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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  loving the CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Wanita - September 25 - 7:30 pm

  After owning other Honda models, Toyotas, and a Chevy S-10... I found that the Honda CRV is the right combination for me. It offers plenty of passenger room, as well as interior / climate controlled cargo room. There are lots of thoughtful features, plenty of cupholders and power outlets, great A/C. The fuel economy and power are much better than the S-10. The CRV offers excellent visibility... no squinting through tiny back or side windows.

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  EX-L V-6 - 2009 Honda Accord
  By andrew - September 25 - 5:56 pm

  After 7 months and 7000 miles this car still impresses me. It has a combination of style, performance, handling, reliability, and quality of more expensive cars. I am a car buff and having had more than 50 cars this probably has the highest rating. I had a chance to try the stability control in a parking lot full of snow and ice and at twenty miles per hout driving in a tight circle the car would not slide and loose control ! It usually returns 22 to 24 city highway and one trip rural roads thru mass, Vermont nearly 28 mpg. Does have a little to much wind noise on the highway but that is the only thing I can think of against it. Why buy a more expensive car.

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  Love this car - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Tom - September 24 - 6:54 am

  Bought this car brand new with 6 miles on it and it currently has 135,000ish. I needed a car which was great on gas and reliable and this was a home run. I drive 64 miles one way to work (128 total each day) and the car averages about 430 miles (all highway) on a single tank of gas. This car has never had one problem and I have done nothing to it except regular maintenance (oil and transmission fluid, tires, etc). The only thing I can even come close to complaining about is I wish the seats had more back support. This wouldnt be an issue if I didnt spend 2 hours a day driving and is an easy fix with a small pillow/towel.

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  2005 Honda Accord Review - 2005 Honda Accord
  By tnhldr - September 23 - 4:30 am

  Great car for the money. Excellent gas mileage: St. Louis to Chicago on a half of tank of gas. Excellent cruise control features make Accord very efficient

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  Never thought Id Buy a Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By pbraun - September 22 - 3:13 pm

  Debated back and forth between this and the Nissan Altima Coupe. Think I made and excellent choice. The V6 is awesome, and with fairly aggressive driving (80-85 mph on freeway) and decent around town driving I am averaging about 26 mpg. The VCM cylinder technology is awesome, although you can feel it kick down to 3 cylinders when it makes the change, almost like it is changing gears. You get used to it really quick though, it took me a few days. The layout and solid build of this car great, although it could use a little more soundproofing in the wheels wells, when a rock flings up or you are driving in rain it is a little noisy. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase

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  50,000 miles and still the best - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 22 - 7:26 am

  I did a review at about 15000 miles and now I have over 50000 miles on my 2014 Accord EX so I thought I would share an update. As far as the engine and manual transmission, both are still silky smooth and gas mileage easily exceeds the EPA estimates. The interior is holding up well other than the clutch pedal which has worn through to the metal on one side. I replaced the OEM tires at 40000 miles with softer rubber and the ride vastly improved, the original tires were bias towards fuel savings and also didn’t have the road handling abilities of the replacements. On the outside she has acquired a bit of road rash, but nothing that is the fault of the car. Overall, I still highly recommend the 2014 Accord Ex with a manual transmission. The combination of performance, gas mileage, room can’t be matched. The car is a great value. Oh, and it’s never been in need of a single repair or recall.

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  2006 EX-L (save $$$ on MDX) - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By snake34 - September 22 - 2:53 am

  Well re-designed. Like the taillights and the front a lot better than the previous Pilots. The interior is "hugely" improved and conveniently layed out. Nice design overall and a fun/stable ride.

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  2004 Honda S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By swjskiier - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up one from the first shipments from Japan! The handling on this years model is very nice with the larger tires. The retuned suspension makes the car glued to the road. A great bang for the buck! Dont expect much from the stock radio though, the sound quality is terrible! The seats form nicely around you if you are of average build. Ive found that its a bit difficult to get into the car if you are tall (6 or over). Ill add more to this review (if I can) once I break in the car!

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  Buy smart, get a Honda, Toyota or Nissan - 1998 Honda Civic
  By foreign4life - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My parents have always owned American cars, so I thought they were the best. Afer researching, however, I decided to get my Civic. Over 100,000 miles and no problems yet. Fun to drive, the best reliability. Overall quality much better than any Ford or Chevy.

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  Driving Is Fun Again - 2003 Honda Element
  By donnacarol - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Traded my cadi for one. All I have to say is just do it, take a test drive in one. Notice the handling, ride, turning radius, visibility, and the room inside. Plenty of power for my needs, are you sure it is a 4? Driving is now fun again for me. Living in N. Ohio I can hardly wait to drive it in the snow. Thank-you Honda!