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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  Another Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Lyle Page - July 14 - 3:50 pm

  Fun to drive. Excellent road car. Loads of power.

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  My 2017 Civic Sedan Touring (Cosmic Blue) -sr - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Steve R - July 14 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased my 2017 Civic Sedan over 3 weeks ago and I am overall very happy with the car. I even saw the new 2017 BMW 330xi and I consider my 2017 Honda Civic Sedan better inside (the BMW seemed dated and disjointed in location of the infotainment pad, etc). The cosmic blue with gray interior really looks nice, almost a gunmetal blue-gray look to it. Good acceleration, smooth ride, good safety options (including anti collision etc) are only a few of the features that I like the most. Yes, the anti collision warnings can be a little excessive but better to hear a warning than have an accident. The right side blind spot camera is nice as well. Even the remote auto start as well as walkaway lock where the car automatically locks itself when I walk more than 4-5 feet away with the key fob, are very nice options. Apple Car play is my favorite infotainment option and location of the pad is perfectly placed. The trunk seems a bit smaller than the 2010 Civic Sedan but not by much. For the price, you get a lot. I compare the comfort and options on par with Acura or BMW. Average fuel economy is in the 32-35 range for how I drive in traffic every day. Overall, this is definitely one of the nicest small/mid-size sedans you can buy. Sporty style but with the polished amenities of a luxury sedan.

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  My 2017 Civic Sedan Touring (Cosmic Blue) -sr - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Steve R - July 14 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased my 2017 Civic Sedan over 3 weeks ago and I am overall very happy with the car. I even saw the new 2017 BMW 330xi and I consider my 2017 Honda Civic Sedan better inside (the BMW seemed dated and disjointed in location of the infotainment pad, etc). The cosmic blue with gray interior really looks nice, almost a gunmetal blue-gray look to it. Good acceleration, smooth ride, good safety options (including anti collision etc) are only a few of the features that I like the most. Yes, the anti collision warnings can be a little excessive but better to hear a warning than have an accident. The right side blind spot camera is nice as well. Even the remote auto start as well as walkaway lock where the car automatically locks itself when I walk more than 4-5 feet away with the key fob, are very nice options. Apple Car play is my favorite infotainment option and location of the pad is perfectly placed. The trunk seems a bit smaller than the 2010 Civic Sedan but not by much. For the price, you get a lot. I compare the comfort and options on par with Acura or BMW. Average fuel economy is in the 32-35 range for how I drive in traffic every day. Overall, this is definitely one of the nicest small/mid-size sedans you can buy. Sporty style but with the polished amenities of a luxury sedan.

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  My 2017 Civic Sedan Touring (Cosmic Blue) -sr - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Steve R - July 14 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased my 2017 Civic Sedan over 3 weeks ago and I am overall very happy with the car. I even saw the new 2017 BMW 330xi and I consider my 2017 Honda Civic Sedan better inside (the BMW seemed dated and disjointed in location of the infotainment pad, etc). The cosmic blue with gray interior really looks nice, almost a gunmetal blue-gray look to it. Good acceleration, smooth ride, good safety options (including anti collision etc) are only a few of the features that I like the most. Yes, the anti collision warnings can be a little excessive but better to hear a warning than have an accident. The right side blind spot camera is nice as well. Even the remote auto start as well as walkaway lock where the car automatically locks itself when I walk more than 4-5 feet away with the key fob, are very nice options. Apple Car play is my favorite infotainment option and location of the pad is perfectly placed. The trunk seems a bit smaller than the 2010 Civic Sedan but not by much. For the price, you get a lot. I compare the comfort and options on par with Acura or BMW. Average fuel economy is in the 32-35 range for how I drive in traffic every day. Overall, this is definitely one of the nicest small/mid-size sedans you can buy. Sporty style but with the polished amenities of a luxury sedan.

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  Thank you for thinking of the tall guys - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry - July 14 - 9:33 am

  Finally someone thought about the long legged guys.....lots of leg room, head room. Iin plain words, sit in one, close the door and just feel how great this vehicle feels to you as a tall person.

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  Fun to Drive / Decent Utility / Unique - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Gary Johnson - July 13 - 4:03 pm

  I like hatchbacks and station wagons. There, I said it. My psychosis is put out there for all to revile. From my Dads first 1960 Buick Invicta station wagon until today, hatchbacks and station wagons catch my eye. The only view of this five door hatchback I find less than attractive is the rear end. The front is sporty and aggressive, the profile is sharp and very attractive. From behind it looks like some weird little Euro-poofer. But, its a fast and sporty car with utility in the hatchback. Its not fancy and its not "luxurious". Sporty is what its all about. I have the 3.5 liter 6 with 4WD (not AWD, actual 4WD) and all the tech, including a right-side-mirror lane monitoring camera (I LOVE THAT). The only complaint, and really, it is the only complaint, is the drivers seat (so therefore, presumably all of the seats) is hard. But its that sporty kind of hard for taking fast, sharp curves, etc. Its well designed, built, and bolstered but it aint a plush Buick chair. Mostly, I am okay with that. It has 278HP and accelerates faster than my 2003 Audi A4. Its as much fun to drive as the Audi and it can carry a heck of a lot more stuff home from Home Depot! On the highway, the Cylinder Management kicks in and goes from 6 cylinders to 3 and gets 28mpg for long cruises. I can use the cargo space for many large things. For 8 out of 10 utility things, it works fine. Ive had almost 500 lbs of gardening supplies (e.g., huge bags of soil, fertilizer, umpteen stepping stones, small landscaping timbers, etc. A LOT OF STUFF, to the ceiling and from the hatch to drivers set back) in the back end at one time with no problem and it didnt seem to impact the handling. Its a Honda Accord, in essence, so you know its reliable as heck. Ive had it four years and havent had one second of problems. One irksome little issue is the KEY FOB dash lite seems to come a lot - but NOT when its at the Honda dealer for service. Hasnt been a problem but its irritating. Many think its funny looking but let me tell you, its funny looking all the way to the bank (and quickly).

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  Unexpected Surprise - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By saa33186 - July 13 - 5:50 am

  I went from a 2007 Acura TLS.. fully expecting to have felt like I traded down, I can absolutely say, without conviction, that I love love love this car and have felt none of the letdown after having traded down from a much more expensive, higher performing vehicle. This car is fantastic and a heck of a lot cheaper than the Acura TLS.

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  Love my new Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Karen Frensley - July 13 - 3:25 am

  Really helped to know what others were buying a new Honda for. Helped in negotiation and got an even better price. Took 1000 off the. Est price quoted.

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  Getting so much from a compact car! - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Mary Griffiths - July 11 - 3:57 pm

  Clean, comfortable and cute! Very huge cargo capacity! Well finished interior! Sunny disposition!

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  215,000 miles-more! just a few dings... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Hondas rule! - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Went over 214,000 miles...no sign of letting up! Was offered 5k last week, but until I find something as good- why part ways? Car gets dinged up more easily than others... cant get out of its own way up hills but GREAT car!!! buy 2 of them!