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:

• 

  Lots of Fun!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Juan - October 18 - 9:20 am

  when I first saw the car , I was impressed by the beautiful exterior design. I got mine with the front under spoiler and fog lights and it looks very aggressive. I also got the interior panel trim which makes a big difference over stock. The car is lots of fun to drive. My only complaint is that it needs more power. In order to get those 197 horses you need to push the engine over 7000 rpm, which I think its not healthy for the engine. In conclusion its a great buy just needs more power. Turbo or supercharger will be nice.

• 

  2008 Honda LX-P - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DJ - October 18 - 7:50 am

  Overall, I am pleased with this automobile. It would be nice if the passenger front seat were available with the electric controls. Front passenger seat is quite low. I have also noticed a whine in the transmission. This noise is not really loud but it is noticeable through each gear. I did take it to a Honda dealer and they said this was normal. I have owned other Hondas and Toyotas and neither of them had this noise during shifting. Thank You

• 

  1100 miles in less than a month - 2003 Honda Element
  By krikkit - October 18 - 2:00 am

  While I have only had the E since the weekend before thanksgiving I have fallen in love with it. I have spent upwards of 4 hours diving in a day in it and still feel like dirving it more. It is amazingly versatile with the possible interior configurations, and feels very stable compared to other small SUVs and minivans I have driven.

• 

  Love this car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Ericbeer - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have three CRVs. Two of the pre- 2002 body style and one 2003. They are a terrific value. Side air bags; four wheel drive; 4 wheel disk brakes; 6 disc CD; ABS; sun roof; etc. I am over 62" and I have plenty of head and leg room - this is almost always an issue for me in any car with a sun roof. My mileage has been 17 or 18 in town and 23.8 on the interstate. There is gobs of storage everywhere - in surprising places. You cannot get a better SUV for the money. The newer model is much more powerful ande quieter than the older model. Improved in numerous ways.

• 

  2003 Honda Civic Hybrid still great fun - 2003 Honda Civic
  By P.Reichlin - October 18 - 2:00 am

  After 18 months and 44,000 miles with my 2003 Civic Hybrid 4 door with CV transmission, I still remain happy and enthusiastic about its design, construction, handling, enviornmental attributes, and of course wonderful fuel economy, and no, I don,t work for Honda. My overall mpg is slightly over 51 mpg. My best milage for 150 miles is over 60 mpg, and best ever is 76 mpg for 15 miles. I drove at posted speed limits, but was prudent. I have not yet tired of the satisfaction of being able to drive over 600 miles before getting a low fuel indication. In short, I continue to be quite satisfied with my decision and purchase, and would do it again!

• 

  Exellent car....Pure Import-X - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BadestDJ - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Exellent car....my first car was an 87 CRX.....which i tricked out, it was fast and never gave up on me no matter the abuse! My new 2004 civic ex..is a much refined car and faster, i am so glad i bought this car..i hope i can keep it for as long as i live. In a couple of months i will put some performance parts!!

• 

  fun to drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mike51 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I drive the heck out of this car. for the power you get out of it the gas mileage is fantastic (I get about 28 mpg)

• 

  Picker Honda Over Sienna - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Judy D. - October 18 - 1:40 am

  We have a 2004 Sienna, and we thoroughly investigated buying a 2008 Sienna or the 2007 Odyssey. We are glad we chose the Odyssey. The interior and exterior of the car had no defects. Everything in the car works perfectly. My husband likes the smoother acceleration of the Ody over the Sienna. Seats are more comfortable and easier to take out than on the Sienna. The navigation system is excellent. The car handles mountain driving with no problem--handles steep grades better than the Sienna.

• 

  Luxury car on a budget - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Legal Eagle - October 17 - 4:47 pm

  I bought a 2018 Honda Accord Touring model only four days ago. I was planning on purchasing a Toyota Camry XSE; however, I could not find any moon roofs in the 4-cylinder model. Then, I decided to test drive the Accord with Touring trim. I bought my Accord only two days later! The Touring trim comes standard with a moon roof and leather, my two wants. The Accord blows away the Camry: the Accord is so much better. My other car is a 2014 Mazda6. At the time it was the best mid-size car on the market and won many awards. The Accord is now a much better car than the Mazda6, including the new ones on dealer lots. (My Mazda 6 has 52,000 trouble free miles on it.) The Accord drives and handles like a luxury car. Once you drive one you will want to buy it!

• 

  car of the year - 2006 Honda Civic
  By habaneroSI - October 17 - 8:03 am

  i was previously driving a Hyundai Tiburon and thought it was a good car. little did I know how great of a car the Si is. i work for honda as a salesman and drive a lot of different cars and feel a lot of different rides. there is no car out there that drives like a honda does. this new Si is one of the best cars on the road when it comes to performance, features, safety, and money saving. this car is extremely fun to drive that doesnt need any modifications to make it fast.