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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  Winner - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By JTF8150 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has met or exceeded all expectations. It drives great, handles well, and can be filled to the top with tons of stuff. Never had one issue with the drivetrain or engine, just flawless. The side door design could be more robust, with stronger hardware.

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  2012 Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - October 25 - 12:24 am

  Bought my 4 door 2012 Civic used a year and a half ago. When the dealership prepped it and changed the oil they forgot to put the oil cap back on and oil spilled. That was more of an individual dealership thing and has not effected the car. My only complaint is that for some reason when I turn it on and idle on a cold engine there is a loud humming noise from the back of the car that increases then goes away. I have brought it to 3 mechanics and none of them can figure out what is wrong. Gas mileage is great. Its gone down lately because of the winter but Im still getting 33.6 mpgs. Summer I got 34.5. Love this car!

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  Love It - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Scott - October 24 - 5:33 am

  I am 62 185, fit in the car perfect no problem with leg or head room the seats hug you firmly which is nice. No sliding when turning or leaning. The dash is perfect placement and dims nicely at night when you turn on the lights. Got 45 miles to the gallon highway to Missouri from Connecticut doing 60 with a full trunk back seat and a passenger and is extremely quiet. AC perfect in 90 degree weather and the heat is fantastic now, a very insulated car, is still warm after an hour of sitting. Only complaint is the placement of the hand brake pressing against my knee, other than that the car is perfect..

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  Solid, reliable, inexpensive transport - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Danmohiuddin - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda which I just bought used with 60K on it. If this Honda is anything like my first Honda (1990 CRX) then this Accord will be a gem to own and drive. Being in grad school I love the fact of the low maintenance and low cost to own. Regarding gas mileage this is easy on the pocket book and also peppy (5 speed) and fun as well. I have heard nothing but positive remarks from Honda owners and I am confident that this will be one of many Hondas I purchase over the course of my lifetime

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  New CR-V owner - Previous Honda owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ibermudez - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Roomy interior, visually attractive exterior.

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  Well pleased - 2009 Honda Fit
  By sandy - October 23 - 6:06 pm

  I did lots of research and it is a good car just like the experts say. I am 51" and the size fits me great. My husband is 6 and he has to put the seat all the way back to be comfortable but we go on 400 mile trips and he is fine. I get 39 mpg rural miles and about 36 in the city (Atlanta). I love it and even though the price is a little higher for the class you do get what you pay for and I have the sport and no other car in the category has the bang for the buck. My advice is to buy it if you want a car in the small, economy class.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alex Eubank - October 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the best vehicle that Ive ever owned so far. Its a quiet ride for a truck and very good sound system. I love to drive it and so does my wife. It is a very stable ride especially on crooked roads.I really like the under bed trunk.

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  traded 05 for 06 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By aepierce - October 23 - 1:00 pm

  We traded our 2005 Civic EX for the 2006 Civic EX. I love driving the 2006. There is more power and the ride is quieter. Our three kids fit in the back seat of the 2006, one is a teenager. The headlights are brighter than the 05s were. Really, it was all the safety features that really sold it for us. The 05 only had frontal airbags and the 06 has the side impact and curtain as well. Since the kids can fit in the back seat comfortably, we now drive the Civic more than my husbands 05 Accord. We love the sporty look. The only real draw back is the fact that my husband is a tall bigger man and he looks a little cramped in the drivers seat and passenger seat.

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  Best Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rambler - October 23 - 9:46 am

  Nice little sports cars to drive. Honda is very reliable and sporty.

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  Not going quietly in San Marino Red. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By CC - October 23 - 8:32 am

  This cars days are numbered. The availability of a full size (OK, large mid-size) sedan with a manual transmission is nearly "non." Moved up from a manual sports compact with some performance upgrades (suspension/exhaust) to what I believe will be something softer and more mature. The 2016 Accord Sport 6MT is smooth and polished, beautifully built, commodious and quiet. The 6-speed is the most effortless and precise Ive driven. A high volume dealer can help sort some of what is missing from the factory on this trim (heated leather seats) as accessory items. Dont let dealers affect a market adjustment on the car because of "rarity." 6MT Sports are only rare because the take rate is low. You can practically name your price and order it. The dealer will be happy not to have to finance it to sit on the lot. I am in the process of breaking it in slowly, but I will be reaching for that mid-6 second 0-60 soon enough. Wish me luck.