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:

• 

  A step up from the last gen Si - 2012 Honda Civic
  By flamike772 - October 26 - 10:33 am

  I totaled my 2009 Civic Si Sedan, I was T-Boned by a full-size SUV doing 40+ MPH, the Civic Si held up superbly, so I knew I wanted another one. So now I have had my 2012 Civic Si Sedan for a bit and can comment on it over the 09. Its a big step up, not only in looks, but in power, the torque is very noticeable and the ride is smoother. Not as sporty as the 09 but grippier than a regular civic, my Wife enjoys the ride more and its more comfortable on the road. The upholstery... the 09 has softer plush-ier fabric, but I actually prefer the new fabric due to pet hair and it seems easier to clean as well. I miss the higher redline of the 09, but the 12 feels less of a "chore" to drive.

• 

  Mile after Mile - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By alex33nad - October 25 - 5:13 pm

  This car refuses to stop running. Stick shift is the only way to go. -250K miles -The only reason Ive ever been stranded road side was due to a flat tire. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Typical Honda rust. 2 out of the 5 gears grind a little bit. 2nd and 5th. I would recommend it to anyone. For a 20 year old car with a quarter million miles. It runs like a champ with a chip on its shoulder like it has something to prove every damn day.

• 

  Titanic with yacht engine - 2012 Honda Crosstour
  By byronebarnes - October 25 - 12:04 am

  Bought this car back in July of 2012. Rides like a 5-series BMW, tight, strong, very smooth. Traction control on car is EXCELLENT. Idiot hit me in rear end very hard, few scrapes on back bumper, very strong car. Great on gas too, the only jab is the power in this car sucks. But if I wanted that, I would have bought a porsche, not a Honda. Even so, it would be nice to have at least 70 more hp in this 4 cycl. For sure when my lease is up, Im getting the 6 cycl. Great car though, 4 REAL size people can sit in this car, and I mean 62" 200 lbs dudes and leave plenty of head and leg room. Cudos to Honda on this car, but please, MORE POWER in 2014.

• 

  After over 333,333 miles... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By lexter - October 23 - 1:13 pm

  This is my third Honda Accord, and my accidentally best choice. Much more improved paint coating and rust protection. The car looks like new even now. Good acceleration in tough road situations. A fair 29-30 mpg, mostly on highways. Very comfortable seats. Superb ergonomics, which makes the car so appreciated during a long travel. The car is a nightmare for a car salesman or an example of an excellent workmanship.

• 

  2nd Fit purchased new - 2012 Honda Fit
  By heffelz8 - October 22 - 10:52 pm

  The wife and myself owned a 2008 Fit while living abroad in Europe. When we moved back to the States, we purchased another Fit. For a compact car, Honda really managed to cram a whole lot into this vehicle without making it seem over-done. Fit and finish is quite nice, along with the overall design. This car works, its practical, very lively to drive (with the stick) and very fuel efficient 36 highway and 33 in town. I am 66" 210 lbs and fit very very well in this car. My knees dont hit anything on the way in or out. Loading height is great whether youre 52, like my wife, or my size. I would buy a 3rd fit if I ever felt so inclined to get another family member in one.

• 

  Good car but other than few recall issues - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jay4414 - October 21 - 11:20 pm

  I bought it new from the dealer and there is a water boiling sound from the engine and dealer wont do shit even though there is recall on same issue with other year. Gas mileage and the seating comfort is very poor. Trans shutters in from 1st to 2nd if you press the pedel slow. Overall I like it but I do not buy another Honda due to their dont care customer service attitude.

• 

  2007 ex AWD Atomic Blue Element Automatic - 2007 Honda Element
  By sarasmydog - October 21 - 10:54 pm

  Although I bought it used in 2012 about 6 months ago with 53,000 on the Odo, it has been very worthwhile in just about all catagories although Im used to V6 power in other vehicles it is still "peppy" enough for me although I did wish it got better gas mileage or maybe it is I am just not used to it? Overall in 99.9% I would give it a definate thumbs up. Its been very dependable and durable and I cant wait to try it out on the snow this year in NE Iowa. Of course I was almost sure I would love it? Its a Honda and they are known for reliability!

• 

  Its a great daily commuter - 2000 Honda Accord
  By annachen239 - October 21 - 10:49 pm

  I bought this car when it was on sale in 2000 it is very realiable but the seats are really uncomfortable and there is a a lot of wind noise and when you are going up hill there is no power at all

• 

  Wouldnt recommend buying - 2012 Honda Accord
  By annachen239 - October 21 - 10:44 pm

  after driving a Toyota corolla for 12 yearsithought it was time to upgrade to a newer vehicle.since my sister has a 2000Honda accord I thought Id take a look at the 2012 Honda accord because my sister said its a great car she said its very spacious so I went to a Honda dealership and took a look at the accord,I test drove the V6model exl it did offer great power and the A/c was ice cold.i got a great deal nd bought the car I went with the orchard pearl andivory interior got so many complaints.imtoo, it on the highway to go to work and I heard riddling noise coming from the rear window and the seat were really unsupportive for a 45 mins ride my back starting herting and it was loud too

• 

  No more hondas for this family - 2009 Honda Accord
  By chicagotomtom - October 20 - 9:45 pm

  Like many reviews before me on this site, weve owned hondas our whole life, and bought the 2009 V6 Accord based on our the value and reliability that Honda built is reputation on...well, we were thinking about buying the new Pilot to replace our 2002 CRV, but after our poor experience with the quality of our 2009 Accord, its time to try another car manufacturer. Already have the rear disc brakes replaced due as a part of the class action lawsuit, the driver side lumber controls stopped working at 30k miles, and continue to have issues with the battery/starter. I had originally planned to drive the car into the ground like weve done with all our other hondas, but want to sell it now.