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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  Best car I have owned - 2008 Honda Civic
  By arcticracer - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  We bought our Civic at the peak of the gas prices in 2008 in Anchorage. The trip home a week later 350 miles, I got almost 47 MPG. Now with 15K miles, our overall MPG is over 33. Thats with studded snow tires half the year which drop it to about 30. 20-50 below temps here are routine, and the Civic has a GREAT heater we really depend on. It is a blast to drive, ours has a 5-speed (hard to find), and it drives best if you short shift to use the ample torque of the smooth as silk engine. It doesnt lug or stumble even at 1000 RPM. Steering is nimble, sporty, and neutral. Only gripes: Poor radio, doesnt handle multiple strong stations well, and wipers-only 1 intermittent setting.

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  not for me - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By meg - November 7 - 4:20 pm

  We found the seats to be very uncomfortable. None of the cupholders in front are usable, cant even make small turns without everything falling over and spilling. You cant set somethng on the floor and expect it to stay they, things slide everywhere. We do like the folding table and the cd changer under driver seat. Gas mileage is good.

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  In My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Daisy - November 7 - 9:07 am

  The Element is so much fun to drive that for the first time ever I dont care if Im driving the ugliest car on the road. I rather enjoy the looks! Also, the car feels solid. When you close the rear doors, it sounds like a heavy, well-made vehicle, not a hunk of metal just put together cheaply. Im looking forward to the AWD in the snow this winter.

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  Great Sedan! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DWilson - November 7 - 12:06 am

  Bought the 2005 Honda Accord in Sept. 04 (right after they came out... I think we were the 1st ones to purchase the 05 at the dealership). Went back and forth between the 04 model and the new 05... I dont care much for the new tail lights on the 05, but some of the improvements they made were worth it. Went from a 02 Chevy Tahoe (V8 engine + 4" lift kit - great SUV, but a gas guzzler!).. cut my gas bill in less than half. My commute to work is 65+ miles one way, so it was a no brainer to downsize. The Accord is a super car! Fits our family of 4 (with a car seat) perfectly and I love driving it! Its stylish, powerful, economical and the interior is top notch!

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  They Keep on Running - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ngalvan122907@gmail.com - November 6 - 9:45 pm

  I had bought a 4 door 2002 Honda civic DX that was practically given to me and that car is a trooper it went through two accidents from previous owners and after a few repairs it runs as if nothing happened. The car is reliable and very compact thus it has great gas mileage. Just the other day I took it to the next city 30 miles to get there and 30 miles to come back and the gas needle did not even move for like two days then after that it continued to move down like it normally does. I did not have to fill up on gas for a couple of days. My only complaint is that it takes a few extra seconds for it to pickup speed and it makes this noise but apparently it is normal. Another thing is the steering is not a smooth as other cars and it has nothing to do with the power steering. I had a 1994 Nissan Sentra and the steering on that was so smooth. Those are my only small complaints. I see these cars everywhere. My co worker has a beat up version of my car and my neighbor who parks next to me has his 2002 Honda civic dented everywhere with the lights popping out but none the less their cars keep running like a charm too. I really dont see this model dying out soon.

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  They Keep on Running - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ngalvan122907@gmail.com - November 6 - 9:45 pm

  I had bought a 4 door 2002 Honda civic DX that was practically given to me and that car is a trooper it went through two accidents from previous owners and after a few repairs it runs as if nothing happened. The car is reliable and very compact thus it has great gas mileage. Just the other day I took it to the next city 30 miles to get there and 30 miles to come back and the gas needle did not even move for like two days then after that it continued to move down like it normally does. I did not have to fill up on gas for a couple of days. My only complaint is that it takes a few extra seconds for it to pickup speed and it makes this noise but apparently it is normal. Another thing is the steering is not a smooth as other cars and it has nothing to do with the power steering. I had a 1994 Nissan Sentra and the steering on that was so smooth. Those are my only small complaints. I see these cars everywhere. My co worker has a beat up version of my car and my neighbor who parks next to me has his 2002 Honda civic dented everywhere with the lights popping out but none the less their cars keep running like a charm too. I really dont see this model dying out soon.

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  A big disappointment - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By C. Ortiz - November 6 - 7:43 am

  Overall this car was a disappointment. I bought it mainly for the gas mileage. Honda claims it gives 28-32 mpg. I drive conservatively and I am lucky to get 22 mpg. I was expecting it to be a couple of miles under claimed values but not 10 miles. As far as I am concerned, Honda is false advertising.... Performance and material quality is not much better either.

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  Great "Sporty" car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Justin Slocum - November 6 - 7:13 am

  Reliable and sporty (I have the coupe). Very well designed and quite a looker. Its fun to drive granted its no civic Si but it is quick and agile. I decided to go with the EX Coupe because the Sis have shifter and clutch problems. The sound system is 350 Watts and has a subwoofer. This comes in the Coupe EX and the Sis only. Very happy with the bass response from it. Nice Standard Alloy Rims. Shifts are crisp and smooth. I would definitely purchase this car again. Very complacent ride that does a great job around the corners and is comfortable on rough roads. My only minor complaint is something that plagues Hondas and that is the road noise. Its not awful but could be better.

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  Dont Fall for the Music Link! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By BellaB929 - November 6 - 5:00 am

  Its a great car and a lot of fun to drive. However, I have a major problem with how Honda has marketing their Ipod Music Link. It leads you to believe that you can scroll through your music with ease from the audio controls. It does not offer a display, instead there is a horribly annoying electronic voice that seldom works. I should have left well enough alone with the AV jack and not added this expensive and worthless feature. Save your money, dont buy it!

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  Nice Alternative - 2005 Honda Element
  By Chewdoggie - November 6 - 2:26 am

  I actually just bought my second Honda Element this last August. I was a little leery of its initial looks, but once I sat in the car I was sold. Have not regretted it since. Sure its boxy, but there is so much room and versatility. Mileage is good considering the shape - 22/26. Enough power and the AWD does just fine in the dunes/beaches of Pismo, CA. Plus its a Honda... great reliability.