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:

• 

  Excessive wind noise. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By disappointed90 - April 10 - 4:31 am

  Ive never posted an online review but often refer to them. In fact I wouldnt have purchased a new Accord if not for the positive reviews from professionals and consumers alike. I am so disappointed in my 2013 Honda Accord EX Sedan I felt I must say something so others may benefit or at least be prepared. Before purchasing please do a web search for "2013 Accord wind noise". Youll find talk of TSB 13-010 and feedback from many people with complaints of excessive wind noise starting at 60 mph and especially 75 and above. For me its an absolutely miserable driving experience. My dealer has been great but Ive had it in 3 times in my first 5 weeks of ownership.

• 

  Awesome body design - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Gerard Pascual - April 10 - 3:23 am

  Engine performance is awesome but one problem I have seen so far is the rear center light cover kept falling off. I was told that there is a recall and a new adhesive is being developed to correct the issue, otherwise overall its great for single guys and gals.

• 

  My First Month - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bruce - April 10 - 1:23 am

  This is my first Honda and my first new car. Im coming from driving a 12 year- old Camry. Everything I read about the Accord was that it is louder, road noise-wise, than the Camry. Thats an understatement. I figured that going from a 96 Camry to an 08 Accord Id have a quieter car, but I was wrong. Ive read that you can get tires that are quieter, so eventually I may do that. But for now, Ill just turn up the stereo. The car is fun to drive on back roads and cruises smoothly on the highways. It feels solid and I feel safe in it.

• 

  Great Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Runnerr - April 9 - 11:45 pm

  I bought this car about 6 months ago for $1700. One of the best cars I have ever owned. I test drove the 2005 Civic but the 91 overall was a better car. And only about 10% of the price. Changed plugs, wires, oil filler cap, valve gasket cover. Just bought new struts and adjustible coilover springs. Replacing windshield. And repainting the entire car in June due to the rust on the passenger side like all 90 -93s. Runs very strong, will drive anywhere!!

• 

  best Honda Ive bought - 2012 Honda Civic
  By lotsahondas - April 9 - 11:21 pm

  puzzled by "meh" reviews. 2nd Civic hybrid, 5th Honda Ive owned. This is the best since my 77 Accord, and Ive liked them all. Theyve all been reliable. Note that JD Powers elevated Honda to #2 today. Style: other than tail looks like a Camry, no complaints, but I wasnt in market for Corvette. "Cheap plastic"? plastic is plastic, it doesnt pretend to be burled wood or silver. And it is matte finish dash, which means less sun in the eyes. Comfort: supportive seats, roomy cabin front and back. Ride: incredibly smooth. Steering: responsive with very tight turning radius. Acceleration: adequate. Not a BMW, but hybrid owners dont burn rubber. Mileage: after 600 mi, 42+ MPG!

• 

  We now own three new Civics! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Angela Roe - April 9 - 3:09 pm

  This car is just a nice, safe, reliable car for the money.

• 

  THE FUNNEST HONDA TO DRIVE - 2006 Honda Element
  By John - April 8 - 3:15 pm

  This is a great car truck van suv all in one. Just like the cell phone with it all in one. We love this element so much we would love to get another in a different color.

• 

  Improvement - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mickey - April 8 - 1:27 am

  Overall OK, engine quiet smooth, but handling is average. Inside quiet comfortable. Brake and gas pedal too high. Braking is below average.

• 

  Great plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.

• 

  Great plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.