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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  My new "Yellow Tweedy Bird" - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Sue Johnston - September 3 - 2:20 pm

  I love Honda and I love Honda Fits. I had a sport model for 8 years. Did like it better as it had fun wheel rims and much more speed. For some reason they discontinued this model. The new one is fine , but it doesnt get the gas mileage that it said on the sticker. I dont think its broken in enough yet however; so I am reserving judgement on that right now. Seems to be a lot roomer than the old one. Miss the boxes in the wall in the trunk area from the old one. The other thing is the "junk" box between the 2 front seats is very awkward to get into. The top raises from the front and you cant see inside. I think it should have opened on the side. Also very small, like it was an after thought. The seat fold down in the back is much easier than the old one as you dont have to remove the headrests to put them down. I also like the cup holder on the dash by the steering wheel! Very convenient to grab a drink without looking down! I do wish that the windows would come tinted as some of my friends new cars did. Has lots of plugs for the tech stuff. Even one in the "junk" box. It does have a lot of road noise. I have read that you can have soundproofing put in. I may have to look into that. Otherwise, so far its another great purchase.

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  Exactly What I Wanted - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DocHoyle - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I did weeks and weeks of research before I bought my Accord, and so far I am very happy. I compared the Accord to the Mazda 6 and the Oldsmobile Alero, the Accord had the best resale and quality for the money.

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  Great truck - favorite vehicle ive owned so far - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tracy Nickleson - September 3 - 7:47 am

  I love the truck. The touch screen is a little finicky sometimes, but its the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned, to date, in regards to how it hugs the road, and how it envelopes my body. Every day, I find myself looking for excuses to drive someplace.

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  30K miles and excellent so far - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Great Civic - September 3 - 5:30 am

  I will have about 200K on this car in 4 years...have driven 30K so far and there are no issues what so ever. I get 38-41MPG combined (improved from 35 when purchased). The car handles well and is very comfortable with the exception of the location of the E- brake. Be very careful...this bothers me personally on long trips. No issues whatsoever at 30K. The Goodyears are crappy and wearing down. The stereo has one speaker that vibrates (I dont care). System sounds decent enough. I can plug in my ipod, love that. Stick shift is smooth and very sweet with adequate power. This car has been exactly as desired so far. I expect the build quality to stand above most other brands.

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  2nd time around - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Truepink - September 3 - 1:23 am

  Ive always puzzled over people who bought the same car twice, that is until I had an accident in my 2001 S2K. I didnt think I would be happy in anything else, so I went ahead and bought the 2005. I cant help but be in a good mood when I take this car out on the road, its the best handling car I can imagine. I do miss the 9000 Rpm scream, but I dont need as many aspirin now.

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  Disappointed with fuel economy and service - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By EB - September 2 - 6:27 pm

  Firstly, I should say that I think the car is very comfortable and drives very well. My only concern is that I am getting very poor MPG. I did a lot of research before purchasing this car and was very excited about the MPG performance claims, which seemed to be backed up by customer reviews. I have owned the car for 3 months and am currently getting a whopping 28 MPG! I have confirmed this by calculating at the pump. Granted, it is now wintertime and I expect to lose some fuel economy, but since purchasing the car (in September), I have never broken 40 MPG. In the warmer weather I was averaging around 35 MPG in the city, maybe 37 highway. I also own a Prius (and routinely get ~45-50MPG), so I know this is not an issue with my driving technique. I spoke with Honda customer service to express my concerns and they talked about how EPA estimates are not accurate, etc. They suggested I bring it to the Honda dealership and they will evaluate the car to make sure it was working properly and suggested a fuel consumption test. I took the car to the dealership, explaining that the MPG was nowhere near what seems appropriate, and again was given some wishy-washy crap about how Honda routinely expects the cars to perform up to 22% worse than the EPA estimates (which calculates out to 36 highway/38city). They checked the computer system, found no errors, and said there was nothing wrong. I asked about the fuel economy test and they said they dont do it routinely. I called Honda customer service again and they basically had no solutions to offer other than to have the fuel consumption test done (which they only recommended after I asked about it again). Honda customer service did not seem to have an answer as to what would constitute a poor test outcome and what they would do if the test comes back saying 28MPG. The dealership said this will take 2 days to do. I am debating whether it is worth it to bring the car back in for 2 days so they can do the same pump calculation I have done and then tell me this is "within normal". Just beware that the MPG claims are not accurate. I do think the car interior is very nice and I like the rest of the vehicle, but if youre going to dish out an extra ~$6,000, you kinda want to get what you pay for (hybrid fuel economy).

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  Way better than a Venza - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By rickbrewster - September 2 - 12:06 am

  When I bought my Crosstour I was actually thinking of buying a Venza. I am a long time Toyota owner and I thought that would never end. Until I drove the Crosstour. It is far more comfortable and stylish then the Venza. And way more sexy. There is nothing I dont like about this car.

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  odyssey experience - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By carolyn - September 1 - 7:10 pm

  the passenger seat is not very comfortable especially compared to the drivers seat

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  S2000 Review - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Eric Klar - September 1 - 6:28 pm

  I live in Albuquerque, where we have little rainfall.This is the car to have here. Excellent handling on mountain roads, good gas mileage, plenty of top down time.

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  Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Peter Foronda - September 1 - 1:46 pm

  Runs and looks great. Actual mileage 32 city 42.2 highway. Lots of room.