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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  This car rocks! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jcrichie - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. It is super fast, fun to drive, and very well put together. I tried the new Maxima and the Passat prior to buying this car since my wife wanted a four door. Those cars are not even in the same league as the Accord in terms of performance. I compared apples-to- apples and drove a 6-speed Maxima and a manual Passat and those cars felt like they were stuck in mud. The Maxima sounded fast, but it is just too heavy to compete with the Accord. If you want pure driving enjoyment in a practical car, you cant go wrong with this Accord.

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  Even Better than the EX!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jason60050 - October 11 - 11:30 pm

  I had purchased a 2009 Honda Civic EX and then decided I wanted the hybrid with everything. So I went back to the dealer and got the 2009 Hybrid w/ leather and navi in silver. They were giving about $4k in discounts so I couldnt pass it up. So far I like it better than my 09 EX because of the gas mileage and cool blue leather interior and navi.

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  I Love It - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ex-Toyota Fan - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  First, let me say that I have been driving Toyota cars for the past 10+ years. I was on my way to replace my Camry with yet another Camry and decided to give the Accord a try. 4 hours later, I think I will be driving Honda cars from now on. First, the new Accord compared to the new Camry is no longer a matter of taste: the Accord is not only better, it is in a separate class altogether. Workmanship is better, materials are better, the EX-L has more options than the Camry XLE and is cheaper! Go figure. More fun to drive, no under steer and mushy brakes like the Camry... I simply love it.

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  Review - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rick - October 11 - 5:30 am

  So far not too bad. This was a mpg purhcase, not my first choice for a new car. Im getting 30 mpg, not what I had hoped for (34 mpg at least) for 80% highway, but better then the alternatives which is what made me go Civic. Engine whiens at 3500 rpm but still moves. Door panels are 3 peices and rattle with loud bass. Interior parts seem cheap. So long term reliabilty and mpg were the strongest features for me an while I may wish for other cars as I see them on the highway, I think about how often I stop at the gas station and feel a little better. Windshield antenna not very strong.

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  Instead of Camry - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Daveboy - October 11 - 1:46 am

  I cant believe the room. At 65 it is very comfortable. Ride is smooth though road noise is a little excessive. Truly enjoy and appreciate all of the features that came standard. Very satisfied after 5 months. We love to drive it and we are averaging about 28 mpg (combined city/highway).

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  Two Pilots in my Life - One is a Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Joan Gossman - October 10 - 4:26 pm

  After a very thorough research effort, and test driving several vehicles, we decided the best fit and value for our family was the Honda Pilot. The decision was right on! The Pilot offers more amenities, greater comfort, and superior styling to the Highlander and others considered for this purchase. The ride, response, features and overall quality of the Pilot make it a "First Choice" natural. When you can please both the male and the female appetites for a vehicle, you must have a Honda Pilot!

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  Trusted Old Friend - 1993 Honda Accord
  By flagirl1964 - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new, and was looking for a reliable vehicle. I havent been disappointed. In the 9 years it has been driven, I can count on one hand the number of times it has refused to go (battery twice and starter once). The interior has held up well, but the paint shows signs of age--hurried along by exposure to weather and a detailer who power buffed the finish. Now the clearcoat is peeling. Ive kept up with the preventive maintenance, so at 157,000 miles it is still mechanically sound.

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  Versatile and fun! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Terii - October 10 - 2:40 am

  Have about 5000 miles. Great little car. Roomy interior and seats are extremely comfortable. Expensive-looking interiors. Great gas mileage, I get average between 32-39 MPG in city (I dont drive like I stole it). Helped 2 friends moved with this car. They were super impressed with how much room this car have, its like having a truck almost. Its safety features are +++! For the price, you cant go wrong!

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  Baby Blue won my heart - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sharon - October 9 - 8:10 pm

  I drove an Accord Ex-L for 17 years and a Prelude for 13 before. New Civic EX-L Navi brought me into New technology ..love everything....but the road noise on concrete highways...on asphalts runs like a dream...and around town I am counting my lucky stars. Love my new Civic...oh and did I mention the beautiful Blue color

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  Glad I got this over the Prius - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ro_bro - October 9 - 6:36 pm

  I was deliberating whether I should go "green" and get the Prius. I test drove the Prius. Nothing exciting, just thought it was cool that I could potentially save lots of gas. But it seemed to struggle a bit going uphill, so that made me doubt. Then I test drove this Civic 4 door LX AT. I was instantly in love. I had a 1997 4 door LX that broke down recently, just under 200,000. Anyway, the thing that caught me was that this thing has 140 horses! I could accelerate, even when going uphill, and I felt confident that I could pass anyone if necessary. But the 30/40 mpg, that was it for me. I saved about $3k versus the Prius, decent mpg, and I love the extra horses!