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:

• 

  Civil Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tap - December 28 - 3:36 am

  I was looking for a fuel efficient vehicle after my 99 Passat Wagon was stolen. I test drove the full line of Hyundais, Toyota Corolla and Matrix, Mazda 3 sedan and wagon, VW passat Wagon. Based on performance, fuel economy, styling and handling I chose the 2 door Honda Civic. It does not handle and is not as quick as my 99 1.8T Passat but it does get 10 more mpgs. I prefer a manual in a small engine vehicle as I find it to be quicker and more responsive. This was true of all the vehicles I test drove except the Hyundai Azera and V6 Sonata which are a different class of vehicle. Two negatives are the beeping that goes off once the seat belt is released and the clock is not visible with sun glasses.

• 

  A new look - 2006 Honda Civic
  By minky - December 27 - 10:06 pm

  This is a really different looking car. love the cab forward and the euro style wipers. There is actually quite a bit of leg room, Im 6 2" and feel very comfortable in the car. Also visibility out the back is good.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Ulm - December 27 - 1:36 pm

  Having worked at a Honda dealership in the late 80s early 90s I was leary of owning a civic due to the small size and limited interior. Boy was I surprised. This civic is roomier than the 80 Accord I used to drive. Peppy and fun, this is a great car for those looking for excellent mileage and not wanting to compromise on comfort.

• 

  10k miles and still great - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By antony66 - December 27 - 1:05 pm

  2015 CRV EX-L 4WD. No problem so far. Gas mileage depends on who is driving it. Wife: 21 mpg, When I drive it: 28 mpg. Air conditioning not so great, my 2001 Honda Accord is much more efficient. I dont feel the vibration too much or we probably got used to it, it jitters when going from 0 to 40 m/h. I called Honda company and complained, and they suggested to take it to dealer to apply some software patch, and then they asked me "when are you planning to go to the dealer ?". I said "Never", they asked "why", I said if I dont trust Honda itself (who knew about the vibration problem for 2 years now and they did not act), then how can I trust a dealer. I still love the car

• 

  Fun Ride - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charlie McDaniel - December 27 - 1:10 am

  This is an awesome truck,fun to drive,great in the snow.Very functional use of space for interior storage.This is a real head turner,I get all kind of looks driving down the road.This truck has very good road manners with plenty of power for freeway merging or overtaking.Very comfortable and high seat positioning.Ihave had this truck for 3 weeks and love it,but have experienced a problem already which has had my truck at the dealership for 2 days now.It seems that there is a problem with one of the multiswitches which communicates with the passenger door and the brain.This little switch is drawing to much power from the battery,thus rendering the battery dead after sitting overnight.

• 

  Fun to Drive 2016 CR-V AWD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Minouchie - December 26 - 10:38 pm

  Fun to drive, and a cinch to park. Cargo area is well-thought out. Exterior is beautiful. Interior is not as luxurious and well-appointed as the Accord. Although this is a SUV, for the price points I think more could be done with the interior design. Having to manually open the hatch is annoying, but I think they took care of that with the 2017 models.

• 

  EX Coupe-5 speed - 2009 Honda Civic
  By steve190 - December 25 - 2:23 pm

  Let me start with I checked out just about everything out there in this price range and took my time making a decision as I did not need a new car but rather wanted one. After looking for over a year I decided on the Honda Civic EX 5 speed and so far am very happy with it. The car rides nice and handles very well for what it is (I had Miatas, and MGs before this) the deciding factor was the Hondas resale value compared to everything else. If you are looking for a well built, fun to drive and reasonable cost to operate car look at the Honda Civic! The EX model has all the toys you need, sunroof, 4 wheel disc brakes, cruise, and a decent stereo system. I paid 17,451 including destination. Love IT.

• 

  Great for Kids - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Leah - December 25 - 10:20 am

  This is a great car for a young person we got our daughter one and she loves it and we do too alot of room for her she is in college and she loves the car great on the road and very very safe care

• 

  Honda SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By LAX - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Tested the Toyota Highlander and found the Pilot was more to the taste of what we were looking for. So far, so good but only have 10k miles on it. After 50k miles, then ask me. The light indicators on the center console are very dim to check if ingaged or not. Seating for eight---Id like to see the how three will fit in the rear otherwise a good choice.

• 

  Amazing Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By yakbuggy - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Wow this car is great. Ive had it for almost a year now and love it. Its not a sports car but it doesnt drive like an economy car either. The gas milage is great. I get an average of 32 mpg, with mixed driving. More room than I would have expected. Im 63" and can still drive comfortably. The trunk space is also larger than expected.