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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  Impressive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dan - May 24 - 9:46 am

  The Fit is so much fun to drive I can hardly wait for an excuse to use it. The 5 speed is a joy to use. Space inside is well beyond what you should expect by looking at the outside. The rear seat system makes it great for all my hauling needs. My first few tanks got between 37 and 39 mpg. My last tank got me 47.7. I am thrilled with that. I found a Scangauge very useful in getting the best mpg. The ride is sporty and the engine pulls well from bottom to top rpms.

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  Gas saving fun! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jbdnews - May 24 - 4:50 am

  This is the 5th Civic I have owned over the past 20 years and the best one yet! I started out looking for a 35 MPG car and found one almost as fun to drive as the Miata I once owned! The smooth, quite acceleration, handling, and futuristic interior combined with fuel economy make this a great choice for under $19,000. Some parts a bit flimsy... interior door panels, rear seat construction, hard plastic dash top. Otherwise a great commuter that will make want to take the back roads on the way home!

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  Very happy with the 2008 Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Bravesirrobin - May 23 - 2:06 pm

  I recently decided to get rid of my VW Passat and get something more reliable. I loved how the Passat handled, but the Honda Civic seems just as good. My Passat was sluggish to get going and stopping quickly. The Civic is much peppier and easier to come to a quick stop. Great car for the money.

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  attention to detail? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rupnok - May 23 - 10:56 am

  Overall Im impressed with this litte car. mileage and styling are impressive. as a commuter vehicle it works well, however there are some things that Im surprised Honda let slip by. The AT seems to upshift too soon, and often has to downshift almost immediately. I wonder how this is gonna hold up after 50-100K miles. The seats are uncomfortable for trips >2 hours. The interior plastic around the center console is so soft that it can be scratched with a fingernail. The rubberized plastic on the upper part of the doors picks up dirt constantly and the lower hard plastic scuffs easily. Lastly there are several different rattles in the dash depending on the temperature.

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  Doors Rattle, Brakes Grab, Roof Leaks - 2003 Honda Accord
  By J G - May 23 - 9:43 am

  This car is a poorly engineered and poorly manufactured vehicle. The dealer tried to fix the brakes but said that I should be glad they are overly sensitive rather than not having any brakes at all. At 35,995 miles applying the brakes in the rain caused it to go out of control. Problem fixed but brakes still oversensitive. The roof had to be patched because seeping water from the roof pooled in the floorboards causing mold and mildew. The dealer replaced the carpet but did not re-connect the 12V power connection in the center armrest storage compartment. The doors rattle on the smoothest road and the stereo speakers rattle excessively. Road noise LOUD.

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  Everything I Wanted and More! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By RN - May 23 - 12:27 am

  I have always owned small , economy cars, mostly Toyota Corollas. In 2008 I purchased a Civic, which I was still driving until purchasing this new CR-V . I love technology and gadgets and I was interested in a car with more up to date features. I also needed something with a little more room, so I test drove and researched a variety of SUVs. I chose the CR-V based on the excellent reviews , resale values, reliability, safety and price. All I can say is that this vehicle is amazing. The first day I picked it up we had a severe storm. I drove on the highway for hours in a downpour and was alerted when someone tried to pass too closely. The beeping startled me but it also saved me from an accident. The side mirrors light up and alarms go off. I was also very happy with the way it held the road and felt sound. Last week as I was backing out of my driveway someone came around our nearby corner too quickly. Again the alarm went off as I was within a few inches it seemed of being hit. A few times after late nights at work I have forgotten a turn signal or drifted a bit. The steering wheel vibrates and more alarms. It is so smart and works hard to keep you safe. The camera view is excellent but I still have to do it the old fashioned way. I have driven it for a month now and have been getting 28-30 MPG in mixed traffic. It runs smoothly, quietly and is a pleasure to drive, even in the economy mode. I admit that I am not driving for performance and am happy to see the green light. I love everything about my new CR-V. I was going to keep the Civic as I love that too but this vehicle makes me want to sell the Civic. I am trying to figure out some day trips just so I can drive my new vehicle more! The only thing I can say is frustrating is that the lift gate adjustment keeps resetting back to full height. The seat also remembers my setting but when I get out I move the seat back because I am short and drive up close to the wheel. It moves the seat back up before I get in..so if I leave it back when I get out, I cant get back in because it pushes the seat up close to the wheel, before I am seated. Of course these are small things and could be my user error. Great Vehicle...you will not go wrong with a CR-V.

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  2007 Civic Si Sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By sbgobig - May 23 - 12:23 am

  I am very happy with my Si Sedan. I used to drive a 2004 MINI Cooper S and then traded that for a 2005 Accord. I loved the MINI style and performance at entry level price but did not like driving 85 miles for free scheduled service to the closest MINI dealer. I wont buy anther MINI until I can take it to the BMW dealership in town. So needless to say the 4cyl Accord I bought did not make me a happy camper behind the wheel and I began to covet the Si Sedan. The Si is plenty fast for my situation, sure it could use more torque and horsepower but $22k is a bargain. I love the quality and dependability of Honda but they need to offer more HP in the Civic to keep me in them.

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  Ill Take Two! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By tikigod24 - May 22 - 7:08 pm

  If you are in the market for a 2-seat sports car, look no further. This car is the best bang for the buck EVER! At least daily people at the stoplights roll down the window and compliment the car, no kidding! The car not only has the straight line performance after 3000 RPM, it corners like no other car could! The only drawbacks are a rough ride over pot holes and I wish the fuel economy could be a tad better. Other then those two issues, this car makes me want to get up in the morning for the drive to work!

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  fun car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cleicht - May 22 - 6:36 am

  I was very apprehensive about changing from a 4Runner to a car. I had tons of room in my 4Runner, but I needed something that would get better gas mileage w/o giving up power. No question the V6 is so much fun to drive. After research between the Altima coupe and the Accord. The Accord outshines the Altima in safety alone. The slalom tests that were between these two cars I would have never believed that the Accord would hug the road as best as it does. However, I am not a speed demon or a risk taker, but the sway bar is incredible. I love this car and am very happy to leave my 4runner behind.

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  love the car .but........... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bill - May 22 - 6:06 am

  ive had this car for just about a year. overall," I love it." its quick it has beautiful interior its roomy and fun to drive! But the seat is too hard!!! I thought it would soften with time but it really hasnt.Also,the radio could be a little LOUDER!!!! And for the money i paid for it it should have heated mirrors and a better rear view mirror!!!