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 ways to go Honda. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Fernando - January 16 - 9:26 pm

  I Have a 91 CamryDX V6 with 412700 miles WOW!!That is a car,only regular service,so i decided to buy another toyota but did not liked. So I went and I purchased an ACCORD EXL 4cl. On my first fill up I drove 590 miles and the car took 17gallons of gas,of course I drove it at 55 mph for the first 3000 mies,so i am happy.The only problem I see is the Engine noise but I fixed That by changing from 87 to 93 octane and now the car is more responsive and quieter.Transmission is good and what I like is that I can shift manual just like my Camry.Only time will tell about reliability,Considering I commute 39,000 miles a year,90% Hyway driving. I do have a noise on the rear breaks.

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  Love FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By abeaver - January 16 - 11:26 am

  I have just gotten past the break in period and love the car even more than I anticipated. It really does feel like a 93 CRX. The interior is beautiful and, except for a temperature gauge, seems well equipped for a basic level vehicle. I havent taken any advantage of the seat configurations yet,the dog is always in the back seat, but the seats are comfortable and well made. I also tested a Yaris. I must admit that the Yaris has a sharper exterior design but the FIT is far nicer on the inside and much more fun to drive. My first calculated fuel tank got me 35 miles/US gallon.

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  This car saved my life - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By francissp - January 16 - 9:00 am

  I love my Crosstour, sadly it gave its life to save me and a passenger. A trucked ran a red light hitting the passenger side at probably 45 mph. The car was pushed and then rolled onto a fire hydrant and 2 foot steel concrete pole. The passenger compartment protected us, Side impact airbags were deployed, front did not (as designed). Rescue services are still amazed that we suffered only bruised ribs. I have already ordered its replacement. I wish I could upload a photo.

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  The manual transmission, a dying breed. - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Brian O. - January 14 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased my 2015 Accord Sport 6 speed MT April of 2015. After one year of ownership and over 16k miles, this Accord is hands down, one of the best cars under $25k. I looked at almost every car in this segment and was impressed with the Accords overall value. I was really adamant about opting for the manual transmission. I drove a Sport model with the CVT, and boy, the CVT is not for me. Yes, I get its efficient design and concept of having a "constant" power ratio to achieve best mpg possible. I feel though you sacrifice SO much driving experience for 1 to 2 mpg. In my opinion, the manual transmission really brought this car to life; definitely more fun to drive. I stand 65 at 230 lbs. I was very impressed with head room and adequate leg room from not only a driver standpoint, but also as a rear passenger. The telescoping steering column telescopes more than enough for my desired comfort. Driver seat is OK, I find myself adjusting it on road trips of more than three hours - but that is almost standard in any car Ive had with my abnormal size. Visibility is excellent; the pillars are smaller than most new cars. Safety is another reason I purchased - in 2013 the Accord was one of the only cars to receive a "Good" rating for the new "small overlap" crash test by the IIHS. In mixed driving conditions I consistently get 28-30 mpg. If Im driving all highway I can easily get 35-37 mpg. To find a car that I can easily fit in, comes very well equipped, gets up to 35 mpg, has somewhat of a fun-to-drive factor, a low cost of ownership, a great resale value, and is a safety "top pick" by the IIHS, what else do you really need? Its worth the road noise and cheap feeling power window switches. (Youre buying a Honda not an Acura).

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  WOOOAH!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Matt Landers - January 13 - 7:03 pm

  The 2006 Honda Civic is one of a kind with all it has to offer. Ive had a lot of Civic owners stop and take a second look. Honda proves that an economy car doesnt have to look like one. With many new standard features, tight fit and trim, and comfortable dash layout I feel as though I got some good bang for all of my bucks.

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  My first SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By JerseyGirl - January 13 - 3:06 am

  This was my first SUV and I love it! Ive always owned sports cars, so it as a bit tough to choose which SUV was practical. It was a decision between the Ford Edge or the Pilot. After test driving the Pilot, I took it home the same night. Within days i was getting acquainted quite well with my Pilot. The interior is very roomy, perfect especially when you have kids or to jam a bunch of your friends for a weekend getaway. Not too happy with the mileage but expected for an SUV. Ive already taken my pilot to the nations capital from NJ for a break in. It was smooth riding all the way down even with icy and hazardous road conditions on I95. Overall this vehicle is safe and reliable.

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  First Impressions - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By thespyder - January 12 - 10:16 pm

  Interior layout is great. only drawback is no telescoping steering wheel. DVD quality is above average for picture quality and great for size. Third seat fold is cake. 2nd row captains chairs are extremely comfortable. Exterior, I like the new headlights over earlier models. We love the slate green which depending on lighting can be silver or light blue to metallic green. Engine has power to spare. It has great high end acceleration. Wish it had auto rear hatch and laser cruise. Great Choice for mini van shoppers. Cant go wrong with how well this van holds its value.

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  One amazing car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By B. Randall - January 12 - 5:46 pm

  This is one impressive car to drive. You will find yourself turning the radio off just to hear the exhaust note when the VTEC is kicked in. It just makes you smile everytime. I drove it conservatively for a tank and got 34 mpg. The car is a blast to drive and super quick not to mention handling.

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  From a Ford E350 to a Honda Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - January 12 - 12:10 pm

  gas mileage 17.4 around town and improving (2k miles), first nail in tire was a learning experience, go to your Honda dealer, only exchange available, have reservations on long term replacement and maint. of tires. Make sure the dealer assists you in initial set up of electronics or be prepared to read and play with set up. The seats comfort sold it! The electronic engine monitoring and performance make driving fun. Excellent in snow. Downshifting to reduce brake use works well in all driving situations--drivetrain will hold speed nicely on slight downgrades. Treated leather with Penguin UltraDry protector/floors with Scotchguard $30. Overall best $33,500 I have ever spent.

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  Tires and lugnuts - 2007 Honda Civic
  By TKLK65@aol.com - January 12 - 7:23 am

  Great car. 32 mpg combined, 36 mpg highway. Only problem is tires lose air pressure fast-within a week two tires below 15 psi. I have to inflate all four to 32 psi every week. Also, only 9k on car and all lug nuts are rusting and staining the aluminum rims. Will be going to dealer on tires and lug nuts when I can.