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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  3 weeks into new Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - July 23 - 5:50 pm

  Having gone from a 7 passenger minivan I was quite surprised how much luggage and cargo that the CRV really could accept. We put a hitch carrier on the back and were able to bring AS much cargo back as we took on a long X-mas trip. Good handling and comfort level and a pleasure to drive.

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  Best Fun Per MPG - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dochollywood - July 22 - 11:23 pm

  This car is amazing. I have driven the car nearly 8000 miles, mostly highway, but about 20% city, and I am averaging about 53 MPG. Really, that is what the on board computer says and when I calculate it myself, I get more like 55 MPG. Either way, more than what the sticker claims. I drive conservative, but on straight-aways and downhill I go at least 70 MPH, and uphill around 55-60, so I do not drive exceedingly slow. The car is fun to drive and handles like a sports car...a definite great buy.

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  Awesome - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mike - July 21 - 8:30 pm

  Boy am I glad I bought this car instead of a V8 Truck with the rising gas prices. I intially started with 29mpg in my first tank. Now that it has broken in a little at 13000 miles I am always over 32mpg with my highest being 35 (600 miles on one tank). I dont baby the car either. I drive a constant 80 mph on the highway yet still mantain this mileage. Its comfortable, quiet, and roomy. I cant wait to see how it is in the snow. My last car was an 88 accord with 270,000 miles on it. It was excellent in the snow.

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  Bought the first of these at my local dealership. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Sandy - July 21 - 7:43 pm

  Its near perfect. Im new to Hybrids/EV and almost got the Chevy Volt...but this 2017 is SO spacious and gorgeous. I have the fully loaded touring and the LED lights make a beautiful statement. The car accelerates wonderfully, and it is a very stable drive with great turning radius for its size. Im not 100% in love with the touch screen/navigation because it can be slow at times, but its not bad. The interior is luxurious and I love that the backseat is just as nice as the front in terms of comfort and space. The exterior chrome accents and wheels are very nice, and the general shape of the hybrid is sporty but elegant, and I highly recommend you get black! :) mileage is great, especially for those work commutes involving traffic (quality EV time). GET THIS CAR, you wont regret it.

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  codename: ISOBEL - 1991 Honda Civic
  By cell7dotORG - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my 91 DX Hatch, I have owned a 3rd, 5th and 6th generation Civic, this rounds it out with my 4th generation Civic. This car has 245,000 miles on it, original engine, runs strong, and peppy as ever. I will admit though, I did buy it to put in a ZC or B16a.

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  Good little SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Luvahonda - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CRV for 4 1/2 years & have never had any problems. It has been a great car for me but I have outgrown it & plan to purchase a new Pilot. I think this would be a very reliable used car.

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  Honda Civic 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DRothenberg - July 20 - 5:23 am

  The car is great. It looks sporty and geared toward a young and smaller population. It handles great and has great gas mileage. Interior is cozy. The Dashboard makes it appearance really sporty.

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  Its like a Timex! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Jersey - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with 100K and have put another 50K on it in two years. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Have had to replace the the original exhaust and front brakes. The heater/ac fan will need to be replaced in the near future. The Honda gets 36 to 42 mpg and runs like a sports car. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive it. I am hoping to get another 100k out of this wonderfully designed vehicle. "It just keeps ticking!"

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  Love The Ride - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Howie B. - July 20 - 1:00 am

  I have owned the Touring model for one month and use it for a weekly commute of 145 miles each way. I have enjoyed every mile. Great car to own and I have been driving for over 42 years. Owned a lot of different sport and luxury cars over the years and this is a nice combo of both. The Touring model is a few thousand more, but if I would not have purchased the Touring model, I would have always regretted it later. So far averaging 42 miles per gallon (as advertised), with a bit of a heavy foot... fun to take to the mountains (I live an hour west of Lake Tahoe) in Sport mode, but for my commute I use the Econ setting. Highly Recommend. Enjoy......

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  Can carry Computers - 2003 Honda Element
  By scottmoulton - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Got this car to carry work equipment in because the floor and sides were so durrable. I can carry the kids one minute and switch the cargo to carry equipment the next. Great so far.