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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  Civic EX Coupe 2008 is a loser - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Freddy - February 6 - 3:50 am

  I have previously owned 2000 and 2004 Civic EX coupes and have loved them. My 2008 is a total letdown. It has the loudest, roughest ride of any car I have owned, including older Corvettes. The road noise is terrible. The entire car has been cheaply made. It seems loaded with plastic. Corners have been cut everywhere. It looks great from the outside, but thats the only positive about this car. The seats are too hard. The trunk requires forced slamming while the gas pedal has no tactile feedback. The sun visors are very stiff to use. The seat belt and directional noise chimes are much louder than my 2004. Actually irritating. The high beam indicator on the directional stick goes on too easily

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  Nice - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jrmike - February 6 - 2:43 am

  Car rides smooth. Plenty of power for a minivan. Handles well. Honda navigation is great, but voice activation is not very good. Great car. The storage is great and there is plenty of room for everything.

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  Hondas - 2001 Honda Civic
  By hondafan1 - February 6 - 1:05 am

  Ive had this car for about 2 years, put almost 50,000 miles on it... Awesome awesome car.

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  True Blue - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Phil Bodine - February 6 - 1:00 am

  I love the Royal blue (Aegean). Great gas mileage.

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  5 Years Later - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Carl Abert - February 5 - 5:22 pm

  Car has excceeded my expectations. The MPG for 122K+ miles is 70.5 MPG. Coming from a Dakota, gas consumption has been reduced by 700+ gallons a year. Do the math. While a bit underpowered, the 5 speed manual allows for compensation. Wheres the Insight II with 90 MPG or so...?

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  Would not buy another Honda!!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By John Bright - February 5 - 3:02 pm

  I have had 2 issues with my vehicle that was not resolved to my satisfication after contacting the Corporate Office. I believe they are known issues and Honda does not care. My next purchase will be a different Manufacturer.

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  Happy Owner - 2009 Honda Civic
  By happy - February 5 - 12:16 pm

  I read so many reviews on this car. Some bad and some good. But, I would like to offer my assessment. Be real to yourself when deciding which car to buy. Mine are 1) fuel economy 2) resale value 3) reliability 4) style 5) fun to drive. Honda Civic beat out Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla-S, and Nissan Sentra. So far, I avg 35 mpg with mix hwy/city driving. I am not a heavy foot pedal, so power is good enough. Its really fun to drive. Overall, I know I had made a right choice. :=))

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  Oh, Wheres the Gas going?? - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By L. Sutton - February 5 - 9:03 am

  I absolutely love my CR-V EX, but I drive around town all the time and my gas mileage has only been between 15-16 mpg. I expected it to be lower then the EPA estimate, but not 7 mpg. Ive had this car for about a month now and the gas mileage has not improved. I had a 1992 Nissan Maxima and got better gas mileage - 17-18 mpg. Ill give it a little more time to "break in" and if it doesnt improve Honda will hear from me. I do love the way it handles and the looks are great. Other then the gas mileage I love my CRV.

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  Needs More Horsepower! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By HondaAccordSE - February 5 - 5:20 am

  Get the VTEC engine or a V6.

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  Very happy - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Claudia - February 5 - 3:40 am

  The lease on our 05 Pilot was up and we were so happy with it we decided to stay with the Pilot. I had seen the 09 Pilot prototype and although there has been criticism about the outside styling I LOVE the way it looks. It feels like a tough truck, but drives like a car and has plenty of room for all of us. We got the 4x4 touring with Navi and love all the features. I have friends that spend more for a vehicle to get a "name" and have less comfort and features.