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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  Great car for the money - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Wyldcat89 - December 25 - 12:03 am

  Had the car over a month now, covering 1,000+ miles. I traded in my gas hog Nissan truck for the fuel efficient Civic EX and with rising gas prices, Im glad I did. Its getting an average of 32 mpg which is on the low side of the 30/40 epa, but from the 15 mpg I got in my truck, Im more than satisfied with it. The car is fun to drive and for a 4 door sedan, its easy on the eyes as well. I would have liked more interior colors choices but was only offered light grey to pair with the Atomic Blue exterior.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Antonio - December 24 - 9:16 pm

  Ive had this car for almost two years and I absolutely love it. For the past year I have been driving 35 miles to and from work, all freeway driving since my job and home are right off the freeway. I average between 37 and 40 mpg every time. I usually travel between 65 and 70 mph. Besides that, I also love everything else. I have 37,000 miles on my Civic with the same tires and brakes and I live in San Diego, CA.

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  Great Car BUT Still Room For Improvement - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Maroot N - December 24 - 7:30 pm

  I wanted more power so I traded my 2003 Accord EX 4 cyl. w/NAV for a 2005 V-6 EX w/NAV and not much has changed. Build quality is great. The V-6 is quieter than the 4. The 6 feels better on the freeway. The V-6 is getting me right at 30mpg on the freeway. I sacrificed about 5 mpg going from the 4cyl. But it’s worth it to me. I appreciate the Side and Curtain Airbags for 2005, as well as the lighted steering wheel. The 05 NAV added more voice commands than the 2003 NAV. Honda also improved the User Interface and added new features to make already the best NAV on the market even better (Acura/Honda – same NAV).

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  Loved this car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Miamitraveler - December 24 - 3:06 pm

  Just bought the Honda Accord after LOTS of research. I spent hours reading every review possible online. It came down to two cars, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and the Honda Accord. I test drove both cars on 2 different occasions from 2 different dealers. While the Sonata has a more beautiful exterior than the Honda, the interior of the Sonata especially the dashboard looks and feels cheap with low grade plastics. What were the Sonatas designers thinking? Also the drive in the Accord was superior to the Sonatas. Those two factors sealed the deal for me and I went with the Accord. Also, the Honda dealer was much more knowledgeable, professional and nice than the other dealers.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Dawn - December 24 - 6:40 am

  I got my car at the end of March and waiting to until now to review it. Im very happy with it. I did have a 92 Civic before and couldnt get rid of it soon enough. This car is not what you expect from an economy car. I drove from Philadelphia to Wilmington, NC for a wedding and then back up the coastline for a vacation. On the highway, I averaged 42 mpg with the air conditioning on. I didnt have any concerning the seats. The Civic has nice pickup and this is the only time I really hear the engine when the revs go over 2500.

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  Downsizing Made Fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By 91Westy - December 23 - 9:03 pm

  This is a great car - period. Honda has done an excellent job of reinventing the hatchback concept for the new millenium. Two roadtrips (ATL-DC and ATL-SC) so far and no complaints. Car is fairly quick, responsive and smooth, reminds me of a BMW to drive (except Im getting 36 MPG at 80 MPH). In general, I favor European cars (BMWs, Mercs, VWs, etc) - but Honda has done an excellent job of integrating an intelligently-designed vehicle (great safety features, innovative cargo handling, excellent fuel economy) with outstanding road feel, handling and suspension.

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  Sleeper sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By maxdriver - December 23 - 11:50 am

  I traded a Focus SVT for my 6-speed sedan. I wanted something with more room and refinement. I am extremely pleased with the Accord. The 6-speed is very smooth shifting; the engine is powerful and smooth. I recently sold my G35 coupe, which sounded like a tractor engine at WOT compared to the Accord V06! I like the stealth(sleeper)appearance of the sedan. The body leans more than I like in curves. I plan on adding some TL sway bars in the future.

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  A Fun Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Holly - December 23 - 9:40 am

  I have only had this car for a week, but I truly do enjoy driving it. The interior is beautiful and comfortable, and the exterior is sharp Im getting a lot of great comments on it! The display is easy to read and appealing to the eye. I find myself volunteering to go to the store, pick up the dry cleaning, etc. ... any excuse to get in my CRV and drive.

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  Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By cardr - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I thought it was really ugly at first. But after I looked inside then drove it, I just had to have it. So far so good! My Element is even better than I thought! The salesperson at the dealership was really professional. Theres just so much to say about this car!

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  A fun and practical car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By CheifWiggum - December 23 - 2:00 am

  What can I say about the car? I love it to death. From the spunky 1.6 VTEC engine to the precise handling. I bought this car use for around 11,000 and it has been a great investment. Its fun to drive around hitting redline in this thing. Its also really reliable. Ive had no problems in the 7 months Ive had the car. My only gripes are the lack of torque, but hey its a honda.