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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  Good, but mundane transportation - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Maynard - February 26 - 6:30 am

  Ive owned this car about 2 months now. Overall I would say the car is OK , but nothing really stands out about it. I would recommend it since its not a bad car, but this review is basically to point things out that I wish Honda had done differently. I wanted a 2 door car, but nothing really caught my attention while car shopping, and I basically settled on this car (I will drive it until something more interesting comes on the market). I will say that it gets good gas mileage. On straight highway driving, it gets the 34 MPG that the window sticker says, and in mixed city driving I get 26. I think the 4 cylinder engine has enough performance for my taste. I havent owned it long eno

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  5 speed auto zaps fun to drive factor - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Randy - February 26 - 5:39 am

  If you mainly highway commute, this CRV is near perfect. City driving with steep hills, speed bumps, and tight curves causes undesirable engine luging and lack of power. The transmission does not let the engine work in its comfortable RPM range. A design flaw not present in the fun to drive 2015 Kia Soul. Since this review we have sold the CRV due to the poorly mapped transmission and overly tight torque converter. Driving the hills and curves in Hawaii was like whipping a lazy mule to keep the engine from lugging. The engine is a fine piece of equipment but the bean counters killed the transmission/torque converter to the detriment of the vehicle driving dynamics.

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  5 speed auto zaps fun to drive factor - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Randy - February 26 - 5:39 am

  If you mainly highway commute, this CRV is near perfect. City driving with steep hills, speed bumps, and tight curves causes undesirable engine luging and lack of power. The transmission does not let the engine work in its comfortable RPM range. A design flaw not present in the fun to drive 2015 Kia Soul. Since this review we have sold the CRV due to the poorly mapped transmission and overly tight torque converter. Driving the hills and curves in Hawaii was like whipping a lazy mule to keep the engine from lugging. The engine is a fine piece of equipment but the bean counters killed the transmission/torque converter to the detriment of the vehicle driving dynamics.

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  5 speed auto zaps fun to drive factor - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Randy - February 26 - 5:39 am

  If you mainly highway commute, this CRV is near perfect. City driving with steep hills, speed bumps, and tight curves causes undesirable engine luging and lack of power. The transmission does not let the engine work in its comfortable RPM range. A design flaw not present in the fun to drive 2015 Kia Soul. Since this review we have sold the CRV due to the poorly mapped transmission and overly tight torque converter. Driving the hills and curves in Hawaii was like whipping a lazy mule to keep the engine from lugging. The engine is a fine piece of equipment but the bean counters killed the transmission/torque converter to the detriment of the vehicle driving dynamics.

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  No spare tire - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jill - February 26 - 3:33 am

  I also was surprised to learn that this car does not come w/ a spare tire. I went to a used tire place and purchased a full size spare /used rim for $85. I am wondering if this heavy tire will affect my gas mileage. I plan on only using it for long distance trips. Also was disappointed that I had to purchase the compass/ auto diming rear view mirror...think it should have been standard on a $30K car! Love the satellite radio and the car drives really smooth. So far the mileage indicator has been 32 at the highest number, 28 lowest. Fun to drive, really quiet. Very comfortable.

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  New, Stylish & Economical - 2017 Honda Accord
  By jAccord101 - February 25 - 10:26 pm

  Driving aides can be a bit intrusive and sensitive. Car came to a complete stop on several occasion for approaching objects on the road that are 1" high (i.e. entrance access barriers, metal road construction covers). Both screens have some duplicate information which sometimes makes the other obsolete. Adaptive Cruise Control will sometimes apply the brakes pretty aggressive as you approach a car versus gradually decrease the speed. Interior is very comfortable, good interior storage, quiet ride, however, the rear speaker deck has a tendency to rattle as you increase the bass. Gas mileage is pretty standard for the class. Price is really good. The depreciation is horrible! A little over a 30% percent decrease.

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  Great car!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Michael - February 25 - 3:10 pm

  This is an outstanding vehicle! After doing the research, it was apparent to me that this car gives the maximum bang for your hard earned dollar. It has features you would not expect for a vehicle which costed under $29,000 (including destination, taxes and all). I added an alarm system for security and auto door locking feature when placed in gear. Great dealership experience. Another tip for those who might want daytime running lamps or auto on headlights is to keep your lights on all of the time. The auto off feature in the EX model will turn off the headlights after 5 or 10 seconds. The car has great power (240hp) and fit and finish. The Honda Nav system is second to none.

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  99 MR SIR - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Alekss - February 25 - 1:49 pm

  A very fun car to drive. Mine has about 90 000 km and no problems whatsoever. I have TEIN lowering springs and thats about all. If you are on a budget and want something fun and sporty I recommend this car!

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  Love, love, LOVE this car!!!! - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By southernchick - February 25 - 5:52 am

  You have to see this car in person to see how gorgeous it really is, inside and out. Kudos to the designers for thinking outside of the box and designing a sleek, good looking "crossover" vehicle. The inside fit and finish is luxurious, gorgeous leather, burled wood trim. The controls are simple, easy to read and use. The entire cabin is very spacious, including the back seats - super comfortable and plenty of leg room. The drive is so quiet and ultra smooth - like driving on glass.

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  Great car for two - 2005 Honda Insight
  By alexkoch - February 25 - 2:04 am

  Great car for two, compliments my other vehicle (LX470) nicely. Fun to drive, small enough, great design (well, exerior looks are different, no question). I just love it for fule economy, it gets me anywhere for basically nothing, still stylish and great dashboard.