind of high when you go beyond the LX version. For a few grand more, I could have had an Accord.

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  Im happy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Armando Malanga - May 19 - 2:46 pm

  First 4WD for me. Big change from my 93 Nissan KingCab. Like the ride. Average 16-17 MPG. Would like it better, but not surprised due to AWD. The AWD really helps when my work takes me into rural areas.

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  like it - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Aaron Rappaport - May 19 - 1:48 pm

  Ive only owned the Odyssey for a couple of weeks, but ive enjoyed it immensely. Im one of those guys who had to be persuaded to buy a minivan after the birth of our second child, but Im glad we bought it. The car handles well, the interior space is fantastic, and the automatic doors are brilliant. I still think the vans exterior styling is a bit odd, but even that is growing on me.

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  Better than a Ford Explorer - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By robert - May 19 - 1:33 pm

  The Pilot handles great. More like a car than a truck. I looked at the Acura MDX and found the Pilot a better value. I had two Ford Explorers and switched to Honda and I am loving it.

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  no contest for economy - 2006 Honda Insight
  By Dave - May 19 - 1:27 pm

  No change between 2001 and 2006, so I expect the same from this one as the 2001 I traded in after 95000 flawlessly economical miles. Construction ensures rust will never be a problem. Small, yes, but agile, warmer and more practical than a motorcycle. Honda, keep making it. If you build it, they will come, especially as gas keeps climbing.

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  Going Greener Update - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 56rascal - May 19 - 11:53 am

  Updating previous review (see Greener with Style 4/05): City/Suburban driving 24.5 to 27.5 mpg and highway driving (55 to 65 mph in hilly Oregon) 33 to 34 mpg. Realistically we could have saved a lot more by buying a strong 4 cylinder Accord, but our reasons for buying the car were not driven by only the dollars spent. The car is a joy to drive. Again I would emphasize you need to test drive it fully warmed up in a variety of conditions. Some people may actually be annoyed by the engine shutdown on stops and cylinder shutdown/restart. Electronic steering feels like it hangs sometimes. My wife drives a Civic Hybrid with about 44 mpg but lacks the comfort and power of the Accord (lucky me).

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  Nice car, but could be better. - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Stephen from MD - May 19 - 10:10 am

  This car has excellent power, especially by comparison to other cars in its class. The leather seats are nice, but not quite adjustable enough for a driver my height (63"). The same goes for the steering wheel which is way too close to the top of my knees even after raising all the way up, forcing my legs into a somewhat awkward position and not being able to extend the steering wheel stinks. These last two problems may have been fixed on the newest model (2005). The sound system isnt the best either as the sound still sounds a bit muted at all volumes. All in all its a pretty good car for the price I paid.