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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  Really nice - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By andy - September 16 - 11:33 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Subaru Outback for the CRV. The CRV is a wonderful midsize SUV. Styling, performance and handling are first rate. Standard features and the quality of the materials and build would have you think you were in a 35,000 vehicle. Only real negative is that rear seats do not fold flat. Other than that, flawless.

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  2009 FWD EX-L with Navigation - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By doffer - September 16 - 8:23 pm

  This is a well-engineered, solid vehicle at a reasonable price. The vehicle provides better road visibility as it sits up higher than a sedan, decent mileage, and is flexible enough if we need to transport small stuff (e.g., chairs, boxes, etc.). The ride is kind of rough, not sure if a change of tires would help, or thats the way it is supposed to ride.

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  Love this car!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Art Vandelay - September 16 - 2:26 pm

  I have a job where I drive 40,000 - 50,000 miles per year visiting accounts up and down the east coast. I needed a car that can handle alot of long, high speed highway runs, and I could not be happier with this car so far... For me it was a decision between the VW Jetta TDI and the Civic, and while I loved both cars, I felt like the value and reliability were better with the Civic. The fully loaded Civic costs at least $1000 less than the least expensive TDI. The Civic is giving me an average of 38-40 mpg so far, and while it doesnt have the high speed passing power of the TDI, the engine is one of the smoothest I have ever driven. I highly recommend this car!

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  Great car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Zhiyuan Lin - September 16 - 1:34 pm

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Pat - September 16 - 6:33 am

  Love this car. We have owned this car for about 1 month now. On average we are getting 47mpg city, and 51 on the highway. Not only does it exceed my expectations on the mileage, its quality, looks and drivability are outstanding as well. Plenty of power for passing and high speed driving. The Navi system is outstanding. I wish is that the color combinations were better. I wanted a white car and could only get a tan interior. I wanted a darker color.

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  reliable and comfortable - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By upong - September 16 - 2:00 am

  its very reliable and comfortable. kids like to sleep especially on long drive. we have a 2000 model and planning to replace to the upcoming all-new oddysey 2005 model. i like the new design and the features. were very anxious to have the new one, hope it will be on the market soonest!!!

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  Very Cool Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Groovin - September 16 - 12:16 am

  Bought in January - $21.9K internet price and have not been disappointed in the least replacing a 99 DeVille. Overall MPG average has steadily increased to 45 MPG over 8000 miles as I have learned and adjusted driving habits. Last several tanks between 48 to 50. High tank was 56 MPG! Estimate $1K savings in gas over the Caddy so far which got 19-20 MPG & took premium & that is very noticeable in the checkbook. Fun to drive & my wife takes it when she can over her 02 Crown Vic.

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  I like it... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ree - September 15 - 7:50 am

  I just purchased my second Honda Accord. The first was a 1997 LX sedan, the second was this 2005 EX coupe. The style is great -- very sporty, with all the features of an Acura TL, but with a much lower price tag. This car is sleek, and gets much attention as Im driving. Its easy to handle and has great acceleration. Im glad I chose to stick with the Honda Accord.

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  Love my new car! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Anne - September 15 - 6:55 am

  This car is really, really nice. A lot of cool technology that I didnt have on my old car. Love the lane watch camera... I drive about 60 miles each day for work, mostly on the highway. So that camera really comes in handy. I get way better gas mileage then I did on my old car (Rogue), but this car has a smaller tank so I still have to fill it up about the same amount of times. The only thing that irritates me a bit is for whatever reason the front seat buckle really digs into me. Never had this problem with a previous car.

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  Reliable Transport - 1994 Honda Civic
  By jalama - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased about a year ago with 187k mi, needed new clutch and clutch master cylinder leaked. Drivers window upper forward seal has gnarled up from the sun so window is difficult to close and produces wind noise. Otherwise regular maintenance is all this car needs. It has a smooth response and predictable handling. Everything but the window nag still works. At 198k and 11yrs age I expect it to drive another 100k without major issues. Look for quiet tires when replacing them. Previous owner was original and had no problems, despite a front end crash repair, just kept up scheduled maintenance. It is not powerful, if you want a faster Civic buy the Si trim.