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 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Adam - January 8 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased this car because the amount of time I spend on the road, I need a comfortable car that is reliable. I have in the past had 4 Hondas, all have been excellent cars. My last Honda was an 05 Civic. I changed to a GM and the resale value was HORRIBLE, as well as the build quality was poor. I decided to go back to Honda as even with high mileage they keep their value. This car is comfortable, loaded with options and every one that gets into it loves it. I imagine I will have this car for a full 5 yrs. In the past I had an 89 accord-400,000 miles out of it, a 93 civic 587,000 miles on it and an 05 civic which I sold for 2,000 less than I bought it for with 100,000 on it. LOVE HONDAS!!

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  Best Reliable car Ive had! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 8 - 11:26 am

  Battery sucks...had battery issues before I reached 100K miles and Check engine light went on because of it. However, I wasnt going to pay 3K for replacment batteries and just ran the car without the extra HP the batteries would have given me. I still get 50 mph, and 200K miles later its still going strong. I have 310k miles on it now and runs great! Havent really replaced anything on it except tires, oil, and struts. Everything on it is pretty much original!

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  Almost Great - 2013 Honda Accord
  By irvolson - January 8 - 9:31 am

  The only thing about this car I dont like is the slightly stiff suspension - and I can live with that. The mileage is good - 27/28 mpg in all city driving and 35/36 at freeway speeds. On a trip from Florida to Minnesota we got 35.4 mpg on the on-board mileage gauge and a little higher calculating the old fashioned way. Very nice! The interior is comfortable and roomy. Friends have commented that the back seat is also quite roomy. Driving this car is a pleasure - it drives and handles very well. It has very good acceleration considering the 4 cylinder engine. The only time we hear the engine is on hard acceleration.

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  Love at first gear - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kathy - January 8 - 5:30 am

  Honda has come out with a truly outstanding vehice. Changing this year from the boxy hatch back that is so mimiked by everyone else, to a truly phenominal vehicle. Spacious passenger space and plenty of cargo space, all packed in a fast and efficient piece of machinery. The new innovation of the displays, speedo above, others below is a crowning touch to a true masterpiece. The energy is best described when I tell people that I am in third gear doing 50 and then shift to 4th. The vehicle understands when you are in gear to travel, and switches to being in gear to perform, on demand. Good job HONDA Motors. And thank you, Kathy

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  Great Mini SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Terry - January 7 - 11:46 pm

  I enjoy most everything about this vehicle. The looks, the ride, the standard equipment and a couple more things that Im sure I missed here.

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  Best Honda ever! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Rowens34 - January 7 - 6:46 pm

  Drives great, looks fantastic and has everything I want in a car.

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  Great Little Marvel - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Antonio - January 6 - 5:06 am

  Guys, Im very impressed!. I was thinking to buy, stay with it than give it back to get a Civic. Well, after experience it... no more. I will stick with it for good!. Absolute fabulous. Designed for the city but much better composed during trips. It even makes you feel youre going slower than what youre actuallly going!( Heres why: My family and I went to Tucson, after the first hour on the trip I was pushing it a bit (to TEST ;)) going 100MPH at some stints, then I was in shock when my wife asked me "can you go faster than this" thinking I was going 65MPH or so. The exact same perception I had! and why I was pushing it to check .Now thats composure! Try it!

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  Never been so happy - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David - January 5 - 9:53 am

  I just love this vehicle. It is fun to drive and has plenty of enjoyable features. I expect the reliability to be the same as all the other Hondas I have owned. This is my first Honda van. I always had a GM product but the last one pushed me away. The leather in this vehicle is beautifull. The integrated dvd and nav system works great. Love the voice command prompts but still need to learn the lingo. Vehicle is tight, no rattles. Drives more like a sedan than a truck. Cant wait to take it on a long trip. Back up camera is great. Removes that fear of not seeing what is right behind you. I highly recomend this van.

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  My Sweet New Civic.... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Elyse - January 5 - 2:20 am

  Decided to buy a Civic for my first new car. I have had it for 1 week/150 miles. Seriously considered Toyota Yaris/ VW Rabbit. Yaris was not as solid (felt shaky when compared to Civic) and VW has a reputation for being unreliable. You cannot go wrong with Honda-they are truly built to last. My Civic is not even half empty and the mileage is ~150 (and Ive been driving in city traffic, stop/go). The AC is amazing. The lowest setting keeps me cool in the summer heat of Tucson. The sound system is excellent (would like a little bit more bass!, the interior is very comfortable, and the engine has alot of pep. Of course, Im still breaking it in so Im taking it easy on the acceleration.

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  Going back for another one! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Robyn Dalton - January 4 - 6:01 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda (first - 6 cylinder Accord) & I am working on purchase of a 3rd one (another CRV EXL). They are dependable, seem to hold good value. With the rear seats collapsed (not a difficult task) the vehicle carries large boxes, bikes, lawn mower, long tools. Even a tall man rides comfortably. Excellent mileage of solid 30 mpg on a highway trip. Approx. 22 mpg with stop & go driving around town. Turning radius is amazing. Feel very safe in the car. Elderly parent who was quite short could get in & out w/o too much effort. Keep up the good work, Honda.