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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  Still a solid, everyday car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mark - November 3 - 1:02 pm

  Purchased the Civic based on its reputation above all else. Wanted a reliable, fuel-efficient, decent sized starter car. To this point it has not disappointed. It has a fairly roomy interior (can comfortably fit 4 people who are under 6 feet tall). The dashboard design is useful with the mph gauge sitting above the rpm gauge--have had no problems with it. If anything, it is more convenient because your eyes barely have to glance down to see your speed. I have been getting mileage along the lines expected: 28ish city/traffic driving and 36ish highway. The drive and handling is smooth enough, but Im no expert on that.

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  Go for the Stick - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ran - November 3 - 11:00 am

  Car looks great in coupe form. Would recommend to get the stick, as the automatic feels quite detuned. There is also a lag on acceleration, likely due to the VEM. 2008 models have many problem areas; rear brake premature wear at 20,000, improperly installed headlights and taillights causing paint chipping around the lights. Seats are too firm and leather is quite "hard" in character and feel. Lots of room, especially for the driver and passenger. Radio works great. Gas mileage not quite as good as advertised. Quality does not seem to be up to par as previous Hondas. Resale value for the V6 is unacceptably low. Rear window should have a rear wiper.

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  The New Accord, 4cyl dohc 5A. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By John Overby - November 3 - 4:40 am

  The new accord is an amazing vehical. I have the 4cyl 5 speed auto. The one thing I really love is the 5 speed automatic transmission, very intelligent and the extra gear adds to the fuel economy too. I like Lincoln Town cars but the suspension sucks. The Accord is considered a luxury car but has stiff sport suspension which in my opinion is awesome. I drove it across country, North Carolina to Alaska. In the mountains there were curvey roads that suggested 40mph which I easily took at 95 to 100 mph! with ease. I was very impressed. First gear accellerates very fast and easily pulls ahead of all other traffic especially at tolls, my favorite. Steering is tight at 120mph.

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  Just got it - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Edward Phipps - November 3 - 2:14 am

  Still new and getting use to the vehicle. Bought it for the safety features and the AWD (NE Winters).

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  Good but needs some work - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mr. G - November 3 - 1:03 am

  I am surprised about my honda pilot. What is surprising me is the extremely carlike performance. The brakes are excellent as well as the acceleration. I quite simply enjoy my vehicle. The navigation system is very easy to use and helpful. There are only two complaints that I have about my pilot.They are about the gas mileage and the transmission. I simply feel that the gas mileage in the city is HORRIBLE, especially when u take into consideration that the engine, while plentiful in horsepower and torque isnt as big as some of its competition. My only other complaint is about the transmission. It seems as though my pilots transmission seems to quikly downshift under acceleration on the road.

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  Did not meet my expectations - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Brad - November 2 - 10:50 pm

  I want so badly to love this car, but I just cant quite do it for a few reasons. I traded in a 98 Prelude Sh and ordered this car from the factory as soon as I found out about its existence, but its not the four door replacement for the Prelude that Id hoped it would be. First, the transmission issue is incredibly frustrating. Second, the emergency brake jabs me in the knee. I know this issue may be limited to me, but its not a good feeling when you purchase a brand new car and it makes you limp. Third, the build quality is not up to par with the other Hondas or Toyotas Ive owned. Its a great looking and the performance is unparalleled for the price but its not perfect.

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  Economy, but not so much fun.... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By reelalarm - November 2 - 6:45 am

  I have had this car for 5 months, great economy, not a pleasure to drive. The visibility on right side is none, you cant sit high enough to judge how close you are. Please when going up a hill stay in right lane, there is no power to pass or accelerate. The car is very low, can bottom out easy. I also get back aches from driving long distances. But it is what it is good on fuel. I will be heading to Florida soon, that will tell the story.

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  Good Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jackie - November 1 - 9:30 am

  Ive had this car for a few months. Its fun to drive, is cute & has a nice looking interior. I got it mainly as a commute car and it seems to get around 35 mpg, since I do mostly freeway driving. The only thing that I would change would be the seats and the headrests (although I was told the headrests were designed for safety and all cars have them now). My commute takes me a solid hour to get to and from work and the seat can get uncomfortable at times. I find myself trying to adjust into a comfortable position while driving. I didnt have a "seat problem" with my other cars. With the headrest, it feels like it is nudging your head constantly. Other than that, I would recommend this car.

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  Feels More Luxurious than a Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Blas Bustamante - November 1 - 7:57 am

  I have 25 miles on my 2016 Civic Touring, I have just realized when I got home that the subwoofer rattles like its 20 years old. I have had this car for two hours! Please turn your volume up while sitting in the car and or test driving it, as soon as you drive it off and then realize you have an issue with the sound system you will not be able to think of anything else but how irritating the subwoofer is. It will definitely send you back to reality, the reality being your car is not an Acura or a high end luxury car and that they did use smoke and mirrors to get you to purchase their new model. When you purchase a brand new car you dont expect to have any problems right out the gate, the fact is you shouldnt have a single issue with a new car whatsoever. The sound on this car is insulting, you pay extra for a premium sound system and you get rattling, really give me a break. I shouldnt have to take it back the very next day after I spent five hours in a dealership acquiring this vehicle.

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  Ridgeline fan? - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By KARUSA - October 30 - 4:21 pm

  Doesnt fit long legs, short arms well. Honda famous "fit and finish" is lacking. Very underpowered at 245hp and 4500 lbs. Fuel economy in town only 14 not 17 advertised. Hondas implementation of 4WD is not. You can not control it and it works only marginally light offroad and in wet heavy snow on road. The in bed storage is a large plus. Overall, Id buy something else if I had it to do over, I want a better hp/weight ratio which would also help fuel mileage. Its underpowered, had nagging minor issues with trim misfits, vanity lights needed repair -- choose differently folks.